The Podcast Partner
"Aliya and Daniyal co-host a popular podcast about Pakistani British culture. Their on-air chemistry has listeners convinced they're a couple. They're not—yet."
The Podcast Partner
"And that's all for this week's episode of Desi Diaries! I'm Aliya—"
"And I'm Daniyal—"
"And remember: if your aunty hasn't asked about marriage this week, are you even living?"
Aliya cut the recording and pulled off her headphones. Across the desk, Daniyal was grinning at her with that smile that made their listeners swoon.
"Good episode," he said.
"As always." She stretched. "The comments section is going to be unbearable."
"Let me guess: 'When are you two getting married?' 'Just kiss already!' 'This chemistry can't be fake!'"
"Something like that."
Their podcast had exploded in popularity—two British Pakistanis discussing everything from rishta culture to identity politics. The listeners were convinced they were secretly together.
They weren't.
Even if Aliya sometimes wished they were.
"I have a confession," Daniyal said after their fiftieth episode celebration. They were slightly drunk on champagne, alone in the studio.
"You're actually three kids in a trench coat?"
"I've been in love with you for two years."
The room went silent.
"What?" Aliya whispered.
"I know it's unprofessional. I know the podcast is everything. But I can't keep pretending." He moved closer. "Every episode, sitting across from you, making you laugh—it's the best part of my week. And the worst, because I want more."
"Daniyal..."
"If you don't feel the same, tell me. I'll get over it. We'll keep the podcast going like nothing happened."
"You think you could do that?"
"No." His laugh was pained. "But I'd try. For you."
Aliya stood, walked around the desk, and kissed him.
They didn't make it out of the studio.
Daniyal lifted her onto the recording desk, scattering equipment. "I've imagined this so many times."
"During episodes?"
"Especially during episodes." His mouth found her neck. "You have no idea what that laugh of yours does to me."
"Show me."
He did.
His hands were sure as they undressed her, his mouth following every reveal. When he finally sank inside her, they both sighed with relief.
"Meri jaan," he breathed, moving within her. "Two years I've wanted to say that."
"Say it again."
"Meri jaan. Meri duniya. Meri sab kuch."
She came with his words in her ears, and he followed, her name echoing off the soundproof walls.
"The listeners are going to lose their minds," Aliya said afterward, still catching her breath.
"We could not tell them."
"Daniyal. We record here. They'll know something changed."
"Then let them know." He pulled her close. "I'm tired of pretending. Let's be real—on air and off."
"That's very risky for the podcast."
"That's very worth it for us." He kissed her forehead. "What do you say? Ready to make the listeners' dreams come true?"
The episode where they announced their relationship broke download records. The comments section imploded with joy.
Six months later, they did a live episode from their engagement party.
The chemistry, it turned out, wasn't fake at all.