Contacts OF Hearts

The Brothers Tea

Everyone had gathered around the breakfast table.

And just as he had said, Reena was there too.

All of them were present. Reena’s face was full of anger, but no one really paid attention because she always wore that expression.

Ali didn’t even bother looking at her.

She was sitting two seats away from Ali, fuming silently.

Everyone ate breakfast in silence.

After breakfast, Mr. Ahmed, Mr. Ajmal and the others left for the office.

And Ali?

He was left behind... to drop her.

---

Dua stepped off the bus and right in front of her stood Annie with her brother.

"Wow Dua!....You."

Dua raised her eyes and stole a glance at her brother.

He looked incredibly handsome in a navy blue shirt ,so much so that one could just keep staring.

But Dua immediately looked away, so that no such thoughts would even cross her mind.

"How are yo?" Dua said.

"I am fine. What's about you?"

"I am too."

And talking like this, both of them walked into the university together.

Meanwhile Ali stood behind, watching them until they disappeared through the gate.

His gaze lingered less on Annie... and more on Dua.

The afternoon sun spilled softly through the lounge windows.

Reena, Mrs. Ajmal, Mrs. Ahmed and Minkii sat together, the room filled with the faint aroma of jasmine and old family stories.

In two days, it would be Annie’s birthday — the youngest pearl of the Khan family.

Every year, her birthday wasn’t just a celebration. It was an event. A memory in the making.

The house would glow with lights, laughter, and relatives from all over.

Minkii leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "So, what’s the plan this time? Where are we doing Annie’s birthday?"

She looked at Mrs. Ajmal, waiting.

Mrs. Ajmal sighed fondly and smiled. "Beta, I was thinking... let’s do it at home this time.

The heat outside is unbearable, and honestly? There’s no place warmer than our own home.

We can decorate it beautifully. What do you say?"

She glanced at Mrs. Ahmed.

Mrs. Ahmed nodded slowly, her face soft. "Yep... home feels right. Let’s do it here. For Annie."

For a moment, the room went quiet comfortable, familiar.

Then Minky’s gaze shifted. In the corner, Reena sat silent, fingers twisting the edge of her dupatta.

"Reena?" Minky’s voice softened. "What happened? You look... off today."

Reena startled, then forced a smile too quick. "Nothing, Minkii. I’m fine. Really.

You all keep talking. I’ll... I’ll go make tea for everyone."

Before anyone could answer, she stood up and hurried to the kitchen, hoping the clatter of cups would hide the tremble in her hands.

Back in the lounge, the conversation resumed, warm and light again.

"Beta, have you thought about Annie’s gift?" Mrs. Ahmed asked Minkii.

Minkii grinned mischievously. "Mamma, I’ve already ordered it. Online.

And no, I’m not telling. But trust me — she’s going to love it."

"Ohh, at least give us a hint! How will we know what to get?" Mrs. Ahmed teased.

"No hints," Minkii laughed, shaking her head. "You all pick your own surprises."

Mrs. Ajmal joined in, "I haven’t gotten anything yet either.

Why don’t we go in the evening? You, me, Ali, or Zain — we’ll go to the market together and pick something perfect for our Annie."

"Yep, that sounds perfect," everyone agreed in unison.

And just like that, the lounge filled again with plans, with laughter, with the quiet warmth of a family that, despite everything, always came together for love.

Ali was in a meeting with the employees, discussing work.

Anus was also in the office, both of them busy in their own cabins, completely focused on work.

Just then, Mrs. Ajmal and Mrs. Ahmed stepped out of their cabins to take a round of the office.

Seeing both their sons so engrossed in work, they felt a wave of pride.

Mrs. Ahmed turned to Mr. Ajmal and said with a smile, "Brother, look at our boys. How hard they’re working."

Mr. Ahmed nodded, "Yes, I’m seeing it. Let them work hard and move ahead.

We worked just as hard too, that’s how we reached this point."

"Yes brother, you’re absolutely right. We’ve worked very hard.

In fact, you worked even harder than me," said Mr. Ajmal.

Mr. Ahmed smiled, "No, it wasn’t like that. We both worked hard together.

That’s why we got the fruit of our labor.

Our children will get the fruit of their hard work too."

.....,....

The moment he finished his work, Anus walked straight to Ali’s cabin.

He knocked.

"Come in," came Ali’s voice from inside.

Anus stepped in.

"Anus? You? And since when do you knock?" Ali teased, looking up from his files.

Anus smirked and leaned against the desk, arms crossed.

"Rules are rules, brother. A door should be knocked on."

Ali chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "Alright, alright. Enough standing. Spit it out."

Anus got to the point. "I wanted to ask about the Turkey team. Any progress?

I remember you had something going on too."

Ali raised an eyebrow. "I’ve done my part... to some extent.

What about you? How far did you get?"

Anus nodded. "Same here. Almost done.

Just waiting on their final email. The second it comes in, I’ll let you know."

"Okay," Ali said simply.

Anus turned to leave, but Ali’s voice stopped him.

"Where are you going? Sit down. There’s nothing urgent right now anyway.

Why don’t we have tea together? Just the two of us."

Anus paused at the door, then smiled. "Yeah. Sure."

He sat back down.

Ali called for two cups of tea.

And just like that, the office noise faded away.

Two brothers, sitting across from each other, sipping tea in comfortable silence.

No deadlines. No meetings. Just warmth.

For a few minutes, work didn’t matter. Family did.

They were sipping tea and talking at the same time when Ali suddenly looked at Anus and asked,

"So Anus, what do you think? About marriage?"

Anus blinked. "Marriage? About what?"

"About you getting married. When?" Ali pressed.

Anus gave a small, awkward laugh. "Hmm... I guess I’m old enough.

But I’ve never asked you this. Why are you asking me now?"

Ali shrugged, "Why brother? I’m your brother. It’s my right to ask.

Tell me, what’s your plan?"

Ansh’s heart sank for a second. The truth was, he did want to get married.

He wanted to marry Annie. But how could he say her name in front of his brother?

So he quickly changed the topic with a lie.

"No, I don’t have any plans for marriage right now.

I’m focused on work and my life at the moment. There’s plenty of time.

We’ll get married eventually. What about you? Any plans?"

Ali froze. The truth was, the moment he had seen Dua that day,

he had already decided he wanted to marry her.

But now, saying it out loud to Anus made him hesitate.

"Me? Hmm..." Ali started, then stopped.

Anus caught it instantly. He leaned forward, eyes narrowing.

"Tell me. Is there really someone? Is there a girl you have in mind?"

Ali stayed silent.

"Ali, tell me!" Anus exclaimed. "Why are you creating suspense?"

Ali finally sighed. "Yes... there is a girl."

"What?!" Anus shot up from his chair.

Ali quickly gestured with his hands. "Sit down, sit down!

What are you doing? Do you want to gather the whole office?"

Anus put his teacup down and moved behind Ali’s chair,

resting both hands on it and leaning close to his ear.

"Hmm... tell me, tell me. Who is she? Who’s going to be our future sister-in-law?"

Ali rolled his eyes. "First, go sit properly in your chair.

Then I’ll tell you who she is."

"Okay , as you say," Anus grinned and went back to his seat.

"Now hurry up and tell me."

Ali smiled. "Alright, alright. Don’t die of curiosity.

Her name is Dua."

"Dua? Wow. What a beautiful name." Ansh’s eyes lit up.

"And if her name is that pretty, I’m sure your sister- in-law must be just as beautiful.

Oh, sister-in-law! Wow, we didn’t even know and she’s already our .....!"

"Shut up," Ali said, half-laughing, half-scolding.

"The truth is, I haven’t even spoken to her yet.

I’ve only seen her from a distance."

Anus frowned. "Then how do you know her name?"

"I heard someone calling her Dua. Everyone was calling her Dua," Ali replied,

carefully leaving out the part that he’d heard it from Annie,

and that Dua was Annie’s friend.

"Okay... do you know where she lives? Anything?" Anus asked.

"Yes, I know where her house is."

"Then talk to her! You fool, if you wait too long the time will pass," Anus urged.

"No, not yet. When the right time comes, I’ll talk to her," Ali said firmly.

"Okay, but please don’t delay. You don’t wait in these matters,"

Anus said, genuinely advising him.

Ali smirked. "Yes, like you’re such an expert."

Both of them burst out laughing.

And there they sat, two brothers, teasing each other over tea

one hiding a name, the other already dreaming of a girl.