Yesterday night was blast. All of us girls were counting hours for Ayra's arrival and that witch decided to make an entry when we were desperate for sleep.
Hoorain was sleeping with her face attached with the wall, I'm that friend who will peek through the window to confirm if the person is here or not and Maha was bursting with energy.
As soon as Ayra came Maha popped the confetti, I brought the cake and Hoorain struggled to get away from Ayra's embrace.
First we scolded her for ignoring our calls which in her defense was due to her contest and as the topic was triggered, we danced the entire night to celebrate her success.
I spare a glance on my bangles which were chosen by Ayan two days ago. I'm enthralled by that man, like today I couldn't pay attention in class, forgot my belongings and only thought about him. My feelings for him couldn't be reduced to the four letter word love but there is no other one to express.
I clutch my bag and walk through the buzzing environment of Aurelian. Some students are tagging behind the teachers giving their best toppers kinda look but they should've been careful about that the whole year (yeah the finals are around the corner)
The silence of my thoughts is crushed by an unpleasantly envious dripping voice, "oh hey Inaya I don't see you around nowadays" why was I thinking deeply? I should've known it was Minahil.
I raise an eyebrow, already unimpressed but I maintain a smile because that's how I am. "What do you want, Minahil?"
She feigns an innocent smile, leaning closer as if she's sharing some scandalous secret. "Oh, nothing much. Just thought you'd like to know your boyfriend....you know, Ayan, the playboy...is back to his old ways. I saw him in the corridor, flirting with some poor girl. Once a playboy, always a playboy, right?"
I roll my eyes but play along, my voice calm. "Really? Take me to him, then. Let's see this for ourselves." She won't get a life until she gets a lesson. I'm not Ayra to give her a reality check but I'm Ayra's best friend.
Her face lights up, and she eagerly leads the way, clearly expecting some kind of dramatic fallout. We walk through the crowded halls of Aurelian until she points ahead.
"There," she whispers, her voice venomous. "See? He's harassing that poor girl. Look how terrified she looks."
I follow her gaze and see Ayan leaning slightly toward a petite, wide-eyed girl, clearly giving her directions as she clutches a piece of paper. The girl looks anxious, but it's the kind of nervousness that comes from being new and overwhelmed, not from anything sinister.
Minahil grabs my hand, pulling me forward. "Let's confront him right now. Everyone should know what kind of guy he is."
I yank my hand free, stepping into the center of the corridor. "Oh, absolutely. Let's confront him. Everyone, gather around!â I call out, my voice carrying through the hallway. Heads turn, and soon a small crowd gathers, curious about the commotion. After this none of the girls would dare to bat an eye on my man.
Minahil looks smug, expecting chaos. But I step closer to her, my eyes blazing. Without warning, I slap her... hard enough that the sound echoes through the corridor.
The crowd gasps, and even Ayan looks stunned, his jaw dropping. "God damn" he mutters under his breath, staring at me like I've transformed into a different person.
I fix Minahil with a glare. "Do you think I'm some heroine in a daily soap? That you can drag me here, spin some ridiculous fake narrative, and I'll cry and believe you? Get a life, Minahil."
She stammers, "But...he..."
I cut her off, my voice sharper than before. "Ayan was helping that girl, not harassing her. And do you think of me as some insecure girl who would watch her man helping a girl and accuse him that "don't even look at her or what?"
I don't stop, my words pouring out like a dam breaking. "You thought you could manipulate me? Me? Honey, I'm not the soft target you thought I was. I am all sunshine and happy until you dare to touch what's mine"
Before I can launch into another tirade, Ayan strides over, grabs me by the waist, and pulls me back. "Naya," he says, his voice low and amused. "Calm down."
I kick my leg in defiance, glaring at him. "Let me go! She deserves to be told off properly!"
He laughs softly, hugging me tightly, his chin resting on the top of my head. "You've said enough my warrior. Trust me, everyone got the message."
I huff, crossing my arms but allowing myself to relax slightly in his hold. The crowd disperses, murmuring about what just happened, leaving us alone.
Ayan looks down at me, a smirk playing on his lips. "Man, is this really my sweet Naya? You've got a mean streak."
I roll my eyes but can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. I take his hand, bringing it to my lips, and kiss his knuckles softly. "Playboy or what you're mine. I'm not looking at that Ayan who was called a playboy but that Ayan who has our picture in his phone case. It's always gonna be you and me against them"
His smirk widens into a grin, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Thank you Inaya"
My face expressions transforms into a scowl as I glare at him, "number 1 thing you don't have to thank me for trusting you because if we don't have trust in a relationship we have nothing"
I poke my finger at his chest. "Secondly why did you just call me Inaya? Where's hazel or Naya? Reminds me that you've stopped calling me hazel"
He chuckles, low and almost bittersweet, as he gently wraps his hand around mine, stilling my poking finger. His brown eyes meet my hazels, and for a moment, the playful Ayan fades, replaced by someone more grounded, more vulnerable.
"Hazel," he begins softly, the word rolling off his tongue like it's something fragile. "Hazel was someone I flirted with. Someone I teased because it was fun and easy. But Naya⦠Naya is different."
My breath hitches, his voice carrying a weight I wasn't expecting.
"Naya is someone I trust," he continues, his tone unwavering. "Someone I respect. Andâ¦" He pauses, his thumb gently tracing circles on the back of my hand, "someone I love."
"I didn't stop calling you Hazel because I forgot," he explains, his voice barely above a whisper. "I stopped because I gave that name to you when I was still a playboy, still an immature Ayan which I still am" he chuckles, "but one thing I'm sure of, I won't do the immaturity of leaving you or hurting you"
"Whatever Ayan Ansari! Good speech I'll give you that but hazel is an emotion and you're not allowed to stop calling me that"
He smiles, the kind of smile that reaches his eyes, full of warmth and sincerity. "Alright Hazel but don't complain if I get back to being that annoyingly flirty Ayan"
I narrow my eyes "was that in the deal?"
Ayan shamelessly nods as we walk through the gardens, his arm wrapped around my shoulders. "Random question what will you wear for tonight?"
He reminds me of one of the plans we've made for this evening, "I'll go with something safe black I guess?"
"Woah that's not safe at all"
"Ayan stop!"
"Even your glare isn't safe right now"
He chuckles, stepping back and winking. "And you're adorable when you're flustered. Good to know I still have that effect on you, Hazel."
That's it. My face must be flaming red now, and the smug grin plastered on his face doesn't help. "Ayan!" I exclaim, ready to smack him, but before I can, he takes a step back, already anticipating my move.
"You're blushing!" he teases, pointing at my face. "Oh, this is gold."
I lunge at him, but he's too quick, already running across the lawn. "Ayan Ansari, you better stop running and face me!" I yell, chasing after him.
His laughter echoes through the air, carefree and infuriatingly melodic. "Catch me if you can, Hazel!"
I pick up my pace, determined not to let him win this one. "You're dead meat when I catch you!"
"We'll see" he calls back, dodging behind a tree with a laugh.
I know I'm going to get him eventually, and when I do, he's going to wish he'd kept that flirt in check. But right now, with the sky above and the sound of our laughter filling the night, I can't bring myself to care.
The cafeteria feels like a chaos of sounds...laughter, chatter, the clatter of dishes....but none of it reaches me. It's all background noise to the emptiness sitting heavy in my chest. My notebook lies open before me, its pages mocking me with their blankness.
I'm supposed to be writing, supposed to be finishing this story before the year ends. But every word I try to pen gets tangled in my thoughts, and every thought leads back to him.
Ahad.
I press my pen harder against the page, frustration bubbling within me. It's been days since we broke up, weeks since I walked away, and yet, it feels like we both are still together. His absence lingers everywhere....in the empty chair across from me, in the silence where his remarks should be, in the way I instinctively glance at my phone, hoping for a message that never comes.
How did it come to this? How did I let everything fall apart?
I shut the notebook with a sharp snap and push it aside. It doesn't matter how much I wish for things to be different; the reality is, I haven't seen him since that day. He's disappearedânot just from my life but from everything. He deactivated his Instagram, stopped answering calls, vanished like he was never there to begin with.
Why did I let my past affect my present? Did I overreact? Was it entirely my fault?
What does he think? If I say I'm not ready "leave me" and he'll actually do that? I know there's a reason he's not telling me and I will get to know that one way or another.
A lump rises in my throat, and I swallow hard, forcing it down. I can't fall apart here. Not now.
Grabbing my coffee, I leave the cafeteria. The crowd feels stifling today, suffocating me with its laughter and liveliness. Even my usual comfortâthose cupcakes I'd always grabâseems to have betrayed me, nowhere to be found.
As I hurry out, my steps are uneven, my thoughts louder than the buzz around me. And then, as if fate has other plans, I collide with someone.
The cup slips from my hand, coffee splattering onto the floor and onto someone's shirt.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" I stammer, reaching out instinctively. My words falter when I look up.
And then I see them.
Dark, piercing eyes that hold the weight of every moment we've shared. Eyes that have haunted my dreams and broken my heart a thousand times since that day.
Do you get deja Vu? Isn't this how we met?
His eyes.
"Ahad?" I whisper, the name trembling on my lips.
He's wearing a mask, and yet, I know. I know.
The intensity in his gaze is the same, but there's something else there tooâgrief. It's raw and unspoken, like a storm brewing beneath the surface. My hand lifts involuntarily, reaching toward him, but I stop just short of touching him.
What if he's not real? What if I've imagined him, conjured him up out of desperation and longing?
The silence stretches between us, heavy and suffocating. My eyes drop to the floor, to the coffee pooling at our feet. When I look up again, he's gone.
Gone.
My breath catches, and I blink rapidly, rubbing my eyes as if that will change what I just sawâor didn't see. The coffee stain is still there, but he isn't.
Was it really him?
My legs feel weak, and I clutch my chest trying to steady myself. My chest aches, the pain sharp and relentless. Those eyes, that grief....it couldn't have been anyone else.
Could it?
He was my Ahad.
Tears sting my eyes, and I bite down on my lip to keep them from falling. What have I done?
The thought of himâof those dark, haunted eyesâburns in my mind. If it was really Ahad, why did he leave? And if it wasn't, why does it feel like my heart just broke all over again?
I wrap my arms around myself, the ache growing unbearable. No matter how much I try to convince myself that it wasn't him, that I'm imagining things, a part of me knows the truth.
It was him.
And now, just like before, he's gone.
The ache in my chest deepens, and I take a shaky breath. I need to leave, to escape the cafeteria before someone notices how disoriented I am.
Just as I turn to leave, a group of boys blocks my path. Their smirks are sharp, their voices laced with mockery.
"Well, look who it is," one of them says, stepping closer. "Little Miss Crybaby. Still living in her fairytale world?"
My heart lurches. Their words sting, dragging me back to memories I've spent months trying to bury. Memories of voices, louder and crueler, taunting me when I was at my lowest. My hands tremble, and the cafeteria feels smaller, suffocating.
"Leave me alone," I manage to whisper, but my voice lacks the strength I wish it carried.
"Oh, don't be like that," another one sneers, his laughter echoing in my ears. "We're just having fun. Though I have to say, it's kind of sad, isn't it? Even Ahad Sikandar couldn't put up with you."
The mention of his name freezes me, cutting through the fear like a blade.
"Yeah," someone else adds, leaning against the table. "Maybe he finally realized what a freak you are. Can't blame him for running off."
Their laughter grows louder, a cruel symphony that makes my knees weak. My breath quickens, and the cafeteria spins. My PTSD hits like a wave, memories crashing over me, drowning me in the cruel words of the past.
But then, amidst the noise, a voice booms from another table.
"Are you insane? Messing with her?"
The room quiets for a beat, heads turning toward the source of the voice. "Do you have any idea who she is? She's Ahad Sikandar's girlfriend. If he finds out you're bullying her, you're dead meat!"
The boys exchange glances, their bravado faltering for a moment before they laugh it off.
"Girlfriend?" one of them scoffs. "They broke up. Guess Ahad came to his senses."
I feel the tears welling up, my throat tightening as their words cut deeper. I shut my eyes tightly, trying to block them out, to find some semblance of strength.
Stay strong, Hoorain. For Ahad.
The image of his eyes flashes in my mind, dark and intense, but not broken like mine are now. His gaze, even masked by grief, carried something I desperately neededâstrength.
I draw in a shaky breath, steadying myself. When I open my eyes, the fear is still there, but so is something else. Resolve.
"You think I'm weak," I say, my voice trembling but growing stronger with each word. "You think you can break me because I cry or because I'm quiet. But let me tell you something."
I step closer, my gaze locking on theirs, unflinching. "Crying doesn't make me weak. And being quiet doesn't make me less. It makes me stronger than you'll ever be because I've fought battles you can't even imagine."
The boys shift uncomfortably, their smirks faltering.
"So laugh all you want," I continue, my voice firm. "But remember this.... people like you don't define me. I do. And I won't let anyone, not you, not anyone, take that away from me."
With that, I turn on my heel, my steps steady as I leave the cafeteria. The air outside is crisp, the sunlight washing over me like a balm. My hands still shake slightly, but my heart feels lighter, freer.
I glance at the sky, letting the warmth seep into my skin. Those dark eyes, filled with grief and something I couldn't quite name, flash in my mind again.
Thankyou Ahad.
The sun is blazing, but nothing can dim my vibe. I'm lounging on the bench near the football field (Mera sasural) sunglasses perched on my nose like I'm the queen of some secret mission. A bag of chips sits in my lap, and I'm munching away, carefree as ever, while Rayan and his team practice.
I've been here for an hour, offering unsolicited commentary on their plays like I'm the coach they didn't know they needed. "Pass it to my Boyfie" I yell, though I have zero understanding of football.
Rayan had glared at me earlier, his shy innocent face screams "crazy girl" which by the way, is my absolute favorite look on him. That grumpy little pout? Chef's kiss.
During the game he joins his hand and gives me a pleading look but in return I throw him a flying kiss. His red, shy face is to die for.
But right now, things are quiet, and I'm savoring the crunch of my chips when I hear it.
"Get me down, idiots!"
I lower my sunglasses, peering over the rims with an amused smirk. The sight before me is nothing short of spectacular.
There's Rayan, the so-called "no shit captain" flailing in the air, being carried by four of his teammates like he's some sacrificial offering.
Perks of being the favorite bhabhi.
I can't help it....I burst out laughing, nearly choking on my chips.
"Mission complete," I mutter to myself, brushing crumbs off my hands. This is what happens when you're dating a grumpy man who's all soft for you. Fake dating him was already amazing and now actually dating him is amazing.
As they approach, Rayan's glare locks onto me. His dark eyes are smoldering with pleas, and honestly, he's never looked cuter.
"Maha," he groans, his voice low and warning.
"Rhino" I chirp back, waving at him like I'm not the mastermind behind this chaos.
The boys plop Rayan down on the bench beside me like a sack of potatoes, and he stumbles slightly, trying to steady himself. His hair is adorably ruffled, his shirt slightly wrinkled from being carried like some overgrown toddler.
I adjust my sunglasses and peer at him, pretending to examine his state. "Well, Rhino, you survived the journey. How do you feel? Need an award for bravery?"
He groans, running a hand through his messy hair, and glares at me. "Maha Kya cheez ho yaar tum?"
(What thing are you Maha?)
"Yaar mein cheez bari hu mast mast" I reply, batting my lashes dramatically.
(The credit of this dialogue goes to a reader... Thankyou so much I honestly couldn't contain my laughter after reading this ð)
His teammates snicker behind him, clearly enjoying this just as much as I am. One of them pats him on the shoulder. "Captain, you've got your hands full with this one."
Rayan shoots them a glare that could probably terrify anyone...well, anyone except me. I lean closer to him, propping my elbow on his shoulder and grinning up at him.
"You're blushing," I tease, poking his cheek gently.
"I am not," he mutters, looking anywhere but at me.
"Oh, you so are! Look at you...our fearless football captain, reduced to a tomato because of me" I coo, patting his arm like he's some fragile, delicate creature.
His ears turn bright red, and he runs a hand through his face, groaning softly. "Maha, stop."
"Why should I? You're so fun to tease," I reply, leaning closer to whisper, "Besides, I love it when you turn all shy and cute."
Rayan exhales sharply, his honey eyes narrowing at me. Then, in that low, commanding tone that makes my stomach flip, he says, "Guys, leave."
His teammates exchange amused glances, clearly enjoying the chaos, but one look from their captain and they scatter like leaves in the wind, mumbling excuses. The silence that follows is deafening, broken only by the pounding of my heart.
"Rayan," I start, suddenly aware of the shift in the atmosphere, but he doesn't let me finish.
Before I can react, his hand wraps firmly around my waist, pulling me close. My breath hitches, and in one smooth motion, he pins me against the wall beside the bench. His tall frame towers over me, his intense gaze locking with mine. Damn from cute to hot! The duality this man has!
"So," he murmurs, his voice smooth and low, "am I shy?"
My eyes widen, and my mouth opens, but no words come out. His dark eyes are filled with something I can't quite describeâintensity, mischief, and a smoldering heat that sends shivers down my spine.
"W-what are you doing?" I manage to stammer, my usual confidence faltering.
He leans in closer, his lips curling into a smirk. "Who's shy now, hmm?"
His free hand brushes against the delicate orchid pendant resting against my collarboneâthe one he gave me. His fingers linger there, sending a trail of warmth through my skin as he tilts his head slightly, studying my reaction.
"Rayan," I say, but my voice comes out barely above a whisper.
"Yes, Maha?" His tone is teasing, but there's a seriousness in his gaze that makes me feel like I'm the only person in the world he sees.
I swallow hard, trying to regain control, but it's impossible with him this close. His thumb brushes over the pendant again, and I feel my cheeks flush.
"You'reâ" I start, but my words are interrupted when he leans in, his face now mere inches from mine.
The air between us feels electric, and I can't decide if I want to push him away or pull him closer. His hand tightens slightly on my waist, grounding me in the moment.
"Complete your sentence Maha," he whispers, his voice softer now.
"Rayan, c-coach," I blurt out, my eyes darting to the field.
He freezes, his confident demeanor cracking as he stumbles back a step, his face instantly turning a deep shade of red.
"W-what... Where?" He stammers, glancing over his shoulder.
I burst into laughter, clutching my stomach as tears stream down my face. "Oh my God, you actually thought the coach was there!"
He rubs the back of his neck, his ears burning bright red. "Maha."
"It was hilarious," I counter, still giggling.
Before he can retort, I stand on my tiptoes, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "Thanks for the confidence boost, Rhino."
And just like that, I dart off, leaving him standing there, flustered and speechless, with one hand still hovering over the pendant.
From a distance, I call out, "Better catch me, Captain, or your team's gonna hear all about this!"
His groan echoes behind me, followed by the sound of his footsteps chasing after me.
The hallway buzzes with the usual energy of the department, but today, it feels differentâlighter, brighter somehow. Maybe it's just me, glowing from the heap of praise I just received from the Dean and professors. Their words of appreciation still ring in my ears, and I can't stop smiling. Zaid was early so he might've received his share of praises already and the dean even promised a handsome amount of money and recognition for us on our graduation.
"Excellent work, Ayra."
"You guys have outdone yourselves."
"We're so proud of you."
Those words warm my heart, and for once, the doubts that usually creep into my mind are silent. I push open the door to my classroom, my grin still firmly in place, only to be met with dozens of pairs of eyes staring back at me, wide and disbelieving.
I pause, blinking. "What? Did I grow another head?"
No one answers, but their shocked gazes follow me as I walk to my usual seat. Apparently, seeing Ayra Shaikh happy is some kind of anomaly. I bite my lip to keep from laughing at the absurdity of it all.
Little did they know that it's more than just winning a contest.
Sliding into my seat, I take a deep breath. It feels strange to be here, not as Zaid's rival but⦠something else. Something undefined and uncertain maybe his wanted fiancé.
My gaze drifts toward him. He's in his usual spot, leaning slightly over his desk, his head bent as he flips through a book. The sight of him so focused stirs something in me, but I shake it off quickly.
It's awkwardâthis whole dynamic. It's been ever since I asked for time to figure myself out. He deserves the best, and I don't know if I'm capable of giving him that. My feelings are entirely complicated.. I don't know what do I feel about him. It isn't some movie going on where the worst enemies can become lovers in a single moment... It shouldn't happen like that no?
But then I catch myself smiling. If I think it's awkward for me, it must be equally awkward for him. And yet, there he is, quiet and composed, pretending not to notice me.
The class carries on until someone taps on my desk. "Ayra, do you know how we're supposed to finish this? It's impossible!"
I glance at the work and explain it briefly, but it's clear they're still lost. I tilt my head, pretending to think for a moment before saying casually, "Hmm, Zaid will help you."
The room falls silent.
"Zaid?" they repeat, incredulous. "As if he would ever listen to you."
I raise an eyebrow, suppressing a grin of course they think my enemy won't listen to me. I turn to look at him. He's still focused on his book, but I know he's listening. I clear my throat dramatically.
"Zaid," I say sweetly, "won't you do this?"
His head snaps up, his dark eyes meeting mine. He looks startled for half a second before his expression softens. Without missing a beat, he replies, "Anything, Ayra."
The collective gasp from the class is almost comical. I hear a muffled "No way" and another "What just happened?" from the back, but I ignore them, unable to hide my smile.
I prop my chin on my hand, pretending to inspect my nails. "See?" I say to the stunned student in front of me. "Told you he'd listen."
Zaid gives me a look, somewhere between exasperation and affection, and I can't help but laugh softly. The tension that had been lingering around me all morning feels lighter now, replaced by something warm and comforting.
Maybe it's not so bad, this undefined space we're in. Maybe, just maybe, I'll figure it out, I have to figure out I can't play with Zaid's feelings, I would never.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
The room is filled with the usual chatter of our friend group, the kind where everyone's talking over each other but somehow still following the conversation. I'm flipping through my notes, pretending to study, when Maha suddenly drops a bombshell that nearly makes me choke on my water.
"Hoorain and Ahad broke up."
Silence encapsulates our sanctuary leaving me behind with no words to utter. I can't believe my ears nor the girls right now.
Without any other thought I begin laughing loudly, clutching my stomach and wiping the tears from my eyes. I let the light enter my eyes and peer at them to catch a glimpse of fun but I failed.
"What guys?" I question, "you can't be serious on this! They were literally the most whipped couple. He can't even breathe without her."
Maha clears her throat and explains the incident to me. How the demons of past are haunting Hoorain's present and I'm left speechless.
Before letting a word escape my mouth, I capture Hoorain in my arms letting my shirt soak her tears. Hoorain sniffles into my shoulder. The girls stare at me, their faces a mix of confusion and outrage, and I know they're waiting for me to say something.
I pull back slightly, holding Hoorain by the shoulders. "Okay, first of all, what in the actual hell, Ahad? Like, did he trip and hit his head? Because this doesn't make sense. He adores you! The man practically adores the ground you walk on!"
Hoorain sniffles again, and Inaya jumps in, ever the voice of reason. "Ayra, stop. She's already upset."
"I'm just saying," I retort, throwing my hands up, "Ahad locking her in a room during high school and now suddenly getting cold feet because of some stupid guilt? That's peak idiot behavior, a simple deep talk can clear everything."
Maha crosses her arms, her expression a mix of curiosity and indignation. "Do you think he's doing it to protect her? Like, maybe he thinks he's not good enough?"
"Protect her from what? Happiness?" I snort. "No. He needs to sit down and get his act together. Who even does this? Deactivate insta and all.. They both should talk. There is nothing that communication couldn't fix."
Hoorain shrugs, but the tears pooling in her eyes tell us more than words ever could. "I mean okay I was the one to ask him for staying away but he could've stayed and cleared everything."
Maha exhales sharply, leaning back in her pillow. "Absolutely he should know when a girl says no it sometimes means yes"
"But again we should also understand the pov of Ahad Bhai... What does he have to say?" Inaya mutters.
"I do agree on that. We can't always expect the boy to initiate everything be it a proposal, communicable or anything. Hoor my love, you should also talk to him and understand his point of view." I explain it to her. This is our friendship girls code that you have to put forward your honest opinions even those where you think your friend is somewhere wrong. "But again if Hoor is willing to talk and Ahad Bhai is not then tell me Hoorain do you want me to kidnap him?"
I glance at Hoorain, my heart aching for her. She's always been the quiet one, the kind soul who wouldn't hurt a fly. To think she went through something so traumaticâand that the person she trusted most was behind itâit's almost too much to process. So it's none of their fault. It's just the wrong place at the wrong time.
But then, because I'm me and I canât stand the tension, I blurt out, "what's the plan?"
Hoorain looks up, "plan?"
"Yeah, plan. You can't just sit here and mope. You deserve happiness, Hoorain. And we're going to help you see that." I glance at the others for backup. "Right, team?"
Inaya smirks, already catching on. "Right. Operation Breakup Celebration is officially a go."
"Wait, what?" Hoorain blinks, looking between us like weâve lost our minds.
"Oh, don't act so surprised," Maha chimes in, tossing a chip into her mouth. "You knew this was coming the second you told us about the breakup. We're not letting you sit around feeling sorry for yourself."
"But..."
"No buts," I interrupt, standing up and grabbing a notepad. "Here's how it's going down. Maha, money. Inaya, location. I'll handle the sneak route. And you"...I point at Hoorain..."just stay with us and let us do our thing."
Hoorain frowns. "I don't think..."
"Too bad," Inaya cuts her off, grinning. "Consent is dead."
"Weren't you so afraid of your dad?" Maha asks, raising an eyebrow.
"That I still am but what's the point of arguing when I know y'all are going to drag me" Inaya says smugly, crossing her arms.
I roll my eyes. "Ignore her. The point is, we're doing this. And you're going to love it. Trust me."
Hoorain hesitates, her gaze softening as she looks at us. "You guys are ridiculous."
"Ridiculously amazing," Maha corrects, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "Now, let's get to work. We've got a party to plan!"
We ain't leaving Hoorain alone ever.
(â à¹â Ëâ â¥â Ëâ à¹â )
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