Maya enters the luxurious apartment, she is immediately struck by the opulence that surrounds her, like she always do. The high ceilings, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers all seem to shimmer in the soft light, casting a warm glow over the space. The air is thick with the scent of fresh flowers, and the sound of soft music drifts through the air, adding to the sense of serenity.

Maya's eyes wander over the lavish furnishings, taking in the plush sofas, the sleek coffee table, and the towering bookshelves that line the walls.

A maid walks toward her and bow her head as a form of greeting.

"Where is he?"

"He is busy with someone in his room." She speaks in a soft, deferential tone.

Shaking her head, Maya started walking towards his room direction, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor.

Without knocking on the door, she opens it and enters the room. "Why bother using a phone when you aren't going to answer calls?"

The sight that was in front of her made her roll her eyes, Kabir had a woman underneath him naked on the bed. As they were making out, his hands roaming on her body. While he was shirtless and has a trousers on him.

A groan escape his lips, as he rolls over and lay beside the naked woman. She immediately gets up and starts wearing her clothes that was all over the room. Giving a nod to Kabir, she run out of the room, feeling shy and intimidated by Maya.

"When would you stop cockblocking me, Maya?"

"When you start answering your calls, Kabir."

"If a person doesn't pick up the call that means he's busy."

"Busy." She repeats, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "If fucking someone is what you count as busy, then you would be busy twenty four seven. Because that's all you do."

"And still I am your best friend." He gives her a cheesy smile.

Maya takes a sit on the sofa in front of the bed, facing him.

"He is getting married to her next month."

Sensing the seriousness in her voice, he gets up from the bed and takes a sit beside her.

Kabir's eyes lock onto Maya's, his expression solemn. "What are you talking about? Who's getting married?"

Maya's eyes never leave his, her voice firm. "Danir."

She lightly shuddered, as she continued. "Danir is getting married with Nimra next month."

A series of curses escape his lips, as his hand roams in his hair, messing it up.

"That Asshole never deserved you." His eyes flashes with anger. "What did you even saw in that Bastard?"

Maya didn't even knew her eyes were filled with tears, as tears started flowing down her eyes.

Kabir's expression softens, his voice gentle. "Hey, Maya...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I know you still have feelings for him." He reaches out and wipes away a tear that escapes her eye. "Danir may not have been the best guy, but he did give you Raza, and for that, I'm grateful. Raza's a great kid, and he deserves all the happiness in the world."

Maya's face crumples, and she bursts into tears, finally allowing herself to release the pent-up emotions. Kabir pulls her into a warm embrace, holding her tightly as she cries out her heartache. "It's okay, Maya. I'm here for you. We'll get through this together."

"I hate him."

"So do I." Kabir replies back, as he places a soft kiss on her forehead.

Maya's tears seem to flow harder at Kabir's words, her body shaking with sobs. "I hate him for what he did to me, for how he made me feel. I hate him for Raza's sake, for not being the father he deserves."

Kabir's grip on her tightens, his voice firm. "I know, Maya. I'm so sorry he hurt you both. But we won't let him hurt you again. We'll make sure Raza is protected, and Danir pays for what he's done."

Maya's cries slowly subside, replaced by ragged breathing. She pulls back, looking up at Kabir with red-rimmed eyes. "Thank you, Kabir. Just knowing you're on my side makes me feel a little better."

Kabir's face softens, his eyes filled with compassion. "I'll always be on your side, Maya. You're not alone in this."

Sensing her sadness fade away, he cracks a joke. "Phir Bhi Maya Batao Aesa Kya Dekha Tumne Us Gadhe Main?"

Wiping away the tears from her cheeks, Maya slightly smiled.

"I mean, I was far better than him. More good looking and rich. If only you would have chosen me, we would be living such a beautiful life."

"Our marriage wouldn't had lasted for a day, Kabir. We would be fighting over random topics every second."

"Am I that bad?" Kabir frowns deepens, his eyes pretending to be hurt.

"You are not bad, Kabir. You are just unique."

"So would you be attending their wedding?"

"You know you are asking a ridiculous question, Kabir. Obviously I wouldn't be attending their wedding."

"I totally understand you, Maya. But think smartly. Do you want them to think that their marriage is affecting you. Do you want to give them the satisfaction of hurting you and feeling superior?"

"Because that's exactly what you are going to do by not attending their wedding. Walk in with your chin raised, fire in your eyes and a handsome male by your side to their wedding."

"Handsome male?"

"Yes." Kabir flaunts his smile. "And that would be me. A handsome male by your side as your date."

"Tumhe Yeh Sab Karne Ki Zarurat Nahi Hai, Kabir." Maya looks away from his gaze.

Placing his hand on her chin, he lift her face to his and says softly. "And What if I want to? Bas Ek Baar Keh Ke Dekho, Maya. Ek Pal Nahi Lagega Mujhe Tumse Nikaah Kar Apna Banane Mai."

A smile breaks out on Maya face at his words. She glanced at his eyes and she knew he meant what he just said.

Maya's eyes flash with determination, her jaw setting in a firm line. "You're right, Kabir. I won't give them the satisfaction of thinking they've hurt me. I'll attend that wedding, and I'll make sure to make an entrance they'll never forget."

Kabir's grin widens, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's the spirit, Maya! And don't worry, I'll be right by your side, playing the role of the handsome male escort. Together, we'll show them that you're not to be underestimated."

Maya's lips curve into a sly smile, an evil plan forming in her mind. "Let's do this, Kabir. Let's crash that wedding and show them what we're made of."

Nimra and Danir wasn't aware of what was coming their way. They would regret inviting Maya for their wedding.

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'Rohan Mehra, the only Heir of 'Mehra Enterprises' was out for a dinner with his rumoured girlfriend, Kiara Kapoor, was found dead. While asking the police, it was confirmed that the food that he consumed was poisoned. Could it be......'

"I am still finding it hard to believe that you wasn't behind it." Waqas states, pausing the news that was playing on Ramiz's Laptop.

Ramiz lets out a deep, exasperated sigh. "You need to believe me. Ask Yawer. He was with me throughout the meeting." Ramiz's expression is one of frustration, his eyes pleading for Waqas to trust him. "I'm telling you, I had nothing to do with Rohan's death. Let's focus on finding the real culprit instead of playing blame games."

"Yes. He was far busy than to think about poisoning someone's food." Smirks Yawer while texting to one of his many girlfriend's.

Waqas, Tabrez and Ramiz exchange a look, and Waqas nods, "Alright, Ramiz, we believe you. Yawer's vouching for you, and we know you're not capable of hurting anyone... at least, not without a good reason."

Ramiz's expression remains serious, but a hint of relief flickers in his eyes. Yawer looks up from his phone, his smirk still in place, "Yeah, Ramiz here is a straight shooter. He wouldn't waste his time on petty things like poisoning someone's food. He'd rather take them down face-to-face."

"And also a certain someone has lately occupied his mind." Yawer smirks widen, as he says, with hidden meaning behind his words.

Ramiz's eyes narrow at Yawer, but he quickly masks his irritation. "You should keep your nose out of my business, Yawer," he says, his voice firm but not aggressive.

Yawer shrugs nonchalantly, still grinning. "Just stating the obvious. Everyone's noticed you've been a bit... distracted lately."

Waqas steps between them, raising a hand to defuse the tension. "Enough, you two. We need to focus. There's a lot more at stake here than personal lives."

Ramiz takes a deep breath and nods. "You're right, Waqas. Let's stick to the matter at hand. We need to find out who's really behind this before more damage is done."

Yawer finally puts his phone away and looks serious for the first time. "Agreed. But remember, we need to be smart about this. Whoever did this is playing a dangerous game, and we can't afford any mistakes."

Waqas, Ramiz, Tabrez and Yawer exchange determined glances, each silently promising to uncover the truth. The weight of their task settles over them, but their resolve remains unshaken. They know they must work together if they are to succeed and protect those they care about.

"Has that man said anything?" Tabrez who was sitting silently the whole time asked.

Tabrez's question caught Ramiz's attention and his jaw tightens in frustration, as he shake his head. "No. He isn't uttering a single word."

"I think they weren't after us." Yawer states a bit serious.

"And why do you think like this?" Waqas's question hung in the air as Yawer leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Because their movements were too calculated, too precise. It seemed like they were after someone specific."

"They motive wasn't to harm us or our man's. It was someone else who was attending the party too." Yawer continued. His gaze went towards Ramiz and continued. "And I think I might have an idea who they were exactly after."

Ramiz dark eyes widen as he realises what Yawer was saying. It couldn't be a coincidence. He was unconscious of the anger that appears on his face, his hands curled into a fist.

Yawer glanced at him, who was still fuming silently. "Do you think there's a chance this is connected to her?"

Ramiz's eyes narrowed, his thoughts racing. "It's possible. But we need more information. Put our every best man to solve this matter, as early as possible."

"Kis Ke Baare Main Baat Hore Hain?" (Who are you talking about?)

"Miss Maya Zaidi." Yawer whispers to Waqas question and a long silence followed after.

"You are not attracted to her, right?"

"No," Ramiz lied, the word slipping out too quickly.

Ramiz stood up, his resolve strengthening as he states loudly, "I have some meetings to look after."

Waqas watched Ramiz leave, his eyes narrowing. "He's hiding something," he muttered under his breath. Yawer, still shaken by Ramiz's abrupt departure, nodded.

'Ramiz Aakhir Aashiq Ban Hi Gaya'. Yawer internally thought and grins.

Tabrez took a deep breath, breaking the silence. "You know, this could get complicated if Ramiz really is interested in Maya Zaidi."

Waqas sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Complicated doesn't even begin to cover it. We need to figure out what's going on."

Only if they knew complicated would be a very short word for what destiny had planned for Maya and Ramiz.

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The office was a reflection of its owner—dark, enigmatic, yet undeniably classy. The walls were adornewith deep, rich colors, and heavy drapes blocked out most of the natural light. Elegant furniture was arranged with meticulous precision, exuding a sense of controlled chaos and sophistication.

As he took in the surroundings, the door swung open, and Maya Zaidi, his fiercest business rival, strode in. Her eyes blazed with anger as she saw him standing in her private sanctuary without prior notice.

"Mr Baig", She snapped, her voice dripping with fury, "What the hell are you doing in my office without informing me?"

Ramiz turned to face her, his expression calm but his eyes betraying a hint of amusement. "Miss Zaidi," He began smoothly, "I didn't think a formal announcement was necessary. After all, I did told you yesterday that I had something to discuss with you."

Maya's jaw tightened as she crossed her arms, her posture radiating tension. "This is a breach of protocol, even for you. You can't just barge in here like you own the place."

He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "I didn't come here to discuss protocol. I came here to talk business."

Maya took a deep breath, trying to rein in her temper. "Fine. Talk. But make it quick."

Ramiz nodded, rooms a seat opposite hers.

Maya let's out an agitated sigh and herself takes her seat. Her gaze stayed on his, ready to hear why he was here after all.

"As you know we are business rivals, both of our companies runs wedding planning businesses. We never once interfered in each other businesses until now."

"What exactly are you talking about?"

"Mrs Sajal Siddiqui's land."

"Ohhhhh." Sarcasm clearly visible in her tone. "So you were the one that was after her land too."

Ramiz nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yes, it seems we both had our eyes on the same prize. Her land is the perfect location for an exclusive wedding venue, and it could be a game-changer for either of our companies."

Maya stands from her seat and took a step closer, her expression challenging. "And what makes you think you can just waltz in here and stake your claim?"

Ramiz's smile widened. "If I like something, it wouldn't take me a second to stake my claim on it. And this is just a land that I am after, it wouldn't take much efforts to own it shortly."

Maya blinked, clearly taken aback. "Welcome back to reality. Staying in Delusion wouldn't help much. I was the first one who was after this deal. And I will make sure that I would be the only one who gets to own it."

"I think you and your employees are just wasting your time. That deal is going to be mine." He smirked, making her roll her eyes.

"One can only wish!" She remarks with a mocking smile on her face.

"Want to bet? If I won, you will never show me your face again, Mr Baig!!" She stare at him challengingly.

His loud laughter echoes in her cabin, "This confidence of yours is the reason why I started admiring you."

"But If I won Miss Zaidi,-------" He walks towards her until he was an inch away from her and whispers intensely meeting her gaze, "Nikkah Karna Hoga Tumhe Mujhse." (You Will Have To Marry Me).

A shiver passes down her body and she slightly flinched. Which didn't go unnoticed by him. There was something there. Something she wasn’t saying, something hiding just beneath the surface of her icy facade. Something that he was going to find out about soon. Even if he would ruin himself in that process.

"That won't be happening, Mr Baig." She whispers growls, her dark eyes staring at his eyes.

"Only time would tell." He lifts his hand that was inside his jeans pocket and was about to put her hair behind her ear. When she lifts her own and grips his hand in a tight grip, taking him by suprise.

She shakes her head, and says, "Don't!! Just because I have been going a bit easy on you. That doesn't mean you can do whatever you want."

With that she loosens her grip, freeing his hand and takes a few step away from him. Standing by the window, with her back to him, she continues. "You can take your leave now."

Ramiz eyes finally leave her beautiful form and went towards the floor. Where Maya had accidentally knocked off a glass full of juice, which was now a several broken pieces of glass and the juice was spreading across the floor. But his attention was on something else, several ants layed dead around that juice. As if it was poisoned.

And everything starts clicking together. It wasn't him that was being targeted. It was her.

His business rival, the woman standing in front of him, Maya Zaidi, the intended victim all along. Ramiz's mind raced as he pieced together the puzzle. The subtle threats, the strange occurrences—all had been directed at Maya, not him. His heart pounded unknowingly, as he realized the danger she was in.

"Sure. Till then, make sure to be alive, Miss Zaidi."

"From where I am seeing." He pauses and Maya turns around and her gaze went towards the shattered pieces of glass and juice around it. Her gaze hardened, as he continues a bit softly. "You have quite an enemies. And ...it's clear they're willing to go to great lengths to get you killed."

Maya's eyes narrowed, her mind already calculating the risks and implications. "You think I don't know that, Mr. Baig?" she retorted, her voice edged with a mix of defiance and weariness. "I've been dealing with threats for as long as I can remember. This isn't new to me."

Maya crossed her arms, her gaze steady and unyielding. "And my safety shouldn't be your problem. I know deep down you feel happy that you would get the deal easily, if something happens to me."

Ramiz stepped closer, his concern evident despite their professional rivalry. Gently, he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. Maya felt sparks run through her body at his simple touch.

"Galat Fehmi Hai Tumhaare. Kya Tumhe Waqai Mai Lagta Hain Ki Main Tumhe Kuch Hone Bhi Dunga? Hona Wala Zauj Hu Tumhara. Tumhaare Khilaf Khade Har Ek Insaan Ko Khatam Kar Sakta Hu Tumhare Liye."

(You are mistaken. Do you really think I will let anything happen to you? I am your future husband. I can eliminate anyone who stands against you.)

As he turned to leave, he couldn't shake the feeling that their rivalry had just taken a more personal turn. And Maya, watching him go, couldn't deny the spark of intrigue that flared within her. The complications, it seemed, were only just beginning.