𝟐𝟔. 𝐘𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐤𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡

How dare he?

How f🤪cking dare he look so breathtaking in that kurta we bought together and yet be talking to that chudail.

Something pierced my heart when I saw them laugh carelessly. I felt a searing pain in my chest that panged with jealousy. It felt like the world around them didn't exist. Like I didn't exist for him.

Did I not?

But last night happened too. Our partial first kiss happened last night.

I could still feel his soft lips lingering on my forehead as I sucked in a deep breath, filling my lungs with his scent.

Did that mean anything to him?

Am I pushing this too hard too fast?

Oh, how I wish I knew.

"Stop staring at them!" Sarah hissed, coming to stand by me.

"Tell him to stop talking to her. I'll stop staring." I confess, feeling anger nip my insides.

"I can't just go and tell him that, Muskaan. And that doesn't mean she'll let go of him. Kuch aur socho."

I ran a hand through my braided hair in frustration,wondering why am I losing my mind over something so trivial. He made a promise after all and so did I.

He didn't push Siam's topic last night. I should take that as a huge sign and give him thanks for not digging in. He trusted me.

And I am going to do the same. No matter what the jealous woman in me says.

"Let's just go." I say and tug at her arm but she didn't budge.

"That won't make the problem go away." Sarah insisted. "Tell me what's wrong. Or tell him what you feel."

"I don't know, Sarah. I really don't." I exhale through my mouth. "When I'm with him nothing goes wrong. We talk, we tease eachother, we argue, we fight, we make up. And I like all of that. But when I see him with other women-- I-- I just can't see him with other women. It boils my blood, squeezes my heart. I feel like walking over to her and pull her hair, rip her fake nails and lashes off." Seeing how wide her eyes went, I rub a hand up and down her arm.

"Yeah, I know those are not healthy thoughts but I'm being honest."

"Itna honest bhi nahi hona tha." She says, gulping down water from the glass she was holding.

"Anyway--"

"Make a statement." Sarah said cutting me off. "A bold one, for the fellow kuwari girls." I follow her gaze as it moves from me to something behind me. That something turned out to be a plate of haldi, ready for the ceremony.

My lips twitch upward as I meet her gaze.

Message received.

We gather around Daniya who was settled on the stool with her sleeves rolled up, ready to be smeared in the yellow paste.

Her mother is the first woman to step up, drape a garland over her, feed her a spoonful of gulab jamun, circle a couple rupee bills and dip her fingers in the haldi mixture. She swipes her index and middle across both cheeks, arms and feet. Her mother pecks her forehead, pulling her daughter for an embrace and getting all teary eyed.

All aunties present follow one after the other doing the same until Daniya has no inch of bare skin left.

We goof around some, clicking pictures, capturing embarrassing moments that are going to go in the 'blackmail material for life' folder.

A squeal leaves my mouth when Sarah spreads cold haldi on both my cheeks. Her eyes lit up with mischief as she seemed to be on a mission of her own.

"Go."

The moment I step out the front door and my eyes landed on him the world around me faded. Just like the movies, everything turned in slowmo with very step I took in his direction.

He spots me making my way towards him, and I would be lying if I didn't see the bright brown shine in his eyes under the spotlight over his head.

Muaaz was smiling when I reach him but it was switched to confusion plus something else as I grabbed the collar of his kurta and fist them in both my palms.

Thanks to the heels I was wearing I didn't need to stand on my tiptoes and made my job easier.

The second I press my cheek to his I feel him go rigid under me, the way he held his breath as I slid my cheek across his stubbled one. When my eyes met his, long gone was the brightness replaced with a dark look and dilated pupils like he couldn't think straight.

When I press my left one to his right, he shuddered against me causing me to smirk. I give him my innocent smile when I pull away and drop my hands back, oh so pleased with my artwork.

All thanks to me, he had haldi on both his cheeks.

But Muaaz wasn't smiling. It was something between a frown and something else. Even the look in his eyes intensified, sending a shudder down my spine.

I know he liked it.

He just didn't see it coming.

Apna kaam ho gaya.

Spinning on my heel, I mentally guve myself a pat on the back before making my way back inside. I'm mindful of not rushing away but taking slow firm steps, swaying my hips a little as i felt his burning gaze on me every second of my walk.

Stepping in the living room, I stand behind the crowd. A smile crossed my face taking in Daniya who was still being marinated in ubtan by her cousins.

I felt his aura even before he uttered a word, standing so close behind me I felt the heat radiating off him.

"Why would you do that?" He husked in my ear and I couldn't reply but smile. A large hand wraps around my belly and I am pulled back in the slightest with a gasp leaving my mouth, the fabric of our clothes brushing.

My attention falls on my hands as he grips my wrist and loops a red rose ganjra through my right first then my left.

"Hmm?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." I tease him, biting my lip.

"This," He says in a low whisper, his breath fanning my ear. His cheek comes in contact with mine as he glides it across just like I did it mere minutes ago minus the ubtan.

"I had to make a statement." My breath hitches when I feel his warm lips trace the shell of my ear.

"About?"

"You." I shut my eyes, clutching his arm that was wrapped around me because my knees were very close to giving up "Me." His tongue darts out to trace the shell and all I could do was to do a sharp inhale despite the fireworks in my belly. "Us." A hiss escapes my mouth when he bites into my earlobe.

"You must like me very much then." He says, when I shoot a scowl at him over my shoulder.

"I like you very very much, Muaaz Hussein." He pecks the same spot he just bit and flicks my nose with his, giving me his best smiles.

"Is that all?" Muaaz asks once i rest my head on his broad and hard chest comfortably so, feeling his heart race.

"What more do you want?"

"Is it only your liking me very very much? Nothing more?"

"Ungrateful brat!" I pinch his forearm but he didn't as much flinch. "I just said I like you before you admitting you like me too."

"Actions speak louder than words, baby."

Did he just call me baby?!

I swallow the strong urge to squeal and clear my throat, keeping cool and playing nonchalant.

"I don't see you do no action."

He shrugs behind me. "Guess I'll have to work harder starting now."

I expect him to let go, drop his hands and step back and away from me. But he just seemed to do the opposite of whatever I think.

His other arm comes around whatever was left of my waist and clasps both his hands on my naval, locking me in place.

"Ummm...what are you doing?" I ask looking at the belt he formed around me with his arms.

"Cuddling."

I snort in response not feeling my soul because it was soaring high somewhere in the sky with feelings I was overwhelmed with.

"Kiya iraadey hai janab?"

"Naik to Bilkul nahi hai." He tightens his grip on me. "Tell me something,"

"Hmm,"

"How come Humna Aunty is only after me to getting married and why not you?"

"Cuz I got my parents to do that for me."

"Are you saying I'm an orphan?"

"No! I'm sure they're looking too."

"Are yours looking?"

"Why? You want to give our thing a jealousy angle?"

"For you? I'm game." He smirks.

"Acha," I pretend to look around in search of someone. "I didn't see Saim today? Kahan hai--"

"Naam mat lo uss manhoos ka." He grumbled,yanking me to his chest. I could only laugh in return not wanting to alter the mood we were in even a bit. "Tell me, are they looking?"

"Actively? I don't think so."

"That's good. I'll tell them not to bother."

"What?!" My shriek earned us looks from around but no one important to catch us in the embraced position we were currently in. "Why would you do that?"

"Cuz I'm gonna be the man marrying you." He says with so much conviction one might even think we're engaged or something.

"Huh?!"

"It's true."

"No."

"What am I to you? A fling?"

"No!"

"Then?"

"Abba nahi manenge." I say it like it's a well-known fact. It is.

"Your abba is the only problem." I scowled at his tone but he continued nevertheless. "He is the only one standing between us and the qazi."

I look at him like he's grown two heads.

"Don't give me that look." He says with a frown of his own. "It's only him that needs convincing. Rest all is OK."

"So you were just waiting for me to make the first move?"

"You have no idea." I raise my brows in question. "Anybody could tell by the way you looked at me how much you're holding yourself back from..."

I have no idea what my source of braveness was today. "From...?"

Again with the clouds of darkness in his eyes. I see his Adam's apple Bob as he swallowed, his eyes moving between my eyes before going down to my lips. When his eyes met mine I could practically see what he wanted to do with me if he had his way. And I think he knew I know it too from the smirk he gave my way.

Turning away from his face, I rest my head back on his chest and try to clear my head and focus on my breathing.

"I barely did anything, love, and you can't breathe." His chest shook as he laughed.

I elbow him in the ribs. "Stop!"

"Muskaan," I hear Sarah calling me from the other end of the hall, waving at me with both arms. Thanks to the hundred people between us she couldn't see I was caged in someone's arms.

"That's my cue." I nod at her and raise 2 fingers in the air, indicating I'll be there in a minute. "C'mon, Muaaz, let go."

"Mm-hmm." He said, tightening his arms around me. Kitna dum hai iske ander!

"Muaaz!"

"Meet me on the terrace tonight."

I glare at him. "Roz ka hogya tumhara?"

"Maybe."

"No."

"Ok," He proceeded to rest his chin on my shoulder.

"Oh my God! You want to get me killed or what?" I shrug his chin off of me and try to unlock his arms.

"Say yes."

"Muaaz,"

"Yes."

"No."

"Please."

"No,"

"Please?" he pouts, pushing his lip out and doing the thing with his eyes that makes him look no less than a puppy.

What is this man doing to me?!

I make a show as though I am looking behind him and let out a fake gasp. "Abbu!".

"Oh fuck, shit!"

And that is how, ladies and gentlemen, you put your new lover in his place.

Muaaz jumps away from me, unwinding his arms in one go. He finger brushed his hair, and cleared his throat. Being the big boy he is, he spins on his heel, ready to face Abbu and looks confused on seeing no one in particular he should be scared of.

"Gotcha!"

I sprint pass the thong of people and look over my shoulder only when I am sure I've left over 50 people between us. Muaaz is still standing where he was, laughing to himself as our eyes meet.

And that's when it all comes crushing down on my.

I've lied to him.

I've lied saying that I like him because the word 'like' barely starts to describe how I actually feel about this man. It doesn't cover the fuzzy things he does to my heart whispering sweet nothings in my ear. Doesn't do justice to the way my skin prickles with goosebumps on his touch. Doesn't express the way my breath hitches when I see him smile or worse laugh like he is now.

I don't know what stage of rock bottom I've hit in the pool called Muaaz Hussein but I know I am way past down the surface.

The living room is transformed into a colorful, vibrant space, filled with the warmth of tradition and the anticipation of celebration. Yellow marigold flowers hang in garlands, their fragrance mingling with the scent of turmeric and rose petals scattered across the floor. Muskaan, dressed in a bright, flowing lehenga, her hands adorned with intricate mehndi, is surrounded by her friends, all of them beaming with joy as they prepare for the dance.

The makeshift stage at the far end of the room is illuminated by soft, golden lights, reflecting off the glittering decor. The space is buzzing with the chatter and laughter of the women, all dressed in various shades of yellow, adding to the festive atmosphere. The dhol beats in the background build the anticipation as everyone takes their places for the performance.

I break into a smile, even as I sprint across the room, the thrill of our little banter lingering. As I join Sarah and the others, the music starts, and the air fills with the sound of traditional Punjabi beats. The rhythm is infectious, and soon we're all dancing, our movements synchronized in a choreographed mix of traditional and modern steps.

The energy in the room is electric as we move through the routine, twirling and clapping in unison. The ladies cheer us on, their excitement adding to the lively atmosphere. As we finish the last spin and strike the final pose, the room erupts in applause.

Breathing heavily but grinning widely, I glance around at the faces of my friends, all flushed with the joy of dancing. But just as I'm about to step off the stage, my eyes catch something unexpected.

Standing in the far corner of the living room, partially hidden by the shadow of the draped curtains, is Muaaz. His gaze is fixed on me, a soft smile playing on his lips. My heart skips a beat, and for a moment, everything else fades away-the music, the laughter, the people.

He's here. At a ladies-only event. Watching me.

I can feel my cheeks heating up, and not just from the exertion of the dance. What is he doing here? Why does the sight of him make my heart race even faster?

And why the hell has he got that mischievous glint in his eyes? Is he walking towards me?

A couple minutes ago...

A sprinting figure bumped into me. "Shit, sorry." She said before stepping back, her eyes meeting mine.

"It's ok."

"Oh, hi." She says, smiling at me like she knew me. That's strange because I didn't know her.

"Hi." I offer politely.

"I'm Sarah. Muskaan's friend."

"Hi, Sarah," Suddenly, her smile dropped, eyes going wide causing me to frown. "You ok?"

She blinks, sucking in a deep breath. "Yeah. Just the way you said my name--"

"Did I get it wrong?" I questioned. "Is it not s-a-r-a-h, Sarah?"

"Yeah, no. It's just, uh. . ."

I frowned. "What?"

"The 'ah' you add to the end---it's to die for-- your sexy British accent just-- Oh, God! I'm embarrassing myself way too much." She clears her throat, shakes her head and blows a breath. "Why don't you join Muskaan to dance?"

"Sorry?"

"You're enjoying yourself here standing in the corner, I'm sure you'll thank me later after you join her and dance your heart out with her."

"Uhhh," I look around at the throng kf ladies gathered, doubting the idea.

"Don't worry. Nobody's gonna mind. You've earned yourself a good reputation in the eyes of people around here. They won't judge you. Especially you, cuz--."

"Because they see me as their potential son in law." I finish.

"You got it. Also, I'm pretty sure many aunties here have an eye for Muskaan to be their daughter in law seeing that she's the one shining bright like a diamond."

"Me dancing with her will put those eyes away for a bit."

"You're a genius." Sarah grins.

"Thank you, Sarah." I say, stressing the 'ah' in the end that has her blushing and scampering away with a giggle.

The song changed as I neared the dancing group, with a more applicable one to our situation. All the young girls parted like the red sea leading me to Noor who raised her brows on spotting me come closer.

Banno ki mehendi kya kehna

Banno ka ka joda kya kehna.."

Cheers errupted around us as the music transitioned, the beat infectious as I stepped closer to Noor. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and I couldn't help but grin back. The crowd seemed to fade away as we locked eyes.

Banno ki aankhein kajrari

Banno lage sabse pyaari..'

I do the gesture like SRK does in the song effortlessly, having watched this movie a million times. Noor, just like Kajol widens her eyes at the last bit.

Soon Udit Narayan's voice boomed in the area and there was no stopping my jalwa from taking over.

Banno ki saheli resham ki dori..

With the first lines of the song, I dramatically mimed pulling an invisible thread between us, just as the lyrics described. Noor laughed, her expression daring me to go further, her movements teasing but fluid. The cheers from around us only added fuel to the moment.

Chup chup ke sharmaaye, dekhe chori chori...

I pointed at her, then spun around, mimicking the playful energy of the song, and she followed my lead. I reached for her hand, giving her a twirl that sent her dupatta fluttering in the air. Her laughter rang out as she spun back toward me, our bodies almost colliding in the perfect rhythm.

Ye mane ya na mane main to ispe margaya,

Her eyes glinted as she began to sway in time with the music, her steps free and light. I caught her hand again, pulling her close, just like in the movies. Her breath hitched, and I raised a playful eyebrow before spinning her away once more.

Ye lardki haye Allah, haye haye re Allah

The teasing lyrics seemed to narrate our every move. Noor's face lit up as I lip-synced, overacting like a true Bollywood hero, causing another round of laughter from the onlookers. She was magnetic, her energy drawing me in as we moved in sync, our steps casual yet somehow perfectly timed with the music.

As the tempo of the song picked up, we danced around each other, our moves mirroring the playful back-and-forth energy of the song. Noor shot me a grin, and I responded by mimicking another dramatic pose, my arm extending outward as if pulling her into the dance floor spotlight.

For a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. The crowd's cheers blended into the background, their excitement growing as we played off each other's moves. I took a step closer, and she didn't back away, her smile widening as I leaned in, just enough to tease but not close enough to break the rhythm.

The song reached its climax, and in one final flourish, I caught her by the waist, lifting her just slightly as she laughed, our dance coming to an end. When I set her down, her face was flushed, her breathing fast, but her eyes stayed locked on mine

The crowd got to their feet, showering flower petals on us. Like the scene wasn't filmy enough, I get myself a handful of marigold petals and chuck them at Noor's joyous self, watching enjoy today like the world was gonna end tomorrow.

Her smile never left her face. She laughed when she realised I was the one throwing those petals only on her and it filled my heart with joy and pride because I was the reason of her smile.

💐💃🏻🕺🏻

Kaisa raha update? Do tell in the comments. Acha laga to ek star ⭐️ phenk ke maaro.

Adios!