I feel like the nurse injected a sleep deficient vaccine inside me when I was a newborn. Last night we collided in our beds around 4 am and all of us drifted to sleep without wasting any second. It was estimated that we'd wake up in the evening however my slumber broke off after 2 hours of sleep. I still feel energetic as always.
After freshing up I step into the balcony while yawning and stretching, drawing in the initial warm rays of sunlight brushing the petals and meadows. The dawn resembles a birth of a warm hope that was once withered yesterday, a new day to heal the wounds of previous day.
Suddenly, I notice an individual running around the field and executing intense football maneuvers, upon enhancing my focus I realize that it's Rayan playing football himself.
I can't recall what strikes me but I walk down on the field to join him. As I reach the field a strong shoot scores a goal and he glances at me. He shakes his head causing the water drops scatter through his wet hair, his honey orbs emanating the sense of tiredness.
"Don't you know how to sleep?" He asks while panting gradually, If I had the opportunity to smash his head everytime he uttered an offensive phrase for me then he would be walking headless by now, but I take everything as a compliment as not everyone can love me for who I am, so I'll give myself the love I deserve.
"Nope I wish to hunt for people to irritate and you're a perfect target right now" I cross my hands and offer him smile getting a derisive laugh from him.
"Of course what else will I expect from you" he runs a hand through his hair while I grab his football, circling it around "thanks for the compliment" I declare tossing his ball from one hand to another.
"It's football Maha" he says gesturing towards his feet provoking a scoff from me "I know it's a football and I'm quite good at it" I place the ball on the ground and move it gradually through my feet. Honestly I don't know anything about football but I can't let my guard fall in front of him.
"I see so why don't you show me your skills" he smirks and steps back motioning me to kick the ball probably teasing me as he knows I'll fail miserably "c'mon give it a try Maha. Let's see what you've got"
I grin feeling a surge of excitement. I drop the ball and attempt to kick it, the ball veers off to the side almost hitting a tree. He bursts out laughing behind me. Even if I fail to score a goal but I made him laugh and that counts for something.
"Alright I wish to tackle you" I challenge him with a sly smirk knowing perfectly well that I won't be able to dodge this athletic legend before me.
"You want to tackle me?" He asks raising one of his brows, now this is the matter of my dignity I'll definitely score a goal and destroy rhinos ego.
"Yes I want to tackle you. Why? Are you scared?" I tease walking closer to him as my eyes are locked on his. He chuckles before shaking his head slightly "scared of you? Never"
I take a deep breath and launch myself at him, aiming to grab the ball. He dances around me effortlessly, his movements a blur. I stumble and nearly trip over my own feet but manage to stay upright. Determined, I try again, lunging for the ball.
He keeps dodging, his laughter filling the air. "You call that a tackle?"
"Oh, shut up!" I grumble, my cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. I can see he's enjoying this far too much.
I take another shot, this time putting all my energy into it. Somehow, my chaotic flailing must throw him off because I actually manage to make contact with the ball, sending it rolling toward the goal. My heart leaps as I race after it, but I feel Rayan right behind me, his presence both intimidating and exhilarating.
Just as I'm about to kick the ball into the net, I feel a gentle nudge. I glance back and see Rayan smiling down at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He could easily stop me, but he doesn't.
With a final burst of energy, I kick the ball, and it sails into the goal. I can't believe it! I actually scored! I turn to face him, panting and grinning like a maniac. "I did it! I scored!"
Rayan smirks, crossing his arms. "Looks like you did. Beginner's luck, maybe?"
"Ha! Admit it, you underestimated me," I say, trying to catch my breath.
He shakes his head, his grin widening. "Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night."
Although I'm aware that Rayan let me win this game but it doesn't matter, I won!
As we walk back toward the center of the field, I'm still buzzing with the excitement of scoring that goal. So much so, that I donât notice the uneven patch of grass ahead. My foot catches, and I stumble forward, arms flailing in a desperate attempt to regain my balance. Just before I hit the ground, strong hands catch me, preventing an embarrassing face-plant.
Rayan steadies me, his grip firm and secure. "Whoa there, crazy woman" he says with a laugh. "Didn't know you were clumsy as well as crazy."
I straighten up, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I was just... testing your reflexes," I say, trying to play it off with a grin.
He shakes his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Sure you were. You're really something else, you know that?"
"Yeah, well, I like to keep things interesting," I reply, brushing a stray hair out of my face.
"Interesting is one way to put it," he mutters, still chuckling. "Come on, let's sit down before you cause more trouble."
We head over to the bench, and I limp a little as my ankle starts to throb. Rayan notices and slows his pace, this is the most considerate I've seen this icy block. We finally reach the bench and sit down, and I let out a sigh of relief.
"So," he starts, turning to face me. "About this whole fake dating thing..."
I nod, trying to focus on the conversation and not the fact that I literally am walking embarrassment for myself. "Yeah, we should probably figure out the rules"
He leans back crossing his arms "rules? You know we aren't doing any business deal" he's clearly mocking me and pondering to label me as crazy again. As much as I believe that rules are meant to be broken but according to series, fake dating should have rules.
"Ha ha very funny but if we are doing this then it will have rules" I tap at the table a few times widening my eyes "jesa mein bolungi wesa Tumhe Karna parega"
(You'll do everything I say)
He rolls his eyes and mutters under his breath, "jesi ab tak to Meri bohot chal Rahi hai"
(As if I'm being listened till now)
Good and that's essential because if we're doing it then Maha's commands will be followed. "Rule no 1" I say holding one of my fingers for emphasis "no one should know about it and my girls are an exception, they are supposed to know everything about me"
He nods maintaining his stoic face "got it"
Well that was easy.
"Rule no 2 public display of affection is limited to holding hands, pick and drop to hostel, Smiling at eachother, performing considerate gestures e.tmc but unless absolutely necessary"
He purses his lips together and and releases a sigh "go on I'm listening"
"Rule no 3 without any questions you will do anything for my project"
I wait a minute for his hesitant reply but all he does is peer somewhere else and nods "agreed"
He might desperately want a girlfriend because of his parents why else would Rayan khan agree with all my childish rules but here we are.
"Rule no 4 which is extremely important. None of us will fall for eachother. It. Is. Forbidden"
Rayan's laughter echoes across the field. "You're not my type, and I'll never fall for you."
"Good," I say, relieved. "Thatâs settled then."
"Alright, my turn," he says, holding up his hand. "Rule number one: stop calling me that ridiculous nickname."
"But Rhino suits you!" I protest, laughing. As much as he try to force this rule on me, he knows it that I'll never stop calling him Rhino.
"Nope, that's non-negotiable," he insists, his eyes twinkling with humor. "Rule number two: my parents might ask you to meet them. As much as I'll try to prevent that, be ready for it."
I nod, taking mental notes. "Fair enough. Anything else?"
"Rule number three," he continues, "you need to tell me before every crazy act of yours. I need to be prepared."
"You're no fun," I tease, but I agree nonetheless.
"Rule number four," he adds, "this will work until I say so"
"Got it," I say, thinking about until when I'd be stuck with this grumpy ice block. "Is that it?"
"Alright then," he says, standing up and offering me his hand again. "Looks like we have a plan."
I take his hand, letting him pull me up. "This is going to be interesting," I say with a laugh.
He smirks. "Interesting? More like an insufferable deal"
We seal the deal with a handshake, both of us feeling the weight of the agreement weâve just made. As we walk off the field together, my mind starts racing with one more challenge. The only thing I'm afraid of now is how to tell my girls about this crazy plan. They know everything about me, and this is one secret that's going to be hard to keep under wraps.
As I enter my room, I find the girls already dressed in their dark, simple attire for today's water splash adventure. However, instead of the usual excitement, they are all sitting on my bed, arms crossed, their eyes fixed on me with an intensity that makes me squirm.
"Uh, hey guys," I say, trying to sound casual as I close the door behind me. "What's with the death stares? Did someone forget to clean the room again?"
Inaya is the first to speak, her tone dripping with mock seriousness. "Maha, spill it. We know somethingâs up."
Ayra, ever the mother hen, adds, "Yeah, you've been acting all weird and secretive. What's going on?"
Hoorain chimes in, looking more curious than accusatory, "Did you do something crazy again? Weâre ready to help you hide the evidence."
I let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of my neck. "Well, funny you should mention crazy. You see, I kind of⦠might have⦠made a deal with Rayan."
Their eyes widen in unison. "What kind of deal?" Inaya asks, narrowing her eyes.
"Okay, promise you won't laugh or freak out," I say, taking a deep breath. "We're fake dating."
For a moment, thereâs silence. Then, Ayra bursts out laughing. "Fake dating? With Rayan? Oh, this is gold!"
Inaya tries to suppress her giggles but fails miserably. "You and Mr. Grumpy? I canât believe it!"
Hoorain shakes her head, smiling. "Only you, Maha. Only you could pull something like this."
I cross my arms, trying to defend myself. "Hey, itâs a strategic alliance! There are rules and everything."
Ayra wipes away a tear from laughing too hard. "Oh, we have to hear these rules. Do tell."
I roll my eyes but start listing them off. "Rule number one: no one knows about it except you guys. Rule number two: we need a believable backstory. Rule number three: public display of affection but nothing too mushy. Rule number four: no falling for each other."
Inaya raises an eyebrow. "And he agreed to this?"
"Yeah," I say, shrugging. "He even added his own rules. Like no calling him Rhino in public, and I have to let him know before I do anything crazy."
Hoorain tilts her head, clearly amused. "So, whatâs in it for you?"
I sigh dramatically. "Itâs to keep both our parents off our backs and stop any real relationship drama from happening."
Ayra pats my shoulder, still chuckling. "Well, this should be interesting. But you know weâll be watching every move, right?"
I grin, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I wouldnât expect anything less."
Inaya smirks, nudging me. "And just so you know, if you do fall for him, weâre totally going to call you out on it."
"Not happening," I insist. "But thanks for the vote of confidence."
Hoorain claps her hands together. "Alright, enough of this drama. Let's get ready for the water splash. We have to get you out of this crazy dating mindset and back to having fun."
As we prepare for the water splash, I can't help but feel grateful for my friends. They might tease me mercilessly, but they always have my back. And with their support, maybe this whole fake dating thing won't be as crazy as it sounds. Well, a girl can hope, right?
Before this lavish party planned for Azan's birthday, my mom thought to interrogate about her only daughter therefore I isolated myself in a secluded corner to converse with my mom. "Hey mom how are you?" I ask with a tiny hope that she'll consider showing concern for my health but habitually she continues with her actual interests. "Ayra what is wrong with you?" She blurts out, her voice coated with emerging fury.
Taking a seat I wrap myself tighter, overwhelmed by the sudden to urge to breakdown. "Instead of making up for that pathetic internship, you're fooling around in that farmhouse" no matter how much habitual I am of her heart wrenching dialogues, it stings everytime.
"How many times do I have to tell you Ayra to stop being a disappointment? You should've been studying right now but you love disappointing me. Why can't you be more like your batchmate Zaid? He's so brilliant"
"Bye mom I need to study. Take care" having no energy to bear the weight of constant expectations, I decline the call.
Inhaling deep breaths I try to overcome the urge to weep. I hate dwelling in this world where my worth is measured by my grades. My parents don't give a damn about their daughter's wellbeing but they have humongous interest in my academics.
I'm tired of always striving to match their expectations, but they're never satisfied. To sum up your inaudible words, to bask in all the hate with a smile on your face, is slowly shattering me. The pressure to always smile despite the feeling of dying.
Most of all, my hate for Zaid enhances with every breath. Why does he always have to get credit for everything I'm working hard for?
But it's alright, I always have to be a tough kid, I have to endeavour for my grades, I can handle my problems.
With a heavy sigh, I push back the tears and get up, a surge of anger replace the sadness. I head out of my room, needing to escape the suffocating silence. As I turn the corner in the hallway, I bump into Harmain, the girl who always seems to be trailing behind me, trying to undermine me at every step.
"Watch where you're going, Ayra!" Harmain snaps, her voice dripping with disdain.
I glare at her, my rage bubbling to the surface. It's a bad move to provoke me right now because I'm in the mood to murder her. "Maybe you should try looking ahead instead of always looking for ways to cause trouble."
Harmain's eyes narrow, and she steps closer, her voice rising. "You think you're so smart, don't you? Always getting the top grades, always the teacher's favorite. You're nothing but a stuck-up know-it-all." Not now is the only thought I force into my brain because it's always the same jealousy of her speaking like this
"Jealousy doesn't suit you, Harmain."
She scoffs, her face turning red with anger. "Jealous? Of you? Don't flatter yourself."
Before I can retort, I feel someone step in front of me. It's Zaid, he looks at Harmain with a calm but deadly serious expression. Again, he'll help me and then claim himself as a gentleman! I don't want to do anything with him!
"She started fighting with me," Harmain lies, her voice still loud.
He won't leave this chance to taunt me for always creating nuisance but to my surprise he declares in a low, deep voice, "she starts the fight with me everytime but I never raised my voice at her and I will never allow you to shout at her"
Harmainâs eyes widen in shock and frustration. She looks between Zaid and me, realizing sheâs outnumbered. With a final huff, she storms off, leaving Zaid and me standing there.
I'm too fired up to consider his act that he orchestrated just to add into his gentleman checklist. "What was this all about? I didn't ask you to help me!" I demand in my voice sharp nearly losing my calm.
He flexes his shoulder and shrugs "don't give yourself much importance Ayra. I can't let a woman get embarrassed even if she's someone insufferable like you"
I step closer with my anger rising, can someone please give me a knife that I can shove into his chest?
He raises an eyebrow "you're welcome by the way"
I canât hold back anymore. I grab his collar and push him to the nearby wall, my voice a hiss. "I hate you. You know that, you're the most insufferable, idiotic and pathetic person I've ever met".
Zaidâs eyes flash with something dark, and in one swift motion, he reaches out for my waist, shifting our positions and pinning me against the wall. "Feelingâs mutual," he murmurs with a smirk.
We glare at eachother, our faces are inches apart, the distance gives me a visible view of his features. Rectangular glasses, wavy hair covering his forehead, sharp jawline and emerging dimples, the one I want to stab.
"I can't stand you Ayra. You know how aggravating it is to watch you around when I'd rather live in a world where you don't exist" his grip firms on the wall, uhhh I think he gets extra marks for pinning me against the wall!
"How coward Zaid" I say with a mock sympathy "I would rather kill you then to search for another world"
His chuckle echoes the corridor as he doesn't budge "yet here you are pinned against the wall by me. Great talkers cannot be great doers"
I push him and this time he finally let's me go "you're impossible" I mutter still exploding with the lava of rage.
As I walk away, Zaid calls me out from behind "better watch your back Ayra. You don't know who's going to be there next time"
That's it, his one dialogue and I let go of the leash to my restraint. I whirl around to catch his back leaving the corridor, my eyes fall on the water balloon lying nearby and an idea sparks. With a perfect shot, I hurl at the balloon at Zaid's back, bursting it and drenching him in red and pink colors.
He freezes for a minute, slowly turning back with furious eyes "you're Dead Ayra"
I don't know what got into me because I flash him a mocking grin and make a 'come get me' motion. Then I watch Zaid initiating to run after me and I tun with all my might. I can't let him get me. Without a second thought, I sprint away with all my might, weaving through the crowd gathered for the water splash party at the farmhouse.
Our friends watch us with wide eyes and laughter, Ayan and Maha in particular, enjoying the spectacle. Hoorain stands beside Inaya while Ahad and Rayan are perched on the seat quietly. I dodge between people, trying to put as much distance as possible between me and Zaid. But he's faster than I anticipated, and I feel him closing in on me.
Just as he's about to catch me, I lose my footing and slip. Zaid, unable to stop in time, crashes into me, and we both tumble into the swimming pool with a loud splash. The cold water shocks me, and I gasp as we both resurface, sputtering and drenched.
The moment we get out, the intense hatred between us flares up again. Zaidâs eyes lock onto mine with a fiery intensity. "Youâre going to pay for that," he growls, moving closer.
I stand my ground, meeting his glare with equal fervor. "Iâd like to see you try."
Before things can escalate further, Ayan bursts into laughter, holding up his phone. "Got it all on camera!" he exclaims, showing the recording to everyone. Maha stands beside him, giggling uncontrollably.
Their laughter breaks the tension, and for a moment. Ayan cups his mouth and announces dramatically "join! Guys the OG enemies are having another episode of banters"
Maha claps her hand and bumps her fist with Ayan. Traitor. "This is more entertaining then any Netflix series"
Inaya gasps while joining Ayan to watch the recording "c'mon Inaya show them that you're the boss"
Alright! Has the soul of Maha entered into Inaya?
"Shouldn't we help them out?" Hoorain asks with her innocent expressions, "they'll sort it out on their own" Ahad flashes his smile to Hoorain and I'm entirely sure that he resisted Hoor because he thought she'll get hurt. But she's my best friend! "Honestly everyone here is insane" Rayan pockets his hands and peers us all carefully.
Meanwhile, Zaid and I are too engrossed in our heated exchange to pay much attention to our surroundings. Before any of us come up with an embarrassing deceleration, Ayan dives into the pool with a huge splash "c'mon guys let's enjoy this moment and you both hug each other and sort out"
"Never!" Both of us simultaneously scream as I'd rather drown myself then to let him touch me.
Maha squeals with delight and pushes Rayan into the pools "Yeah! Letâs make it a real party!" Rayan splashes into the water, surfacing with a bewildered look. "What have I done to you?" he exclaims, but the grin on his face shows heâs not actually upset.
Inaya, laughing at Rayanâs reaction, suddenly finds herself being pushed into the pool by Ayan. She shrieks but quickly starts laughing, splashing him back. "Youâre so dead, Ayan!"
"Death by your hands sounds better then any life hazel" he winks at Inaya and of course he had to go on with his flirty skills, I'm smashing his head for trying to steal my best friend.
Maha, still giggling, grabs Hoorainâs hand and pulls her into the pool. Hoorain stumbles but soon starts laughing too, joining in on the fun. Ahad, seeing Hoorain in the pool, I'm sure he wants to jump into the pool right after when Ayan stretches out his hand and yanks him in, making a huge splash and causing more laughter. "Here is my soulmate"
As everyone splashes around, the tension between Zaid and me starts to feel almost ridiculous. We exchange one last look, he rolls his eyes at me while I point my finger towards his face and then gesture to vomit. I kinda enjoy myself when I leave Mirza speechless.
Ayan holds up his phone. "This is definitely going on Instagram"
Definitely no! It shouldn't even travel on the social media but Zaid snatches my words and narrows his eyes "you're Dead if you do it"
Maha, still laughing, grabs a water balloon and tosses it at Rayan, who dodges it but slips and falls back into the pool, splashing everyone. The sight of him sputtering in the water sends everyone into fits of laughter, even me. "Now try getting out of this pool rhino" I'm sure Maha will make him regret his breath.
Inaya tries to drown Ayan but her force is almost negligible ahead of Ayan "why drowning me in this namesake pool? when your hazel eyes are enough to drown me"
"Stop trying to flirt with my best friend!" I yell on Ayan who then smirks at me "your best friend likes it"
"Yeah shut up, stay away from her"
"Hazel. Is she your boyfriend or what?"
"Whatever stop fighting" Inaya quirps while holding her laugh.
Zaid flares at him feeling offended and I want to laugh my heart out on his reaction.
Inaya and Maha team up against Ayan, splashing him mercilessly while he tries to protect himself with his arms.
Maha, grabs another water balloon and sneaks up on Zaid, who is still glaring at me. She pops it over his head, soaking him again. "Oops!" she says, giggling.
Zaid, now thoroughly drenched, canât help but laugh. "Alright, Maha, you asked for it!" He lunges at her, but she swiftly dodges, running to hide behind Rayan.
The sight of our friends having so much fun together is infectious. Despite my earlier urge to breakdown all I feel now is to laugh and enjoy, my friends are my family.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
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