The hallway shimmered under the soft golden lights as a wave of chatter and laughter echoed through the Shah house. Music pulsed gently in the background, just enough to stir the rhythm in everyone's step. Then—
All eyes turned toward the entrance.
Wali entered the hallway with quiet confidence, his presence commanding the room like a storm wrapped in a designer tux.
Girl 1 (giggling): "Happy birthday, Wali!"
Girl 2 (blushing): "Yeah, happy birthday! And... wow, you look so handsome tonight."
Wali offered a charming smile, the kind that could melt any trace of insecurity.
Wali (nodding smoothly): "Thank you, girls. Enjoy the party."
Without pausing, he moved toward his group gathered near the long glass counter by the dance floor.
Ahmed (grinning wide): "Happy birthday, my hero."
Boy 1 (clapping him on the back): "Yeah bro, many happy returns!"
Boy 2: "Nice drip, man. You're killing it tonight."
Wali: "Thanks, guys. You all are looking sharp too."
Just then, Zayan joined them, his usual calm demeanor laced with brotherly warmth.
Zayan (smirking): "Wow, bro… you look damn handsome."
Wali chuckled.
Wali: "Yeah, just like you."
Ahmed (laughing): "Boys, it's your birthday, but why is it not matching with your vibes bro.
Zayan: What do you mean?
Boy 1 : It means usually wali's parties are full of wali's energy.
Wali : oh come on boys, let me spread my cham
Wali takes Mick: Good evening everyone, DJ bro you are on my birthday , not on my break up day just set an atmosphere according to my taste.
Zayan on the other side: yeah, afterall it's shah brother's birthday party just like Rocky like us.
The group burst into easy laughter, blending into the energy of the party. But beneath the joy and glam, subtle glances, half-kept secrets, and unsaid emotions swirled like smoke in the air.
The laughter still lingered in the air when the hallway buzzed again—this time with a new kind of silence.
Zara and Zoya stepped into the party, turning more heads than the chandeliers above them.
Zoya, dressed in a stunning reddish-brown outfit, held herself with natural poise, her smile subtle but confident.
Beside her, Zara, in a sleek black dress, moved like a quiet storm—elegant, powerful, and unknowingly dangerous to a few hearts.
From across the room, Ahmed's eyes widened slightly.
Ahmed (elbowing Wali): "Bro… did you invite your ex too?"
Wali barely spared a glance toward the entrance. His jaw tightened, but his smirk remained cold and intact.
Wali (with a shrug): "Nope. But if she came… that only makes the party more enjoyable."
Ahmed looked at him, puzzled—uncertain whether to laugh or stay cautious.
Wali's attention had already drifted, but Zayan had moved.
Like a magnet, he walked toward Zara and Zoya with a calm purpose. His eyes met Zara's, and something unspoken passed between them. Zara, ever composed, gave him a nod—formal, almost diplomatic. Zoya, on the other hand, offered a playful smile that lingered.
Meanwhile, Ahmed whispered to himself while watching the trio from a distance.
Ahmed (murmuring): "Hmm… I think Zayan invited them. By the way, Zara looks really pretty tonight."
Wali heard him. He turned slowly, his expression unreadable.
Wali (dryly): "You need an eye doctor, bro."
But if you say that's Zoya I will agree with you.
Without waiting for a reply, he walked away—hands in pockets, leaving a trail of cold energy behind.
Ahmed blinked, still frozen in place.
Ahmed: "Wait—what do you mean by that?"
Scene: Zara and Zoya Arrive
Zoya: "Happy birthday, bro! By the way, you look handsome tonight."
Zayan smiled warmly.
Zayan: "Thank you. You also look stunning."
From a distance, Aliza waves and points toward Zoya.
Zoya: "Excuse me, guys. Aliza's calling me."
Zoya walks off, leaving Zara and Zayan alone in the crowd.
Zara: "Happy birthday."
Zayan: "Thank you."
He takes a pause, looking at her closely.
Zayan: "By the way, you look really beautiful tonight."
Zara blinks.
Zara: What?
Zayan: "I'm just giving you a compliment."
Zara, crossing her arms, looks away.
Zara: "No need. I don't like compliments."
Zayan takes a small step forward, bending slightly to meet her eyes.
Zayan: "Hold on, Zara. Why are you avoiding me?"
Zara: Why do I do it? You are not special to me.
But her voice falters.
Zayan leans closer, locking eyes with her, voice low and intense.
Zayan: "Oh really?"Maybe you ask your heart. It's possible it has a different answer .
Zara freezes. Her heart races. Their eyes hold for a moment that feels like eternity—
Then suddenly, she pulls away and runs off without another word.
Zayan remains still, a glowing smirk spreading on his face.
Zayan (to himself): Zara , Zara , Zara .
Scene– Tangled Eyes and Hidden Blush
Meanwhile, Zoya was laughing and chatting with her girl group, blending in with the party's vibe.
Aliza (grinning):
"By the way, Zoya, you look beautiful tonight."
Zoya (flipping her hair):
"Yeah, like always."
Girl 1 (teasing):
"That's why Mr. Wali Shah can't take his eyes off you."
Zoya's smile froze. She turned her head slowly, eyes narrowing as she caught Wali glancing at her from across the room. His face was unreadable.
Zoya (frowning):
"Why is he looking at me? He already has enough beautiful faces around him."
Girl 2 (shrugging):
"He can look. After all, you both were best friends once."
Zoya (coldly):
"Were. Now we're just enemies. Got it?"
Before the silence could settle in awkwardly, Zara walked up, trying to look casual.
Zara:
"Hey girls."
Aliza (eyeing her curiously):
"Hey Zara… what happened? Why is your face so red?"
Zara (forcing a chuckle):
"Ah... I think I applied too much blush today."
Girl 1:
"Yeah, maybe…"
Zoya stood up abruptly, her tone clipped.
Zoya:
"Excuse me, girls."
She walked away without waiting for a response, her chest tight with thoughts she didn't want to entertain.
Zoya & Wali – A Past That Won't Let Go
Zoya stood alone in the corner of the decorated hall, sipping her juice, letting the party noise fade into the background. For a moment, she felt at peace—until a familiar voice shattered it.
Wali (smirking):
"Hey, beautiful."
Zoya (without looking at him, annoyed):
"You—what's your problem now?"
Wali (tilting his head):
"Girl, that's rude. You didn't even wish me on my birthday."
Zoya (turning sharply):
"Let me make one thing clear, Mr. Shah—I'm not here for you."
Wali (smiling slightly):
"Yeah, I know you're here for Zayan. But that doesn't mean you can't wish me. After all, you were my closest friend… once."
Zoya met his gaze for a second too long.
Zoya (soft but sharp):
"Yes, in the past. Not in the present."
She turned to walk away, but Wali reached out and gently grabbed her arm, stopping her.whippered in her ear.
Wali (voice low, serious):
"Maybe for you, I'm just a memory. But for me... you're my past, my present, and my future."
Zoya froze.
Her eyes locked with his. There was a storm in her gaze—anger, longing, fear. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came. Maybe her heart knew what her mind still denied. Maybe her pain still wasn't done speaking.
She pulled her arm free with force.
Zoya (coldly):
"Stay away from me. Don't try to flirt with me again."
Wali: I do, flirting with someone that you love isn't a crime .
Zoya: I will kill you Shah,if you say another single word.
Wali: Your eyes are enough for this.
Zoya with irritated voice: you …..go to hell
Without another glance, she turned and walked away
Wali: ok I do , listen to me at least
Zoya don't turn back,wali with smiling face
Wali: I don't think she forgives me easily, wali shah.
A Surprise From Mr. Faisal Shah
The music softened as Mr. Faisal Shah walked to the center of the hall, clapping his hands to grab everyone's attention. The crowd fell silent.
Faisal Shah (with a warm smile):
"Attention, everyone. First of all, I'm truly grateful to all of you for being here to celebrate the birthday of my two sons. Thank you for giving us your precious time."
Ahmed leaned toward Zayan, whispering with a smirk:
"Bro... do you think your dad's gonna announce your engagement too?"
Zayan (frowning):
"What? I'm only 18. That's insane."
Ahmed (grinning):
"It happens, man. I've seen it in movies. The rich dad throws a huge birthday bash and then drops a marriage bomb."
Zayan (serious now):
"Really?"
Before Ahmed could say more, Wali cut in with a glare:
"Shut your mouth, Ahmed. Or I'll make sure it stays shut—permanently."
Ahmed (shrinking a little, raising his hands):
"Alright, alright. I'm just saying..."
Faisal Shah continued on stage, smiling proudly:
"So... since today marks a very important day—the 18th birthday of my sons—I decided to make it unforgettable."
Ahmed (elbowing Zayan):
"See? I told you something's coming!"
Zayan (whispering to Wali):
"What if he is right? What should we do?"
Wali (calm but firm):
"Don't overthink. I know Dad—he doesn't make emotional moves in front of a crowd."
Zayan nodded nervously but couldn't shake the feeling that something big was indeed coming.
The Birthday Twist
Faisal Shah (from the stage, smiling confidently):
"Before I make the announcement, Wali and Zayan, come up here. Why are you both standing there like guests?"
Zayan glanced at Wali, confused but curious. Both brothers made their way to the stage. The room fell into a hush again.
Faisal Shah (with pride in his voice):
"So boys, I know you're excited. And you should be… because I've just launched my newest project. A multi-billion-dollar venture."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Boy 1 (whispering):
"Wow… sometimes I seriously get jealous of Wali Shah."
Boy 2 (with a sigh):
"I swear, I wish I could just switch bodies with either Wali or Zayan."
Girl (giggling):
"You guys keep dreaming. We girls still have a shot at marrying one of them."
Ahmed (cutting in dryly):
"Yeah, sure… and I'll marry a queen too."
Girl (rolling her eyes):
"Shut up, Ahmed."
Faisal Shah raised his hand, silencing the crowd again:
"But… there's a twist."
He turned to his sons.
Faisal:
"To make this project truly yours… both of you will have to earn it. Starting next week, you'll begin working at my office. Compete. Prove yourselves. Only one of you will become the future owner of this project."
The hall buzzed again—half in admiration, half in shock.
Zayan stared at his father, stunned. He hadn't seen this coming.
Beside him, Wali clenched his jaw, silently thinking:
> "I knew it. I knew he'd turn even our birthday into a business competition."
Zayan gently took the mic from his father, composing himself.
Zayan (with a soft smile):
"Thank you, Dad. We'll both do our best."
Then he turned toward the crowd.
Zayan:
"Well, now… shall we cut the cake?"
The music resumed, and everyone rushed toward the cake table, cheering.
But Wali didn't move.
His eyes were locked on his father—burning, unreadable.
> "Keep playing your games, Dad," he thought, "but this time, I won't play by your rules."
---
Cake-Cutting Scene
The guests clapped excitedly as Wali and Zayan stood behind the beautifully decorated cake. Flashlights flickered, music played in the background, and all eyes were on the Shah brothers.
Zayan tried to smile, pretending everything was perfect — just two brothers celebrating a milestone birthday.
Wali, on the other hand, wore a blank expression. No joy, no excitement — only cold silence in his eyes.
They both cut the cake together.
Zayan (leaning toward Wali, whispering softly):
"I know, buddy… you're not happy with Dad's decision. Trust me, I'm not either. But we have to pretend — just for tonight."
Wali said nothing at first. Then, with a tight smile, he cut a small piece of cake and raised it toward Zayan.
Wali (calmly but firmly):
"Alright then. You continue your drama… because I'm done playing."
He pushed the cake gently into Zayan's mouth, his hand steady, his eyes anything but joyful.
Before anyone could react, Wali turned and walked away from the crowd, leaving Zayan standing alone at the center of the party — forced to smile, to greet, to carry the weight of the evening alone.
> Behind all the lights and laughter, two brothers were slowly being pulled apart by a father's
Scene: Farewell from the Party
Zara: (glancing at her watch)
"I think we should leave, Zoya. Everything seems done."
Zoya: (smiling)
"Yeah, but before we go... let's just meet Zayan and say goodbye."
Zara: (hesitant)
"For what?"
Zoya: (nudging her playfully)
"To say bye, obviously."
Zara: (faking a smile)
"Oh... right."
Zoya: (noticing her mood)
"Are you okay? You look a little off."
Zara: (brushing it off)
"I'm fine. Let's just go before we're late."
The girls walked toward the crowd, where Zayan was surrounded by guests and his father, Faisal Shah. Laughter and congratulations filled the air.
Guest (to Faisal):
"Well done, Faisal! You've made a brilliant decision for your sons. This challenge will help them prove their strength."
Faisal (nodding confidently):
"Of course. I know my boys. I believe in competition — it makes them stronger."
Zayan, standing beside them, forced a polite smile, hiding the storm within.
Zayan (to himself):
"Cold-hearted people in expensive suits… talking about us like we're stock investments."
Guest (turning to Zayan):
"What do you think, son? You agree with us?"
Zayan (softly):
"Yes, uncle..."
Guest (smirking):
"By the way, Faisal — Zayan here is so well-mannered, soft-spoken. Such a gentleman. But Wali… he's changed. Quite rude, actually."
Faisal (with a shrug):
"Well, Wali is moody — just like his dad. Doesn't bother making everyone feel special."
Zayan (smiling faintly, hiding the sting):
"Dad, may I go? My friends are waiting."
Faisal:
"Of course, son. Go and enjoy."
Scene: Zara and Zayan – A Private Moment
Zara and Zoya walk up to Zayan, who's standing near the decorated corner of the hall, still entertaining guests.
Zoya: (with a warm smile)
"Thank you so much, Zayan, for having us. We really enjoyed the party. And congratulations again!"
Zayan: (smiling softly)
"Are you both leaving already?"
Zara: (nodding)
"Yes, it's getting late."
Zayan: (looking at Zoya, then gently at Zara)
"Zoya… if you don't mind… can I talk to your sister for just five minutes? Alone?"
Zara glances at Zoya with a confused expression. Zoya reads the moment and smiles knowingly.
Zoya:
"Of course. I'll be waiting outside."
Zara: (a little startled)
"But wait—"
Before she can finish, Zoya slips away, leaving them alone. Zayan gently holds Zara's hand, not tightly, but just enough to ask without words.
Zayan: (softly, eyes sincere)
"Please, Zara… just five minutes. There's something I really need to tell you. Something important."
Zara looks at him—unsure, heart quietly racing.
Zara: (pausing, then softly)
"Hmm…"
Scene– The Confession
As the music throbbed through the hall and laughter echoed around them, Zayan gently held Zara's wrist.
> "Please… just five minutes," he whispered.
Zara looked uncertain, her eyes flickering between the celebration and him. Before she could answer, he gently guided her—away from the crowd, away from the noise—to a quiet corner of the Shah house patio, where the night was calm and only the sound of the wind filled the silence.
The stars blinked above them, and fairy lights from the party glowed dimly in the distance. Here, the world felt slower—softer.
Zayan turned to face her. His voice, though low, trembled.
> "I know there are a lot of questions popping up in your mind right now. And maybe this isn't the right time. I know you're still carrying wounds that haven't healed yet."
Zara furrowed her brows. "I'm not getting you."
Zayan hesitated, took a shaky breath, and his voice cracked as he confessed:
> "Zara… I love you."
She froze.
> "Are you out of your mind?" she snapped, trying to turn away.
But he gently reached for her hand—not to pull, just to stop her for a second.
> "Please… listen," he pleaded, his eyes filled with pain, his heart laid bare. "I'm sorry if this feels sudden, but I need you to hear me. I know you don't trust love anymore. And I'm not asking you to love me back. I'm just asking you not to judge me for my brother's mistakes."
Zara stood frozen, breathing heavy.
> "Wail hurt you—I know that," he continued. "He broke your trust, played with your emotions. But I'm not him, Zara. I would never do that to you."
He stepped closer, gently holding both her hands.
> "Maybe I'm not perfect. But I'll never walk away from you. I'll stand beside you in every storm. I want to replace your wounds with healing. I want to help you find peace. Not for me—for you."
His voice dropped into a whisper.
> "You may have lost interest in love, but please… don't lose faith in yourself. I'm not begging you to feel the same way. I just couldn't keep it buried anymore. My love for you is real. Pure. And no matter what your answer is… I will still love you. Because loving you has become a part of who I am."
He stepped back—tears quietly rolling down his cheeks—leaving his truth in the silence.
Zara didn't say a word. Her heart raced. Her chest tightened. Something inside her stirred, but her lips remained sealed.
Behind them, the party still danced on.
But in that quiet corner under the stars—two hearts stood still.