𝟐𝟑. 𝐁𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐨

"Dani, where's the--" I stop mid sentence, clearly surprised at the scene in front of me.

It was Muaaz conversing with a girl I'd never seen before in my life. And it didn't look like an ordinary conversation, either. They were all smiles about whatever the joke they'd discussed.

My brows pull together in confusion. Quickly pulling Dani beside me by her hand, I point to the girl. "Who's that?"

"A family friend."

"Whose family friend?" I ask, wanting more clarity.

"Mom's school friend's daughter."

"Acha," I still can't my eyes off the two, feeling a strange prickle in my heart.

"She's a British citizen, born and raised in Manchester." Dani adds.

"So what?"

"A good contender for Hussein bhai."

My neck snaps in her direction. A contender?

"Aysa kyu dekhre?" She frowns. "Mom is very keen on them."

"I'm sorry, them?"

"Arey, itna shock hone wali kya baat hai?"

"But why our Muaaz?" I shriek in unwarranted horror.

"Our?" Daniya arched her brow.

"He is our family. He is my family."

"Oohhhh! We're being territorial here." She cocks her brow at me, folding her arms across her chest.

Shit. Too obvious.

"I'm not trying to stake my claim here. What im trying to say is there's so many fish in the water. Why him?"

"That's cuz not everyone can be Muaaz Hussein. I mean just look at him! Koi paagal ich hungi jo isko reject kare. And why am I even talking to you? You're his cousin. You should know how he is."

And the sad part is I know. I know how he is. Soft like a naan with no toxic traits, anger issues, or narcissism. The man is a walking green flag. Heck, he is a bloody green carpet and you just had to get to know him in the slightest to realize that.

"I thought you were rooting for him and I."

"I was. But you cleared your intentions about him so. . .

"Is that why your mom wanted me to tag him along?" I ask, dreading the answer.

"I guess." Dani shrugged, bouncing her shoulders nonchalantly. "I've heard her talk to her friend about a couple rishtas she apparently had in mind for her daughter." I clamp my eyes shut.

Allah miya, meko nahi malum tha meri itni kaali zaban hai so. Ek warning to bhi dedena tha before showing me this scene, main Muaaz ke rishte ki baat dimagh mein bhi nahi late thi.

"Tumaku kiya hua?" Dani asks, shaking my arm violently.

"Kuch nhi." I let out a dejected sigh, walking into her bedroom with sumped shoulders, not being able to tell if my voice sounded as broken as my heart. Plopping on the bed, I run my hands through my face and exhale loudly.

Meko farq kyu hora itna? Why is it affecting me?

He is a free bird. He is free to talk to whoever he wants, marry whoever he wants. Apni marzi ka Malik hai like he should be.

But why am I feeling as though someone has gripped my heart and was squeezing it tight at the mere thought of him choosing another woman?

Main to aysi nahi thi kabhi bhi. Obsessive, possessive, jealous. These emotions are so new to me but they don't feel new at the same time when I apply it to the current situation.

Are these just jealousy induced feelings that will go away soon? Maybe. But I am sure for a fact that my heart has done funny fuzzy things in the past everytime he gets close.

Like the entire day we spent shopping around the city. No girl had approached him then. There's also the kissing fantasy I had.

It was all inside of me. Me. My heart. My brain.

"Muskaan, chalo ji! We have practice to do. You can't be in your bubble for the rest of the day." Sarah rushes in the room, grabs my hand and drags me with her.

"Sarah, abhi nahi, please. I think my heads going to explode-- woah."

I crash into something hard, my face running straight into the surface.

"Oww!" And before I know it, Sarah has let gone of my hand and I toppled over something, probably my own two feet and lose my footing, about to hit the floor with bum first when 2 strong hands catch me mid air.

My eyes meet the familiar pools of brown that had streaks of orange and green in them that only showed in bright light. He was staring at me, gaze moving from one eye to the other as though studying me intently with his brows furrowed.

From the corner of my eyes, I noticed there were rose petals in the air being showered on us just like in the movies.

"Careful, Ms. Noor." He said in a low voice, bringing me back to my feet.

I open my mouth to say something in return, but he just left without a second glance, leaving me stunned.

"Come one, let's go." Sarah said, taking a step in the direction of the drawing room and waited for me. I sigh, shake my head and follow her lead.

Guess this is what I get for pissing him off. Cold silence.

"Malum abhi kiya hua?" She said after shutting the door behind her and turning to the group of friends that were gathered.

"Kiya?"

"Muskaan abhi ek bande se takrayi aur wo bhi full bollywood style me." Sarah starts, practically squealing. "Ine ek taraf se aari, une doosre aur collide hogye dono. Aur jaise batate na movies mein, ditto same! Muskaan koi cheese pe apna balance lose kardi and wo hero usko pakar liyea. Aur kaha se ki rose petals barasna Shuru hogaye the!

"Kiske saath?" Samaira pressed.

"I don't know. Main kabhi nahi dekhi usko pehle. But Mast tha."

"Hot tha? Ya handsome?" Zareen inquired.

I cross questioned her mentally. Dono alag alag hote hai kiya?

"Dono."

"Arey, kider leke jaare meko?" Sarah shrieked as Fareesa grabbed her by the hand and was walking out of the room.

"Usko dekhne."

I screw my eyes shut, suppressing the urge to groan at this bunch of horny adults.

Ek se ek tharki dostan mile meko. I curse silently deciding to stay mum about the event and settle down quietly on the chair in the far corner.

I watch as they stand by the door, leaving it ajar and peeking through the gap like teenagers. But when Daniya walks past the door forcing them to move away they are quick to shut the door but not entirely.

Seeing them do this, she asks. "What are they doing?"

"Looking for the handsome + hot stranger." Zareen answered.

"Who hot + handsome stranger?"

"The same man who had a little incident with Muskaan." Fareesa answered. "Their very Filmy Collison that had them in 'ek dusre ki baahon me' with a floral shower."

"Are they talking about Hussein bhai?" I am pushed under the spotlight when Dani asks me.

Aye deewani! I mentally smack my forehead.

Trying to play it cool, I just shrugged in response. But Dani decided to brief them on today's agenda that was 'All about Muaaz Hussein' in big bold letters.

"Iska cousin brother hai wo!"

"Kiya?!" The room buzzes with collective shrieks.

"London se aaya, around 2 months pehle."

My went like, wow, it's been two months but feels like he's been staying with us forever.

"He's staying at her place ever since and also working with our company." She continued. Mentally, I went from slapping my forehead to banging my head against the wall.

"But don't you guys worry, he's off limits." She announced with a strange sense of pride in her tone. "My mom is in talks with one of her friends' daughter who is also settled in London. So, find someone else to drool over."

Allah aysa bestfriend kisi ko na de.

"Wo to tumhare mom ka point of view hai. Ye bhi to hosakta he is not interested in that girl. Or he wants to pursue someone else." Zareen stated that actually had me thinking at how true the statement was.

"Anyway," Dani changed the subject quickly. "We have rehearsals to do."

I don't know how long we spent rehearsing for our mini dance sequence to be performed on the Haldi day for the first friend of our circle to get married. I was able to give the session most of my time and energy with the tiniest part of my mind reserved for thinking about Muaaz.

Could it be true that aunty was imposing this on him?

Did he want to pursue someone else?

What about Layla-- no. He'd said she was a sister to him and not his girlfriend.

But that still doesn't mean he'll not show interest in this current lady.

And even if he is being imposed, will he man up and say he doesn't want to go on with this rishta or that he likes someone else?

Does he even like someone else?

What about me? Does he like me? Do I like him?

I mean, I don't hate him. That strikes of option D which leaves Love, like, Neutral still on the list.

I'd say I am neutral towards him but that would be a lie. And given the fact that I am honest with myself and after seeing him with that girl I think I've crossed the 'Neutral' phase, so strike that one too.

Now, the million dollar question. Do I like him? After today, the answer is a Maybe.

Maybe I like him. Maybe that's why my heart is racing at the moment. Maybe that why I've begun caring for him as much as I do now.

"Muaaz khana nahi khaya."

My chain of thoughts of crashed as the sentence registers in my mind. I snap out of my mind, and look around me and wonder who said it. Because either was still with my friends in the room with the door shut.

"I'll just come." I say to the group and step out in the quest for him. Going from room to room, I pop my head in the doorway to see if he's somewhere in there but to no avail. Stepping out of the front door, I look around the vehicle in the patio and notice him sitting in the corner by himself.

"Tum khana nahi khaye?" I blurt out. He looks up from his phone, startled slightly, and meets my eye. I wait for him to answer me but realize he was in the middle of a mourn vrath.

I blow a breath, rolling my eye. "C'mon, Muaaz. Zidd nahi karo. Answer me."

Mm-mmm.

"Muaaz Hussein,"

Control, Muskaan, control.

"Last time poochru main. Did you have lunch?" I ask with urgency in my tone but he still doesn't reply.

Snatching his phone from his hand, I noticed he was playing Candy crush and that only pissed me off.

"Tumhari problem koya hai?" I basically yell in his face but he didnt as much flinch. "It was a small incident, let go. Muh phulane ki kiya baat hai isme?!"

His eyes meet mine and he raises his brows at me, making me realize my mistake. Calming myself down, I take a deep breath and give it a go.

"I, uhhh. . ." I swallow. "I am-- I, uh-- what I am trying to say is that I--"

Why is this so hard?

Clamping my eyes shut, I say the three magic words. "I am sorry."

"Someone cares,"

I frown. "Kiya matlab someone cares."

Apni ego side me rakh kar apologize karu main aur attitude dikhaye ye?

"Main insaan nahi hoon kiya? Meri koi feelings nahi hai?"

"Feelings--

"Tumhari feeling tumhari? Tuadda kutta tommy, sadda kutta, kutta?"

"What?"

"Tum samjhe ke tum muh phulake baithinge, tantrums throw karinge, khaana nahi khayinge to meko farq nahi pardta? Apni ghalat fehmi door karlo. Dil hai mera Muaaz Taseer, pathar nahi."

"Congratulations. You've passes the test." He whispered.

"What test?"

"The test that confirmed if you have a heart of stone or of normal muscles."

"Hato, jao!"

He flashes me a wide smile, as I push him away with my palms on his chest. But he was quick to grab hold of my wrist and pull me back to him.

He whispered into my ear, "The test to see if you can resist me." His breath was warm against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

"You're insufferable," I muttered, trying to sound annoyed, but the flutter in my chest betrayed me.

"Maybe," he chuckled, "but you love it."

I looked up into his eyes, those infuriatingly charming eyes that always seemed to see right through me. "Don't flatter yourself," I replied, but my voice was softer than I intended.

He tightened his grip on my wrist just enough to make me stay put but not hurt. "Tell me then," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, "do you have a heart of stone or one of normal muscles?"

My breath hitched. I could feel my resolve crumbling. "You'll never know," I whispered back, trying to regain some control.

He leaned in closer, his lips almost brushing mine. "I think I already do."

"You're impossible," I finally say, shaking my head. But instead of pulling away again, I find myself leaning in closer, drawn to the sincerity in his eyes.

"And you," he murmurs, his voice softening, "are the most amazing person I've ever met."

Before I can respond, he closes the distance between us, capturing my lips in a tender, unexpected kiss. For a moment, time stands still, and all the doubts and fears melt away.

But just as quickly as the kiss began, it vanishes, leaving me standing there, staring at him in shock. Reality crashes back in, and I realize that it was all in my head-a vivid, powerful daydream. My cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and longing.

Again.

He tilts his head, studying me with a curious expression. "Noor, are you there?"

I blink, trying to shake off the remnants of the fantasy. "Yeah, I'm fine," I mumble, feeling my heart race for an entirely different reason now. The intensity of the daydream leaves me breathless, and the truth it revealed hits me hard.

I like him. More than I ever wanted to admit.

He steps closer, his concern evident. "Are you sure?"

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to meet his eyes. "Yes, I'm sure." My voice is steadier now, the realization giving me strength.

A slow smile spreads across his face like he knew how much weight has just been lifted off me and I can't help but smile back. The daydream was just that-a dream-but it showed me something real. It showed me that my feelings for him are undeniable. And maybe, just maybe, it's time to stop hiding from them.

I move my gaze at his face, one question stuck on my tongue but refused to roll off. I wanted to know what he thought about the girl. Or that if he knew he was being set up with her and if he's interested.

"Something you want to say?"

But my heart didn't let me.

It didn't let me ask something that would make me back out from the realization I had. It would prove me wrong and make me in believing I don't like Muaaz, which is not true. So I chose ignorance as bliss.

I couldn't afford to break my heart just yet.

"Kuch nahi." I uttered. "Khana khane chalo."

"How'd you know I didn't eat yet?" he asks, falling in step with me.

And the truth was, I didn't know the answer. It was as if some instinct had driven me to find him, to make sure he was okay.

"I guess I just... knew," I say, glancing at him out of the corner of my eye.

He raises an eyebrow, a curious smile playing on his lips. "You always seem to know what I need before I do. It's like you have some kind of sixth sense."

I laugh nervously, trying to brush it off. "Maybe I do. Or maybe you're just that predictable."

He chuckles, but there's a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Whatever it is, I'm glad you found me. I was starving."

As we walk side by side, the easy banter between us feels natural. But underneath it, there's a deeper connection, something unspoken that we're both beginning to understand.

"What'd you do for so long in that room?" He asked.

"Ah, we rehearsed."

"Ooohhhh! Will you have a dance face off with the grooms side?"

"I don't think so cuz there aren't many people from tbe grooms side of the family. What did you do?"

"Nothing." He blew a raspberry. "Helped around some, spoke to random people and got immensely bored. Also, can I tell you something?" He stops right infront of the front door, coming to stand between us.

"I don't know if this is a good time for this to come up but here goes." He leans closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

I ignore the sudden closeness and the way my nose tinged with his masculine scent the I couldn't get enough of.

"I don't like the intention of Dani's mother. She seemed to set me up with someone and forced me to chat with her. After that party had left she introduced me to her friends, taking me with her like a trophy." He pulled away and scrunched his nose. "I didn't like the vibe of it at all. So I'm going to ask you to stay here and I leave for home."

My insides rejoiced.

He didn't want to be with anyone else, and that knowledge filled me with an unexpected warmth.

"Sure, I understand," I say, trying to keep my voice steady and neutral. "I'll stay here. You go ahead."

He nods, giving me a small smile of gratitude. "Thanks. I'll see you later."

As he walks away, I can't help but feel a surge of happiness. Maybe, just maybe, there's something more between us than either of us is willing to admit yet.

On that thought, I jump in my place, punching the air out of joy, feeling victorious.

⚜️ INTERVAL ⚜️

The office buzzed with the usual hum of activity, but today felt different. There was an undercurrent of anticipation in the air, a blend of excitement and nervous energy that seemed to radiate from Ms. Noor's office. I glanced at the clock, noting that we had just over an hour before her presentation to the board of directors.

I walked towards her cabin, pausing at the door. She was hunched over her desk, shuffling through a stack of papers, her usually calm demeanor replaced by visible anxiety. Her fingers tapped a restless rhythm on the desk, and she kept glancing at her laptop screen, where her presentation slides were open.

"Knock, knock," I said softly, rapping my knuckles on the door frame.

She looked up, startled, and managed a tight smile. "Oh, hey. Didn't see you there."

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. "You look like you could use a break. How's it going?"

Noor sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Just trying to make sure everything is perfect. This presentation is crucial, and I can't afford to mess it up."

I pulled up a chair and sat across from her. "You've got this, Noorie. You're well-prepared and you know this material inside out."

She shook her head, her eyes darting back to her laptop. "I know, but it's the board of directors. They're intimidating, and this project means so much to the company. If I don't nail this, it could all fall apart."

I leaned forward, catching her gaze. "Listen, you're one of the most competent and passionate people I know. You've poured your heart into this project, and it shows. The board will see that too. Just be yourself and let your dedication shine through."

She took a deep breath, nodding slightly. "Thanks, Muaaz. I just... I just don't want to let anyone down."

"You won't," I assured her. "Think about all the hard work you've done and the positive impact this project will have. Focus on that instead of the pressure."

She gave a small smile, but I could see the tension still lingering in her eyes. "I appreciate your confidence in me. It helps."

"Anytime," I said, standing up. "How about a quick run-through of your presentation? I'll be your audience."

Ms. Noor hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. It might help."

I moved to the other side of the room, giving her space to stand and present. She took a deep breath and began, her voice steady but with an underlying tremor. As she spoke, I watched her closely, nodding encouragingly and giving her thumbs up whenever she made a strong point.

"...and this initiative will not only boost our productivity but also set a new standard in the industry," she concluded, looking at me expectantly.

I clapped enthusiastically. "That was fantastic! You've got all the key points covered, and your passion really comes through. Just remember to breathe and pace yourself."

She laughed softly, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "Thanks, Muaaz. That actually felt pretty good."

"See? You're more than ready for this. Just walk in there and show them what you've got."

She glanced at the clock, then back at me. "Alright. Time to face the music."

"You're going to do great," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll be right outside if you need anything."

Noor nodded, straightening her blazer and gathering her notes. As she headed towards the door, she paused and looked back at me.

"You got this," I mouth. and give her a thumbs up.

With a final nod, she stepped out of the office, heading towards the boardroom with a newfound determination. Watching her go, I felt a swell of pride and confidence in her abilities. She was going to nail this presentation, and I was glad I could help in even a small way.

As the minutes ticked by, I found myself pacing the hallway outside the boardroom, waiting for any sign of how things were going. When the door finally opened, Ms. Noor emerged with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with relief and triumph.

"You did it!" I exclaimed, as she speed walks up to me.

It was all in the spur of the moment that my hands went around her waist and I pulled her in for a hug. She squealed in surprise at first, but then I felt her arms loop around my neck as I twirled her around.

"You did it!" I chanted, my voice full of pride and excitement.

"I did it!" she echoed, her laughter blending with mine as we spun around the office.

We continued like that, caught in a trance, our shared joy creating a bubble around us. The world outside seemed to fade away as we held onto each other, our chants overlapping and becoming a harmonious celebration of her achievement.

Finally, I slowed down and gently set her down, both of us slightly breathless. Her arms lingered around my neck for a moment longer before she let go, and we stepped back, the reality of our surroundings coming back into focus. There was a brief, almost palpable moment of awkwardness as we stood there, still close but unsure of what to say next.

The silence was broken by a playful voice from the doorway. "Well, well, what do we have here?"

We both turned to see Ruby, leaning against the door frame with a teasing grin on her face. She must have witnessed our little moment.

"Looks like someone's celebrating," She continued, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Should I leave you two alone?"

Noor's cheeks flushed a deep red as she quickly stepped back, smoothing down her blazer. "Oh, um, Ruby! We were just, uh-"

"Just congratulating Ms. Noor on her amazing presentation," I interjected, trying to keep my tone casual despite the lingering embarrassment.

Ruby chuckled, clearly enjoying our discomfort. "Sure, sure. It looked more like a scene from a romantic movie. You two should really get a room."

Ms. Noor shot me an apologetic glance, then turned to Ruby with a slightly flustered smile. "It's not like that, Ruby. Mr. Hussein was just being supportive."

"Uh-huh, whatever you say," Ruby teased, winking at me. "Anyway, congrats, Muskaan. I knew you'd nail it."

"Thanks,"  Noor replied, her voice a bit steadier now.

I scratched the back of my neck, a nervous laugh escaping me.

Should I apologize? It happened in the spur of the moment, sure. But I definitely don't regret it. Does she though?

"Well, I guess we should head to the break room. How about a coffee?"

"Coffee sounds nice," she agreed, seizing the opportunity to move on from the teasing.

As we walked towards the break room, the slight awkwardness began to fade, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and a shared memory that neither of us would soon forget. Ruby's teasing echoed behind us, but it only added to the lighthearted shift in the atmosphere.

"Victory never tasted so sweet," I remarked, trying to inject some humor back into the situation.

"Especially with a side of teasing," Noor replied, rolling her eyes but smiling nonetheless.

We both laughed, the earlier awkwardness melting away completely as we entered the break room, ready to celebrate the victory with a well-deserved cup of coffee.

☕️🥀

We are halfway done you guys! What do you think about the story so far? Lmk.

Bye 👋🏻