After a hilarious splash in the pool solely created by Ayra and Zaid, we all scattered around the farmhouse to carry out our desired tasks. I'm betting myself that Zaid and Ayra will end up together making perfect enemies to lovers, I'm honestly delusional. Ayra went into our room to study, Hoorain and Maha are surveying the surroundings, I engage myself around the counter serving deserts, one by one I stuff my mouth with chocolate bites.
Chocolate is my ultimate melting point, the sweet flavor explodes on your tongue and it provides you with an unexplainable joy.
I observe Ahad silently sitting on a chair and an idea strikes my mind, when will I find such a perfect moment again?
I walk towards him and sit on the chair next to him, preparing myself for the speech I'm about to give. "Isn't she beautiful?" A soft smile tugs on his lips as he sees Hoorain, who laughs about something Maha said.
"My favorite kind of beautiful," he murmurs, his eyes never leaving Hoorain.
Ahad's words melt the doubt in my heart. The way his eyes soften when he looks at Hoorain reminds me of all the looks in my books. Hoor is honestly really lucky to have an admirer like him.
He realizes that he just blurted out his feelings. "What? Who?"
I chuckle, leaning in a bit closer. "Don't play dumb, Ahad bhai. You know exactly who. You like her, don't you?"
His face turns a shade of red, and he avoids my gaze. "I... well, maybe." I never imagined Ahad as the type to blush on such situations guess love actually softens anyone. I don't know when I'll get someone like that, I'm stuck with that playboy who doesn't love me.
"Maybe?" I raise an eyebrow. "Come on, bhai, you can't hide it from me. I can help you with her, you know."
"And why would you?" he asks, curiosity and caution in his eyes.
"Because you'll buy me chocolates," I say with a grin. Like I said, I saw an opportunity to get chocolates out of him and I grabbed it.
Ahad Bhai smiles, shaking his head. "Is that a bribe?"
"If you want Hoor to notice you," I reply with a playful shrug.
He sighs, nodding. "Alright, as you say."
"I'll get back to you," I say, standing up and heading back to the counter, munching on a piece of chocolate.
Just then, Ayan saunters over, his usual playful grin on his face. "Done flirting with everyone here?" I ask, rolling my eyes.
"Nope, you're still remaining," he says, leaning against the counter.
"Ugh, Ayan, do you ever stop?" I shake my head, unable to suppress a smile. He is actually good with his words.
"Not when it comes to you," he teases, his eyes twinkling.
"You're impossible," I mutter, because his flirtatious comments are over going to stop hence I'll have to grow accustomed to it, I've only got a year to bear him.
"Just admit it, you love my company," he says, nudging me with his elbow.
"Sure, sure," I say sarcastically "so, what's the plan today, Mr. Playboy?"
Ayan grins. "Whatever you say, boss."
He motions his hand to grab a few sweets from my plate but I stray it away, "c'mon hazel sharing is caring"
"But I don't care for you hence I won't share" I pivot myself to other direction, securing my plate from this monster. His laugh echoes my ear "don't worry Hazel I'd buy you chocolate factories, just say yes"
"Not even in your dreams" I affirm and observe him looking on the floor instead of eyeing his girlfriends like always "Ayan look at that girl" I point towards a girl who is showing off her Gucci bag to her friends "Tobah you're showing me girls yourself and then call me pervert"
I chuckle over his antics but I'm in a mood to watch him embarrassed "Why don't you go flirt with her then, Mr. Playboy?" Ayan raises an eyebrow, a confident smirk spreading across his face. "Challenge accepted."
He strolls over to the girl with his usual swagger, flashing his most charming smile. I watch with amusement as he starts talking to her. Within seconds, her expression changes from polite interest to outright rejection. She shakes her head and walks away, leaving Ayan standing there, looking stunned.
I burst out laughing, unable to contain myself. "Oh my God, did you just get rejected?" Ayan walks back, trying to maintain his composure but failing miserably. "She must have bad taste."
"The heartthrob getting rejected" I tease, still laughing uncontrollably anyone should've recorded his reaction. "Someday someone will fall for my charms and I'll marry her"
My laugh subsided "and what if no one does?"
He grabs a chocolate from the side and takes a bite from it "then I'll marry you"
"Cheee never" I hit his arms, never in my wildest dreams I'll ever marry Ayan Ansari. "I'll be a great husband Hazel"
"Stick to being a great friend" I laugh and we start walking around as he shares one of his experience in high school. As we continue walking and talking, the sunlight starts to irritate my eyes, but I donât say anything, not wanting to disrupt our conversation. Weâre in the middle of a funny story when Ayan suddenly stops mid-sentence.
"Hold on," he says, and without missing a beat, he stretches his hand out in front of my face, blocking the sun's rays.
I blink, momentarily surprised, and then I can't help but smile. "What are you doing?"
"Sunlight was disturbing you right? he replies with a grin. "I'm just blocking it" he says with a wink. I laugh, shaking my head. "You can be really sweet sometimes"
"I'm sweet all the time hazel" he says, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Alright, Iâll give you that" I admit, still smiling. "Thanks, Ayan."
"Hello madam, there is no space for thankyou or sorry in friendship" he says, keeping his hand there as we continue our walk. "Just call me your personal sunblock." I roll my eyes, but thereâs a warmth in my chest. Ayanâs small, considerate gesture reminds me why heâs such a great friend.
We spot Ahad and Zaid walking towards us. Rayan raises an eyebrow at the sight of Ayanâs outstretched arm. "What insane thing are you up to now Ayan" Rayan affirms with his forever stoic expressions.
"Ayanâs being my personal sunblock" I say, trying to keep a straight face. Zaid bursts out laughing. "Seriously? Heâs that desperate for attention?"
Ayan rolls his eyes but keeps his hand steady. "Hey, someone has to save her from the sun. Itâs a tough job, but someone's gotta do it." Rayan shakes his head, clearly getting bored "always there with your never ending flirting, at least leave this innocent girl Ayan"
"Maybe, but look at that smile," Ayan says, pointing to my face. "Totally worth it."
"I'm sad Ayan, you never grabbed me a remote" Zaid exclaims getting offended I canât help but laugh.
Just then, Maha and Hoorain join us, and Maha immediately spots Ayanâs heroic pose. "Whatâs going on here? Did Ayan get stuck or something?"
"Heâs being her personal sunblock," Zaid explains, still chuckling. Maha laughs, clapping her hands.
Hoorain giggles. "But he's cute"
"There's a reason you are my favorite Hoor darling" Ayan finally lowers his arm, shaking it out dramatically. "My armâs going to fall off at this rate. But anything for Hazel."
I roll my eyes but canât help grinning. "Thanks, Ayan. You can retire from your sunblocking duties now."
"Donât worry, Iâll always be ready to save the day," Ayan says, striking a superhero pose. The rest of us burst into laughter, and the moment turns into a fun, lighthearted memory that perfectly captures our growing friendship.
The moments passed burdening me with the knowledge of her absence, the desire to draw in her floral scent and to drown in the ocean of her blue orbs, I'm entirely consumed by her.
Everyone went early to prepare their outfits for tonight's birthday party. I can't resist myself to get bothered by her lack of presence when the rest of her friends are roaming around. My mind flashes the harsh possibility of her being mistreated in a solitary corner, nope I can't sit here silently with this foreign feeling.
I leave my seat and begin to look for Hoorain, I can't decipher what I feel for her but one thing I'm hundred percent sure of is that I adore her in every sense possible, her smile flatters me, her eyes enthrall me, her blush mesmerizes me, I'm burning for her and I'm glad that it's her who's burning me.
It appeared that luck is on my side, I find Hoorain crouching down on a tuffet in the corridor with her back clasped on the wall. I release a sigh calming down the escalating the rapid beats of my heart that is on a marathon race now, damn what magic has she cast in the first glance that my heart has become all hers?
She looks stunning in a subtle lavender dress, her soft bangs gently brushing her forehead. Her blue eyes radiating warmth, and her ash brown hair cascading gracefully, enhancing her beauty.
Her allure is something I will never get enough of, the breezes that turn my heart into a fluttering mess are your breaths darling.
â¯â¯â¯â¯
HOORAIN'S DRESS
â¯â¯â¯â¯
Her eyes lock with mine in a bewildered manner, hesitantly I search around for a corner to hide screw it, Ahad Sikandar you're really scared of her. I notice a faint of worry in her eyes leading me to ask her through them.
I raise my eyebrow conveying the need of interrogation
Is there something?
Her teeth cages her lower lips haltingly but then nods her head
Yes there is.
My frown deepens
I can help?
She purses her lips and gestures around the empty corridor.
Do you see anyone else?
I chuckle lowly, touching my ear in apology
I'm sorry.. what's the issue ma'am?
I never projected myself conversing with any girl through eyes and gestures but with her it's more like she will convey it through her eyes and I'll understand.
"Can you please call any of the girls here?" Her pleading voice echoes the corridor and definitely my stomach had to do this weird thing. "Can I help?"
"Ahad.." she hesitates before I pass her an assuring nod transmitting that she can share anything with me, "the zip of my dress accidentally unfastened and now I'm unable to move from this spot"
Her cheeks flushes with embarrassment while I ponder the likelihood of someone scrutinizing her like this, especially any bully if I leave this place. "I'm sorry but it feels inappropriate leaving you alone in this condition"
I travel my gaze down making sure she's comfortable "so am I staying like this? At least someone needs to help me?"
"I can help you?" Before she can jump into conclusions I utter "please don't misunderstand me I'm just scared of any bully observing you here"
Her gaze lingers, hesitant, unsure of my intentions. "I promise, Hoorain, I won't look. Blindfold me or gouge my eyes outâwhatever makes you comfortable," I assure her earnestly. Reluctantly, she agrees, and I close my eyes without protest. Understanding her inner turmoil, I guide her towards a mirror. "Punch me if I open my eyes," I quip softly, trying to lighten the mood.
With my eyes firmly shut, I carefully instruct her, asking her to move her hair over her shoulder and deftly zip up her dress, ensuring every touch is respectful and gentle. "May I open my eyes now?" I ask, my tone softened with sincerity.
"Y..yes" her stammering reply pinches my heart unknowingly I smile at her and open my eyes, "Hoorain you can trust me, I'll never do anything that goes against your consent" I can tell she is restraining her blossoming smile.
"Ahad can I ask you something?" She asks, her voice tentative "take my life without seeking my consent and I won't utter a word Hoorain. Ask me as many as you want" I'm not even bluffing anymore, If she holds the gun on my chest then I'd give her myself ready to be shot.
"I mean is there any special reason why you're always this strange with me? You're a badboy but you act totally out of character with me"
I never visualized the possibility of this question thrown in my direction because I have no defense. How can I express the impact you have had on my heart? How can I convey that her gaze has had such an effect on my heart that now I wish to drown in it forever? "I myself don't know Hoorain it's just you are the destination, and you are also the path beyond that"
A hint of crimson paints her cheeks and she purses her lips together "I don't want to look at anything else now that I've seen you" is that a confession? I'm going to embarrass myself God what if she punches me right here?
"That's.. strange" she fumbles and pushes back a strand of her hair behind her hair, "I know and please don't bother yourself thinking about it too much"
Her smile calms my anxious heart, she makes me leave and I step aside to allow her some space, but to my surprise, she bumps into my chest.
Reluctantly, her endeavor to pull away fails as her hair tangles with the zip of my jacket, damnit I'm never wearing these jackets ever again so that the risk of her beautiful hair getting pulled reduces.
She tries to pull away but winces in pain when she fails, "calm down Hoorain let me do it" I assure her "can I touch your hair?" Her consent matters to me more than anything else. She nods in approval and I begin to untangle her hair knowingly taking the procedure slowly to spend more time with her. "Your heart is beating so fast?" This question had to rise when she's so close to me, my heart feels like it's going to explode. I chuckle and mutter under my breath "jiski har dhadkan hi Tum ho us dil kay itne kareeb ja kar ye sawaal banta hai Meri jaan?"
What the hell Ahad! Besharam hogaye ho! What will she think of you?
"What?" I'm thankful to her if she didn't hear and also thankful if she's pretending to not hear anything. Despite the urge to stay like this until the last breath stays in my body, I let her go "there it's done"
She rubs her head and it takes every fiber of my being to resist rub her head in a soothing manner "thank you Ahad"
If she continues taking my name like that then I'd do anything for her, "no need"
She smiles, and just as she's about to leave, I interrogate something that was bothering me for a long time I just hope she doesn't get offended "why do you always feel terrified when you look at me or even hear something related to violence"
I believe her reaction to violence is triggered by some past incidents, releasing a sigh she turns towards me "I have PTSD" and with that she leaves. PTSD? What's it? My heart swallows down on the thought of something critical happening with her, my cheeks feel moisture and I touch them to realize that it's my tears. I have forever been true to my image of a stoic boy but the thought of her suffering through a critical condition petrifies me, I don't even know what PTSD is.
After regulating my breaths I step to move outside but a hand stops me in my direction. I peek behind the wall to catch the sight of Inaya sheepily smirking at me "Ahad Bhai" she begins "as this was the first step towards my mission of getting you both together so I'm here for my payment".
I chuckle and grab chocolates from my pocket "how did you help me with this?" I motion my hands to our surroundings "how else do you think no one interrupted your sweet moment"
"Thanks Inaya"
"Please call me Naya"
"Alright Naya here are your chocolates as promised" among all the friends in her group I find her the most sensible one, she was the first one to call me Bhai and I'm starting to look at her as the sister I never had.
As I place the chocolates in her hand, she immediately unwraps them and starts having them as an addiction "don't expect me to share" I chuckle and reply "nope you can have them"
"Chalein mein chalti hu nahi to apka wo Pagal cousin ayega, kaheen bhi pagalpan shuru kardeta hai" I'm sure she's referring to Ayan, he's always disturbing Inaya despite my scoldings for a few time.
The realization dawns on me in the absence of souls that Hoorain shah has wrapped me around in the allure of her love and I find myself eager to stare at her smile. She's the only woman who'll get the right to snatch my last name, I'm madly and irrevocably in love with Hoorain shah.
Encapsulating myself by the air of wordlessness, I applaud my chaotic mates on the horizon. I wish to join them and cherish the joy of these moments but I can't bring myself the courage it requires, I can't actually enjoy myself knowing that I'm just a disappointment right?
All of the students are settled in a circle beside the bonfire, grasping the warmth and clicking their drinks with eachother. The night sky is lit with a canopy of stars and the flickers of fire adding to it's timeless beauty.
Suddenly I feel a gentle pull on my jacket, tilting my head I seek pair of green orbs staring straight into mine "hey Rhino grow up yaar you'll never be a university's student ever again" her efforts to drag me goes into vain as she has no match for my strength. Releasing a sigh I reject the offer but when has Maha ever listened to anyone?
"Uff boring insaan, I'm technically your girlfriend and you have to listen to me" hearing her label herself as someone to me brings a smile on my face, this girl is surely crazy "rhino everyone is there and you are here cut off from everyone, how do you want me to act as your fake girlfriend when you don't want to show it to world. Let me tell you I'm someone who needs extra attention-" once her train leaves the station it's impossible to bring it back.
"Chup ho jao" clutching her hand I cut her off "if I agree to join you guys will you shut up?"
"Mein hamesha bakwaas karoongi chahiye hoo to bolo?" One of her hand is situated at her waist and the other is pointing at me, I join my hands and mutter, "jee Meri maa sunlenege apki jahan leke chalna hai chaliye"
Arguing with Maha resembles debating with a wall where you're aware that it'll end up with no consequences, I'll have to do whatever she says. She grips my hand firmly and leads me to join their fun moment.
As we plonk ourselves the chatter of friendship escalates, Ahad shortly joins everyone and takes a seat beside Ayan, by the time Zaid arrives all of the spots are occupied hence he has to sit beside Ayra Shaikh her known enemy.
"Alright guys! Taking the charge to make the birthday night of Azan awesome I'm Ayan Ansari your very own handsome man" almost every girl present here cheers for Ayan to which he grins and winks to everyone, I'm wondering to check our DNAS to make sure we are related.
"I don't think of you as handsome even in my dreams" Inaya chirps and rolls her eyes while Ayan smirks at her "oh hazel we don't need to share what actually you think of me in your dreams" as everyone hoots I wish to throw a brick in his direction. How can he be so flirtatious before anyone?
"Let's start our evening with a warm song everyone we have a hidden singer here" I'm aware who is he trying to point out "Zaid Mirza would you like to come here and show your hidden talent" all eyes turns towards Zaid who awkwardly hides his face through his palm. He may be confident enough to smash any opponent in debate but he'll never have the courage to display his interests beyond academics due to his fear of going astray.
"What a hidden talent please keep it hidden" Ayra impassively utters while Zaid shoots her a murderous glare, their hate for eachother is palpable.
"I won't sing Ayan continue"
Rolling his eyes and continuing his so called fun night, Maha Joins him. Her smile is brighter than any of the jewel I've seen, sometimes I wonder about the reason of her happiness if she's actually joyous or just pretending.
"Leave everything guys since we all are doing some dares than why miss this golden chance to know something about the hottest and mysterious captain" great! Now it's my turn to cover my face from this unfiltered lady, mujhe koi is larki se bachao, she requires to add some filters on her mouth.
"So mr footballer" I roll my eyes uninterested to do anything she asks me to do, I tilt my head for her to continue "I challenge you to call your crush in front of us all and confess your love"
The whispers of challenge surrounds the air while our eyes communicating challenge and intensity of the situation. She believes that I'll never do such thing but I'm Rayan Khan I'm born to do unexpected, unhinged me surprised my parents by my acts so this is supposedly easy.
"He'll call his football instructor" Ayan laughs earning a clap from Zaid while Maha's eyes are glued on mine. I smirk at her and fish my phone from the pocket and dial someone's number, attracting shocking murmurs from everyone.
The silence is torn by the ringing sound of Maha's phone, with wide eyes she checks her pockets and glares at me. "Go on Meri jaan pick up the phone" the words escapes my mouth before I can realize anything but the expressions of Maha is worth it.
Ayan weighs down on the floor clearly shocked, while the water that Zaid was gulping splatters on Ayra's face to which she stares as if she's thinking of ways to bury him, Ahad as always is uninterested and everyone else let's just say they're recovering.
Maha presses her lips together and attaches the phone with her ear "Ms Maha Aamir I Rayan Khan am enthralled by you, you quiet my days by your absence and lighten my heart by your presence. I like you Maha, would you allow me to date you?" I must've gone insane but nothing is better than watching the confident Maha getting flustered. Even if our relationship is a fake one but we are required to picture it as truest of all, only then mom will let me live in peace.
"Say yes, say yes" everyone hooted for her simultaneously while we both know that nothing is related to reality in this. "Should I consider that as a yes Meri jaan"
Why the hell am I calling her Meri jaan! I internally mock myself for there is no need to give her a nickname yeah Rayan because you want to make it look more real this might be the case.
"It's a yes rhino"
She declines the call and rushes back into the farmhouse as if she was shy when that's the last thing I should associate with Maha. I'm left with the questionable gazes of boys yeah I need to deal with them.
Meanwhile I can't help but shake the feeling of sincerity of bond with Maha, it's a mutually beneficial relationship and I'm grateful that she's the one I'm having fake relationship with as none of us will fall for eachother.