35| She And I

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Humza offered her a slight smile, but Anaabiya couldn't bring herself to return it. There was something unsettling about the way his eyes held hers, something that made her chest tighten with emotions she couldn't quite name.

A few moments later, he pushed the door closed behind them, his grip on her unwavering. The quiet click of the door shutting sent a jolt through her, a suffocating feeling wrapping around her like an unseen force. A strange mix of anticipation and unease coiled inside her, making it difficult to breathe.

He didn't step away, nor did he loosen his hold. Instead, his dark, penetrating gaze remained fixed on her, as if he could see straight into the depths of her soul. The intensity of it sent a shiver down her spine, making her acutely aware of every inch of space—or lack thereof—between them.

She couldn't look away. Couldn't move. Her entire body was thrumming with something raw and unfamiliar, a heat rising in her chest that only deepened the longer he stared. Her breath hitched, her pulse hammering wildly against her ribs. Whatever was happening between them, whatever unspoken words lingered in the air, it was swallowing her whole.

Anaabiya's defenses crumbled, the last remnants of restraint slipping through her fingers. She could no longer deny the intoxicating warmth spreading through her chest, consuming her whole. Something had shifted inside her, something beyond logic or reason.

Without thinking, without hesitation, she closed the remaining distance between them, rising onto her toes to reach his lips. The moment her mouth pressed against his, a rush of warmth flooded her veins. His lips were soft, yet the moment was charged with an undeniable intensity.

For a fleeting second, Humza froze, as if caught off guard by her boldness. But then, as though something within him had snapped, he responded. His strong hands found their way to her jaw, cradling it firmly as he deepened the kiss. It was slow yet fervent, a perfect balance between control and passion, as if he was savoring every second. Their lips moved in perfect rhythm, a slow, mesmerizing dance that sent shivers cascading down her spine.

Anaabiya's fingers found their way into his thick, silky hair, threading through the strands as she pulled him closer. A low hum vibrated against her lips when his hands moved lower, tracing a slow path down her back, his touch both gentle and possessive.

His lips brushed against hers, teasing, exploring, leaving her utterly breathless. He took his time, savoring the moment, his tongue caressing hers in a way that sent waves of heat coursing through her. A desperate, needy sound escaped her throat when he traced her tongue with a deliberate slowness, igniting something primal within her.

She matched his rhythm, her movements just as urgent, just as eager. Their tongues clashed, hot and hungry, the kiss turning deeper, more desperate. Every ounce of restraint had vanished, replaced by a longing so fierce it made her dizzy. Her body pressed against his, as if the space between them was unbearable, as if she needed to be closer—to feel him, to drown in him.

Humza's searing kiss left her incapable of thought, consumed entirely by sensation. Her pulse pounded wildly, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps. At that moment, nothing else existed. No past, no future—only this. Only him.

Anaabiya finally broke the kiss, her breath hitching as she pulled away, gasping for much-needed air. Her forehead rested against his, their breaths mingling in the silence, both of them struggling to steady themselves. The air between them was thick, charged with something raw and unspoken.

A soft, almost incredulous smile played on her lips as realization washed over her—she had kissed him. She had been the one to close the distance, to surrender to the pull that had been tormenting her for so long. And he had kissed her back, not just with passion but with a tenderness that sent warmth seeping into the very depths of her soul.

Humza's eyes held hers, dark and unreadable at first, but as the seconds stretched, something shifted within them—an unusual warmth, a quiet intensity that made her chest tighten. It wasn't just desire. It was something deeper, something that made her pulse race with an unfamiliar kind of longing.

Her gaze flickered downward, drawn to the solid warmth of his hand still resting on her waist, his fingers pressing lightly against the fabric of her dress. A shiver ran down her spine at the realization of just how firm, how possessive his hold was—like he had no intention of letting her go.

Beneath her trembling fingers, his heartbeat pounded steadily against his chest, syncing with her own erratic rhythm. Her hands still lay splayed over his bare skin, and the heat radiating from his body sent waves of awareness coursing through her. Her veins thrummed with excitement, the rapid thudding of her heart betraying just how affected she was by his touch, by his nearness.

The world outside ceased to exist. There was only the dimly lit room, the soft sounds of their uneven breathing, and the electric current sparking between them. Anaabiya could feel it in every fiber of her being—this undeniable force pulling them toward each other, binding them in a way that neither of them had the power to resist.

Anaabiya's breath came in short, uneven gasps as she whispered, "Thank you for what you did for me."

The moment the words left her lips, she felt the shift in him. Humza's body tensed beneath her touch, his muscles turning rigid as his head moved away from hers. His once-soft gaze hardened in an instant, and a deep frown settled on his face.

His next words sent a cold shiver down her spine. "Did you kiss me just to repay me for what I did?" His voice was quiet but laced with unmistakable frustration.

Anaabiya blinked, taken aback by his question. Her eyes flickered toward his hair—disheveled and messy from her fingers running through it just moments ago. A flush crept up her cheeks at the realization.

Before she could respond, his hands slipped away from her waist, leaving behind an empty coldness where his warmth had been. Without another word, he turned away, walking toward his bed. The loss of contact sent a pang of unease through her, and it was only then that she realized she hadn't answered him.

Panicking, she bent down to grab the pillow that had fallen onto the floor and hurried after him.

"No... no, you've got it all wrong," she rushed out, settling beside him.

Anaabiya's voice wavered as she whispered, "I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have... I mean, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Her heart ached at the thought that she had ruined something between them. She hesitantly lifted her gaze to him, only to find his intense eyes locked onto hers. The unreadable expression on his face sent an unsettling warmth through her chest.

A thick silence stretched between them before she spoke again, forcing a small, brittle smile. "I should just go."

Gripping the pillow tightly, she turned to leave, but before she could move an inch, Humza's hand shot out, wrapping around her wrist. With one swift, effortless pull, she lost her balance and found herself tumbling toward him. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she landed against his firm chest, her body pressed against his.

Her heart pounded as he shifted, and in a matter of seconds, she was beneath him, his strong frame hovering over her, caging her in. The air around them grew thick, charged with something unspoken yet undeniably intense. Anaabiya's breath hitched, her mind struggling to catch up with what had just happened.

His eyes gleamed with something dark, something possessive. "Where do you think you're going?" His deep, velvety voice sent shivers down her spine.

She swallowed hard, her lips parting slightly. "Back to my room..." she murmured, though the conviction in her words was faltering, especially with the way his fingers brushed over her cheek.

The warmth of his touch burned into her skin, leaving behind an aching need she hadn't known she was capable of feeling. His thumb traced the curve of her swollen lips, lingering just long enough to make her shiver. His gaze flickered to her mouth, his own lips parting slightly as if debating whether to claim hers again.

"Do you have any idea," he murmured, his voice a low rasp, "how I feel about you? What you do to me?"

Anaabiya's breath came in short gasps, her pulse erratic. Her body was thrumming with an anticipation that both terrified and exhilarated her. And yet, instead of shrinking away, she found herself tilting her chin up slightly, challenging him with her next words.

"No," she whispered, her voice daring yet soft. "Why don't you enlighten me?"

His eyes darkened instantly, the flickering heat in them intensifying. A slow, knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and the way he looked at her then—like she was something he both wanted to worship and devour—made her feel lightheaded.

She had unknowingly awakened something in him.

Humza's lips trailed down to the side of Anaabiya's neck, finding the delicate spot that made her body tense beneath him. The moment his mouth pressed against it, she shuddered, a soft whimper escaping her lips. He smirked against her skin, his warm breath fanning over her as he flicked his tongue over the sensitive spot, eliciting another quiet moan from her.

Her fingers instinctively buried themselves in his thick, silky hair, threading through the strands as if anchoring herself to reality. The sensation of his touch, his lips, his warmth—it was all consuming, unraveling her piece by piece.

His hands, strong and confident, slipped beneath her top, the rough warmth of his palms gliding up her soft skin. The slow ascent sent waves of anticipation flooding through her, her stomach tightening with the ache of what was to come. The moment his hands found their way to the most sensitive part of her, she sucked in a sharp breath. No one had ever touched her like this. No one had ever made her feel this way.

"Tell me to stop," Humza rasped against her jawline, his voice thick with desire, yet laced with restraint. He kissed along her jaw, his lips coaxing, teasing—testing his own

Anaabiya's breath hitched as Humza's hand explored the soft curve of her body, his touch sending ripples of heat through her. When his fingers grazed her breast, a strangled moan escaped her lips, her back arching into his touch instinctively. The sensation was overwhelming, unlike anything she had ever felt before—too much yet not enough.

Her fingers trembled as they tangled in his thick hair, her mind clouded with a dizzying mix of pleasure and longing. "H-Humza..." she whispered, barely able to form words.

He groaned, the sound deep and raw as he buried his face into the crook of her neck. "Anaabiya," he rasped, his voice hoarse with restraint, "if you keep making those sounds, I won't be able to stop." His breath was ragged, his body taut with barely controlled desire.

Anaabiya swallowed hard, trying to steady herself, but every part of her ached for more. More of his touch, more of his warmth, more of him. She knew they were treading dangerous waters, yet she couldn't bring herself to pull away.

Humza exhaled sharply, pressing his forehead against hers as he fought to regain control. "We need to slow down," he said, though his hands still lingered on her waist, reluctant to let go.

The words felt like a slap, making her heart sink. But he was right. They couldn't let this spiral beyond control. Even though every fiber of her being screamed otherwise, she nodded. "Y-Yeah... we should."

With visible effort, Humza withdrew his hands, his touch leaving a lingering warmth against her skin. The sudden loss made her feel strangely empty, and the frustration in his eyes mirrored her own.

She was in deep trouble.

Humza exhaled deeply as he shifted beside Anaabiya, rolling onto his side before pulling her against him. Her head rested on his chest, where she could feel the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart beneath her cheek. Before settling in, he brushed a soft kiss against her lips—barely there, yet enough to send warmth coursing through her veins. Then, as if to soothe some invisible ache, he pressed another kiss to her forehead.

Anaabiya's heart swelled with emotions she couldn't contain. She wanted to tell him. To finally say the words that had been lingering on the tip of her tongue. I love you. But something held her back. Maybe it wasn't the right moment. Maybe it needed to be special.

The silence stretched between them, comfortable yet weighted, until Humza finally broke it. His voice was quiet, almost distant.

"This room... it belonged to my parents," he murmured, his fingers absently tracing circles on her arm. "My father gifted it to my mother when they got married."

Anaabiya's brows furrowed slightly, sensing a heaviness creeping into his words. She tilted her head slightly, but from her angle, all she could see was the rise and fall of his chest.

His voice dropped lower, raw with something unspoken. "Baaba died because of me." His body tensed beneath her, as if bracing for the weight of his own confession. "I was the one driving that night." His breath hitched slightly before he forced the words out. "I am a murderer."

The pain in his voice sent a sharp ache through Anaabiya's chest. Without thinking, she reached up, her hand smoothing over his back in slow, comforting strokes. She felt the stiffness in his muscles, the burden he carried so deeply ingrained in him.

"You're not a murderer, Humza," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, but firm.

He didn't say anything. Just lay there, staring at the ceiling, lost in the torment of his own past.

Humza's voice was low, laced with a bitterness that barely masked the pain beneath it. "My mother remarried." He exhaled sharply, as if the words themselves left a bitter taste in his mouth. "She moved on so easily, Anaabiya. As if my father's death meant nothing." His voice turned colder, tinged with disbelief. "And do you know who she married?" His grip on her tightened slightly. "My father's own brother."

Anaabiya felt her breath hitch at his confession. The agony in his voice was unmistakable, seeping into every word like an open wound that had never healed.

"Who does that?" he continued, his tone raw and aching. "Sometimes I wonder... did she ever really love him? Or was it all just—" He broke off, shaking his head slightly, as though the thought itself was too much to bear.

Silence settled between them, heavy and suffocating. Then, barely above a whisper, his voice cracked. "All my life, I've been going through hell. Nobody loves me, Anaabiya. Absolutely no one after Baaba." His breathing grew uneven, his pain slipping through the cracks he had spent years fortifying. "People—they're not here because they care. They're just scared of me."

Anaabiya's heart clenched painfully at his words. The sheer loneliness in his voice was unbearable. She could hear it—feel it—like a silent plea buried beneath his hardened exterior.

Without a second thought, she clung to him tighter, pressing herself closer as if willing her warmth to seep into his fractured soul. And this time, Humza didn't hold back. He wrapped his arm around her waist, gripping her as if she was the only thing tethering him to this world.

Anaabiya's voice was soft, yet firm, as she whispered into the quiet darkness, "Why don't you start praying, Humza? I know ALLAH loves you the most. He has never forsaken you."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, a bitter laugh escaped Humza's lips, hollow and filled with years of unspoken anguish. "Pray?" he scoffed. "I stopped praying the day that woman married my uncle." His voice was laced with something sharp, something broken. "ALLAH never helped me, Anaabiya. Not once."

His grip around her loosened slightly as his gaze drifted somewhere far away. "I waited," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "After Baaba died, I fell into a darkness I couldn't escape. I was drowning, but no one reached out. Not my mother. Not my uncle. And certainly not ALLAH." His jaw clenched, his pain seeping into every word. "I cried, Anaabiya. I begged. But He didn't care. Just like everyone else."

Anaabiya felt her heart shatter at the helplessness in his tone. She could feel his pain as if it were her own. Without thinking, she reached for his face, gently cupping his jaw, forcing him to look at her.

"Don't say that, Humza," she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please. I know ALLAH. I used to think like you, too." A lump formed in her throat, but she swallowed it down, desperate to make him understand. "Believe me, He has plans we can't always comprehend. You think He abandoned you, but He was always there, guiding you even through your worst days. Everything in this world is temporary, everything else will wither away—but ALLAH will never leave your side."

Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. She hadn't even realized she was crying until a soft sniffle escaped her lips.

Humza, who had been staring at her with an unreadable expression, suddenly pulled back just enough to look at her face. His brow furrowed, his own nose tinged a shade of crimson. "Why are you crying?" he asked, his voice softer now, as if her tears unsettled him more than his own pain.

Anaabiya let out a shaky breath, pressing her face against his chest, as though seeking refuge in his warmth. "Because you're crying," she confessed, her voice muffled against him.

Humza stilled. His arms tightened around her once again, holding her close. And for the first time that night, the silence between them wasn't suffocating. It was comforting. Safe.

Humza scoffed lightly, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his lips. "Don't wipe your nose on my chest," he teased.

Anaabiya gasped in mock offense before playfully smacking his chest. The deep chuckle that rumbled through him sent warmth curling in her stomach.

A moment of silence settled between them before she finally spoke, her voice gentle yet hopeful. "Pray with me tomorrow, Humza." It wasn't a demand—it was a request, a plea.

She felt the shift in his body almost instantly. His jaw tensed, his grip around her waist loosening ever so slightly. "I have everything I need right now," he said, his voice colder than before. "I don't need to pray."

The sharpness in his tone stung, but Anaabiya refused to back down. She couldn't watch him slip further into the trap that had already tightened its grip around his heart. She wanted him to find his way back—to ALLAH, to peace.

"Everything you have, Humza, is a blessing," she reminded him, her voice unwavering. "It was given by ALLAH, and just as easily, He can take it away. You need to be thankful—"

His arms around her slackened even more as he stared into the distance, his gaze unreadable. "Then I'll go to Him when He takes it away," he muttered, bitterness lacing every word.

Anaabiya's heart ached at his defiance. She knew his pain ran deep, knew that his wounds hadn't healed. But she also knew that ALLAH's mercy was endless.

Ya ALLAH, please guide him. Please bring him back to You. Let us help each other find the path that leads to Jannah.

She whispered the prayer within the depths of her heart, hoping, pleading, that one day, Humza would find the light he had turned away from.

Humza sighed, his expression softening as he reached out to wipe the tears from Anaabiya's cheeks with the back of his thumb. His touch was unexpectedly gentle, as if he were afraid she might break beneath his fingertips.

"Enough now," he murmured, his voice a mix of exhaustion and quiet command. "Stop crying and go to sleep."

Before she could respond, he cupped the back of her head, guiding her against his chest once more. His warmth surrounded her, his steady heartbeat drumming against her ear like a soothing melody.

Anaabiya exhaled softly, her body finally surrendering to the comfort of his embrace. The weight of the night, the whirlwind of emotions—it all melted away as she closed her eyes.

With every rhythmic beat of his heart, she felt herself slipping into slumber, cradled in the safety of his arms.

The next morning, Anaabiya stirred awake as the golden rays of the sun pierced through the heavy curtains, casting a warm glow across the luxurious room. Blinking against the brightness, she turned instinctively to the side, but just like before, Humza was nowhere to be seen.

A familiar pang of disappointment settled in her chest. She had wanted to wake up beside him, to see his face first thing in the morning, to finally gather the courage to tell him what had been weighing on her heart—I love you.

With a sigh, she sat up, letting her gaze wander across the breathtaking room. Now that she was fully awake, she took in the opulence surrounding her. The furniture, the intricate detailing on the walls, even the chandelier hanging from the ceiling—almost everything had accents of gold. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before, a silent testament to the kind of wealth Humza possessed.

But the awe lasted only a moment before a sharp realization struck her. Nabiha.

Her heart clenched. How could she have been so careless? She had left her sister alone last night, too wrapped up in her own emotions to check on her. Guilt flooded her as she hurriedly pushed off the bed.

Without wasting another second, she rushed out of Humza's room and made her way to her own. The moment she stepped inside, her breath hitched in her throat.

Nabiha was nowhere to be seen.

Panic gripped her chest like a vice. Her eyes darted around frantically, scanning every corner of the room, hoping—praying—that she had simply missed her. She pulled open the closet doors, checked the bathroom, even peeked under the bed, but there was no sign of her sister.

A cold dread settled in her bones. She had just gotten her sister back. She couldn't lose her now.

Her hands trembled as she grabbed her hijab, wrapping it hastily around her head. She needed to find Nabiha. Now.

Anaabiya didn't waste another second. Sprinting out of the room, she flew down the stairs, her heart hammering against her ribcage. Panic clouded her mind, blurring everything around her. Where was Nabiha? What if something had happened to her? The very thought made her vision swim with unshed tears.

But just as she reached the bottom of the stairs, a chorus of playful hoots and laughter echoed from outside. The unfamiliar sound of joy momentarily halted her steps. With her breath still uneven, she turned toward the source of the noise and walked out into the garden.

The sight before her made her body sag in relief.

Humza, Huzaifa, Nabiha, and another man she didn't recognize were all gathered outside, engaged in a lively game of cricket. Rafiya Aunty sat on a nearby chair, occasionally clapping and cheering them on.

Anaabiya's gaze instantly sought out her sister. Nabiha stood on the field, ball in hand, preparing to bowl. She looked... fine. More than fine, actually. Anaabiya could hardly believe how much better she seemed after just one dose of medication. It was as if all the weakness had drained from her body overnight, replaced by the same fiery energy she had always possessed.

A small, incredulous smile tugged at Anaabiya's lips as she watched her sister in action. She had always known that Nabiha had a love for cricket—it was in her blood. Back in school, she had been the captain of her team, leading them to victory countless times. Seeing her so effortlessly in her element again, even after everything she had been through, filled Anaabiya's heart with warmth.

Her eyes drifted toward Humza, who stood at a distance, hands resting loosely on his hips as he focused on the game. He was fielding, his stance relaxed yet calculated, as if he were completely at ease in the moment.

This man...

The same man who commanded fear in the hearts of many, the one people whispered about in hushed voices, the one who carried a world of pain within him—here he was, blending into a simple game of cricket like any ordinary man. He had a shirt on this time, but it did nothing to diminish his powerful presence.

A soft flutter stirred in Anaabiya's chest.

He had her heart, and he didn't even know it.

Nevertheless, Anaabiya strode toward Rafiya Aunty, but as she got closer, she noticed something off. There was a slight crease between Aunty's brows, a flicker of unease in her otherwise warm eyes. But the moment she spotted Anaabiya, that worry melted away, replaced by a beaming smile.

"Assalamo Alaikum, Aunty," Anaabiya greeted softly, and before she could say another word, Rafiya Aunty pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Walaikum Assalam, Walaikum Assalam!" she exclaimed, squeezing her fondly. "I'm so happy to see you, my dear. We arrived this morning while you were still sleeping. I can't tell you how relieved I am to see Humza doing well. We were really worried!" She spoke so fast that Anaabiya almost struggled to keep up.

A warm smile spread across Anaabiya's face. "Alhamdulillah, he's fine," she assured her gently.

Before Rafiya Aunty could say more, a loud voice cut through the air.

"Anaabiya!" Huzaifa called from the cricket field, waving enthusiastically. "Why don't you join us? Come bat in my place! If you're on our team, Humza's team is definitely going to lose!"

Anaabiya blinked, completely taken aback. "What? Me?" She pointed at herself, incredulous. "I don't know how to play!"

Nabiha, who had just bowled a perfect delivery, let out an amused laugh. "That's true, Aapi has never held a bat in her life!" she snickered, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Anaabiya turned instinctively toward Humza, as if expecting him to save her from this embarrassing situation, but instead, she found him standing at a distance with his arms crossed over his chest, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Well, that settles it," Nabiha teased. "Humza bhai, our team is stronger!"

Humza arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his gaze. "Is that so?" he mused, tilting his head slightly. "Let's put that to the test, then. What do you say, Anaabiya? Up for a challenge?"

Anaabiya narrowed her eyes at his smirk, feeling an odd mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling within her.

"Anaabiya, at least give it a try!" Huzaifa urged again, his voice filled with encouragement.

"Yes, Anaabiya, just try." Asad chimed in, looking equally desperate. "We're already losing, and I'm exhausted. You might just turn the game around for us!"

Anaabiya hesitated, glancing toward Humza once again. This time, he gave her a small nod, subtly gesturing for her to step forward. That one simple motion was all it took—she couldn't refuse him. Taking a deep breath, she finally relented, ambling toward Huzaifa, who grinned and handed her the bat before stepping aside to take Asad's place in the field.

Nabiha wasted no time. She took her position, gripping the ball firmly before throwing it with ease. It wasn't particularly fast or tricky, but Anaabiya, clueless about cricket, still missed it completely.

She groaned inwardly. I am such a fool.

Before she could dwell on her failure, Nabiha let out a playful laugh.

"Come on, Aapi! Just focus on the ball, not on Humza Bhai!" she teased, giggling mischievously.

Anaabiya's cheeks heated instantly as she cast a quick, almost guilty glance in Humza's direction. He stood at a distance, arms folded over his chest, watching her with quiet intensity. That burning gaze alone made it nearly impossible to concentrate.

But this time, she steeled herself, determined to keep her eyes locked on the small red ball. Even if it was one of the hardest things she had ever done.

Nabiha bowled again, and once more, Anaabiya swung and missed. Frustration settled in her chest—she was a complete failure at this. Why am I even doing this? she thought, ready to step away and admit defeat.

But just as she was about to lower the bat, a familiar warmth enveloped her. Humza's hands slid over hers, guiding her grip. Her entire body went rigid as his front pressed firmly against her back, the heat of him seeping through the thin layers of fabric between them.

Her breath hitched. He had been this close before, yet every time it happened, it felt like the first. The world around them seemed to blur, the playful chatter and laughter fading into a distant hum.

"Hold it like this," his deep voice murmured near her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Nabiha let out a dramatic groan, crossing her arms. "Humza bhai! That's not fair. We're on opposite teams! You can't help her—that's cheating!"

Humza didn't even glance her way. Instead, his grip on Anaabiya's hands tightened slightly as he adjusted her hold on the bat. A slow, knowing smile tugged at his lips. "She and I," he murmured, his voice a velvety caress against Anaabiya's ear, "will always be on the same team."

Anaabiya's heart stumbled in her chest. The warmth of his breath ghosted over her skin, even through the fabric of her hijab, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. Her fingers trembled against the bat, her mind struggling to focus on anything other than the intoxicating nearness of him.

"How am I supposed to hit the ball when you're this close?" she wanted to whisper, but she could barely find her voice.

Humza's hands covered Anaabiya's, his grip firm yet effortless as he guided her hold on the bat. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her, and in an instant, memories of the previous night came flooding back, setting her cheeks ablaze.

"Just let me take control," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of something far deeper. His lips brushed against the fabric of her hijab, so close that she could feel the heat of his breath seeping through. A thousand tiny sparks ignited across her skin. "Loosen your grip."

Anaabiya swallowed hard and obeyed, though it was nearly impossible to focus when he was this close, his presence so overwhelming.

A soft chuckle rumbled in his chest. "And stop blushing," he teased, his voice dropping to something dangerously low. "Or I might just have to stop this game and finish what I started a few hours ago."

Her breath hitched, her fingers tightening instinctively around the bat. But before she could react—before the blush deepened on her face—Nabiha hurled the ball toward them.

Anaabiya barely had time to register its trajectory before it bounced, racing toward her face. A gasp lodged in her throat, but before panic could set in, Humza swung the bat effortlessly, his movements swift and controlled.

The crack of impact echoed through the air as the ball soared high, disappearing beyond the terrace.

"Whoa! That was massive!" Nabiha smirked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Anaabiya's heart swelled at the sight—her sister looked genuinely happy, lighter than she had been in days. Seeing her like this was more rewarding than anything else.

"I knew this was the best decision ever!" Huzaifa practically squealed, his enthusiasm infectious as he clapped his hands together.

Anaabiya turned her gaze toward Humza, who was already looking at her. His smile was warm, genuine—a rare sight that sent a flutter through her chest. It wasn't just pride in their teamwork; it was something deeper, something unspoken. And for a fleeting moment, the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them standing there, caught in a silent exchange that neither of them dared to put into words.

Anaabiya took a deep breath, summoning all her courage. "Humza, I..." she began, her heart pounding, but before she could finish, Rafiya Aunty's voice cut through the air.

"Humza, I need to talk to you. If you're done here, can we go inside?" she called out from her seat.

"Not now, Mother," Humza responded casually, his focus still on Anaabiya.

"It's important. Come right away." This time, Rafiya Aunty's tone was firm, leaving no room for discussion. Without waiting for a response, she rose from her chair and strode toward the house.

Humza exhaled in frustration, running a hand through his hair. "I'll be back soon," he muttered before reluctantly letting go of Anaabiya and following his mother inside.

Anaabiya stood still, watching his retreating figure. Her heart ached with the words left unsaid. She was falling for him—hard. And he had no idea.

In that very moment, Anaabiya found herself relating to a quote she had once read in John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. It wasn't just a line from a book anymore—it was her reality, the perfect summation of what had happened to her.

She had fallen in love with Humza the way one drifts into sleep—first slowly, unaware of its depth, then all at once, completely consumed.

At first, it had been subtle—harmless glances, fleeting thoughts, a quiet admiration buried beneath layers of uncertainty. But then, without warning, the realization crashed over her like a tidal wave, leaving her breathless.

Her heart was no longer her own—it belonged to him, irrevocably and completely. And the terrifying part? He didn't even know he had it.

H U M Z A- "Hello ladies, would you like to vote and comment for me?"

E D I T E D on 5.3.2025