Chapter 8✔

Alishim Valima

The wedding was finally coming to an end. Zoya was glad that she hadn't missed the flight as she had hoped to, initially. She was glad she was here. It proved to function as a much needed get-away.

The time she had spent with Fazeela, Kainat and Azeem bhai and obviously Alizey were the best moments of her life. She had a new friend, Minaal. She was going to reminisce all of it when she got old. And as she would remember it, her lips would curl into an appealing smile.

Alizey had left after barat, and the farmhouse without Alizey felt gloomy even though it was still filled with loads of guests including Alizey's cousins and relatives and of course that creep Haris, who eyed her despite her not so subtle "NOT INTERESTED" hints.

Zoya was going to wear a sari today and so were Fazeela and Kainat. Last night, Zoya had cried in bed as she missed, her best friend. Zoya didn't know why she was so emotional, but she was.

" Zoye, I love your sari more now, can we switch again? " Fazeela said as she hungrily glanced at the laid-out saris which were laid out on the bed.

Kainat had ordered these saris from Amazon, and they were shipped from a boutique in Kochin, Kerala India. Kainat had found them as she was scrolling through her Instagram. And as soon as she saw the mustard sari, she fell in love with it. After checking out the collection Kainat had placed an order. She had selected pastel pink for Zoye, greyish blue for Fazeela and Mustard for herself. But when she had gifted them, Fazeela had switched and taken the pastel pink one. And now she was regretting that swap.

"Should have thought that before. A deal is a deal" Zoya told her as she gave Fazeela a sorry-not-sorry smile. Zoya had been secretly eyeing Fazeela's bluish grey sari and she had actually gotten it. Sometimes, Allah listens to your small not so significant prayers. And you find yourself thinking "kuch aur he maang letay."(should have asked for something else)

"Get ready, we are getting late for the valima. Kahin Aunty humaray bagir na chalain jaen.(Aunty might leave without us.)" Fazeela said as she grabbed her sari and went to change. Her makeup was already done, and she had curled her hair into beach waves.

Zoya was applying lip color, when the knock on the door interrupted her. "Zoya, yaar bus karo ho gaya. Bohat zyda best friend bana chahti hoo Alizey ki... Usi ghar main shadi ho k jana chahti hoo. Niceee(Zoya stop it. I see how you want to up your best friend games with Alizey. Planning to get married in the same household. Nice !!!))" Kainat said standing in the door.

She was looking pretty ravishing in the lime organza sari of her's. Her hair was secured in a bun and even had flowers in them. She was looking drop dead gorgeous. The DIVA!

Hearing her remark Zoya blushed the deepest darkest shade of red. Uff, she wasn't even trying to impress him. Usay kon karay ga impress! (Who wants to impress him!) She just wanted to look pretty and take tons of pictures. She was leaving tomorrow and going back her mundane life, so she wanted to make what was left of it, worth.

"Bakwass na karo!(Don't talk rubbish)

I can't stay in the same room as Irtaza. Shadi tu rehnay he does( Marriage is another thing)!!!

I just want to look good.

Aj ki pictures Instagram pay ja rahi hain.(Today's pictures are going to grace my insta)

Look at you though, Azeem bhai nay tumhain kamray say bahir kesay ana diya?(How Azeem bhai let you out of the room is beyond me.)" Zoya asked as she winked at Kainat who was now looking flustered.

Tit-for-Tat Kainat, Tit-for-Tat

"Wait a min, Irtaza? I was talking about Moiez. But Irtaza bhi thek thak hai (Irtaza is okay too)!"

"But nikkah pay tu Irtaza, is just my type bol rahi theen?( But at Nikkah you were saying Irtaza is my type.)"

"Maan gayen na(Now you admit) ... he is just your type...." Kainat replied raising her perfect brows.

"Bakwas nai karo Kainat main(Shop talking nonsense Kainat)..." Zoya wasn't able to complete the sentence. She was awestruck by how pretty Fazeela looked in her sari. The pastel pink sari was actually complimenting her. With the complexion as white as her's, Fazeela was blooming in that sari. Her beachy hair which she had parted in the middle were falling on the sides. She was looking like an angel. Hoor!!! And so Zoya began singing the 'hoor' song she remembered. She had this talent, of relating a song with the current situation.

"Koi hoor, jesayyyyy tuuuuuu" Zoya sang, and her melodious voice echoed through the room accompanied by Kainat's laughter and Fazeela's "Pagal jao sari pehno apni(stupid, go wear your sari)".

Zoya was happy. Maybe crying last night had given her some sort of emotional stability.

"Zoya, now go get dressed. We are getting late. Plus remember you have to give that mini speech for Alizey. You don't want to be late. Warna Alizey ka tu pata he hai(You know Alizay). I am leaving with Azeem. Tum Fazeela aur Jaffer bhai k sath ajana or zyda dair ho tu Ahmad. (You can come with Fazeela and Jaffer bhai, or Ahmad if you are late)" Kainat said as she left their room and Zoya busied herself with changing into her sari.

Irtaza scanned the receptionhall for the cute devil, but she was nowhere to be seen. And it vexed him. Notthat he wanted to see her, he just didn't want another drama. So, he waslooking out for everyone.

Liar!

No, no lies.

Bus, sakoon say Valima ho jae ga. Alizeyaur Hashim cake kat lain. Aur hum saray wapis Karachi chalay jaen, kheriyatsay. (Just hoping that Valima gets done inaccord and we all go back to Karachi.

Aur wahan say wapis london. Zindagi main sakoon. (And from there to London!Harmony in life, that's the goal)

Whatever!

Cake! His eyes came upon the 5 tier grand cake and then on the little girl whose eyes were welling with tears. She stared at the top of the flower studded tires and then back at the ground. It was Sarah. Alizey's niece. He didn't know why she was crying. But just seeing the little kid try so hard not to cry, made his heart clench and before he knew it, he was by her side.

"Hey, honey, what's wrong?" he asked, crouching down.

"I am sad." She replied.

Of course! He wanted to point out but refrained. She was nothing but a 5 year-old.

"You are?" He asked, faking his surprise.

"Ahan." She said nodding her head at him.

"But why are you sad?" He asked her.

She pointed towards the cake and then sobbed. "She's.... gone." Her breath hitched but she completed the sentence.

"No little bunny, see over there. Alizey is right over there." Little bunny! That's what Zoya calls her. Stop! He scolded his alter ego.

He pointed towards the stage where Alizey sat with Hashim smiling and posing for the pictures. Instead of easing her, his comment made her more miserable. Allah help him, to the people who were witnessing his chit chat with the child it would appear that he was bullying the little child.

"Shh, hey it's okay. She is right over there."

"Not lizay. Zoe! She is gone. They said that she was punished because she broke Mommy's vase last night. I haven't seen her since then. She's turned into a cake!" The girl cried in horror.

Ofcourse, Zoya broke the vase.

Again.

What was with her and the vases?

But turning into a cake!

This cake is a little too elegant to be her carnation.

Don't smile! He scolded himself again as his lips began curling.

"Everyone is going to....... eat Zoe." Her breath hitched again, and a tear spilled from her eye and trailed down her cheek.

"Shhh, little bunny. Zoya is not the cake. She is around here, somewhere. Don't cry we will find her."

"She is not cake? But I haven't seen her. Subha say. (since morning)" the girl whispered.

"No, she's not." Sarah frowned and then stared at her hands.

"Can you keep a secret, Mr. stunk up Suits.?" She asked and he stared at her astonished.

Secret! Of course, he could. He had been keeping Zoya's secrets. Her rhetorical question felt like a jib. Mainly because although, he had been keeping Zoya's secrets he also had been exposing them unintentionally. And the nickname! Stunk up Suits? Zoya!! I want to murder you ......

"Sure, little bunny." He replied holding his smile.

"It wasn't Zoe who broke the vase." She spoke hesitantly.

Irtaza brushed her tear away with his thumb. "It's okay, little bunny. Accidents happen. I'll not tell anyone." He swore as he held out his pinky finger.

"they said Zoe turned into cake because of me. That my friends turn into cake."

Ah. Hell! He hated how he didn't know how to make Sarah feel better. Another tear spilled from an eye, clinging to her dense black lashes before dropping onto his thumb.

The vise tightened around his heart even more. He looked away from her, turning his attention to the cake. The five-tiered cake—frosted white and adorned with golden with white sugar flowers—rose high above them.

"Little bunny, there's no way Zoya turned into a cake. It's way too tall." He hadn't meant to say the last part. She blinked those thick lashes, dispersing her tears as she smiled.

"Yes, she is a little short." She agreed.

He liked little Sarah. Smiling at her rueful smile, he swore "I won't tell her you called her short."

The girl smiled as she added, "She hates it."

"But if she is not cake then..." Sara nodded. Her curls bounced.

"They're just teasing you." He said, getting up from the ground.

Because boys tease girls they like. Was that why he'd been giving Zoya such a hard time. Why he'd always given her such a hard time since they meet?

What tough time? I have been on my best behavior except for the flight!

He'd like to think he was more mature than that. He'd like to think he was too smart to be attracted to her, too. But he couldn't keep lying to himself. Because, like Sara whenever he lifted his gaze his eyes started searching the crowd for Zoya.

"They were teasing me?" Her voice trembled, but with anger this time, making her sound much older than her tender years.

"Afraid so."

Sara tilted her chin and narrowed her eyes, anger stiffening her small, thin body. Irtaza felt bad for Musa.

"Why?" She asked.

"Maybe it was his idea of trying to be friends with you." He answered.

"But I don't want to be friends with him." The girl replied folding her hands in front of her.

"Poor, Musa. Now come on, let's find your Zoe." He said holding out his hand for her to take, which she did.

"Meenu!" He called his sister, who had lately become best friends with Zoya.

"Zoya kahan hai(Where is Zoya)?" He asked abruptly which caused Meena's eyebrows to hike upwards.

"I am helping Sara in finding her. She thinks, Zoya miraculously turned into a cake, because she...." He began but then saw Sara. She was looking at him as if he had betrayed her. And he realized he was about to reveal her secret.

".... is not here" he concluded his sentence which earned a small smile from Sara

" I see! She spilled juice on her sari, on her way to the hall. So, she is probably in the restroom getting it cleaned."

"Hey little bunny, why don't you stay with Meenu, and I'd go find your best friend!"

"Thankie you." The girl replied giving him the biggest smile with a broken front tooth. And damn it did feel great. It didn't cost him a dime and he was feeling great. The smile that Sarah passed him was worth the effort he was making. Maybe that euphoria, that feeling was something she was addicted too. Maybe that was why Zoya couldn't say 'no' to people. Her people.

"Thank you, Haris, but I don't need your help." He heard her say as she struggled to get away from Haris, Alizey's cousin in the alley.

Like a tape record he could hear Zoya's voice play in mind.

"...............Haris, Alizey's cousin makes my skin crawl. And I can't just politely avoid him because he is her family. So, one time while he was staring at me like I was his business, I ran a finger in my nose to gross him. God it was the most embarrassing stuff. But he still didn't get, you know grossed out. I washed my fingers hundred times after that. "

Every time he found her, she was in some sort of serious trouble. Coughing to get their attention, he marched towards Zoya and Haris who stood frozen in the corridor. Zoya was the first to recover.

"Yaar kidhar reh gae they? Itni dair say intezar kar rahi the. (Where were you? I have been waiting since forever) You said we'd ditch the Valima and go eat ice cream from Baskin Robbins?" She said and now it was his turn to get the shock of his life.

Yaar? Did she just call him yaar? She had never been this informal with him. And then implying that he and she were a thing. That she had plans with him? Okay, he really didn't see that coming.

Leaving Haris standing there gaping like a fish, Zoya looking a vision in her sari marched towards him. She tripled over the length of clothe but recovered. Smiling at him as he was answer to all her prayers, she walked towards him and stood beside him. He was enchanted, by the sight. She always had been a cute little thing but today, she looked beyond gorgeous. MashAllah!

"Irtaza, I thought you..." He began and then shook his head dismissing the idea of continuing the sentence and left them.

Good for him!

" No! How hard it is to say NO, HARIS!" He asked her irritated when they were finally left alone. The girl was legit going to end up in a mess bigtime. Actually, he wasn't sure how she had survived with this much naivety.

"I didn't want to hurt his feelings."

"I see. You have no problem hurting mine? Stunk up suit seriously? Stunk? Sarah called me that in front of everyone" He was exaggerating but she didn't need to know that.

" That is because I know the hurtful things as you call them, never get through your solid exterior. And I never say bad thing on your face. I mutter them, I didn't know you could hear them. I am sorry about Sara. Its "stuck up suits". I dont know why she said stunk. You never stunk. You...." She trailed realizing that she was about to embarrass herself again.

"I am really sorry. But you are right 'Agr no bola hota tu juice na girta sari pay'(I could have avoided the juice catastrophe , if I had said no.)" She muttered the last part to herself.

She wrinkled her nose when she realized what he had said. It was really odd. She didn't think she told him about her difficulty in saying 'no'. Was she really that transparent? How did he read her so well? Ugh!

" I can bet you allow everyone to walk over you because you can't say 'no'. Students ki late submission bhi accept kar leti ho haina(you do accept right)? Aur colleagues k liye proxy ban jati ho (And act as a substitute for colleagues)" He continued. "I get that helping people is great. But sometimes you have to say no. Come on practice with me. "No". It's easy."

"No. I do not place bets. Too much risk and uncertainty" She replied smirking at him, satisfied with her use of 'no'. She did do bets. A lot of them actually, with her brother growing up and with Alizey. But only the ones she knew she was going to win. Bets on the arguments like, "I am telling you Ryan Reynolds is Scarlet Johanson's ex. Wanna bet?" kind of bets she knew she was always going to win. But she wasn't going to confess that to him right now.

"Touché! You hate uncertainty when it comes to others, only" He countered.

She had a feeling that he'd meant it as a kamedy (Kamedy and not comedy. comedy with c is actual laughable content, with K it is not) but to her ears, it was patronizing. Everything that came from him was because, she knew he didn't like her or approve of her.

But he was nice to me. He said I am a good person.

Woh kaal ki baat the. (That was yesterday)

Aj(Today ) he definitely doesn't likes you!

"Iska kya matlab hai? (What do you mean)" She scowled. She was going to regret asking that. But she knew the curious cat inside her wouldn't be able to survive if she didn't get the context behind his comment.

He looked at her as if he was surprised by her question. Shrugged at her, which made her intensify her scowl. "You are the most uncertain, unpredictable person I know of. And you are saying you hate uncertainty. Feel the irony?"

She drew back her chin talking offense, "I am not."

"I have known you for almost what 8 days? In that period of time, you have spilled your secrets to me, climbed a wall and jumped from it. The list goes on..."

"I slipped."

He almost laughed. He actually had to bite the inside of his cheeks to stop himself from laughing at her. "Sure did. This counter my arguments. Great rationale."

" You did the same thing!" She countered.

"Oh really?"

"I climbed the wall to save a cat and you.....," she said giving him the Cheshire grin "...climbed the wall to save me."

"I didn't climb the wall. I climbed the ladder." He shot back. "And secondly, are you seriously comparing yourself to a cat?"

"Yes. No! Whatever!" For the first time she was grateful that she was wearing heels, otherwise she would have stamped them like an angry kid, whose mom refused to buy him a 'pet rock'.

"What would you have done if I hadn't rescued you?" he demanded. "Sach main! Batain zara kya kartin (Pray enlighten what would you have done)?"

"Intezar? (Wait)" She replied dumbly.

Owff Zoya

Intezar? Kya bewakofon wala jawab hai yeh (Wait! What kind of stupid reply is that)

It is true though. Intezar karnay k ilawa main kar bhi kya saki the.... (What could I have done except waiting... to be rescued....)

" Yeah, wait for the morning so everyone discovers that you have been missing since the night........quite the publicity everyone carves to have..........

or maybe for the police who would have been called by the people, frantic in search of you. Ya phir kisi .... (Or maybe)"

"Tab.. (Then)", she began and left it. She knew he was damn right, and it made her feel worse.

He looked at her, long enough to make her uncomfortable. "Haan... Phir? (Yes...then?)" He asked.

She sucked in her breath. "Everything I do, I do it out of kindness. Everything. Be it exchanging my sari because Fazeela likes it more or taking the blame for Kainat. Or climbing the god damn wall. " Her nose got redder as she scrunched it at him. "I have a good heart. And I am proud of it. Do you know anyone else who would risk..." She choked on her words. Several moments passed before she was able to continue.

"Do you really think I am such a hare-brained?"

"No!" His voice was devastatingly low and hoarse.

" I believe you don't have a brain to begin with."

She lurched back at the insult. "I knew it. We can't be friends. I am done trying. You are unthinkable!"

He didn't say anything. He just stood there.

"You are a terrible person, Irtaza Haider whatever Stuck UP SUITS. You are impatient, intolerant, judgmental conceited—"

He grabbed her arm. "Stop this."

Zoya yanked back, but his fingers were too firmly wrapped around her flesh. It didn't hurt. "What are you even doing here in the alley? Jao kaam karo Valima k arrangements dekho.(Go look after Valima arrangements.) But nai(no), you'd always come and find me at most ill-suited timing and then find faults in me."

"Don't be absurd," he scoffed.

"It's true," she shot back. "All you do is frown and scold and – and – everything about you...... Your manner, your expressions. You are so disapproving. Funny thing you don't even have to move your lips like others to voice it, I get it telepathically. Whatever."

"Why do you care about my disapproval?"

"I......." She stuttered.

She shook her head. She felt almost revelatory. "Because......You disapprove of everything about me.... Everything".

He stepped toward her, his hand tightening on her arm. "That is so far from the truth that it is laughable."

Zoya's mouth hung open. She was shocked by his words but looking up at him she realized that someone was more shocked than her. HIM. And that he was standing very close. She could smell the musky scent coming off from his coat.

"Then why is no one laughing?" She asked as she yanked out her arm out of his hold and marched towards the hall.

"Kaal he do compliments diye thay( I gave you two compliments yesterday). Are you phishing for more?" He asked. But there was no response from her.

"You are the one who disapproves. You go around giving me weird nick names. Meri bhi tareef kar diya karo (Praise me a little?) "

Still no response.

"You are kind of cute when you are mad?" He called over.

"Shut up! You don't like me. Quit flirting with me!" She finally replied looking over her shoulder.

"I just started!" He answered.

Started? Started what? Liking me? Is he saying he started liking me?

Or does it mean, he just started flirting with me.

Uff baat bhi koi sahe tarhan nai karta! Sara dimag main isi ko samjhnay main zya kardoon! (He can't even communicate properly. Am I supposed to waste all of my brain cells on him? That too when they (brain cells) are near extinction?)

She was too angry to notice anything. She was moving towards the stage in her rage until she saw her little best friend run towards her. Zoya was thanking her lucky stars looking at Sarah in her white barbie frock, struggling with the can-can. Her eyes caught Sarah's which were huge with relief, admiration and love. Her foul mood was evaporating just like that. It would have gone in the air, 'poof' if Sara hadn't crossed her to go hug Irtaza's leg who much to her surprise was just behind her.

"Thank you! Mr. Suits. Thankie you, thankie you. You are the best." She said as she pressed herself to his legs while he awkwardly stood there. Zoya knew she shouldn't be staring at the duo like she has been betrayed but she was. She really felt betrayed. She saw him look at her face and catch her eyes. Giving her a pained smile accompanied with a causal shrug, he bent down, and she could swear in her heart that it was melting. Too much sweetness.

Turning away from the duo, she decided to march away, and she did.

"Mr Suits, can I ask you something?" Sara asked repeating the nickname.

"Sure."

"Do you like Zoe?"

What! Where did that come from? He wanted to shout. But he couldn't. Mainly because the question stole his breath away. Like her? Yes, he did. If like meant wanting to strangle her half the time.

That's why you have been thinking about her, looking for her.

What about the rest of the time and the uncontrollable desire of wanting to pull her cheeks?

Yeah right! I concede.

Okay. Maybe, I do like her. He finally admitted to himself.

But I am not getting involved with her. No!

He already had a lot on his plate. The law firm, his mother, Meena. He couldn't take someone else responsibility. Definitely not when they were irresponsible like Zoya. Like Ayesha had pointed out, he had no time left to give. He didn't know what Zoya deserved but he surely deserved to have a comforting partner, not a headache!

"Suits..." she asked blinking her eyes at him.

"You can call me Irtaza, little bunny."

"You don't like her? " She trailed off, nibbling on her bottom lip.

His heart twisted. He didn't want to break her heart. His stomach flipped. She was such a sweetheart.

" Why would you ask me that, little bunny?"

"Because you said boys.... tease the girls they like...." She replied.

Okay, he didn't see that coming.

"Honey, its different. I am not a boy.....Musa is..." He told her.

Was that the best you could do?

Bring little Musa in it.

REAL MATURE AND NOT BOY-ish

"Ahan" She replied distractedly, not buying it.

"Can you keep another secret?" She asked again and for the third time he held her pinky finger.

"I heard Mommy and your mommy talk that, if you liked Zoe. Then whenever I'd meet Lizey, I'd get to meet Zoe! It's a secret."

Ammi! Sari duniya ki larkiyan chor k, Ammi ko yeh mere pasand aye.(Out of all the girls in the universe, Ammi likes her for me!) Never! Allah na karay(God forbid), he wanted to shout. Color flushed Sara's face, painting her cheeks bright pink. "I really like Zoe and I don't want her to go. She is my best friend. She plays with me."

Good to know that I have your approval?

"I am sorry, little bunny. But this is grown-up talk. Why do you go play with Musa?" He suggested.

"But you like her right?" She asked persistently.

"I don't like your Zoe. " His voice rasped with emotion as he told her.

"But..." As Sara's gaze rose above where he crouched in front of her, her eyes widened.

Irtaza turned his head, peering over his shoulder into Zoya's face, as pale with shock as if she'd seen a ghost. Of course, with her so many phobias, she'd probably already had to face down a phobia or two. Hell, he'd been the one of the phantom's she had been trying to avoid. A laugh bubbled up in his throat, but he controlled it, not wanting to hurt Zoya's feelings. Hoping he hadn't already.

Zoya cleared her throat. "Little bunny, your mommy is looking for you. She sent me to get you. If you are done talking to your new best friend, we need to go." She didn't mean to sound as jealous as she did. But God damn she was jealous. And it did sting!

He let out a derisive snort, but Zoya didn't even look at him. Her focus remained on Sara who had a cheek to inch forward and kiss his cheek. He stood there immobile while Zoya couldn't help but get red. Sarah was supposed to be her little best friend!

"The food is being served at our table now. Chalo jaldi(come quickly)" She extended her hand, reaching for the little girl as if to snatch her away from Irtaza.

He should have been glad that she was rescuing him from an awkward situation. Instead, he felt as if she were rescuing the child from him, as if she didn't trust him.

Zoya didn't want Sara away from Irtaza. She wanted to get away from him. A charming Irtaza was far more dangerous than the usual uptight, judgmental one she knew. His words had slashed her heart. Why did he have to say he didn't like her? He could have atleast lied to the child. But no, he said he didn't like her. And the look on his face suggested that he was disgusted. Was she that bad? Zoya wanted to cry.

Sarah, who'd always been obedient, didn't put her hand in Zoya's extended one. Instead, she turned and held out her hand infront of him. "Will you come with us?" she asked.

He nodded solemnly. "Sure"

Why was he being so nice to Sara? She knew he didn't want to impress her. He didn't even want her under the same roof. God why was she feeling so miserable. Didn't she know that already?

If he really dont like me, then why did he say I looked cute!

WHY

WHY WHY WHY

FYI cute means ugly but adorable

Still cute is a compliment!

"I don't like your Zoe" was playing on her mind and she couldn't help but feel rejected.

YOU ARE NOT A TRASH! MAN, UP LADY! There are men dying to be with you. She told herself.

Where are they?

I see no one!

Well, you just lied to Haris.

Yeah right. That is true. There are crap men waiting for me.

Whatever!

She looked up only to catch Azeem bhai put his arm around Kainat's waist as she leaned her head over his shoulder, ranting about something her Instagram followers said. Steering her eyes away from Kainat and Azeem bhai PDA, she looked at Fazeela with her husband who was getting her pictures clicked with Alizey and Hashim.

Everyone was together. Doing couple stuff while she just stood there with her arms wrapped around herself feeling like a stranger. She felt a pang of loneliness.

Where is my Hashim? Really? Where is he?

He is somewhere enjoying a cup of chai. She answered her own question.

He really has to like chai. Warna humari baat nai ban paye ge.(Otherwise there is no scene possible.)

I'm sure he's out there, somewhere. Mera banda(my man). He has to be out there, right?

But what if I never find him? Or what if I already met him, and I messed it up somehow? It is possible given, I mess up everything.

What if my man was Abdullah who I rejected?

What if it was Ali, from my batch who used to crush on just any woman he was friends with?

Oh, God, no. Fate would never be this unkind. I am a good person and after all the crap I have been getting, it wouldn't hand over a crappy man as husband? Would it?

Or what if its Kumail from school whose Instagram request, I keep cancelling till this date. But he had a girlfriend. And they were in this relationship. My man can't be a cheater? And a creep.

And so she was sitting in the corner playing with the handkerchief as the gloomy took over. How she wished right now, she was in her room with Billu wrapped around her arm.

That gloomy turned into an anxiety as Zoya saw Alizey's father giving his speech which meant she was up next. Alizey looked teary eyed as she glanced at her father with adoration.

"Hashim, take care of my baby. She is my warrior princess. She knows how to fight her battles, you just have to put your trust and guide her when she feels lost. That's what I have been doing. The rest, my bossy daughter can manage." Uncle said and everyone cheered and clapped.

Aww, uncle that's too cute and true!

It was time for her mini speech in honor of the new couple.

Zoya, you are an instructor. Consider this your class and everyone is your pupil. They don't know anything. They are waiting for you to enlighten them. They aren't going to eat you. You are the boss.

" I guess it's my turn now." She said as she nervously took the mic that was directed towards her. " I didn't even sign up for the speech, but overbearing Alizey had to force it down my throat with her death glare and not so empty life threat." Zoya said and everyone burst into laughter.

"She is actually doing it right now. I guess it was supposed to be a secret. Uff, I am always saying things that shouldn't be said."

"I have known Alizey since pre-school. Like uncle said she is a warrior princess. She'd been my warrior. She broke Ali's milk tooth by punching him when he stole my lunch and later bullied me. Ali was with us in grade 1. Consider it a subtle warning Hashim never get on the bad side of her. LIKE NEVER. NOT EVEN WHEN SHE IS WRONG. Because it gets worse when she is wrong. This is spoken from experience. Truly we all love your smile, and we don't want the front tooth missing, or something like that." Another snicker and Zoya felt accomplished.

" When Alizey told me she was getting married, I wondered "Where did she find a guy who crammed all those SEVEN Harry Potter books for her? OR is the guy a wizard or something?" Because everyone knows how obsessed she is with those novels. I warn you Hashim, she is going to name her kid "Harry" or "Ron". "

Everyone snickered with laugher. Alizey was laughing too and giving her that "oh you are so dead Zoya look."

"But she is a treasure. My treasure. And I hate the thought that now I'll have to share that with you. DO you know I cried Yesterday, in front of well someone.... And I hate crying. Oops now everyone knows. The fact that you are going to have all of her, and I'd be left with bits and pieces is making me cry and I don't want to cry right now. You are the one, she is going to call sounding so ecstatic that you'd think she got a raise or something, but in reality, it would be something like JK Rowlings liked her tweets. Don't get mad if she turns your room into a mess, sometimes she does it when she can't decide what to wear. Help her select the outfit and avoid the mess, beforehand." Zoya didn't know that by now she had slight tears in her eyes.

"Keep her happy, warm and safe Hashim, because if she doesn't break your teeth, I definitely will. I love you, Alizey. Cheers to the happy couple and cheers to the upcoming Rons and Harrys and Hermonies. Allah kush rakhe tum dono ko. Humesha Ameen! (May Allah bless you both. Forever Ameen)" Zoya said as she took her seat beside Fazeela, who hugged her and kissed her cheek, telling her how awesome and overwhelming and sweet the speech was.

Zoya's throat was parched, and she had to take a sip of water to settle down. Her insides were in a turmoil. She was happy for Alizey and Hashim. She wished nothing but best for them. But at the same time, she was sad that she would have to share. And Zoya hated sharing.

It was now Irtaza's turn. Clearing his throat, he began talking about Hashim and their nappy days and Zoya stared at him in awe.

Uff, his face is so beautiful, and his eyes are the darkest shade of black. I just feel like I am drowning in them. He's looking at me. Wait, he is looking at me. What is he saying?

If it's about you, its defiantly not good coming.

Pagal!!! Abhi bezati karwa k aye ho! (Stupid, he insulted you earlier.)

Ghorna baand karo! (Stop staring)

Her own advice was lost to her, and she was lost staring at him that she couldn't hear him or herself. She knew that he was still giving the speech because his lips were moving. In the end, he smiled a breath-taking smile of his and took his seat, beside his sister Minaal.

The function finally concluded, and everyone left the hall for the airport directly or went to farmhouse and then left for their homes including Zoya.

The goodbyes had her sobbing. Meena had become a good friend during the short period of time. Sure, they had exchanged their numbers, but everyone knew the moment they were going to get back to their life, they would be so busy with their life to have some time for causal chit chatt.

She was glad that she wasn't going to see his face ever again. A lie. And the satisfaction that her secrets were still safe was enough to make her feel content. But she didn't know why she felt a pang when Irtaza didn't "wish her good bye" or came to bid her farewell.

Why was she even expecting a good bye, she didn't know! It wasn't as if they were friends. But then to her he had become someone like a friend. He knew her secrets, he witnessed her on her bad. He felt special.

Oh, shut up! Every guy who holds the door for you, feels special to you! Her alter ego taunted. And it was right.

Sometimes the plans you are avoiding because you are low on the social energy turns out to be the best, most memorable ones!

Notes from Zoya pad

1st) Children are traitors! They change party. Don't over invest your energies. They will always choose the tall person over short because, they want to be really up from the ground. Why they have this fetish for tall people is unknown but for future reference never reach for a toddler who is held by a tall person!

2nd) Never ever eavesdrop on someone's conversation!

a) It's not a good habit.

b) You would end up getting hurt.

3rd) Never bring your mom to a wedding. Because then she will nag you about getting married. Pointing out the suitable men throughout the function and will become bestie with the mother of the most unsuitable guy (yes you got that right)!

Assalam-Alikum

I hope you all are enjoying. I am not gonna do the aesthetics!!! But in my mind Feroze Khan is how I imagine Irtaza to be. (I dont own any of the music/ pictures. But uff I love this song.

"Phir bhi nazrain na tum milana dil ka itbar nai" gets me everytime!")

Lots of love and prayers your way. (Pray for me, my family and people of Palestine. Thankie you)

فی امان اللہ

Love Noor-e-Jehan ♥♥

p. s it's my brother's birthday. Pray for him. Thankie you

Then next chapter is such a bomb! And and the way Zoya texts, its actually me. I am so excited for you all to read it. Owfff

Allah hafiz.