Everyone is crazy!
Everything is crazy!
And I'm crazier because I'm in love with these crazy people!
It isn't a lie to state that the universe has an ironic sense of humour, it'll drag you into such situations which you never contemplated in your wildest thoughts.
I never decided that someday I'll fall for someone who admires another person, and that someone will be MAHA...even my angels didn't know that.
If I script an autobiography then the past two days will be mentioned more than twice as Rayan Khan's most challenging hours. In true senses, we crashed a wedding of millionaires without the fear of being caught, we could've been arrested or exiled, the possibilities were endless however Maha's hunger for adventure surpasses them.
Currently, our van is moving through the roads that tear the mountains. It's before the break of dawn, initial rays of a new day gradually enveloping the dark sky. As Ahad had been driving for hours so he's taking some rest while I'm in charge of driving, keeping in mind the probability of accidents if we let Ayan to drive the van. Thankfully, the van is autonomous so it doesn't require much human involvement.
Moving into the main area of the van, I'm greeted by a strangely peaceful sightâeveryone's fast asleep. Ahad has his head tilted back, breathing deeply; even Ayan, who usually has way too much energy, is out cold, sprawled in his seat. But then I see her.
Maha is curled up against a seat, clutching it like a koala bear, her cheek pressed adorably to the fabric, her limbs wrapped tightly around it. I can't help but chuckle quietly at the sight; there's a softness to her that I've never noticed this close. Even in her sleep, she has this vibrant, unrestrained energy that seems to seep through. Her dusky skin glows warmly in the early light, as if touched by gold, and there's something so effortlessly beautiful about her.
My gaze trails over her delicate featuresâthe curve of her cheek, her plump lips slightly parted as she breathes, her dark hair loosely tied in a bun with a few rebellious strands framing her face. It's unfair, really. The effect she has on me. I let out a quiet sigh, knowing that she'll probably never feel the same way.
Not wanting her to wake up with a sore neck, I lean over and gently brush a few stray strands of hair from her face, then move to adjust her position. But before I can settle her properly, there's a sudden kick aimed squarely at my chest.
"Hey!" I fall back, shocked, barely catching myself before hitting the floor entirely. My eyes widen as Maha mumbles, half-asleep, "I'm going to kill youuuu, stupid guards!" Her voice rises with the threat, her foot still twitching as if she's ready to take down an imaginary enemy.
I sit there on the floor for a second, stunned, processing what just happened. Can this girl get any weirder? She's unpredictable even in her sleep, and somehow, I find that oddly endearing.
At my abrupt thud, girls stirs awake, blinking and trying to figure out what's happening.
"What happened?" Inaya asks, groggy but concerned, as she rubs her eyes.
"Nothing," I mutter, still staring in disbelief at Maha, who's gone right back to clinging to the seat, looking as peaceful as ever.
Hoorain chuckles, shaking her head knowingly. "Oh, that's just Maha. Don't worry, she talks and moves in her sleep sometimes. You're lucky she didn't start kicking everyone else too."
Inaya chuckles softly, settling back down. "Yeah, consider yourself lucky, man. Last time she tried to suffocate Ayra through her pillow thinking that's the villain from her favorite story"
Ayra scowls, rubbing her face as if the memory still hurts. "I know right! She's a walking lab experiment"
I shake my head, biting back a laugh, and glance back at Maha. Even as she sleeps, she somehow manages to be this feisty force of nature. It's like no matter what she does, she's incapable of blending into the background, even for a second.
Settling back into my seat, I let myself smile, still marveling at the fact that this girlâwho drives me insane and makes me question my sanity every other secondâalso manages to make my heart race like no one else.
How did I go from she's crazy to she's crazily mine and I'm insanely hers?
From despising her chaotic acts to becoming one who never wants her to stop being herself.
Huh Rayan Khan! You're really in a deep issue.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
Ye SADAQA family ka naam hata kar, mental family rakh Lena chahiye.
(Yes we should replace this name of SADAQA family to mental family)
As if this chaotic crew couldn't get any more unpredictable. Just when I thought we'd continue on with some semblance of peace and quiet, the girls decided it would be a brilliant idea to borrow some cycles from a random spot on the side of the mountain road.
Now we're debating in the middle of the road in front of some random guy on why he doesn't have safe or pink colored bicycles!
I mean IT'S HIS BUSINESS! Moreover, we haven't ridden any of his cycles to create a judgement that they aren't safe.
But Ahad, I sigh, he's fussing about the fact that Hoorain shouldn't ride alone as she's not trained despite her confirmation that she can. About that pink thing.... Inaya just stated it once that she would've preferred a pink bicycle and Ayan is willing to pay him grands for that. Guess love really makes you sick.
"You know their are hundreds of reasons why I don't appreciate love" Zaid affirms while wearing his glasses, "but looking at my brothers loosing their ability to think is my favorite reason"
I part my lips to retort but before I can draw a breath a female voice interrupts from our back, "infinite reasons to cause a murder yet you, are my favorite"
Ayra shaikh, her ability to crawl under Zaid's skin is commendable (I'll never admit that but it's true) Zaid had always been composed and a gifted child, his extra ordinary IQ of 150 is something everyone is envious of. But, there's something about Ayra that makes him question his abilities.
Deep down he knows that whenever he scored less than her, it was intentional... Zaid Mirza can never lose at anything unless he wants to and he knows it.
"I don't mind a murder sweetheart as long as I'm your favorite one" Zaid winks at Ayra and I leave with sigh, it's better to watch Ayan fight over pink cycles rather than observing my brother's romance.
"A race!" Maha exclaims, her eyes practically lighting up at the thought. "Wonderful"
I stare at her, deadpan. "Really? We're going to race⦠here? On these roads?â
"Oh, come on rhino" she grins, already hopping onto a bicycle with a mischievous spark in her eyes. "Where's your sense of adventure?"
"Left it back at the van," I mutter, glancing at the winding mountain road. But, of course, everyone else is already on board with the idea.
The view around us is breathtaking, I'll give them that. The sky's awash with hues of pink as the sun begins to rise, casting this pleasant glow over the rugged mountains. It's almost peacefulâwell, maybe because I have the best people around me.
Zaid grabs a bike, adjusting the seat with all the seriousness of a professional athlete. "I'm taking this one. It's clearly the fastest."
"Oh, please," Ayra scoffs, rolling her eyes as she picks her bike. "I'm winning this, no question."
Beside her, Inaya giggles, looking a bit nervous but excited. "I haven't cycled in years," she admits, wobbling a bit as she climbs on.
Ayan, now the whipped man, pats her on the back reassuringly. "You know Naya, we can ride together"
"Thankyou Mr flirty but I'm winning this alone" she laughs, shaking her head at him.
Ayan laughs and of course, has to take it up a notch. He's wearing sunglasses (where did he even get those?), posing dramatically with his bike as if he's about to film an action scene. "Prepare to be left in the dust, people. Ayan Ansari doesn't lose."
"Hoor we can just sit and watch right? Am I asking a lot?" Poor Hoor is cladded with safety pads and cycling caps as Ahad was afraid she'll fall, and now he's emotionally blackmailing her for not doing it.
"Ahad focus on your cycling now! I'm not a child" Hoor affirms while sitting on her cycle and Ahad quietly follows her instructions.
"Are you all seriously going through this?" I ask, already dreading the chaos thatâs about to unfold.
"Scared of losing, captain?" Maha smirks at me, one eyebrow raised in that challenging way that always makes my blood pressure spike.
I sigh, reluctantly grabbing a bike of my own. "Fine. But when one of you crashes, don't say I didn't warn."
With everyone lined up, Ayan yells, "Three⦠two⦠one⦠GO!"
We pedal down the empty, chilly mountain roads, the early morning air rushing past us, filling our lungs with that crisp mountain freshness. Itâs absolute chaos, but in the best way. Everyone's cycling like they're on a mission to be the biggest menace on the mountain, racing each other, shouting, and laughing so hard that our voices echo off the rocky slopes.
Zaid tries to go ahead, yelling back at Ayan, "Eat my dust, loser!"
Ayan speeds up, effortlessly gliding past him. "Dust? The only thing I'm eating is victory! Keep up, grandpa!" He throws a mocking salute at Zaid, who groans and pedals even faster, his face twisted in determination.
Ayra zooms past them both, giving Zaid a smug look. "Should've brought your training wheels, Zaid! You're slower than a grandma!â
"Oh, now you're in trouble!" Zaid yells, trying to catch up, but Ayra's already too far ahead, cackling like she's won the lottery.
Meanwhile, Inaya's lagging a little behind, trying to keep steady. She looks nervous but excited, wobbling as she adjusts her grip on the handlebars. "Um, guys, does anyone know how to, uh, brake?"
Ayan's right next to her, pretending to be Mr. Confident as usual. "Nope I know how to love you" He raises his arms, letting go of his handlebars completely, and yells like he's in an action movie, "Freedommm!"
Inaya's horrified. "Ayan, hold on, you idiot! You're going to fall!"
Predictably, Ayan wobbles for a moment before losing balance and nearly tumbling off his bike. Everyone bursts out laughing as he tries to regain control, shouting, "I meant to do that! Totally part of my plan!"
Somewhere in the middle of all this chaos, I glance over at Maha, who's cycling beside me with this mischievous glint in her eye. She narrows her gaze at me. "Bet I can beat you to the bend up there."
I scoff, pretending to be unbothered. "Yeah, okay. I'll believe it when I see it."
Without warning, she speeds up, and I'm forced to pedal harder to keep up with her or I ask myself to do that... She's laughing, calling over her shoulder, "What happened to the big, tough football captain? Can't keep up?"
"Oh, you're going to regret that," I shout, and try to overtake her, but she swerves right in front of me, blocking my way.
She sticks her tongue out at me. "Not today Rhino"
We're all racing neck-and-neck now, with Hoorain and Ahad bringing up the rear. Ahad's trying to convince Hoorain to slow down, but she's happily taking her time, humming a little tune as she cycles.
"Come on, Hoor" Ahad urges. "You'll get hurt" with that his cycle sticks by her side.
She shrugs, smiling back at him. "You can take care of me Ahad! Let me enjoy!"
Ahad sighs, grinning as he gives in.
Behind us, Ayan's still recovering from his earlier wobble, but he suddenly gets a second wind. "Alright, losers, it's time for the Ansari special" he zooms past everyone, throwing imaginary rose petals as he does.
Maha shouts after him, "Ansari don't forget your Aamir partner in crime!"
Everyone bursts into laughter, the sound mixing with the rush of wind and the echoing mountain silence. For a moment, it feels like nothing else matters, just us, the open road, and the sheer thrill of being alive and carefree.
We finally reach a wide bend in the road, slowing down to catch our breath. Ayra is grinning victoriously, her cheeks red from the cold. "Told you I'd win," she declares, smirking at Zaid, who's panting beside her.
Zaid rolls his eyes. "I let you win. Don't get used to it." But then he rubs his hand to produce some heat and pats her cheeks as if that'll help her. He still claims to hate her.
Maha leans back on her bike, stretching her arms out wide and taking a deep breath. "This is the life, guys. We should be professional cyclists."
Ayan snorts. "Yeah, right. I think we'd be banned for causing too many accidents."
Ahad, still beside Hoorain, raises a hand, smiling. "Worth every bruise, though. This was perfect."
And in that moment, with the sun slowly creeping over the mountains and the last traces of night fading away, I know he's right. We're a mess, a completely unpredictable, ridiculous mess, but these people are the best kind of chaos.
we're surrounded by the most breathtaking view I've ever seen. Peaks rise up around us, draped in mist and fog, the soft colors of sunrise brushing over them like a painting. The sky is a tapestry of pastel colorsâpink, orange, and hints of purpleâmeeting the rugged earth below.
It's the most beautiful sight in the world... I would say it if I hadn't seen a pair of ocean orbs.
Bring thousands of views ahead of me yet my Hoor will remain the most beautiful of all.
After our cycle race won by Ayra, everyone decided to stop by a beautiful restaurant built on the roadside. I sneakily took Hoorain on this spot which kind of... feels like our spot back in town.
"Seems like you're a little lost in thought," she teases, nudging me with her shoulder.
"I am" I answer, a smile tugging at my lips, "all of them start and ends
with you."
Her cheeks turn a soft pink, though she tries to hide it with a scoff. "Flattery isn't going to get you out of trouble for making me run off without telling anyone."
I laugh, leaning closer to her. "Some things are worth a little risk, Hoor." I pause, letting the warmth of the moment settle between us. "You know, this view is incredible, but I'd still pick you over every sunrise, every mountaintop, every sight out there."
She laughs softly, her fingers grazing mine. "You're really pulling out all the lines today, Ahad."
"Just saying the truth," I shrug, enjoying the way she tries not to let her smile get any bigger. Then an idea strikes me. "In fact, why don't we make it official? Let's shout it outâtell the mountains who's really got my heart."
Hoorain's eyes widen, laughing as she shakes her head. "Are you serious? You want me to scream up here like a fool?"
"Why not?" I nudge her with a playful grin. "I bet you're too shy to say it out loud."
That does it. Her eyes narrow, her competitive streak shining through. "Oh, you're on, Ahad Sikandar. If anyone's shy, it's you."
I laugh, stepping back to give her a bit of space, gesturing grandly to the open sky. "Ladies first."
She narrows her eyes at me, then takes a deep breath, cupping her hands around her mouth before shouting at the top of her lungs, "Ahadddd Sikandar!!! I love youuuuuu!" Her voice echoes through the mountains, bouncing off the peaks and filling the air around us. It's so pure and filled with laughter that I can't stop myself from grinning like an idiot. It's the first time she has admitted her love for me or else her answer to my confession would be "thank you."
I step closer, shaking my head in awe. "You're stuck with me you know that?"
"I know," she points out, still laughing, the sound dancing in the mountain air. "Your turn now, or does Ahad Sikandar back down so easily?"
I match her stance, cupping my hands around my mouth. "Hoooraainn! I'll love you foreverrrrr!" My voice fills the air, too, mixing with hers, and for a moment, it's like it's just the two of us here, surrounded by mountains and sky and endless possibilities.
She turns to me, eyes shining, and steps closer, wrapping her arms around my waist as I pull her in. "You know," she murmurs, resting her head against my shoulder, "I think this might just be my favorite place in the world."
I press a kiss to her hair, letting the moment settle, our quiet breaths in sync, I affirm still looking into her eyes and point at her heart "and this is my most favourite place in the world"
With her head tucked against my shoulder, I can feel the warmth radiating from her cheeks, and it only makes me smile wider. I pull back a little, just enough to see her face, flushed pink under the soft dawn light.
"You know," I begin softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "one day, we'll have our own little family. Just thinkâour own mini versions of us running around, I even thought of names."
Hoorain's eyes go wide, her blush deepening. She lets out a shy laugh, looking down at her hands as if they suddenly hold all the world's secrets. "Ahadâ¦" she whispers, her voice laced with that sweet shyness that I can never get enough of.
I tilt her chin up gently, my thumb brushing across her cheek. "If we have a daughter," I say, smiling as I imagine it, "we'll call her Hayat."
She blinks, her expression softening. "Hayat?" she echoes, her voice almost a whisper. "Why Hayat?"
"Because it means life," I reply, my eyes locking onto hers. "And she'd be just thatâa little piece of life, of us. A reminder of every beautiful thing that led us to this moment." I can see her eyes glisten slightly, and I know she feels it too, that image of the future becoming real between us. I don't know if I'm taking it too far, but a future with her is all I wish for a living.
"And⦠what if it's a boy?" she asks softly, her voice so tender, almost like she's treading on a dream.
"Ahaan," I say with a grin, watching as her brows raise slightly in curiosity. "I'd want him to be strong and pure-hearted. Ahaan means dawn, and he'd be like thisâlike a new beginning, just like this sunrise here, reminding us every day of hope and new chances."
She stares at me, a smile creeping onto her lips as she tries, unsuccessfully, to hide it behind her hand. "You've really thought about this, haven't you?" Her eyes are soft and full of something indescribable, something so close to love it makes my heart skip.
"Of course I have," I reply, gently taking her hand in mine. "You're my future, Hoor. I want everything with you. I want to wake up beside you every morning, see our kids playing in the yard, laugh at their little quirks they get from you⦠and maybe worry about the badboy vibe they'll get from me."
She giggles, her blush deepening, and for a moment she's so quiet that I wonder if she's lost in the same daydream as me. Then she bites her lip, glancing up at me shyly. "You really think⦠I'd be a good wife to you?"
I hold her hands tighter, drawing her even closer. "I know you would. You'd be the best wife in the world."
She lets out a shy, soft laugh, then buries her face in my chest, muttering something incoherent about me making her blush too much. I just hold her close, my fingers brushing gently through her hair.
"Hayat and Ahaan," she whispers finally, looking back up at me with a shy smile. "Done sir"
"Ahad, why do you always call me hoor? I mean in the books their are many nicknames yet you call me Hoor"
I chuckle at her question, not because I don't have an answer to it but maybe she'll find the answer rather foolish, "you see" I begin. "Hoorain means beautiful eyes and there are approximately 16 billion eyes in the world yet, your eyes are the only ones I see my soul in"
"And Hoor means the women of paradise and I don't think that you're meant for anything less than that... And I can't bring myself to find any more beautiful nickname than your name. It was meant for you Hoor"
Her fair cheeks are now red as she blushes. And as the sunrise casts its golden glow over us, with her in my arms, the world somehow feels more beautiful, more complete.
"Ahad?"
"Hmm"
"I love you"
"Hoor?"
"Hmm"
"Thankyou"
The restaurant is nothing short of magicalâperched right between the mountains, with an open view of cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. The gentle sound of water crashing against rocks mixes with the hum of morning birds, creating a tranquil yet exhilarating vibe. I take a deep breath, letting the cool, crisp air fill my lungs as we all sit at this wooden table, surrounded by beauty that feels like it belongs in a dream.
But even with all of this...the mountains, the waterfalls, the golden sunlight painting the world....I find my focus narrowing down to one thing. Or rather, one person.
Inaya.
She's sitting right beside me, laughing at the jokes going around the table. Her laugh is this soft, lilting melody that somehow cuts through all the noise. I don't know why I keep glancing at her...okay, maybe I do...but I swear, the way the sunlight hits her face, catching those stray curls escaping her braid, it's enough to make a guy forget we're surrounded by mountains and not a Bollywood set.
Why any guy? It's always gonna be me.
"Earth to Ayan," Zaid's voice jolts me out of my trance. I blink at him as he leans forward, a sly grin plastered on his face. "You're staring so hard at Inaya, I'm surprised she hasn't melted into the chair."
"Yes so? I'm staring at my girl.. you can stare at yours as well" I snap, feeling my ears heat up.
"Huh I don't have any girl" Zaid snaps back and I roll my eyes, he's so in denial after keeping her picture as his home screen wallpaper.... Yeah I know the password of each one their phones.
"Whatever guys can we just discuss when are our enemies getting married" Inaya chirps getting us out of this 'I don't have any girl' debate.
"NEVER!" Zaid and Ayra screams at the same time... I nearly chuckle at the absurdity of this situation... I can bet my entire skin routine that Zaid is going to be the most whipped out of us four.
"Yeah right exactly...I don't get the point of this 'never' when Zaid you literally jumped into a pool to save Ayra" Maha affirms and I offer her a fist bump.
"Maha" Zaid groans, rubbing his temples like heâs been forced into an existential crisis. "Why would you even bring that up?"
"Because it's hilarious," she replies smugly, her chin resting on her hand as she flashes Zaid a triumphant smile. "And honestly, you two are just one rainy Bollywood scene away from confessing your undying love for each other."
"Bollywood?" Ayra snaps, narrowing her eyes at Inaya. "If anything, it'll be a full-on war scene. Battle cries, swords clashing...me throwing Zaid into a ditch."
"Wow, so romantic," Rayan deadpans, rolling his eyes.
"But you did save her from the pool" Hoorain adds and we have to rub our eyes to believe that she's finally teasing someone in a conversation.
"I didn't have a choice!" Zaid defends himself, looking desperate. "She was drowning!"
"I wasn't drowning," Ayra interrupts, crossing her arms. "The water was only six feet deep. If I wanted, I could've just stood up."
The table explodes into laughter, Ahad chuckling quietly while Hoorain tries to stifle her giggles behind her hand.
"Zaid," Rayan says, shaking my head in mock pity. "You're gonna have a rough time explaining that one."
Zaid glares at me, his face red. "Rayan, you don't even have a girl, so your opinion doesn't count."
"EMOTIONAL DAMAGE!" me and Maha laugh simultaneously while Rayan just rolls his eyes and mutters something under his breath.
Ahad clears his throat, his quiet voice cutting through the chaos. "Let's talk about something else, like...plans for after this trip."
"Ahad Bhai being responsible as always," Maha teases, grinning. "But seriously, what are we doing next?"
"Hopefully not another cycling race," Zaid mutters, earning a glare from Ayra.
"We could go hiking," Hoorain suggests softly, her big eyes lighting up.
Ahad immediately perks up. "Hiking sounds good. There's a trail nearby with some amazing views."
"Of course, you two would pick something calm and peaceful," I say, rolling my eyes. "Can't relate."
Hoorain shrinks a little under the teasing, but Ahad places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Ignore them. They're just jealous we're the best couple here."
"Excuse me?" I shout offensively, narrowing my eyes. "Ahad Sikandar! You are my BEST FRIEND! I literally sold my favorite toys in order to get you a gift when we were kids"
He groans. "Yeah right, Ayan you gifted me your own portrait what was I supposed to do with that!"
"Hang it on the wall of your room what else? As if you'll throw a portrait Hoorain gives you"
"Ayan kindly keep your gay characteristics to yourself, my man is perfectly straight" Hoorain retorts and even if it was my insult, I appreciate this young lady.
Inaya laughs, shaking her head. "Youâre all ridiculous."
"And you love us for it," Ayan says, nudging her arm with a grin.
Inaya rolls her eyes but doesn't argue, her smile giving her away.
As the laughter dies down, I glance around the table, taking in the chaotic group that somehow feels like home. Between the banter, the teasing, and the endless jokes, it's moments like this that remind me how lucky we areâto have each other, to be here, and to be living these stories weâll never forget.
The laughter at the table starts to die down, replaced by the peaceful hum of the waterfalls and the rustling of leaves in the mountain breeze. For a second, it feels like weâre part of some tranquil postcard.
I glance at Maha, who's tapping her fingers impatiently on the table. She catches my eye, and we exchange a look that says it all.
"This calmness," I declare, leaning back in my chair, "is suffocating."
Maha immediately straightens, her eyes lighting up with mischief. "Exactly! It's too quiet. Like, are we at a retreat or something? I feel like we're being punished."
"Punished?" Ahad repeats, frowning at us. "It's called peace, and some of us enjoy it."
"Peace is overrated," I counter. "We need action. Chaos. Drama!"
"Absolutely," Maha agrees, standing up and clapping her hands. "We need to do something. Sitting here like this isn't healthy for us."
"It's not healthy for you two," Zaid mutters, narrowing his eyes. "Don't drag the rest of us into your...whatever this is."
"Rayan, say something," Ahad says, looking for backup.
Rayan groans, slumping in his chair. "Just don't get us banned from the restaurant. That's all I'm asking."
"Rayan, buddy," I say, patting him on the shoulder. "When have I ever caused that much trouble?"
He shoots me a flat look. "You want me to make a list?"
"Inaya, control your...whatever he is," Zaid says, waving his hand at me.
"Sorry he already bribed me with chocolates so nope... can't control him" Inaya chuckles and I wink at Zaid.
"Right, get ready for some fun" I say, standing up.
Ayra pinches the bridge of her nose. "Oh, no. Not again."
"Yes, again," Maha announces proudly.
Hoorain looks at us with her wide, innocent eyes. "Maybe we can just...stay calm? Itâs nice like this."
Maha gasps, clutching her chest like she's been mortally wounded. "Hoor, how could you? Calmness is not our thing!"
"It's not," I agree solemnly. "We need adventure."
"And I know just how to make it happen," Maha says, her grin widening.
Before anyone can stop us, we're on the move. There's a couple sitting at a table a few feet away, completely oblivious to the chaos about to unfold.
I stare at Maha and she gives me a nod, indicating that the same idea has clicked our minds.
"Let's do this," I say, cracking my knuckles like I'm about to enter the ring.
Maha strides confidently toward the unsuspecting couple, her heels clicking dramatically against the stone floor. I trail behind, biting my lip to keep from laughing too early.
As we reach the table, Maha plants herself directly in front of the guy. She crosses her arms and glares at him like he's the villain in a crime drama.
"I knew it!" she declares, loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.
The guy looks up, confused, mid-bite of his sandwich. "Uhâ¦excuse me?"
"Don't act clueless!" Maha snaps, slamming her hand on the table. The silverware rattles. "I saw you with her last week! At that café. You think I wouldn't notice?"
His jaw drops. "What are you talking about? I don't even know you!"
"Oh, really?!" Maha gasps, clutching her chest like she's been gravely betrayed. "After all we've been through? After everything I did for you?!"
I can't hold it anymore. I burst out laughing, but quickly turn it into a cough, doubling over behind Maha like I'm genuinely heartbroken for her.
The girl sitting across from him narrows her eyes. "Wait, what is she talking about?" she demands, her voice sharp enough to cut through glass.
"Nothing!" the guy protests, his face turning pale. "I swear, I don't even know her!"
"Oh, come on," I say, stepping forward to back Maha up. "She caught you red-handed, man. At least own up to it. Be a man."
The girl gasps, standing up so quickly her chair screeches against the floor. "You cheated on me?!"
"What? No!" The guy's hands shoot up defensively. "I swear, she's lying! I don't evenâ"
But before he can finish, the girl grabs a pastry from their table and shoves it right into his face.
"Unbelievable!" she yells, her voice echoing across the restaurant.
And that's it. That's the moment my composure completely shatters. I double over, laughing like an absolute lunatic, clutching my stomach as tears spring to my eyes.
"Youâ¦you shovedâ¦" I can barely get the words out. "The pastry! Oh, my God!"
The guy flails, wiping frosting off his face. "Are you crazy?! I told you, I don't know her!"
"I can't believe I wasted my time on you!" the girl screams, grabbing another pastry.
But this time, the guy ducks. The pastry goes flyingâright into another table.
The chaos that follows is like something out of a comedy sketch.
The woman at the other table gasps, staring down at the whipped cream smeared across her dress. She grabs a handful of her salad and flings it back, missing her target completely and hitting yet another table.
Within seconds, it's a full-blown food fight. Plates and pastries and bread rolls are flying everywhere. People are ducking under tables, shouting, laughing, and throwing whatever they can grab.
I glance back at our table, where the group is watching in varying states of shock and amusement.
"Oh my God, Ayan!" Inaya yells, half-horrified, half-laughing. "What did you two do?!"
"You started a war!" Ayra shouts, ducking as a slice of pizza sails over her head.
"This is insane," Ahad mutters, shaking his head but staying firmly seated.
Rayan stands up, glaring at me. "I'm never taking you guys anywhere!"
"You're welcome!" I yell back, dodging a stray breadstick.
Hoorain looks around, wide-eyed. "Should weâ¦do something? Stop them?"
Zaid shakes his head. "Let them destroy themselves. I'm not getting involved in this madness."
Meanwhile, Maha is in her element, picking up a cupcake and throwing it with surprising accuracy at someone's shoulder. "Ayan, cover me!" she yells.
"You got it, partner!" I reply, grabbing a handful of fries and launching them into the chaos.
My fry lands a little off-course, grazing the shoulder of a middle-aged guy. His wig flips off dramatically, revealing his shiny bald head. The sight is so ridiculous I double over laughing, clutching Inaya for support. She tries to pull away, muttering, "Ayan, stop!" but even she can't help the giggle escaping her lips.
Maha, however, is on fire. She grabs a cream puff and, in true crime-duo fashion, aims at someone elseâonly for it to splat squarely against Rayan's chest.
Dead silence falls over our group.
Rayan looks down at the mess on his shirt, his face slowly turning to stone. "Maha," he growls, his tone low and threatening.
Maha freezes for all of two seconds before breaking into a sheepish grin. "Oops?"
"Handle this NOW!" Ayra shrieks, ducking under the table as another slice of pie flies overhead.
"Relax, I've got this," I declare, standing up and placing a dramatic hand over my chest.
"Maha and I only lied to that couple because we thought it mightâ¦save their relationship," I shout, loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear.
Everyone turns to look at me, the chaos momentarily pausing. Rayan's jaw drops, Ayra facepalms, and Ahad mutters something under his breath about disowning me.
But I don't stop.
"And now, my guiltâ¦" I stumble backward, clutching my chest. "â¦is killing me." I collapse onto the floor, my dramatic flair unmatched. "I'm sorryâ¦so sorryâ¦" I whisper faintly, closing my eyes as if I've succumbed to the overwhelming burden of our deceit.
A collective gasp echoes around the restaurant. Several patrons rush toward me, concern etched on their faces. Even the angry manager softens, calling out for water.
It's working. They're buying it.
Untilâ¦
"Ayan, you're on your own!" Maha yells suddenly, her voice filled with panic.
I crack one eye open, just in time to see my entire group bolting out the door. They're running like their lives depend on it, ducking and weaving through the chaos, leaving me behind.
"Traitors," I mutter under my breath, keeping my 'fainted' pose for just a second longer.
But then the staff starts shouting angrily, and I peek againâonly to realize the entire restaurant is now after me.
"Great," I mumble, scrambling to my feet. "Plan B it is."
I take off running, dodging chairs and spilled food, my heart pounding as I hear the growing crowd behind me. The restaurant door looms ahead, but my group is already in the van, the engine roaring to life.
"Wait for me!" I yell, sprinting with every ounce of energy I have left.
Then I see itâInaya's hand, stretched out of the van door, her bangles clinking as she waves me on. Her hazel eyes flattering me even in such situations, her loose braid flowing with the air and I can't help but find this situation rather endearing... It's like history repeating itself.
"Ayan, hurry!" she shouts, her voice cutting through the chaos.
The van starts to move. I push harder, adrenaline kicking in as I leap for her hand. Our fingers connect, and with a firm pull, she yanks me inside just as the van speeds away.
I collapse onto the floor, panting and laughing all at once. "Thankyou Naya" I say dramatically, looking up at Inaya with mock gratitude.
She rolls her eyes but smiles anyway. "You're lucky we didn't leave you there."
"Would've been a tragedy," Ahad deadpans from the front seat.
"Oh, come on," I say, sitting up and ruffling my hair. "Admit it. That was the most fun you've had in months."
Rayan glares at me, still picking cream puff remnants off his shirt. "FUN! one day we'll all die because of some fun they did"
Ayra smirks. "For real"
"And youâre all welcome for it," I reply with a wink, leaning back against the van's side as laughter erupts around me.
Outside, the mountains and waterfalls blur past us, the perfect backdrop to the unforgettable mess we just left behind.
The van hums softly as it moves through the winding roads, and I'm finally recovering from the chaos we just left behind. I sip water from a bottle, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat, but the laughter bubbling inside me refuses to settle. I glance around at my friendsâsome catching their breath, others still gigglingâand I feel this overwhelming sense of joy.
But then, out of the corner of my eye, I spot Rayan sitting by the window. He's hunched over something in his lap, completely absorbed. Curious, I move closer and realize he's reading a small leather-bound diary. His brow is furrowed, and his fingers gently flip the pages, like each one holds something sacred.
It's a rare sight, seeing him this...calm.
I take another sip of water, intending to leave him be, but then the van jerks abruptly as it takes a sharp turn. His diary slips from his hands and lands with a soft thud on the floor. Without thinking, I bend down to pick it up.
And that's when it happens.
The van jolts again, and my water bottle tilts, spilling directly onto the open diary.
Time slows.
I watch in horror as the ink on one particular page begins to smudge. The nameâno, the autographâof Rayan's favorite footballer, the one he's worshipped since forever, blurs into an unrecognizable smear.
My heart stops.
I stare at the ruined page, then at the bottle in my hand. My fingers go numb. What have I done?
For the first time in my life, I feel true, bone-deep fear. I'm the queen of chaos, the mastermind behind pranks, the fearless force of natureâbut this? This is terrifying.
The van goes silent. Everyone notices the shift in the atmosphere and turns to look at us. Ahad stops mid-sentence, Ayra freezes with a fry halfway to her mouth, and Ayanâoh, Ayanâgives me a look that says, Good luck, you're on your own.
Rayan's gaze moves from me to the diary. His jaw tightens.
I clutch the wet, ruined book to my chest, squeezing my eyes shut like a kid bracing for a scolding. "I-I didn't mean to," I stammer, my voice barely a whisper.
No response.
The silence stretches, and I swear I can hear my heartbeat echoing in the van. I dare a peek through one eye.
Rayan isâ¦laughing?
Not just laughing....he's cracking up, his deep, rumbling chuckles filling the van.
My jaw drops. I blink at him, then at everyone else, who look equally stunned.
He takes the diary from my trembling hands, holding it up like it's a soggy grocery list instead of a treasure. "You thought I'd scold you for some autograph on a paper?"
"Well, yeah!" I blurt, still clutching the water bottle like it's my last lifeline. "It's your favorite footballer's autograph!"
Rayan shakes his head, his smile softening. "Maha, it's just ink on paper. You, on the other handâ¦" He pauses, looking at me with those intense eyes that make my stomach do flips. "Nope Maha. You're valuable"
I freeze. My cheeks flush so hard I'm surprised no one's using them to roast marshmallows.
Ayra snorts. "Oh my god I might just die with diabetes"
Ayan leans toward Inaya and mock-whispers, "Rayan Khan not freaking out! Apocalypse is near! Btw I recorded everything"
Everyone laughs, the tension evaporating as quickly as it came. But I'm still stuck, staring at Rayan, who looks entirely unfazed by what just happened.
"Next time," he adds, smirking, "try spilling water on something less sentimental. Like Hoorain's book."
"HEY!" Hoorain protests, throwing a fry at him.
I finally exhale, sinking back into my seat as the van erupts into laughter again. But deep down, my heart is still racing, not from fear, but from his words.
Valuable.
The bonfire crackles, casting flickering shadows across the cliff. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine and smoke, mingling with the faint whispers of the mountains around us. Everyone is gathered in a loose circle, bundled up in jackets and blankets, staring up at the endless sky dotted with stars.
The trip is winding down, but the energy in our group is still buzzing. Laughter rises and falls, punctuated by moments of quiet awe as someone points out a shooting star or a constellation.
I'm sitting cross-legged, watching them all. Rayan leans back with his hands behind his head, grumbling about how "everything here is crazy" as Maha tries to rope him into another ridiculous debate. Ahad is quietly poking at the fire making Hoorain laugh. Inaya is tucked under a blanket beside Ayan, her cheeks rosy from the cold, giggling softly at something he whispered.
And then there's Zaid.
He's sitting a little apart, knees bent, arms resting casually over them as he watches the fire. His laughter rings out now and then, deep and unrestrained, and I find myself glancing at him more often than I'd like to admit.
The way he looks down when he laughs, the sharp edges of his cheekbones catching the firelight. The way his dimples appear so effortlessly, softening his usually sharp features. And those rectangular glasses, slipping down his nose ever so slightly, making him push them back up absentmindedly.
The fire's glow dances across his face, highlighting every detail, and I catch myself staring longer than I should.
I shouldn't be.
I shouldn't be looking at him like this, not when everything between us has been so...complicated. But I can't help it. Even now, after everything, it's hard to reconcile the fact that Zaid, of all people, had forgiven me with just a simple apology.
I don't deserve it. Not after the way I ruined things for him, for both of us.
Yet here he is, laughing like nothing ever happened. And here I am, feeling something I can't quite name when I look at him.
For the first time in what feels like forever, I smile. Not a forced one, not out of obligation or pretense. Just...a smile.
And then, of course, Ayan has to ruin the moment.
He stands up abruptly, brushing off his hands. "Guys, this is boring," he announces dramatically.
I groan. "We literally just got here, Ayan. Can you sit still for five minutes?"
"Boring," he repeats, ignoring her. "We've got a fire, stars, and a vibe. You know what's missing?"
"What now?" Inaya asks, her voice laced with amusement.
"A singer!" Ayan declares, spinning around to face us.
I frown. "A singer? Who?"
Ayan smirks, the firelight glinting in his mischievous eyes. "Oh, you'll see."
My stomach twists with suspicion as his gaze flicks toward Zaid.
"No," I blurt before I can stop myself.
Zaid, who had been minding his own business, looks up, confused. "What's happening?"
"Ladies and gentlemen," Ayan continues, ignoring me completely, "I present to you...the man of the hour, the legend himself, Zaid!"
My chest tightens at his words. My mind flashes back to a moment months ago, when I accidentally saw a broken guitar stashed away in Zaid's cupboard. It had looked so out of placeâlike it had been shoved there hastily, out of sight, and out of mind.
Something about it had felt...personal. And now, with Ayan's words and his usual knack for uncovering hidden truths, I can't help but wonder if Zaid's musicâhis singing, his guitarâwas something he left behind because of me. Because of what I'd done.
Zaid shakes his head immediately, his voice firm. "No."
"Zaid said no, Ayan. Drop it," Ahad says quietly, his tone carrying that subtle edge of authority that always works on Ayan.
But Ayan, being Ayan, ignores him entirely.
"Oh, come on! Don"t be shy, buddy. Let the inner rockstar shine," Ayan teases.
"Not important, Ayan," Rayan mutters, his sharp tone cutting through the air. "Move on."
The boys are quick to shut it down, but the girls? Of course, they seize the opportunity.
"Please, Zaid," Maha chimes in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It'll be fun!"
"Yes, Zaid!" Hoorain echoes with a soft smile. "We've never heard you sing before. Just one song?"
"It's not happening," Zaid insists, his tone firm, though there's a flicker of unease in his eyes. "I haven't played in years. And besides, there's no guitar here."
The relief on his face is short-lived because Ayan, with all his drama, suddenly bolts to the van.
"Of course, he has a guitar," Zaid mutters under his breath.
Moments later, Ayan returns triumphantly, holding an acoustic guitar aloft like it's some grand treasure. Everyone cheers, clapping and hooting, and Zaid visibly tenses.
He reaches out to take the guitar, his fingers brushing over its surface with a touch that's almost reverent. But there's something in his expressionâa sad smile, his eyes clouded with something unspokenâthat makes my chest ache.
"No," he says again, softer this time, almost pleading.
"Zaid," Maha protests, folding her arms, "you can't keep saying no. This is a moment. Don't you want to make Ayra's birthday month special?"
I freeze. All eyes turn to me.
"Yeah, Zaid," Maha continues with a grin. "It's her birthday month. How can you say no to that?"
Zaid's gaze flickers toward me, his jaw tightening. For a moment, I'm not sure what he'll do. He looks away, down at the guitar, and closes his eyes.
When he opens them again, thereâs a quiet resolve. "Fine," he says softly, his voice low and steady. "I'll sing."
[PLAY SHAYAD BY ARIJIT SINGH]
The air grows heavy with a strange, unspoken tension as Zaid sits with the guitar resting in his lap. His hands tremble slightly as he adjusts the strings, his fingers moving with an almost nervous precision. He avoids looking at anyone, but I can't tear my eyes away from him. The firelight dances across his face, accentuating the sharpness of his jawline and the shadow of vulnerability in his eyes.
For a moment, he just stares down at the guitar, as if weighing a decision that's far greater than any of us realize. The others are quiet, waiting, but my heart pounds against my chest.
When Zaid finally begins to play, the sound is soft, hesitantâa few chords strummed lightly, testing. Then, without warning, the music blooms. The melody of Shayad fills the air, its first few notes so delicate and haunting that the entire world seems to still.
And then Zaid starts to sing.
"Shayad kabhi na keh saku mai tumko, kahe bina samajh lo tum shayad"
His voice is unlike anything I expected. Deep and smooth, but with a rawness that cuts through the air like a blade. It's not just beautifulâit's arresting, serene, and heartbreakingly intimate. Every word feels like it's been dipped in emotion, the kind that comes from places most people never dare to go.
He looks up for the first time, and his eyes meet mine.
My breath catches.
"Shayad mere khayalon mein Tum eik din...Milo mujhe kahin pe ghum shayad"
I feel my chest tighten as his gaze stays locked on mine, unwavering. The way he's looking at meâit's not casual or accidental. It's deliberate. Like each lyric is meant for me, as if he's telling me something he canât say out loud.
Is he singing this for me?
The thought hits me like a tidal wave. My heart races, and I feel something unfamiliar twisting inside meâfear, hope, guilt, and something else I can't name.
Around us, everyone is stunned into silence. The boys, normally so rowdy, seem utterly captivated. Even Ayan, who never takes anything seriously, is sitting quietly, his gaze intense. There's a glint of moisture in Ahad's eyes, though he blinks it away quickly.
Zaid's voice deepens as he moves into the chorus, and for a moment, it's like he's the only person in the world. The flames of the bonfire flicker, casting shadows on his face, but his eyes never leave mine.
"Tum se zyada Tum se Kam Nahin.."
The words hang in the air, heavy and full of meaning.
By the time he reaches the last note, my throat feels tight, and I realize I've been holding my breath. The music fades into silence, but its echoes linger, reverberating in my chest.
Zaid looks down at the guitar, his fingers still resting lightly on the strings. For a second, he seems lost in his own thoughts, his face unreadable.
"Zaidâ¦" Hoorain breaks the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "That wasâ¦beautiful."
No one else speaks, but the expressions on their faces say everything.
Zaid finally looks up, scanning the group briefly before his eyes settle on mine again. "It's just a song," he says softly, almost as if to himself.
But I know better. I see the way his shoulders relax slightly, the way his lips curve into the faintest smile when our gazes meet.
And for the first time in what feels like forever, I don't know what to say.
Zaid stands abruptly, setting the guitar down as if it's suddenly too heavy to hold. Without a word, he strides toward the van, his broad shoulders tense. Everyone watches him leave, the crackling of the bonfire filling the silence heâs left behind.
My heart stirs with an ache I can't quite name. Before I can overthink it, my legs move on their own.
*Where are you going?" A voice calls after me, but I don't answer.
I reach the van just as Zaid steps inside, his back to me. His hands are braced on the seat, his head bowed as if he's trying to steady himself.
"Zaid," I say softly, stepping in after him.
He freezes, his shoulders stiffening at my voice. Slowly, he turns around, his eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here?"
"I should be here," I reply, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside me.
His brows furrow, his gaze piercing. "Why?"
The question hangs in the air, heavy and charged. My heart pounds, but I hold my ground, refusing to look away.
"Kyunki tum mere ho chuke ho Haq hai mera," I whisper, the words spilling out before I can stop them.
(Because you've become mine now. I have the right)
His eyes widen, and for a moment, he just stares at me, his expression unreadable. Then, he looks down, his jaw tightening as he mutters under his breath, "Just forget that it ever happened."
Before I can process his words, Zaid steps forward and pulls me into a tight hug.
It's not the kind of embrace you see in movies or read about in books. It's raw, unguardedâa collision of emotions too big to name. His arms wrap around me with an intensity that steals my breath, and I feel the faint tremble in his hands as they rest on my back.
I'm too stunned to move, to speak, to even think. All I can do is stand there, my cheek pressed against his chest, listening to the rapid thrum of his heartbeat.
"Sweetheart," he murmurs, his voice low and strained, "Ira, academic worm, ya phir bacha... Jo bhi ho, mere saath jo bhi kar rahi ho, please mat karo."
(Sweetheart, ira, academic worm or bacha.. whoever you are.. whatever you're doing to me please don't do it"
His words are a plea, a warning, and something else I can't quite decipher.
Before I can respond, he lets go and steps back, his expression guarded once more. Without another word, he turns and walks out of the van, leaving me alone with a whirlwind of questions and emotions.
I sink onto the seat, my fingers gripping the edge as I try to make sense of what just happened. The lingering warmth of his embrace clings to me, but his words echo louder, leaving me more confused than ever.
And just like that, this trip ends.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
Hey guys, I hope y'all are doing fine and well.
I know, I announced that I won't be updating this week and that was the plan until I thought that I have the chapter written so it's better to update it now... I ain't sure about next week.
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