My heart stalled, refusing to kickstart its rhythm in the wake of witnessing an utterly mesmerizing proposal by the most unexpected person to ever carry it out. Although it was completely fake subsequent to their deal but in every aspect it was still a proposal. I've forever been a girl who has yearned for true love, the love that is worth scripting poems, a one-woman man, but I'm also someone who believes my love would magically appear when all I do is isolate myself with books and coffee within my room, and aspire to spend my day like that. Each one of my besties is infused with my beloved tropes, Ayra has got her hot enemy aka academic rival, Hoor has her very own badboy who'll kill for her, Maha has embarked a fake dating journey meanwhile me...umm... I guess I'm happy with Aaron warner.
The four of us are occupying the hallway space, each is crowded by their own emotions. Ayra is fuming in anger due to the water that Zaid splattered on her face, Maha is flattered because of the proposal and Hoor, she's blushing thinking of Ahad.
"Revenge plan it is!" Ayra's brows furrows together she's resembling a packet of popcorn that is about to explode in a microwave "what are you going to do? Splash water on him?" Hoorain interrogates attracting a scoff by Ayra.
"Listen guys the plan is to somehow lock Zaid in the haunted building near farmhouse" all of our heads snaps towards Ayra at her devilish idea "what a wonderful idea" Maha exclaims, her orbs wide with excitement of course if Ayra says that she killed someone for no reason, Maha will find a way to justify and we all will help her hide the bod. "yeah Ayra how about I offer an invitation to Zaid to join us over there" my humour sucks when I'm stuck with these handful girls, "exactly Ayra this is impossible Zaid will never go there" Hoorain adds being the sensible one "and isn't it too much for a water".
"Everything is Fair in love and war and It's about his unapologetic behavior" Ayra moves her finger around all of us as if she's grasping a dagger towards Zaid "I have a perfect plan, one of us will force Zaid's friend to call him in that house and when he's there we'll lock the entrance" her grin widenes "let him spend a night in that haunted building with spooky ghosts"
"Ahad will never willingly let Zaid go into that building, Rayan will never be interested in it so we're only left with Ayan" Hoorain explains her point that only Ayan can be interested in carrying out such a plan but that too requires a lot of insisting.
"Yeah but how are we going to convince him?" My questions causes all of their gazes locate mine, Maha giggles and throws her arm around my shoulders while pressing my cheeks "we won't, you'll convince him hazel"
Over my dead body I'll willingly initiate a problem with that playboy, he'll probably waste my time by flirting. "NEVER" I ought to be clear about my views but there comes Ayra shoving chocolates in my mouth "now?"
I guess it won't hurt me to convince that pervert if this is the prize I'm getting, the next thing I recall is marching towards Ayan's suite devouring my chocolates. The girls are active on our gc awaiting my green signal. I've asked 20 minutes from them despite the fact that they argued about it as well, only if they stepped into my shoes they'll know how hard it is to deal with a flirty heartthrob.
Upon reaching I witness Ayan's suite door standing ajar but what's more pathetic is that the room is resonating with the sound of droplets and Ayan's shower concert. I wish to gaggle rather then witnessing it, I mean most of us sing in washroom but who's vocal chords are this high! this man has no shame at all.
Bound by the obligations of friendship I step forward the door of the washroom but before I can disturb this popstar, a board of switches catches my attention. I secretly hope one of them to have control of bathroom's light and luckily as I turn off one of them, the sound of song turns to a piercing shriek.
"Who turned off the lights!" Ayan wails banging the door meanwhile I hardly manage to swallow back my laughter, "oh Ayan tum andar Kya karrahe ho?"
(Oh Ayan what are you doing in there?)
Aggravated Ayan is a sight to see, I'll take it as a revenge for all those times he flirted with me. "Of course washroom mein khaana to nahi bana Raha hoonga"
(Of course I won't be cooking in the washroom)
Unable to control I break into a fit of laughter at his frustrated cry which immediately turns into a husky voice "whatever I'm doing inside are you so desperate to join me hazel?"
My eyes widenes up at his shameless remark, is it wrong to flutter? Because a zoo just jumped inside me. "Eww I'd never want to see you like that. The image makes me feel nauseated"
"Let's check it shall we?" Before I can process this information I'm pulled inside the luxurious washroom and after turning on the lights Ayan pins me against the wall, all of this happens so swiftly that my nerves couldn't actually calculate the distance.
The sight before me can put a heater into shame, his wet hair clinging to his forehead, water droplets tracing their path to his sharp jawline, his toned abs displaying his work in gym, thankfully a towel is wrapped around his waist.
"What the hell are you doing?" I glare at him perfectly struggling to ignore the fluttering inside my stomach, why does he have to be this hot!?
"Like what you see hazel?" This narcissistic bastard is aware of his effects on girls but I ain't like others, he maybe attractive but still not attractive enough to attract me.
Who are you fooling Inaya?
"Disgusted from what I see" his low chuckle evoke something inside me conveying that I need to get out of here as soon as possible "hazel your fluttering cheeks say something else"
It takes every fiber of me to pause myself from touching my cheeks and making a fool out of myself Infront of him. "Let me go jerk"
He leans in to whisper against my ear, his warm breath hitting my ear causing goosebumps to rise "you started this hazel and you should know that if you like playing then I'm the damn game"
I swallow harder but refusing to back down "I'm not scared of you playboy"
His lips curl into a mischievous grin "you should be" he leans further his breath warm against my skin "Because now you're in my territory"
"Oh really then how many girls have entered this territory of yours?" His smirk wickedly deepens "I don't care hazel because now that you're here it's restricted for anyone else"
Pathetic how he must've repeated these same lines before countless females. "Tum kahi jaake Fursat se mar kyun nahi jate?"
(Why don't you go and die somewhere)
"Hayee mar hi to gaya hu Tum par"
(I've already died on you)
The notification ring reminds me that I wasn't here to endure his flirting skills rather to convince him for escorting Zaid to that spooky place. I glance around in a desire that an idea may pop in my hand and suddenly a section piled with expensive and loads of skincare items grab attention, my eyes narrows as I glare back at Ayan. "Those are your belongings?" I ask pointing towards the section "that's very offensive glare hazel. I have a total 10 steps skincare routine morning and night"
I've always heard a rumour that boys are blessed with a flawless skin by only splattering water on their face, but Ayan busted it all for me. I'm clearly ashamed as I only use a moisturizer and a sunscreen in the name of skincare. "You're definitely obsessed with yourself"
"What can I do hazel? Beautiful things needs care and I'm the entire fruit shop of my eye" I roll my eyes but a grin immediately follows as a wonderful plan just clicked my mind, why convince him when I can blackmail him?
Without hesitation, I slip between his arms, snatching one of his prized possessions. His expression shifts from surprise to outright horror. Holding the item aloft, I position it perilously close to the toilet's edge. "Listen carefully," I murmur, my voice low and dangerous. "Do whatever I say or your precious item will end up getting flushed"
I hope he does comply because if not then I'm the one who'll be threatened by girls. Ayan's face twists in horror as he sees his precious skincare product dangling over the toilet. "Inaya, you can't be serious!"
My heart flutters with wicked delight along with slight fear as I dangle his precious moisturizer. The bathroom light casts a golden halo around Ayan's horrified expression, and I savor every second of his distress.
"Oh, but I am," I purr, my voice dripping with mischief. "This is your precious moisturizer, isn't it? The one that turns your face into a pimple free one"
Ayan's eyes widen, and he clutches his chest dramatically. "That moisturizer is worth more than your entire wardrobe!"
I raise an eyebrow, my lips curving into a sly smile. "Well, then you better listen carefully. Call Zaid and tell him to meet you in that haunted building near the farmhouse. Right now." Ayan is someone who would find this revenge plan thrilling but I can't take the risk not when I know how touchy our group is about friendship rules.
Suspicion flickers in Ayan's eyes. "Why do you want me to do that?"
I lean in, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "None of your business pervert just call him or bid your moisturizer a good bye" I intentionally pretend to push it down but Ayan falls with it, honestly who overreacts for a SKINCARE PRODUCT!
Ayan groans, getting his phone. "Fine, I'm doing it please pick it up" As he dials Zaid's number, he mutters, "this actually sounds fun"
I stifle a laugh, watching him closely. "It is fun my friend" I gesture him to put the phone on speaker Ayan rolls his eyes, putting the phone on speaker. "Zaid, meet me at the haunted building near the farmhouse. Now."
Zaid's voice crackles through the speaker, bewildered. "Are you out of your mind? Why would I go there?"
Ayan shoots me a desperate look. "Just... trust me, okay? It's important."
Zaid sighs. "Fine, Ayan but if this is one of your crazy adventures again Ayan I promise I'll throw your sneakers"
Ayan hangs up and glares at me. "Happy now? I compromised my sneakers for you"
I smile sweetly, pulling the moisturizer back from the brink. "Very. But who overreacts for skincare products?"
"Hey you react the same with your books and I'm quite protective of my things"
He crosses his arms, mock offended. "You better not let anything happen to my skincare. Do you know how hard it is to maintain this level of perfection?"
I snort, unable to contain myself. "Oh, I know, Ayan. You remind everyone every chance you get."
He smirks, regaining some swagger. "Well, it's not easy being this irresistible. But for you, I'd do anything my Hazel"
I laugh, shaking my head. "Just remember, this is a one-time deal. Don't think you can charm your way out of it."
Ayan winks. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it, Inaya. But admit it, you enjoy having me at your mercy."
Rolling my eyes, I grin. "I'd leave now thank you for your cooperation"
But as I step out of the space he softly grips my arm "I'll join you, won't miss fun hazel"
Uhhh as if this day could get any worse! I'm getting a lot of chocolates from Ayra for this one "alright I'm waiting"
His hand statues at the hem of his towel as I keep tapping my foot on the floor waiting for him, "do you want to see me change?"
My cheeks blush up on his shameless remark "yuckk shameless person" I rush out of the washroom only to hear his chuckle. I text them about the completion of our mission on our gc and finally my share of this revenge plan is done.
Having received Inaya's confirmation that Zaid is heading towards the building, I whirl around in sheer cruelty, fueled by the thoughts of revenge. Hoorain and Maha are already there awaiting my green signal beside the haunted place which will leave that Zaid Mirza breathless and terrified. He should've known better than to portray his unapologetic behavior upon splashing water on my face, I won't let him go so easily hence a night in that spooky place is perfect for him.
The abandoned building stands like a forgotten relic, its walls sagging under the weight of time. Once, it might have been grand-a place of laughter, perhaps, or whispered secrets. Now, it's a hollow shell, its windows shattered, its corridors echoing with the ghosts of memories long gone.
Reaching this abandoned place, Hoorain and Maha are nowhere to be found. The idea that they left me alone here is impossible so maybe they've went inside of this building to examine it.
Stepping inside the building, my footsteps echoes. The floorboard protests as of warning me to go back but I need to find Hoor and Maha, and the yelp of my revenge won't be silenced.
Suddenly the sound of door banging signals me that the girls mistook me for Zaid and now they have locked me inside the building. "What the hell" before I can turn around my back hits someone and the first thing that clicks my mind is to self defense.
Ayan's ridiculous approach to call me at this terrifying place didn't produce an ounce of doubt as I was aware of his never ending thirst for adventures. Keeping in mind the yapping of Ayan if I didn't go there, unwillingly I approach that place.
But when I didn't find Ayan anywhere near the building I thought to go inside as Ayan is someone who'll do it to explore the place. I believe in the existence of the invisible creation but I don't count it as a phobia or something that terrifies me hence I step inside the building with my usual bravado.
The door yawn open, revealing remnants of lives lived here: a rusted bed frame, a shattered mirror, a fireplace choked with weeds. Graffiti sprawls across the walls, a chaotic tapestry of rebellion and longing. And in the center of it all, a grand staircase spirals upward, its banister missing, its steps treacherous.
Abruptly, the door thuds with a loud bang bringing me back into reality. With a low curse I dash to the door but before I can reach out my back hits with a fragile body.
Turning back I catch sight of Ayra and before anything we both scream in unison. "WHAT!" I yell placing a hand on my heart, I can see her rolling her eyes through the moonlight hitting her grey orbs through the creaked roof "what what? You were the one to shout first"
"Yes what else my reaction would be after catching sight of a witch" I affirm, she switches on the light of her phone and flashes it directly in my eyes "your humour sucks"
"Guess I learned from the best, sucking at things Ayra" a smirk makes it way on my lips "besides I thought you'd enjoy a good joke"
A sarcastic chuckle escapes her lips "if I wanted a joke I'd just look at you"
Pursing my lips I strive to hold the leash of my anger, she pushes me to act out of my limits and my hatred for her only makes things worse. She just has to outwit me in everything.
I adapt the best option to ignore her so that we can get out of here as soon as possible because if we continued arguing then leaving this place will be impossible. Emitting a vexed sigh I step ahead to hunt for any other escape but my movement is resisted by Ayra's hand "let the smarter do the work"
Her overconfidence will drown her so I believe letting her go is the better idea, she embarks walking ahead but suddenly turns back with a scream when a spider suddenly appeared above her. "Nahi nahi Ms smart academic worm go ahead na"
"Shut up Zaid!" Making her furious is one of the things I enjoy besides academics "wese Ayra Banda muhn dhokar hi ajata hai bechare bhooton ko bhi dar lag Jayega"
(By the way Ayra, you should've washed your face or else the ghosts will be afraid of you)
"Tumhe tension ho Rahi hai tumhare ghar wale hai Kya?" She snaps back and I can tell she's rolling her eyes, I take my phone out to check but no signals reach this place damnit, things can't any worse at this point! I'm stuck In terrifying building that too with Ayra shaikh. I'm killing Ayan for it and everyone is invited on his funeral.
(Why is it bothering you? Are the ghosts your family members?)
Simultaneously, we activate our phone's flashlight hunting for an escape route as none of us wishes to stay here together. Enveloping silence we step ahead but then I witness that Ayra's knee is about bump into a sharp nail out length from the wooden drawer, before anything can happen my hand acts as a barrier against that nail and her knee. I hiss as silently as capable when her knee presses on my hand digging the nail deeper but thankfully the moment she senses my hand her knee pulls away.
Luckily no questions are asked rather I would've been awkwardly asked the reason behind my gesture. Shrugging off the blood that's probably dripping through my sliced skin, I move further deeper in the building.
"Huh I believe the door was closed by wind" a cough manages to escape my mouth as the dust particles are practically harmonizing around the air "The door won't open until tomorrow morning"
The air crackles with tension as I pivot back, my jaw clenches while she stand defiant, her gaze unyielding. I'm afraid I'll lose my control if she has anything to do with this silly situation.
"Okay I did it" she admits, her voice unapologetic "I planned this all to trap you here for the night because you were so unapologetic about splashing water on my face"
My anger flares, I shut my eyes and grit my teeth oh I need some control "YOU DID WHAT!" I keep my voice as low as I can as no matter what I won't yell at a lady "do you think this silly revenge will change anything?"
She smirks her lips curling into a dangerous smile, "nope but it's satisfying" I scoff trying to maintain my posture, this girl is surely something else and knows how to get on my nerves I can kill her right now.
I flex my hand sensing the blood still dripping through it, for once I see something mirroring concern flash her grey eyes, but I can be mistaken because Ayra shaikh can never be worried about me.
"How did you?" She steps closer, her eyes narrowing. Is she really concerned about me or mocking me? She fingers brushes my wounded hand as she grabs it and I flinch under her touch, a sensation I can't name swoons inside me, I never felt like this with any other girl but why does her touch feels weird?
"Dard ho Raha hai?"
(Is it hurting?) She asks. I don't let my guard fall Infront of her and to let her know the awkward effect her touch has on me "nahi bohot Maza araha hai" I retort while taking my hand back.
(No I'm really enjoying it)
"Give me your hand" her voice gruff as she demands, suspicion etching lines on my face as I doubt if she'll press it to make it worse "why would I trust you?"
"Because" she retorts "I'm not heartless unlike you"
Huh that's the most I've seen Ayra care about me even though she's feeling guilty about trapping me here however she won't admit it.
I reluctantly place my hands in her, experiencing the same unusual effect. She grabs a cloth from her pocket and gently wraps it around my hand. I watch her torn between the feelings of hatred and gratefulness, who she really is? The one who's caring about me right now or the selfish one who risked my dreams because of herself, is this her façade or that?
"I still hate you" she mutters, leaving my hand after wrapping a makeshift bandage "likewise" I reply.
We ascend upstairs to catch sight of her friends standing outside. The narrow staircase creaks under our combined weight as we ascend, each step reminds me of how I'm stuck here because of her and also the way she cared about me. I spin my head back to look at her struggling to climb the staircase maybe she's afraid of the dark. I pause and extend my hand for her to hold, she gives me puzzled look after observing my offered hand, "don't be scared I won't eat you just hold my hand, I won't let you fall"
She rolls her eyes but surrenders her hand in mine knowing that I'm right, a smile tugs on my lips.
Clutching her hand and gazing her time to time to make sure she's fine, we continue our steps. "You know" she begins "you should try acting more like this and not some chamkadar"
I scowl "deal after you stop chattering like an annoying machar who is impossible to swat away"
To my surprise she laughs, her laugh echoing the spooky walls "you know I'm more like a majestic dragonfly. Graceful and utterly uncatchable"
I catch up still clutching her hand softly "dragonflies don't talk like you Ayra"
"True" she concedes "but they do move around stagnant water like I'm moving around you"
I smirk "they like to move around that so you're suggesting that you like moving around me Ayra shaikh?"
We reach the rooftop, the night sky stretching above an expense of stars, untamed and undefined. She leans against the ledge, her silhouette framed by moonlight.
As the moonlight hits her face, I softly study her features. The sharp siren eyes adorned with a grey pupil, a heart shaped face and delicate, rose lips, Ayra is breathtaking like a silent thunder and storm, there is more to her then she shows the world.
"You know Zaid it isn't important to show your personal wishes everytime because I'm way out of your league"
I chuckle at her words while crossing my arms around my chest, if she thinks that I can't get any girl then she's mistaken it's just I choose not to spoil anyone's life by commiting myself into a relationship that doesn't mean anything to me. If I date I'll date to marry.
"Bold claim Ayra you know I can get any girl I want" I remove my glasses and rub my temple. "Wrong" she stands there although I can see her trembling "you can't get me"
"Can't I?" A predatory smile spreads across my lips as I take slow steps towards her. I envelope the space around her with my arms until she's pressed against the ledge, nowhere left to retreat.
I cage her in staring deeply into her eyes, the cold breeze causes her hair to cascade while I'm entirely sure that the way she's trembling has nothing to do with the breeze.
I lean in until our faces are inches apart "liar" I whisper, the word is soft but enough to send shiver run down her spine.
She opens her mouth to retort but I cute her off, my voice dropping to a low, intimate whisper "if I'd tried then you'd be in my sheets by now"
Her breath hitches, a flush creeping up her neck "you overestimate yourself" she manages, though her voice lacks her usual bite, the usual confident Ayra is feeling weak.
I chuckle, the sound dark and rich "Do I?" My gaze flickers down on her lips, then back up to her eyes "tell me, why haven't you pushed me away yet?"
She swallows hard struggling to maintain her composure "because you're ridiculous"
"Yet your heart is racing and you're trembling"
"I'm not"
I chuckle and let her go, stepping back and creating a chasm between us. The cool night air rushes in, but the heat of our proximity lingers, wrapping around me like a suffocating blanket. I can still feel the ghost of her body pressed against mine, the electric tension in the air.
She straightens, smoothing her clothes with those delicate, shaky hands of hers. "You should know better than to underestimate me," she says, her voice trying to be confident but betraying a slight tremor.
A smirk tugs at my lips, but my eyes are hard, masking the storm inside me. "Underestimate you? No, Ayra, I know exactly what youâre capable of. Youâre the one who underestimated me."
She scoffs, folding her arms over her chest, a defensive stance if I ever saw one. "Is that so? Because from where Iâm standing, it looks like youâre the one whoâs still hung up on the past."
Her words hit home, striking a nerve. The memories of taunts and phrases of insults floods my mind, the incidents of the past where I handled the weight of insults for something I never did.
I feel the familiar anger flare up, the bitter taste of betrayal resurfacing. "The past," I echo coldly. "You mean the part where you sabotaged my future? Where you blamed me for something I never did, costing me my dream college?"
Her jaw tightens, her eyes flashing with anger and resentment. "I did what I had to do" she snaps. "You had your precious surname to protect you, Zaid. I had nothing. It was either you or me."
"And you chose yourself," I say bitterly, the pain of her betrayal evident in my voice. "Of course you did. You always do."
"You think it was easy for me?" she shoots back, her voice rising with emotion. "You think I wanted to destroy your dreams? But I had no choice. I was fighting for my survival while you had everything handed to you on a silver platter."
Her words sting, but I canât let her see that. "Everything is handed to me?" I repeat incredulously. "Do you have any idea what itâs like to live under the weight of those expectations? To have to be perfect, to never slip up, because the slightest mistake could ruin everything? To always live up to the prestigious name and be the perfect heir?"
"Youâre not the only one with pressures, Zaid," she says, her voice shaking. "I had to fight for every scrap of recognition, every opportunity. I didnât have a safety net. I couldnât afford to fail. I didn't have any big family to back me up"
I stare at her, my anger slowly giving way to something more complicated, something like understanding. "So you sacrificed me," I say quietly. "You used me as a stepping stone to save yourself."
Her shoulders sag, the fight draining out of her. "I didnât want to," she whispers. "But I didnât see another way. You had a future no matter what. I was just trying to find one for myself."
I feel the weight of Ayra's words pressing on my chest, the mix of anger and understanding creating a whirlpool of emotions inside me. Our heated exchange is suddenly interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. I look up to see Hoorain, Ayan, Maha, and Inaya standing nearby, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Ayra, are you okay?" Hoorain asks, her eyes flicking between the two of us.
Ayra glances at me, then back at her friends. "Yeah, Iâm fine. Letâs go."
Maha steps forward, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she turns to Ayra. "We heard the argument. Are you sure youâre okay?"
Ayra nods, though I can see the tension in her shoulders. "Iâm sure. Letâs just get out of here."
The girls form a protective circle around Ayra and start to walk away. Inaya looks back at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and disappointment. I watch them go, feeling a strange emptiness settle in the pit of my stomach.
Ayan stays behind, his hands shoved into his pockets as he watches the girls disappear into the night. Once theyâre out of earshot, he turns to me, a curious expression on his face. "So sheâs the girl who created the havoc in our house?"
I nod, the familiar bitterness rising within me. "Yeah, thatâs her."
He raises an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "So thatâs why you guys hate each other so much."
I let out a humorless laugh, the sound bitter and hollow. "Hate doesnât even begin to cover it."
Ayanâs smile fades, replaced by a thoughtful look. "You know, I always wondered what happened between you two. It seemed like more than just a simple rivalry."
"Itâs complicated," I say, running a hand through my hair. "Sheâs the reason I didnât get into my dream college. She blamed me for something I didnât do, and it cost me everything. I still remember the disappointed yells of dad, the marks of his slaps and of course the taunts of being a failure to the Mirza name"
Ayan nods slowly, absorbing my words. "But it sounds like she had her reasons, too. Doesnât make it right, but maybe it wasnât as black and white as you thought."
I sigh, the weight of the eveningâs revelations settling heavily on my shoulders. "let's just go home"
"Sure buddy you know we're always with you. And here I thought you'd be having romance in such an amazing place"
"Yeah I'm still throwing your sneakers"
"No not my sneakers!"
With a laugh we both leave this place that may or may not have ignited something strange between me and Ayra. In all the years of our hatred this is the day that leaves me muddled and broken.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
Hey guys I hope y'all are doing fine and well. First of all thankyou so much for 3k views on this story! Thankyou to each one of my reader who spends their time reading this book.
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Here's a chapter with enemies and flirty ð
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