𝟐𝟓. 𝐘𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢

We were seated around the conference table, representatives from both companies filling the room with an air of tension and anticipation. Muaaz's boss had flown in early this morning, bringing an even more formal atmosphere to what was intended to be our final meeting before making everything official.

Muaaz sat across from me, cool and composed, his fingers steepled as he listened intently. He had been handling most of the presentation with a confident ease that made his expertise clear. I could tell he was in his element here, fully in control of the room's focus.

As he finished the last few slides, he concluded with his usual eloquence, "With this partnership, we're not just expanding our market share; we're investing in a vision. A vision of growth, resilience, and excellence that will redefine our industry's standards. Together, we're stronger and more innovative—this is only the beginning."

A round of approving nods followed his closing words, and George, the head of the other company, stood up to give a mini speech, thanking everyone for their hard work and enthusiasm. The room hummed with quiet satisfaction as George and Afsaar's father, my boss's boss, approached the table to sign the contracts. With a firm handshake, they officially sealed the deal, the flick of their pens making years of work and strategy tangible.

As applause filled the room, I glanced across the table to see Muaaz catch my eye, a faint smile curving his lips. His gaze held a flicker of relief mixed with pride—he'd done it, and he knew it.

Muaaz takes me by my pinky, which I think he's obsessed with after that lunch the other day and walks me to where George and Aswad were so we can stand on either side of the bosses.

Pictures are clicked, signatures are taken. Khalid pops a party pooper over us and cheers resound in the room.

We are civil untill the bosses leave as though they are the principal and vice principal of the school before the door shuts and we do all kinds of stuff a senior class would. Cheer, haul, whistle, bang the desk with our hands and celebrate the achievement. The team is gathered in a group hug and we jump in our places out of pure joy.

"Dinners on me!" Khalid announced, receiving more cheers from everyone.

We decide to carpool our way to the chosen restaurant. The restaurant buzzed with the hum of laughter and chatter as our group entered, the warmth of their achievement radiating in our smiles.

We take our seats, and the waiter immediately approached, offering menus and taking drink orders. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of relief and joy after weeks of intense work

"The heroes of the hour!" called out Ahmed, our project manager, raising his glass in salute.

Muaaz grinned and waved "Thanks, everyone. This was truly a team effort," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

I nod at our special six, eyes sparkling. "We couldn't have done it without all of your support."

As the night wore on, the conversation flowed easily from work to personal stories, the camaraderie among the team growing stronger with each shared laugh.

I felt my phone buzz. Fishing it out, I see Mumma calling and realize I'd not I formed her about this impromptu dinner.

"Shit," I curse under my breath and step away from the group, readying myself to receive an earful.

Keeping my voice even after hitting answer, testing the water before jumping right in. "Salam, mumma!"

"Kahan hai tum?!"

I had to pull away the phone so let my eardrums live a little longer and save them from her yelling.

"Itni raat hogayi aur abhi tak ghar nahi aaye. Inform to karna apni ek lauti mumma ko apne whereabouts ke bare me. Mera BP to bhi control me rehta--"

My gaze falls on Muaaz who stood a couple meters away. I make a 'help me' face, running a thumb across my throat for added effect, which ushered him over almost instantly.

"What's wrong?" He asks.

"I didn't tell mumma about this dinner and got her all worked up." I whisper, even though the microphone was muted.

Muaaz gives me the look, shutting his eyes and placing a hand on his heart, that meant its OK, I got you. Handing the phone over, I let him deal with her.

"--Amma ki tumko qadar to hai nahi, aapne abbu ki to bhi karlo--" Mumma went on and on with her angry rant until Muaaz spoke.

"Assalamalaikum, Mumma."

In an instant, her tone softed. She didn't scream nor snap at him and responded like she wasn't venting only seconds ago.

"Walaikumsalam, mera bacha. Kaise hai bubba?" Muaaz grinned, giving me a thumbs up.

Dukhta hai, dukhta hai!

"I'm good aur aap bhi tension nahi lo. Noor is OK, she's with me and we are out for dinner with our team."

She sighed. "It's only because of you I'm not fretting over my only child, bache. I don't know what I'd have done if it weren't for you."

"Ye kaisi behudi baat hai? Mr. Angrez se pehle main baher nahi jaati thi shayad?" I felt the need  to defend myself.

"Tumse to main ghar pe baat karungi." Mumma said in her stern voice, Muskaan special before turning her attention towards her laadla. "Muaaz, bete, I won't hold you up for long. Go enjoy your dinner and take care."

He turned his exquisite eyes on me. I noticed how they come alive under the golden themed restaurant, highlighting the gold flecks in the cool brown.

"I'll take care of your daughter, I promise." He said softly.

My heart rejoiced, felt fuzzy, and did funny things like fluttering in my chest. Muaaz was smiling as he said it, his eyes shining bright with compassion and promise and sincerity and genuine willingness to keep his word. He didn't say it for the sake of it. I could tell he meant it with every single being in him.

The romantic in me pushed my hand in the air to cup his cheek. His skin warm under my touch as I caressed it with my thumb. The neatly trimmed stubble grazing the pad of my thumb-- I suddenly realize what I am doing and snap out of whatever trance I was in.

"You had something there." I lie, pretending to take an imaginary eyelash off his cheek and blowing it.

He flashes me that grin which clearly means he knows that I'm lying. Still, not conceding, I stand my ground and wait until he's done talking to mumma. They hang up shortly, after which he hands my phone over.

"I'll be right back." I say, and make a beeline for the washrooms.

What the hell was I doing? Being affectionate and all that,? Especially in public with my colleagues just a few steps away?!

"Get a grip, Muskaan!" I mutter to myself. "Itna pyaar sehet ke liyea Haanikarak hota-- whoa!"

Before my eyes even looked up, I know who it is.

"Cmon, Mr. Angrez. Washroom to jaane do--" My eyes widened as they met his.

Out of all the people, it just had to be *him*.

"Hiii," He smiled.

I take a moment to do a mental rundown and assess the situation, putting two options in front of me.

Be bitchy and seek unwarranted attention that would make me seem like the week one. Or play it cool and start afresh.

"Hello Siam," I reciprocated the smile. Or atleast tried to.

It was option B. Be calm and keep it low key.

"How come you here?"

"Family dinner," He said, pointing to a table where his parents were seated behind him. "Wanna come meet them?"

"No." I bite my tongue at how stern and firm it sounded. "I mean, I can't at the moment. I'm here with my colleagues."

"Oh,"

We stand in the most awkward silence ever, as I look around me for a distraction.

"We couldn't sit and chat at the lunch." He says, thrusting his hands in the pocket of his jeans.

Thank god for that.

"Oh yeah,"

"Why don't we catch up someday? Just like old times?"

Old times? No thanks.

"Umm," I jam my lips together.

"You could join us after you're done with your... thing."

My gaze catches Muaaz who frowns when he sees me. My heart races with anticipation when he takes long steps to cover the distance between us.

"Ms. Noor," He says, ignoring the presence of Saim completely. It was him who had to make his presence known like he was invisible.

"Hi," Saim said, extending his hand towards Muaaz. "I'm Saim."

"Hussein," He takes his hand, giving it a firm shake. "Do we have a problem?" He asks, directing the question at me.

Killing the urge to take him in a hug of gratitude, I opened my mouth to make a lame excuse. But Saim beat me to it.

"I'm her friend. We were just catching up. You are?" He cocks a brow at Muaaz.

Oh, the audacity.

"Her partner."

I smiled to myself, scratching the corner of my lip to cover it up.

"I'm sorry?"

"I'm her partner." He repeated. "We spend most of our days together, share the space we are in, eat the same things, breathe the same air. I don't know what else does a couple need to be labeled as partners."

SMOOOOOOOTH!

Saim gave a nervous chuckle, his eyes darting from Muaaz to me for help of any sort, silently asking, 'Kiya bolra ine?'. I merely shrug in response, enjoying their exchange a little too much to intervene.

"That still doesn't mean the partner I am thinking, does it?"

"You never know."

Aahhhhhh! Where is my popcorn at?

"I, uh-" Saim fumbled, trying to come up with a response. "I should go before the food gets cold."

"I say you try the (spice 6 menu). It bloody delicious."

"Sure."

We stand next to eachother and watch him leave in silence.

"What was that?" I ask,facing him.

"Nothing you should be worried about." He replied, nonchalantly.

"But I should be. It's concerns me."

"Really?" He asks, feigning shock. "I didn't realize."

"Muaaz," I raise my brow.

"I don't like him. I don't know who he is, and I'm not demanding an answer from you. But I dont like him. Especially when he's so. . .chipku. I have a bad feeling about that man."

"Are you jealous that he got to hug me before you?" I teased, a mischievous glint in my eye.

"This is not something I'd do if I were," he replied coolly, but the intensity in his gaze betrayed him.

I take a step closer, closing the distance between us. "What would you do?"

"You don't wanna know," he said, his voice dropping to a low, husky tone.

"But I do!" she insisted, her breath hitching as she looked up at him.

He smirked, his eyes darkening with desire. Slowly, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "If you knew, you wouldn't be able to stop thinking about it," he murmured, his fingers lingering on her skin.

Her pulse quickened. "Try me," she challenged, her voice barely a whisper.

His hand moved to the back of her neck, pulling her closer until their lips were almost touching. "I'd make you beg for it," he whispered against her lips, the promise in his words sending a shiver down her spine.

Their breaths mingled, the tension between them electric. "Show me," she breathed, her eyes closing as she leaned into him, surrendering to the moment.

He chuckled softly, his breath warm against her skin. "Patience, love," he whispered. "Some things are worth the wait."

She opened her eyes, meeting his intense gaze. "I don't want to wait," she said boldly.

He raised an eyebrow, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Then you'll have to earn it," he replied, his voice dripping with challenge.

She smirked, her heart racing. "Game on," she said, their eyes locking in a silent promise of what was to come.

I am able to put everything going on in my mind aside and focus on those pools of chocolate for whatever time we were left on our own. But after were called back to our colleagues, my mind finds its way back to Saim, anticipating his move.

It's nearly midnight when I am scrolling through my social media, sprawled on the soft mattress post dinner when I suddenly crave tea.

"Have you seen what time it is?" I mutter to myself with an annoyed groan.

There's no right time for tea. My subconscious replied.

"We're not in London anymore for me to walk around the house at this hour."

They never made you feel like it isn't.

That's also true.

With a sigh, I sit up, pull a t shirt over my head and make a move to leave the room.

The silence I'm met with takes me by surprise which is a complete opposite of what the house sounds like during the day. It's mostly Noor's voice that echoes through these walls.

Her yelling for Sadia the second she comes downstairs every morning, or chatting with Farah, pulling pranks on Fatty, arguing with me. She has singlehandedly embodied the soul of this house for me.

All I see is Muskaan, and all I want is Noor.

Shit.

That's all I could think of when I step into the kitchen. Cuz all I see is Noor, legit.

Standing by the stove in a t-shirt and pajama, her hair loosely tied with a claw clip at the base of her neck. Dark locks of hair, running down her back that was towards me.

I try and tip toe my way towards her, aiming to pull a jump scare but she spins on her heel and let's out a shriek when she spots me standing mere inches from her. My reflexes don't let me think and are quick to push me to cover her mouth and muffle the sound, and shush her instead.

"It's me, calm down!"

She relaxes under my hold. The secons i let go, she rewards me with a swat on my arm.

"Ow!"

"Awaz karke nahi aasakte the! Dara diyea mujhe." She frowned.

"I was craving tea." I said jutting out my lips for some unknown reason. It sounded like a 5 year old that had just woken up from a nightmare and is in need of a hug. And the sudden change of her expression said the same.

She pulled my cheek in return and controlled the urge to go all 'Awwwwwww' and give a hug and resorted to pulling my cheek in return.

"I'll share."

Furrowing my brows at her statement, I peek over her shoulder at the mini version of a large pot with freshly brewed tea in it. "What do you need tea for at this time of the night?"

It was her turn to furrow her brows. "Is it only your primal needs that need fulfulling and not others?"

"No, of course not. I'm generous enough to share."

"You have to earn it first to share." I cock my brow in question, awaiting whatever order she had for me to complete. "Gets cups and a strainer."

"Yes, ma'am." She turned back, giving her undivided attention to the nearly boiling beverage as I fetched the things she told me to.

From the corner of my eyes, I see a shadow standing in the doorway of the kitchen  that made no attempt to move but stood their patiently listening to us.

I tied to make out from the figure of it was a male or a female. My stomach clenching at the thought of having Sir lurking in the shadows like Lucifer and prepping to attack.

But he wouldn't wait and jump right in, yelling and doing whatnot.

So, logically, it wasn't him.

Before I could ponder on who it could be, my feet take me in the direction of the kitchen and I was surprised yet relieved to see Imran Chahu stand there in his plain white kurta, a bottle of water in his hand.

His gaze does a quick rundown at me, mentally assessing the situation just like I was. I don't think I needed to be scared of this man, just cautious.

"I was craving tea and came here to make myself some but found her here already making some tea for herself. And now for me as well." I whisper as quietly as I could.

Chachu doesn't say anything in return but nods his heads. I notice him let out a breath he might have been holding as I said so and he spins on his heel with relaxed shoulders.

"Chachu?" I call out, still whispering. He pauses mid stride, turning to face me. "Can I--- uh, I--- is it--"

I exhale through my mouth before looking him in the eye. "Can I take Noor on the terrace for the tea date?"

As much I hated it, he took after his brother in not giving anything away through his face. If it were not for the slight twitch in his lips, I would say, he'd been paused for life.

I panicked when he didn't utter a word for 3 seconds straight. "It's ok if I'm not allowed to--"

"Take some Osmania biscuits with you as you go. She likes them with her tea."

I beamed at him, releasing the breath I held subconsciously. He pats my shoulder before making his way back upstairs through the dining area.

Wow. Shit.

I take a moment to calm myself down before joining Noor in the kitchen.

"Do we have biscuits?" I ask, gaining her attention. "Those Osmania Biscuits?"

"I think so," She goes through the cabinets and produced the pack while I poured the scalding hot beverage into the cups. Placing it all on a tray, I carry it and ask her to follow me with a tilt of my head.

"Where are we going?"

"Terrace."

"Why?"

We pause at the mouth of the stairs and I turn to face her.

"If you want to have your high tea sitting in your room, all by yourself then you're most welcome to. I will enjoy mine in some khuli hawa. Up to you."

She chews on her bottom lip for a couple of seconds before giving in.

"Terrace it is."

Ascending the stairs, I tip toe my way past her parent's room and Chachu's like one wrong step on the creaking floorboard and I'd blow my cover.

"You can walk normally. Our house is not made out of wood but cement and bricks." Noor says and breezes past me to take another flight of stairs that lead us to the terrace.

Just NRI things.

We settle on the white chairs across each other with the circle coffee table between us. The wind was warm but enough to not let the heat get to us.

My eyes lock on her over the rim of my steaming cup and I drink her in instead of the chai. Her hair flowing behind her. The lamp post down the street casting a warm hue us, adding a glow to her already Noorani chehra.

She takes a sip gingerly, blowing at the surface just like her father does. The frown on her forehead is subtle but still evident.

"You ok?"

"Huh? Yeah." She says as a matter of fact.

"Noor, are you really ok?" I stress, causing her to unnerve under my gaze slightly.

"Why do you ask that?" She questions, setting her mug down.

"I have my reasons."

"More secret mind reading tricks?"

"You can say that." I shrug, but don't let the topic go. "What's wrong?"

Her hazel eyes turned to me, giving me her undivided attention.

"There's something bothering me."

"Clearly."

She cocked her head to the side. "There's someone bothering me."

I think I know where this is going.

"Have I met that someone?"

She nods, keeping her eyes on the table but doesn't say anything.

"Do you want me to intervene?" I sit up straighter.

"I don't think so. No, I guess. But that's not the problem. I don't know what to do with that person."

"You can always count on me." I tell her, looping our pinkies on the table.

"I know. I've seen you tackle the person for me."

"Jeene ko aur kiya chahiyea?"

Noor chuckled. "But you can't be around to deal with my shit for me all the time. I'll have to confront him someday."

"And you will, I'm sure." I take her hand in mine and squeeze it gently. "But as long as I am here, I promise to not leave your side."

I notice her hesitate for a moment, like she was trying to get something off her chest but couldn't.

"What is it?" I ask softly.

"Don't you want to know what's the story between him and I?"

"Not unless you really want to tell me, no."

I could tell by the way her jaw dropped she was shocked at my answer as though she wasn't expecting me to say it. Guess she got lucky with me.

But she decided to give it a go anyways.

"Saim, Daniya and I were a trio all our school. By school I mean up till grade 10th after which Saim left for the States with his family. He kept no contact with anyone here,  just said one day after we graduated that he was leaving. . .and that's it. That day was the first time I saw him years and was caught off guard."

My thumb traced circles on the back of her palm as she narrated.

"Is it a grudge you're holding against him or are you seeking closure?"

"None of the above. I just don't want to  have to do anything with him. Avoid as much as I can."

"Understood."

Something seems amiss. With the way she looked tense gave away she was still keeping something from me. Which I let her, respecting her boundaries and her choice.

"So, what's the next event on your wedding  planner?" I ask, attempting to change the topic.

"It's the henna-- no-- haldi ceremony."

"Your dance ready?"

"Almost."

"Will I get to see you dance?"

"No way! It's a gurls only event." She scrunched her nose.

"What? Why?!"

"Not all of it, I mean. You get to play haldi, have dinner and go do whatever so we can have the dance party."

"Not fair, Nooru." I drop her hand and fold my arms across my chest.

"I can't change the ways, now can i?"

"You can help me sneak in."

"Why would you want to?" Noor cocked a brow.

"To see you dance." I say sheepishly.

"Chal jhoota."

"Arey! Why will I lie?"

"I don't know. So you could see her, I guess." Noor teased.

"Bloody bonkers, I do. Why would you even think of such a thing?!"

"I mean, why not? I know for sure she would not not want to see you."

I give in right away, relaxing my stance. "Not a problem, really. I could spend the haldi and dinner with her after which she probably leaves and you help me sneak in to the dance sesh."

There was the frown on her face. "How optimistic of you to think I'd let you spend more than a second with her.'

"You wouldn't know since you're gonna be busy doing your thing and I'll be doing mine."

"Muaaz Hussein, you made a promise." It was her who looped her pinkie through mine.

"Really? Sorry, can't recall."

Noor gasped, pinching my forearm. "Jao, main nahi baat karri."

I am quick to swipe my phone unlock and tap my most visited app of the year as she pushed to her feet. Following her, I too stand and grab a hold of her wrist just in time as the lyrics flowed in the quiet of the night.

Ye shaan mastani

Madhosh kiyea jaaye

"What are you doing?" Her brows furrowed seeing my both my hands holding her fingers.

Mujhe dor koi kheechey

Teri ore liyea jaye

"We're dancing, Nooru."

"Just like that? Permission leni chahiyea na."

Detecting the change in her dialect, I ask. "Is there a movie reference I am missing?"

"Yup."

Getting down on one knee, I offer her my right hand tucking my left behind my back and bow my head. "A dance, mi lady."

When I look up, Noor is biting her bottom lip in a dilemma.

"Please," I offer one of my best smiles.

"Just one." She slides her hand in mine with a tentative smile.

I could feel anticipation buzzing off her as I take her other hand and give it a squeeze. Her eyes shining under the moonlight widened when I tug her closer, the warmth of my hand grounding her against the cool night.

I am mindful of not letting my hands roam over any part of her body beyond her hand cuz that's not something a gentleman does.

We began to sway, our steps as light and slow as the music—each movement fluid and intimate, as if we were gliding across the terrace floor.

My hand rested lightly at her waist, guiding her in graceful turns, while Noor's fingers brushed my shoulder, tracing a path so gentle it felt like a whisper. I could feel his steady breathing, in sync with hers, as we let the music guide our steps, drawing us closer with each beat.

At one point, as the beat slowed indicating the end of the song was near, I caught her hand, and twirled her around before finishing with a bow. I tip us lower, sealing the dance with a kiss on her forehead.

🕺🏻💃🏻

A long one after my long absence.

Hope you enjoyed 😉. See you in the next one.

Bye-bye 👋🏻