We're on the side of a deserted road, surrounded by nothing but the endless stretch of misty mountains, their tops shrouded in clouds. The pleasant cold biting my cheeks, and I bury my hands deeper into my pant pockets, watching the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and quiet regret.
The area we opted for our trip was known to be rarely snowy,when the year is marking its end, however, the weather is a perfect amount of cold the entire reason why we chose to travel northern, however, as the tradition has it.... Well... Our group never, I repeat, never ever can have a smooth plan. Either we end up behind the bars or in the middle of nowhere.
"I told you guys! I told you we should've brought a driver or at least a pocket internet device in case the signals aren't reaching!" Inaya brags as she continuously adjusts her jacket, borrowed from her man, due to frustration. "This is the LAST TIME I'm letting any one of you plan our days"
Ayra Snickers and glides down from the car bonnet, "you said that last time nayu, and the time before that as well.. accept it we're hopeless" while Inaya...she resembles a witch ready to cast a deadly spell on all of us, I'm literally waiting for her iconic "my dad" dialogue.
Did I inform you what Maha's doing? She's capitalizing on the empty street, recording her rants... This girl can find humour in the driest and shallow moments.
"Oh please, Maha, you'd vlog your own funeral if it meant views" I tease, rolling my eyes, I should get separate appreciation for sacrificing my sleep to come here.
"It's called recording memories girls" she giggles as she secures her digital screen inside her pocket and strides towards the car as if it'll ignite just after looking at her. "What the heck guys! Our car is broke and here we are collecting memories which we don't know we'll get to see or not. What if some gang arrives here and kidnaps us all?"
"Uhh overthinking machine... We're here to enjoy every moment" I affirm while poking her cheeks, I'm sure everyone of us agrees upon this point.
"Jee so turn your fikro meter off and let's focus on this" Ayra points at the car with a chastised expression... I mean yeah we need to ponder the solution for this problem as well.
"I guess I should really stop worrying" Inaya finally offers a smile and we girls share a satisfactory high five. S
Inaya overthinks about smallest issues which will end up with unthinkable scenarios in her head, I remember once we were passing by a shop and out of nowhere she said "guys I'm not feeling an urge to overthink, it definitely means something bad is going to happen".
Maha suddenly springs into action, holding up her hand dramatically. "Alright girls let me handle this I've got an amazing idea" she says, flipping her hair back as if she's about to negotiate a hostage situation.
Ayra raises an eyebrow. "Wow ye idea pehle mujhe kyun nahi Aya?" Sarcastic. Sarcastic and extremely sarcastic Ayra.
Maha ignores her, strutting over to the edge of the road and sticking her thumb out like some kind of confident hitchhiker from a rom-com.
With our eyebrows raised and confused stares, we watch her performing foolish acts.
"You sure she knows it's not a film?"
"Ya to ye Pagal hai ya mein"
"Ahahah but she does look good"
Shockingly, a car appears on the road, headlights slicing through the mist. It slows down as it nears us, eventually rolling to a stop.
The door opens, and out steps a man who looks like he just walked off a magazine cover: honey-brown eyes, dimples you could fall into, and a killer sense of style...seriously, the guyâs practically glowing against the snowy backdrop.
Maha's jaw practically drops, I touch her chin and shut her gaped mouth, "you can ogle later but first ask for help"
"Hi there!" she greets him, leaning in a bit too casually. "As you can see we are beautiful girls in trouble and you are a handsome guy with a solution to the trouble so you wouldn't want us to be stranded here would you?"
The guyâZayan Rehman, I think he saidâflashes a charming smile. "Sure I would be happy to help you, but what happened to your car?" He glances at each of us, his dimpled grin making Ayra and even Inaya raise an eyebrow.
Without missing a beat, Maha launches into an elaborate explanation. "So, you see, we were on this little "adventure" when the car decided to throw a fit. Wese to aag Lage basti mein Maha apni masti mein" She waves a hand at the car as if it's a toddler acting out. "But, um⦠my friend here"âshe points to Inaya with a completely straight faceâ"she's, well, not exactly⦠mentally stable."
Inaya's face goes red. "HEY! I am NOT mentally unstable!"
Me and Ayra are practically hiding our faces due to the sudden urge to laugh.
Maha throws her an apologetic smile, but her eyes are gleaming with mischief. "Shh Ina. Every psycho says that" she whispers conspiratorially to Zayan. "But you look like a kind soul, and I think we could use some help here, sir."
Zayan stifles a laugh, clearly entertained, but he nods graciously. "Of course. Anything for a group of⦠interesting travelers."
Inaya looks like she's ready to explode. "But I'm not a physco!!!"
But Maha's already moved on, giving Zayan her best puppy-dog eyes. "We're actually looking for this 'enchanting villa' so could you please give us a lift?"
Zayan glares at the paper and peers at us with disbelief, "you didn't check the location before coming here, did you?"
Inaya, me and Ayra stare at Maha who's gulping now... She was assigned with the task to search for location and make sure we reach there with the easiest route. I swear I'm going to jump off the cliff if he says the villa belongs to other area or what.
Zayan looks around and points at a board which is covered by the fog, causing a translucent sheet to appear before our vision, "that's the villa you've been looking for the past one hour"
There's a beat of silence, followed by Ayra groaning loudly. "You mean⦠we've been out here freezing, fighting, and having a full-on crisis while the villa has been right there?"
Inaya rounds on Maha, folding her arms with a glare that could melt ice. "Maha! You had ONE job!"
Maha throws up her hands in defense, cheeks flushed. "In my defense, the fog was thick! How was I supposed to know the villa was lurking out here like a stealthy mansion? Besides technically I was the one who protected us by asking this handsome man here"
Zayan just chuckles, crossing his arms. "Lurking like a stealthy mansion? Right. Well, on the bright side, at least you all got some⦠quality bonding time?"
Inaya rolls her eyes. "Oh yeah, that's exactly what I wanted. Bonding over hypothermia."
Ayra snickers. "And here I thought we were on a survival show for a second."
We all thank this kind man and bid him goodbye, after that we entered the villa and contacted the manager.
He leads us to the villa entrance, opening the door with a smooth gesture, and we're greeted by the warmth of the inside. It's gorgeous, with wide glass windows, soft lighting, and a fireplace crackling in the corner. The place looks like it's straight out of a winter resort magazine.
"You are mainly requested to be on the first floor however for now the entire villa is yours." The manager advises and leaves us to finally begin our enjoyment session. That's the thing about besties.... No matter how many scandals we go through, we will stick together throughout that and then laugh on it after resolving it.
We're all cozied up in our pajamas, just about ready to pass out after a day of pure chaos, stuffing our faces, dancing like maniacs, and laughing so hard my stomach still hurts. But just as we're about to drift off, a loud crash comes from downstairs, followed by a shuffle that sounds suspiciously like⦠well, a horror movie soundtrack.
All four of us snap up like we've just heard our favorite song play at a party.
"Did anyone else hear that?" Ayra whispers, her eyes wide and already halfway out of bed.
"What in the world is wrong here? Maybe it's a cat?" Amidst the growing terror within me, I still thrive being the optimist here.
Inaya stares at the sky with a pleading look, as if she's bargaining the universe to give her one peaceful night "ab to aesa lagta hai saans bhi lu to koi masla hojata hai"
"Fine girls" Ayra says, pulling herself up like she's preparing us for a battle. "The sound is getting worse we are going downstairs because we're scarier"
Maha, of course, is grinning like we're about to pull a prank. "I mean, worst-case scenario, we just scream really loud and hope someone hears."
A minute later, we're marching downstairs like a mismatched squad of crime fighters. Ayra's in front, holding a frying pan, swinging it like a pro. Inaya's clutching her sandal like it's the lifeline, muttering every protective prayer she knows. I've grabbed a flashlight, which is more likely to slip from my shaking hands than light anything up. And then there's Maha, cheerfully empty-handed, mumbling, "I'll just talk and they'll faint hehe"
As we tiptoe down the hallway, the lights flicker ominously.
"Great," Inaya says, gripping her sandal even tighter. "Just great. This is exactly how horror movies start. I swear if anyone says "Who's there?â I'm leaving."
Ayra throws her a look. "Weâre not that dumb." But then she pauses and whispers, "Hello? Is someone there?"
Inaya smacks her forehead.
"Ayra is sone robber seriously going to tell you that hey yes we are here and actually to steal or kill you?" I utter while swinging my phone here and there, searching for any possible movement.
"I feel like we should close the lights for more effect?" Maha suggests and without any thought I shut the switch of lights immediately, thankfully it is situated near me.
"Dumbo I was saying about the mobile flashlight!" Inaya smacks Maha's arm and we finally stride downstairs.
The entire floor is resembling a scene of crime Petrol... Pitch black is the only wavelength that my eyes absorb and the fear is directly spread to my heart.
"What the hell girls I feel someone touching me!!!!! We're surrounded get in action"
Maybe a hand lands on Maha's shoulder, and she lets out the loudest scream I've ever heardâfollowed by a punch that would make a boxer proud. There's a loud grunt and a scuffle, and we hear someone yell, "What theâ?!"
Without missing a beat, Ayra swings her sandal like she's going for a home run, Inaya is brandishing her frying pan, and I'm flicking my flashlight on and off like a strobe light.
"After all I'm the daughter of a daredevil" Inaya yells, mid-swing.
The lights suddenly flick on, and we're met with the most ridiculous sight ever: standing in front of us, wincing and looking half-amused, are the boys. Rayan, Ayan, Ahad, and Zaid.
Rayan is clutching his nose, which is dripping blood, his face a mix of pain and disbelief. "I should've known!" he sputters, glaring at her. "What the hell woman do you literally have a problem with me living? If yes then tell me abhi jaake khud khushi kar deta hu"
Maha's jaw drops. "Haww now it is my fault!!" She says while grabbing a piece of clothband cleaning Rayan's nose, by guiding his chin forcefully towards the ceiling "I do not have seventh sense which will inform Mee that rhino sir is coming I should not be cautious? Tell me is it my fault?"
"No no it's my fault, you can never be wrong"
Zaid smirks, hands in his pockets, looking like he's completely unbothered by the chaos we just unleashed on them. "I don't trust this lady to be safe all alone" he says casually, like he wasn't the one to freak us on our girls trip.
Ayra throws her hands up in exasperation. "Oh really? Mr Zaid Mirza last time I checked, you weren't my guardian nor am I dying for you to trust me"
"I don't care Mrs Mirza, I ain't leaving you alone and that's it"
Rayan, still nursing his nose, glares at Maha. "I should've never come here in the first place, literally Ayan I would internationally hit you with a football while you're goalkeeping"
"Huh first keep the blood from your nose in order"Â Maha snaps, folding her arms. 'Maybe next time you'll knock before sneaking up on people in the dark!"
Ayan, who's been trying not to laugh, finally bursts out "see this is what I didn't want to miss! And ofcourse my Hazel in PJs"
"Cheesy as ever" Inaya mutters but I sense that she's extremely blissful to catch sight of Ayan. I'm really happy for them to get along, they're made for eachother.
Meanwhile, Ayra is giving Zaid a death stare. "I mean, who sneaks into someone's kitchen like that? Did no one ever teach you basic manners?"
Zaid, unfazed, shrugs with a smirk. "And who swings a frying pan at the sight of movement? If this is what they taught in 'basic manners,' I'm glad I missed it."
Ayra's face turns red. "Next time, itâll be two frying pans."
In the middle of all this chaos, I suddenly feel a presence beside me. I glance up to see Ahad standing there, looking down at me with that soft smile of his, don't know for how long. I fold my arms and pout, "And you, Mr. Unexpected, why are you here? This is supposed to be a girlsâ trip!"
Ahad chuckles, sliding his hands into his pockets, completely unbothered. "Umm let's just say I'm lost without you"
I raise an eyebrow, trying my best to hold my stern face, but it's so hard when he's smiling at me like that. "How am I supposed to enjoy with my girls like this?" Like my extremely hot man is lurking beside me and all I can do is blush.
Ahad gives me his most innocent look. "Hmm that's a reasonable question" He leans in slightly, his voice dropping, "how about you do whatever you like and I'll just admire you"
My pout deepens, even though my heart's flipping inside. "Uhh you should've enjoyed back there"
He raises a playful eyebrow, taking my hand gently. "Wo mein kese karta? Meri Hoor to mujhse door thi"
I roll my eyes, but I canât help the smile sneaking up. "Fine. You're only getting the pass because you're cute when you're whipped"
He grins, clearly proud of himself. "Only for you," he says, squeezing my hand softly, completely ignoring the laughs and chatter around us. In his world, it's like weâre the only two people here.
Meanwhile, the other couples are in their own little worlds of bickering and bantering, and I can't help but laugh. This night turned into a wild mix of chaos and unexpected reunions, but with Ahad by my side, it's actually perfect.
I tiptoe downstairs, careful not to make a sound. The boys have claimed the sec floor, sprawled out and snoring like they own the place. I'm parched, and I can't sleep without something cold, so here I am, trying to avoid waking the sleeping giants.
This was supposed to be an all girls' trip, especially an escape route from Zaid's company. I can't afford another reason for embarrassment... Why the hell did I apologize out of nowhere!?
As I reach the kitchen and pour myself a glass of juice, I finally let my guard down. The cool liquid hits my tongue, and I savor it, relishing the calm.
Then, just as I'm about to take another sip, a shadow falls across the room, and I freeze. Zaid's there. In his white T-shirt and black trousers, hair tousled in that annoyingly perfect way, he leans against the doorway, his arms folded and gaze locked on me. There's something different about him tonight, no glasses, nothing softening that sharp, focused look of his.
I quickly swallow, setting the glass down with more force than I intend. "Enjoying the view?" I mutter, keeping my voice steady despite the way his presence seems to fill every inch of the room.
He chuckles while lowering his head habitually, still in the same leaning position "sweetheart I would enjoy the view better under me"
My eyes widenes and the juice threatening to spill through my mouth, why is this man so bold!? As if sensing my turmoil he steps closer, just close enough that I catch the faint scent of his cologne, crisp and warm, somehow. It shouldn't affect me...he's my enemy, my unwanted fiancé. But right now, under the dim light, he doesn't look like the Zaid I spar with in class. He's calm, almost relaxed, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing.
"Was talking about the designs of the floor sweetheart don't go in that direction" he says, leaning over the counter, his gaze burning into mine with an intensity that catches me off guard.
I roll my eyes, trying to ignore how his proximity messes with my pulse. "Are you here just to ruin my peace, or is there a reason you're looming around like some annoying shadow?"
"Trust me, the feeling's mutual," he replies, but there's a low warmth in his tone that pulls me in against my better judgment.
"One day I'll kill you and won't even regret that" I gasp when he takes a sip from my juice! What the hell!
Zaid chuckles and leans closer until his warm breath touches my earlobes, "I dare you to do that Ayra Zaid Mirza"
IT'S AYRA SHAIKH!
Without thinking, I grab the knife from the counter beside me, gripping it tightly. I reach up and push him back until his back meets the wall, the knife pressing lightly under his chin as I smirk, feeling a sense of control. His breath catches for a second, but instead of flinching, he lets out a soft, almost amused chuckle, guiding my hand downward with his, until the knife's edge rests near his heart.
"If you want to go for it, aim here," he murmurs, his eyes darkening as they meet mine. "That's where you'll have the real control sweetheart"
For a beat, we just stare at each other. His gaze is scorching, and I feel the weight of it travel from my head to my toes. His hand is still over mine, fingers lightly brushing against my skin, warm and steady. I swallow hard, cursing the way my heart races despite myself. "You aren't afraid of dying like this by my hands"
"Afraid?" His chuckle deepens, is this man psychotic? "No sweets, I enjoy watching you lie so much"
Every nerve in my body is screaming for space, for air, but I can't bring myself to move. His touch is electrifying, and I'm rooted in place, unable to break the tension between us. His gaze travels from my eyes down to my lips, lingering there with such intensity that I feel my cheeks warm.
"Tell me Ira" he says, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through me. "Are you really planning to hurt me, or do you just like having me at your mercy?"
I bite back a retort, but he sees through it, his smirk widening as his thumb grazes the back of my hand, still holding the knife. The closeness, the heat radiating from him, is overwhelming, making it hard to focus on anything but him.
"You think you're in control," I say, managing to find my voice, though it's softer than I'd like. "But you're the one with your back to the wall."
He chuckles, that low, taunting sound that sets my skin alight. "Maybe I'm exactly where I want to be." His eyes hold mine, daring, inviting, as if there's nowhere else he'd rather be than right here, pressed against me, with barely any space between us "I choose to be like this ira or else you would've been the one pinned against the wall by me"
For a moment, I falter, feeling his hand drift up, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. The small, unexpected tenderness catches me off guard, making my heart race even faster.
I tilt my chin up, refusing to let him see how rattled I am by his touch. My voice, however, comes out steadier than I expected, laced with a hint of defiance. "Oh really?" I say, arching a brow. "You think you'd have the nerve to pin me against the wall, Zaid? Because from where I'm standing, it seems you're all talk and no action."
A flicker of something darker and dangerous crosses his eyes, his smirk widening as he moves with swift purpose causing the knife in my hand to drop with a clatter. Before I can react, his hands slide to my waist, lifting me effortlessly, and suddenly I'm sitting on the cool surface of the kitchen counter, his body pressed against mine. He leans in close, his mouth hovering near my ear, his breath hot against my skin.
"Careful ira" he murmurs, his voice deep and deliciously teasing. "I'm the only one who can pin you anywhere" His fingers brush lightly over my hand, tracing the faint outline over my engagement ring. "After all" he whispers, his eyes holding mine with a dark, possessive gleam, "you wouldn't forget that you're officially engaged with me sweetheart"
A dangerous smirk touches his lips as he stares deep into my eyes, "Still hate me?"
For a second, I forget to breathe, his words and the proximity setting every nerve in my body on fire. Why the hell am I so affected when this asshole is just pinning me! God I hate him.
"More than ever genius"
He chuckles, "same here academic worm"
The banter feels familiar, almost comforting. But then, my thoughts drift back to that nightâthe one I try not to think about. My apology, my vulnerability⦠and his reaction, which I never got to see. I glance up at him, feeling the question on the tip of my tongue, hesitant yet insistent.
Zaid's eyes narrow slightly as he studies me, and then, as if reading my thoughts, he murmurs softly, "Ask what you want, bacha."
My heart skips, the warmth in his tone catching me off guard. Bacha. No one's ever called me that. I'm the one usually taking care of others, not the one who gets pampered with such names. I glance down, trying to push away the strange, fluttering feeling in my stomach.
Taking a breath, I finally ask, "That night⦠after I fainted⦠what happened? I mean, you did hear me apologize? What⦠what did you think?"
He sighs, his expression softening as he watches me. A moment passes, and then he reaches for my hands, holding them gently. "I forgave you bacha" he says, his voice tender, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I could've teased you about it but I guess a wildcat had enough"
Before I can say anything, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out something small and delicate. My heart stutters when I realize what it isâthe bracelet. The one I lost months ago and had completely forgotten about. How did he have it?
With careful fingers, he slips it onto my wrist, fastening it with a quiet precision. "Thought you might want it back" he murmurs, his gaze focused on my wrist. "Hmm it does look better"
I can't disintegrate the whirlpool of emotions swirling inside my mind, I hate him yet he's the only one who pampers me. Dismissing the urge to finally break off my shell I rather choose our usual style, "but I still hate you and still scoring more than you"
He chuckles and makes a pondering face, "I'm always ready for a good competition sweetheart"
AUTHOR'S POV
Hoorain jolts awake, heart pounding, chest heaving as if she's run a marathon. Beads of sweat line her forehead, and her hands...her hands are trembling uncontrollably. She stares down at them, the silent quiver a cruel reminder of what she's been trying to avoid. Tears prick at her eyes as the realization dawns: another PTSD attack.
Not wanting to disturb anyone, she slips out of bed and makes her way downstairs. But the moment she steps into the lounge, her attack escalates. Her vision blurs, breathing comes in shallow gasps, and she can't fathom why this is happening. It was just a simple sleep; why is her mind reacting this way?
Just then, Ahad appears, his face etched with deep concern. He approaches slowly, understanding exactly what's unfolding before him. But as he nears, she instinctively steps back, fear gripping her tighter.
He stops, raising his hands in a gentle gesture of reassurance. "I won't do anything, Hoor" he says softly, his voice a calming balm against the chaos in her mind. "Let me⦠just let me be here with you."
Her tear-filled eyes meet his, and in that single, desperate glance, Ahad feels a pang so deep it nearly breaks him he feels as if someone has torn his heart into a million pieces. She starts to cry harder, her silent tears giving way to wracking sobs, and she rises, almost stumbling as she tries to push him away. But he's already reached her, pulling her into his embrace with a gentleness that holds the weight of everything he can't say.
As she resists, weakly pushing against him, Ahad's own tears spill silently, though he maintains his composure for her sake. His arms stay wrapped around her, firm but calming, his hand softly patting her hair as he whispers soothing words. Gradually, her breaths begin to slow, the tightness loosening bit by bit as his voice becomes an anchor in the storm of her mind.
They stay like that, locked in a quiet, shared vulnerability, until her breathing returns to normal.
As her breathing steadies, Hoorain clings to Ahad, grounding herself in the steady rise and fall of his chest. She's no longer trembling, but there's a lingering vulnerability, like a delicate thread holding her together. Ahad keeps his arms wrapped around her, his hand gently stroking her back in quiet, unwavering support.
"I don't even know why it happened so suddenly" she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's been so longâ¦"
He pulls back slightly to look at her, a softness in his gaze that could melt anyone's defenses. "It's okay Hoor I'm there"
She takes a shaky breath, hesitant. "It⦠it happens sometimes."
"Hoor," he says gently, "you don't have to tell me if you're not ready."
She meets his gaze, a determination flickering in her teary eyes. "No, I... I have to."
Ahad remains silent, his hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder, as she begins.
"You know how I grew up as an orphan, right?" she starts, her voice barely above a whisper. He nods, listening intently, letting her take her time.
"When I was in school, I was⦠different. An outcast, really. The other kids didnât know what to make of me, especially one boy. I can't even remember his name, but he would look down at me like I was nothing." Her voice cracks slightly, and Ahad squeezes her hand, silently urging her to continue if she wants.
"One night, after a school function," she continues, a haunted look in her eyes, "I was tricked into a room at the far end of the building. No one was around. And then⦠someone locked the door from the outside."
She takes a trembling breath, her grip on Ahad's shirt tightening as she recalls the memory. "I remember the feeling of suffocating⦠of banging on the door and crying, begging for someone to let me out. My breathing started to spiral, and I felt like I was slipping away, like I was disappearing. I don't even know when I blacked out, but the next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital, three days later. PTSD has been with me since then⦠lurking, waiting."
Ahad's hand stills, and for a moment, they stand in silence. Then, with a tenderness so profound it brings fresh tears to her eyes, he cups her face, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. His voice is soft, yet filled with a quiet resolve.
"Hoorain," he murmurs, "no one should ever have gone through that. And from now on, youâre never facing this alone. I'm here. Always."
His words are simple, but they hold a weight she hadn't realized she needed. She lets her defense fall in his arms as she's aware that she'd be with no one other than him. Ahad will always be her safe place.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
Hey guys I hope y'all are doing fine and well.
I'm extremely happy for our book crossed 100k views, thankyou to all of you ðâ¤ï¸
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Yeah I am going through a writer's block.
Finally our enemies are having there slow burnð
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