Chapter : 54 - Shy Hearts | Part-1 |

"How's the tea, Nader?" I asked as I sat down beside him.

"It's good," came his dry response, and Aziz's curt reply started making me uneasy. He doesn't usually talk like this-what happened to him all of a sudden? He was happy just a while ago, even kissed me on the cheek, and I didn't even say anything that could upset him. So why has Shahjahan's mood suddenly change?

While thinking this, I glanced over at Ezzeh, who was saying something to Tamir. Within moments, both of them stood up, and without even looking at us, took their tea and coffee and headed towards the lounge. Ezzeh was in front, and Tamir followed her with his eyes cast down.

Then, I turned my gaze to the grump sitting beside me, who was just sipping his tea in silence, wearing a cold expression.

"What's wrong with you, Nader?" I asked sternly, though I was worried. I didn't know why, but I don't like it when he sits silently like this-I've become used to his voice.

"Nothing," Aziz replied again in that same dry tone, and now frustration and anger started to build inside me.

"Seriously, Aziz, nothing? Then just go! Why are you sitting here?" I asked him, being completely done with his silent behavior.

"The tea is good, that's why I'm sitting here. Otherwise, I would've left by now," Aziz replied sharply without even looking at me, his eyes fixed on the tea.

"Did I do something, or are you upset with me?" I asked gently, setting aside my anger and frustration and trying to approach him.

"How can I not be upset, Uns?" Aziz placed the empty cup on the table with calm restraint, looking at me as he asked.

And today, when I looked into his blue eyes, I felt like I was the reason for his anger. There was some hidden pain in his eyes, but what had I done?

"Why are you upset?" I asked, pushing the conversation further.

"You're really asking this, Uns? If you keep saying such things, do you think I'll want to talk to you?" At this moment, Aziz looked like the most troubled man in the world.

"What have I said that made you so upset, Nader?" I asked gently, placing my hand on his.

"You can't use your weapons now, Begum," Aziz said with a straight face, trying to pull his hand away but failed when I kissed his right hand and then looked at him.

"This is unfair, Uns," Aziz said in an accusing tone.

And seeing him bend before me like this made me feel a strange sense of satisfaction.

"What did you say when you gave me the tea, Uns?" Aziz tried to be stern again, but his voice came out soft.

"What's the big deal in that, Nader? Everyone has to go one day," I said casually.

"Mere liye bahut Badi baat hai, Uns. Tumhari jaan mein meri jaan basti hai, kyun nahi samajh aata tumhe?" Aziz's voice cracked a little this time, and his face turned pale.

(It's a huge deal for me, Uns. My life is tied to yours, why can't you understand?)

"Nader, if what I said upset you so much, then what about the things you've said?" I started getting angry.

"It's the truth, Uns. If, God forbid, something happens to you, it won't take me more than a second to close my eyes forever," Aziz said with deep seriousness, looking into my eyes.

"If you say that again, I'll punch you right in your handsome face, Nader," I said sternly. I really felt like punching him right now-how could he even say such things?

"I don't care about myself, Uns. In fact, I pray that I leave this world before you," Aziz said with a smile and kissed my hand this time, but my heart was breaking into pieces.

If I don't see him for a minute, I go crazy, and here he is, talking like this.

"But I care about you, Aziz. You are incredibly precious to me. If there is no Aziz, then there is no Uns either-remember that," I said with a broken voice as I started to pull my hand away.

"Aur meri duao ka kya, Uns? Mai mere Allah seh tumhari zindagi ki bheek maangta hoon, aur agar tum hein aise baate karogi toh, meri duao ki kya maine hai?" Aziz said, tightening his grip on my hand, his voice full of frustration.

(And what about my prayers, Uns? I beg Allah for your life, and if you keep talking like this, then what's the meaning of my prayers?)

"And is there no meaning to my prayers, Aziz?" I asked in the same tone, though his question filled me with both an odd sense of happiness and fear.

Happiness, because this man loves me so much, and fear, for at the mere thought of being separated from him terrifies me, what if----

"You are my wife, Uns. Protecting you is my duty-"

"And you are my husband, Aziz. Protecting you is my duty as well," I interrupted his words and my own thoughts.

"Let's end this topic," Aziz said gently, kissing my hand with softness.

"Better," I replied firmly.

"Begum, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said all that," Shahjahan finally realized.

"I won't accept it, Nader," I said, turning the other way with a flushed face.

"Sweetheart," Aziz called softly, resting his head on my shoulder. And now he's using his weapon! How am I supposed to stay mad at him when he calls me sweetheart? He surely knows my weakness.

"Forgive me," he pleaded, kissing the fabric of my shoulder. I stayed silent and kept my face turned to the left.

"Begum--"

"Fine!" I cut him off, because my heart can't handle hearing him call me 'begum' when I'm already dealing with his cuteness.

"By the way, I didn't know my begum drinks tea too?" Aziz asked, still resting his head on my shoulder, playing with my hands.

"I started drinking it seven years ago," I replied, resting my head on his.

"So, how did you like the tea? Is it still Hot, or did you actually noticed the taste?" Aziz asked teasingly.

"The first time I drank it with you, I didn't even notice the tea because at that time, tea held no value in front of you. But after we parted, I started noticing every taste of it," I said with a smile, sharing the thoughts I had been wanting to tell him.

Mai usse kehna chahati thi, ki maine use har waqt yaad kiya hai. Yaah yuhn kehu ki, use kabhi yaad karne ki zarurat hein nahi padi, kyun ki wooh har waqt mere zehen aur dil mein rehta hai.

(I wanted to tell him that I had missed him all the time. Or should I say, I never felt the need to miss him because he was always present in my mind and heart).

"You missed me that much, begum?" Aziz asked, lifting his head from my shoulder and looking at me with hope.

"When did I ever forget you, Nader?" I asked in return, and a smile crept onto his face, followed by a blush. His cheeks turned red. Lately, ShahJahan seems to be blushing more, but he looks so cute-no, beyond handsome.

"I love you, sweetheart." His words stopped all my thoughts, as Aziz began moving closer to me. There was nothing on his face but pure love in his eyes.

His face came closer, and seeing our closeness, I closed my eyes.

I felt his breath on my lips.

And in a second, I felt his lips beneath mine.

My eyes flew open, and then Aziz kissed my jaw. Feeling him so close, my entire body turned cold. My breath was betraying me, and my heart had nearly stopped beating.

"N-Nader," my voice got stuck in my throat.

"Yes, sweetheart," he whispered in his deep voice, his lips brushing my jaw.

Before I could say anything else, he leaned down and started kissing my neck.

"N-Nader, someone will see," I said, feeling embarrassed for the first time. What's gotten into him today? Why is he acting so bold?

"Let's go home, begum. I can't sleep without you," Aziz whispered in his husky voice, continuing to kiss my neck.

"Nader, you look tired. Rest in the room, I'll be back," I tried to get up.

"No, I'm going home now," Aziz said, sitting up straight and holding my hand.

"You're going to my room," I said as I stood up.

"I'm not-"

"You are!" I declared.

"Yes, I am," Aziz said as he stood up.

"Bhegairat," I murmured, reacting to what he did just a minute ago.

"Only for you, sweetheart," he said before heading up the stairs.

I let out a sigh of relief, trying to control my racing heartbeat and my burning cheeks.

How did our roles get reversed today? Why am I the one blushing so much?

As I composed myself, I headed towards the kitchen.

When I reached the kitchen, Ammi was having Rasha taste the dishes, while Rasha gave her feedback.

Ammi's gaze fell on the bouquet Aziz had brought for her, which was placed on the counter. Every time she looked at that bouquet, an unusual smile lit up her face.

I couldn't even remember the last time Abbu had brought flowers for Ammi.

And today, after so many years, her son-in-law remembered her and brought this gift for her.

What are you, Aziz?

You're a son-in-law, but you care for Ammi like her own son.

Smiling to myself, I started putting some almond sweets into a bowl for Aziz, when Ammi came and stood beside me.

"For Aziz?" Ammi asked, seeing me putting sweets in the bowl.

"Yes, Ammi," I smiled as I replied.

"Make him stay for dinner too," Ammi said, placing a glass of water on the tray.

"I'll ask him," I said, picking up the tray.

"If you ask, he'll refuse. Just tell him Ammi said so," Ammi instructed firmly.

"Yes, Ammi," I said, and was about to head outside with the tray, when Ammi's voice again reached my ears.

"Uns, is this how you be in front of Aziz?" Ammi asked with sharp eyes.

"What you mean, by 'Is this', Ammi?" I asked, looking at my own appearance.

"No jewelry? Show me your ears," she said, removing my dupatta and checking both my ears. "Not even earrings, Uns? A nose ring is enough, huh? Go and get ready," Ammi instructed firmly.

"Ammi, it's 11 PM now. Do I really need to get ready at this hour?" I asked in surprise.

"You're Aziz's wife, Uns. He will feel good if you dress up for him," Ammi said, lovingly touching my cheek.

"But, Ammi--"

"Jab niche aaou toh, Uns Reza nahi, Uns Nader banke aaou" Ammi interrupted, finishing her words before heading towards the kitchen.

(When you come downstairs, don't come as Uns Reza, but as Uns Nader).

Aur mujhe pata nahi kyun, 'Uns Nader' sunke, khushi hone lagi. Mera saara wajud toh usi seh juda hai. Meri pehchaan, meri zindagi, mera sab kuch toh wahi ek shaqshs hai.

(And I don't know why, but hearing 'Uns Nader' made me feel happy. My entire existence is connected to him. My identity, my life, my everything revolves around that one person).

I was sitting on the bed, looking at the LEGO daisies on Uns's nightstand, which she had carefully kept till now. They were the first gift from me to her. I thought she might get angry and throw them away, but it seemed like she had fallen in love with these daisies.

"Nader," came her soft voice from behind. When I turned, she was coming towards me with a tray in hand.

"What's this?" I asked.

"It's almond halwa," Uns said as she placed the tray on the bed.

But, before she could sit on the bed, I took her hand and made her sit on my lap.

Uns, ka chehra laal hua tha, aur mera behaal.

(Uns's face was turning red, and mine was flustered).

"Nader, are you alright?" Uns's familiar, lioness tone came through.

"Shauhar hoon, tumhara-"

"Yes, I know, Shah Jahan," Uns interrupted before I could finish.

I just gave a slight smile at her comment and securely placed both my hands on her waist.

"Who made the halwa?" I asked, kissing her shoulder.

"If it's good, then I made it. And if it's bad, my punch will tell you who made it," she casually said, and I was confused whether she was making a simple statement or giving me a warning.

"Will you taste it?" she asked sternly.

"Of course, if you feed me, Sweetheart!" I said, pulling her closer.

Uns picked up the bowl and brought a spoonful of halwa toward my mouth. I ate it with a smile, and got lost in its taste.

"Did you make this, sweetheart?" I asked, signaling for another spoonful.

"How is it?" Uns responded with a question instead of an answer.

"It's delicious," I said, eager to eat more halwa.

"Thank you, Nader. I made it," she said shyly.

"No way, sweetheart, I can't keep going to the gym regularly now!" I exclaimed in shock.

"What do you mean?" she asked, puzzled.

"If you keep making such delicious sweets, it's obvious I'll have to hit the gym to lose all this weight," I said, telling her about my soon-to-be predicament.

"Oh Nader, your too much!" Uns said, while laughing uncontrollably, and after finishing the halwa. I again placed my hands around her waist, bringing her even more closer to me.

"Be comfortable, Sweetheart. Sab tumhara hein hai," I said as I watched her nestle into my lap.

(Be comfortable, sweetheart. Everything here is yours).

"You're so shameless, Nader!" she said, hitting my chest.

"Oh, I'm shameless? Then what are you?" I asked, giving her a pointed look.

"Your sweetheart," she replied, and hearing those words from her made my cheeks flush.

I'd been trying to act bold, but it seemed like Begum was in a different mood.

"Aur Nader, Maine sirf kamre ke bahar buttons band karne ke liye kaha tha, andar nahi" Sweetheart said in a deep voice while unbuttoning the top two buttons of my shirt.

(And Nader, I only asked you to button up outside, not in the room).

"B-begum," I stuttered, holding my breathe.

"Yes, Shahjahan?" she asked, looking at me after unbuttoning my shirt and now my half men vest was on display.

"No more shyness now, Aziz. Let go of all this hesitation, or your romance will keep getting interrupted because of your shameless shame," my heart and mind declared in unison.

And in the very next moment, I had her laid down on the bed, with me above her.

"Nader! This is your in-laws' house, have some shame," Uns said sternly, but her face had turned completely red.

"Alright then, let's go home," I teased her playfully.

"What did you have for lunch? Huh? What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" she asked sharply, and that made me burst into laughter.

"I don't know about lunch, but my dinner is definitely going to be sweet, Sweetheart" I whispered in her ear in a deep voice, leaning closer to her.

"Nader! Let's do all this when we get home, not here," Uns blushed, avoiding eye contact.

"No, Uns. We made a deal, remember? You'll kiss me on my lips, forehead, cheeks, eyes, beard, jawline, and neck, and I'll quietly leave," I whispered again, leaning closer to her ear.

It felt like I was doing push-ups.

"All that?" Uns was shocked.

"Okay then, skip the forehead, just do the rest," I bargained, reducing one condition.

"That's not going to happen, Nader," she replied firmly.

"Alright, skip the eyes too, Uns. But I'm not lowering the deal any further," I declared, pretending to be stern.

"Are you bargaining?" Uns asked with sharp eyes.

"No, I'm just lowering the terms. If not this, we can do something else too, sweetheart," I whispered again in her ear, kissing her cheek and jawline.

"Zip your lips, Nader!" Uns whispered angrily.

"Do it by yourself, sweetheart," I said mischievously, bringing my face closer to hers.

"Wait, I'm not used to this, Aziz Nader!" she said, stopping me in my tracks, only to bring a playful smile to my face.

"Then get used to it, Begum," I whispered again before kissing her.

In the next moment, still in the push-up position, with her beneath me, I found myself kissing her soft lips.

I closed my eyes to savor her sweetness.

I had no idea what was happening to me, my heart felt like it had stopped, my breath slowed down, and time seemed to stand still.

I felt Uns hand securely placed around my neck, pulling me even closer to her.

Joh yehsasaat mai is waqt mehsoos kar raha hoon, mai use bayan nahi karna chaha ta, yaah yuhn kahu ki mai bayaan hein nahi kar sakhta ki yeh yehsasaat kitna khubsurat hai.

(The emotions I was feeling at this moment, I didn't want to describe them, or perhaps I should say I couldn't describe just how beautiful these feelings were).

After a couple of minutes, I noticed Uns hitting my chest, and I realized she might be having trouble breathing. I moved my lips away from hers and opened my eyes to find hers closed, her face was entirely red now.

"Tamatar" Mere dil neh uske liye ek naya nickname suggest kiya.

She was taking slow, shallow breaths, but I could hear the rapid beating of her heart.

"Happy now?" Uns asked while slowly opening her eyes.

"Not yet, I need more," I said, about to kiss her again when she suddenly got up and pushed me down. Now I was beneath her, and she was on top of me.

"Greed is a bad thing, Nader. Be happy with what you've got," Uns said in a strict tone, but her face was still flushed red.

"Greed is bad for material things, not for loving my wife, sweetheart," I said, pulling her close, which caused her to end up in my arms.

"Nader! Let me go, I need to get ready," Uns said as she tried to get up.

"Where are you going?" I asked, getting up as well.

"Your mother- In - Law said I should get ready for my husband, so that's why," Uns replied as she started walking toward the mirror.

"Should I help you get ready?" I asked, giving her a back hug.

"And how will you do that?" she asked while holding her jewelry box and picking out a small diamond necklace.

"Wait, let me put it on you," I said, standing in front of her with the necklace in my hands.

I placed the necklace around her neck and kissed her neck.

Then, as I went behind her to fasten the clasp, I kissed every part of her neck.

"N-Nader, what's gotten into you today?" She stuttered again, and I smiled as It was Uns turn to blush now.

"Just admiring my wife," I said, brushing my lips on her neck.

After fastening the necklace, I reached for the earrings.

"Now for these," I said with an innocent smile and started putting the earrings on her. After fastening the earrings, I kissed her earlobe and then her right jaw. Uns placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Yeh toh pehli manzil hai, sweetheart. Tum abhi seh sharmaogi toh kaise chalega?" I whispered as I put on the second earring.

(This is only the first step, sweetheart. If you're shy now, how will it work?)

"And are you going to change your nose ring?" I asked with a smile, but Uns only gave me death glares in return.

"I'm never changing this," she said firmly.

"Alright, no problem. I'll still kiss your nose ring," I said with a laugh and kissed her ring.

"Where are the bangles?" I asked, looking at the dressing table.

"I don't know," Uns replied.

I bent down and opened the drawer to find several boxes of bangles.

Uns was wearing a white dress, so I picked out some white bangles to match her outfit and started putting them on her.

"Nader, I can do it myself," she said.

"Then what am I here for, begum?" I asked while slipping the bangles onto her wrist.

"You're here to annoy me!" Uns said in a scolding tone.

"Woh toh hai," I laughed as I placed bangles on her other hand.

After kissing both her hands, I looked into her eyes.

"Done?" Uns asked, avoiding eye contact.

"Not yet," I said, standing behind her.

"What now, Nader?" she said in frustration.

"Your hair, sweetheart," I replied and started undoing her braids.

"I'm going to sleep anyway, why are you working so hard for no reason, Nader?" Uns asked, gesturing with her hand as she looked at me in the mirror.

"This way, I get to be close to you, and I get to feel you even more," I said, gently running my fingers through her hair.

Samajh nahi aata, Allah neh auraton mein hein itni khubsurti kyun daali hai?

Itni ki dil karta hai use apne paas hein rakhun, taaki use dunya ki har buri bala seh bacha saku.

(I don't understand why God made women so beautiful?

So much, that it makes me want to keep her close to myself and protect her from all the evils of the world).

After finishing her braids, I stood in front of her and softly caressed her cheeks.

"You look so beautiful, Uns," I said, kissing her forehead.

"Is it done?" Uns asked while looking into my eyes.

"Yes," I replied softly.

"Okay, I need to talk to you about something important," she said seriously.

"Go ahead, Begum, what's the matter?" I asked with equal seriousness.

"First, sit down," Uns said as she took my hand and led me toward the bed. I sat down, and before she could sit on the bed herself, I grabbed her hand and made her sit on my lap.

"I want to talk about something serious, but your romance doesn't seem to end, Nader!" Uns taunted, with firmness in her tone.

"It's not just my romance, it's our romance, sweetheart," I teased her and kissed her neck.

"Can we talk first?" she shot back with another taunt.

"Yes, Begum," I said, while laughing.

"How was the tea?" Uns asked with a smile.

"It was absolutely delicious," I replied, smiling back.

"And the halwa, how was that?" she asked another question.

Agar yeh biwi hai, toh mai bhi Shauhar hoon, khana accha na bhi bane toh mujhe accha hein kehna hai.

(Well, if she is wife then I am a husband to, whether it's good or bad, I have to say it's good).

"It was incredibly delicious, Begum," I said with a smile, placing my hands on her waist.

"So, can you give me two thousand now?" Her sudden question left me confused. Did I hear her correctly?

"W-what did you say, sweetheart?" I asked, needing confirmation that I hadn't heard wrong.

"Ezzeh and I had a bet, and I lost, so I need to give her 500 in cash from you. That's why I need two thousand, now!" she said as she placed her hands around my neck.

Her touch was enough to make me melt.

"Wait a minute, if the bet was for 500, why two thousand?" I asked, still puzzled.

"Sahara was involved too," Uns said casually.

"Oh, okay, but what about the rest?" I asked another question.

"How can I leave, Rasha? And the remaining 500 is for me, Nader!" Usne ek hein sentence mein bata diya ki woh bargaining aur logon ko luthne mein kitni expert hai.

(She explained in one smooth sentence, revealing just how good she was at bargaining and getting people to part with their money).

I pulled out my wallet and handed her four crisp 500-rupee notes.

"Your notes are nice and crisp," Uns said, looking at them, and seeing her happy made me feel a deep sense of peace.

"Do you know what happened this morning, Sweetheart?" I asked, kissing her shoulder.

"What happened?" she asked, being concerned.

"This morning, while I was talking to you, I accidentally put the phone on speaker," I said.

"So---?"

"I was sitting at the dining table with everyone," I finished before she could, and her face turned red with embarrassment.

"Bhedang pana jaiga nahi na, Nader?" She taunted.

(You're becoming way to clumsy, aren't you, Nader?)

"Sangat ka asar ho raha hai, Sweetheart!" I teased back.

( I am getting influenced, Sweetheart!)

"A taunt?" she asked, glaring at me.

"A fact!" I said, laughing.

"Mahenga padega, Aziz!" Uns threatened me.

(You're going to pay for this, Aziz!)

"I know," I said calmly.

"And still?" she asked with sharp eyes.

"I like it when you get angry," I said, smiling, and kissed her jaw.

"By the way, where's your purse?" I asked, looking around.

"My purse? It should be on the shelf," Uns said as she got up, and I walked over to her shelf and started opening her purse.

"What are you doing, Nader?" she asked as she walked toward me.

"Nothing," I said and took out some money from my wallet, slipping it into her purse.

"Nader, what are you doing? I already have your card, why the cash?" Sweetheart asked as she opened her purse.

"Begum, I know, but you're not going to give the card everywhere, are you? Keep some cash as well," I said, closing her purse again.

"You're spoiling me, Nader," Uns said as she hugged me.

"There's still more spoiling to be done, sweetheart," I teased.

"Bhegairat!" Uns said, lightly hitting my chest and stepping back two steps.

"What's for dinner, by the way?" I asked as I heared my stomach grumbling.

"I thought you already had your dinner, Shahjahan?" Uns teased. Ahh, my bold Uns is back.

"Yes, but I only had two sweets, so I thought after sweet, something spicy would be great," I said, with no trace of the shy Nader.

Uns just scrunched her nose and walked ahead of me, while I followed her from behind.

"By the way, now that the Nikkah is done and the Walima too, we should plan for the honeymoon, right?" I asked, starting a conversation as we walked.

"What we did in the room wasn't enough, Nader?" Uns asked, glancing at me before continuing to walk.

"That was just the beginning, sweetheart," I said, quickening my pace and grabbing her hand.

"What have you thought? Where do you want to go?" she asked calmly while walking.

"Jagah koi bhi chalegi, Room hona chahiye bas," I said just as calmly, and Uns stopped in her tracks.

(Any place would work, as long as there's a room).

"Nader!! Have some shame, please!" she scolded.

"I have it, Uns, just not in front of you," I stated a fact.

"You-"

"Baaji, this parcel for Ezzeh Baaji has arrived," Before I could tease her further, Iqbal interrupted, standing before us with a white envelope.

"Thank you," Uns said, taking the envelope from him.

"Nader, you go ahead, I'll call Ezzeh," she said.

___❤___

For Hindi / Urdu Readers.

For English Readers.

When I saw Uns and Aziz sitting there in silence, I thought they should be given some time alone, but that would only be possible if Uns's other brother-in-law, who was sitting right in front of them, disappear.

I didn't know the name of her brother-in-law, but he was the same one I had seen at Uns's wedding, at the mall, and at yesterday's Walima.

Thinking this, I went over to him.

"I think we should sit in the lounge so that they can have some time together," I whispered to him discreetly under the pretext of arranging tea.

He kept his eyes down and only nodded in response before standing up.

I showed him the way, but he kept his eyes down and refused to move.

"After you," he said with a shy smile, and I unknowingly smiled back.

"Thank you," I said as I took my coffee and started walking, while he followed behind me. I glanced back at him; his eyes were still downcast.

"Will he never lift his gaze?" I wondered to myself.

He placed the tea cup in the lounge table, and I put my coffee cup there as well.

And there he stood without taking the seat, but I couldn't keep standing for so long, so I sat down, and then he took his seat.

And now, complete silence filled the air.

His eyes were fixed downward, and mine couldn't seem to look away from him.

Suddenly, frustration started building up inside me. What kind of situation am I stuck in? Janab-e-aali, Say something, for heaven's sake. I'm not used to sitting in such silence.

"The tea is hot, you should drink it," I tried to start a conversation.

"Yes," he replied, picking up the cup and silently sipping the tea.What kind of creature is he, who seems to have accidentally arrived on Earth?

He is so shy. At the mall and the reception, he flirted like he had mastered in it, but now, what has suddenly happened to him?

"May I ask your name?" I began, breaking the silence.

"My name is Tamir," he answered, keeping his eyes down.

"I'm not so bad that you can't look at me," I said, feeling uneasy about his behavior. He was the first man in my life to sit in front of me with his gaze lowered.

"Mai agar aapko dekhunga, toh kuch bolne ke kaabil nahi rahunga, Ezzeh" Tamir said. And Hearing my name from his lips made my heart race. But why?

(If I see you, then I won't be able to speak, Ezzeh).

"I'm just an ordinary person, not a fairy." I said with a smile.

Listening to my words, he lifted his gaze, and here I forgot to blink my eyes.

His eyes were as deep as a dark river, so deep that seeing them would be worth giving up one's life.

I sat in front of him, lost in his eyes.

Maine isse pehle kisi mard ki aankhon ko itne tavajjo seh nahi dekha jitni iski dekh rahi hoon.

(I had never paid so much attention to any man's eyes before, as I was doing to his).

"Mai nazre jhukaalu, Ezzeh? Warna mai sab bhool jaunga!" Tamir asked for permission, and I wanted to refuse because my heart wasn't satisfied by just looking at his eyes, as I wanted to see them more. But I doubt that no matter how much I look, I won't be satisfied. His eyes are so beautiful!

(Can I lower my gaze, Ezzeh? Or else I might forget everything).

"Aapki marzi, Tamir. Bas itna kahungi ki aapki nazar ko kisiki nazar na lage," I said, feeling uncontrollable emotions. I covered my mouth with my hand, realizing what I had just said. My tongue! Why can't they work properly!

(As you wish, Tamir. I just want to say that your gaze should not fall upon anyone else).

"Do you live in India, Tamir?" I asked trying to change the topic while taking a sip of my coffee.

"No, Ezzeh, I live in Paris. I just came to attend bhai's wedding, but ended up giving my heart to someone," he said, putting down his cup of tea.

His sudden confession about giving his heart to someone left me feeling uncomfortable.

Why am I feeling bad?

Tamir is handsome, he seems respectable, and most important: Aziz's brother. It's natural for him to have someone in his life. So why am I feeling this strange discomfort?

So, without saying anything, I focused on drinking my coffee while he continued with his tea.

"What do you do, Ezzeh?" After five full minutes of silence, Tamir asked.

"I'm a photographer, Tamir. And you?" I finished my coffee and looked towards him, only to find his eyes fixed on me.

"Tamir?" I called, snapping my fingers to get his attention.

"Kahan kho gaye the?" I asked calmly.

(Where were you lost?)

"Aapki aankhon mein," Tamir replied.

(In your eyes).

And Once again, my heart began to race.

"I... I mean, eyeliner looks nice on you," he stammered.

Why does he get so shy? I thought to myself, observing him.

"Are you really Aziz's brother, Tamir?" The words slipped out of my mouth.

"Why! Don't we look alike?" Tamir asked, a bit confused.

"Its not like that. Mashallah, your faces are nothing alike, and even your eyes are different - one has blue eyes, the other black. One talks so much that no one can get a word in, and the other hardly speaks at all," I blurted out, immediately regretting how blunt I was.

Tamir started laughing uncontrollably. Oh God, he looks even more handsome when he laughs. My eyes were drawn to his face with curiosity. His cheeks lifted, his eyes close when he smiles, and the sound of his laughter rang in my ears like music.

"You're really funny, Ezzeh," Tamir said, trying to control his laughter. Thank God he didn't call me blunt. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"By the way, this person you've fallen for, is she your girlfriend?" For some reason, I hoped his answer would be no, that this girl wouldn't be here, or at least the answer wouldn't be yes.

"I don't have a girlfriend, Ezzeh," Tamir said softly, crossing his legs and placing his hands on his thighs, sitting up straight.

Suddenly, I felt a sense of relief. I didn't even know why I was feeling all these emotions, but I knew my eyes were drawn to him.

"And do you have a boyfriend, Ezzeh?" Tamir asked suddenly, but there was an odd sense of unease on his face.

"My parents are strict, Tamir," I replied.

This time, a smile flickered across his face.

"And why don't you have a girlfriend?" I asked casually, though inside, all my organs were eager to know the reason. Why doesn't he have a girlfriend?

"Because your parents are strict." His reply made my heart skip a beat, and suddenly, I felt a strange flutter in my stomach. Before the effect could reach my cheeks, Uns's call interrupted all these emotions, pausing them for a while.

"Excuse me," I said to Tamir and stepped a little away to take Uns's call.

"Ezzeh, your parcel has arrived," Uns said as soon as I picked up the call.

"I'm coming," I replied and ended the call. Then I turned back to Tamir, who was once again staring at the floor.

"Aapke liye kuch bheju, Tamir?" I asked, picking up the cups.

(Should I send something for you, Tamir?)

"Bas, Aap aajaiyea, Ezzeh," Tamir said, and I nearly slipped the tray from my hands.

(Just you come back, Ezzeh).

I didn't know how to respond to his words, so without saying anything, and trying to control my shamelessly blushing cheeks, I headed towards the hallway where Uns was standing with a white envelope.

"What happened?" I asked calmly, standing in front of her while trying to control my blushing cheeks.

"You tell me, Ezzeh, what's going on with you?" Uns asked with a sharp gaze.

"Wh-what would happen to me?" I stuttered. Please, Ezzeh, don't give it away in front of her, Uns won't leave until she finds out.

"You're lying to me, Ezzeh?" Uns asked again with the same pointed look.

"Ah, okay fine, I'll tell you everything, but later. For now, why did you call me, Uns?" My voice held urgency, but why? Why am I so eager to see him again?

"Your parcel arrived," Uns said, handing me the white envelope.

"What's in it?" she asked again.

"Return tickets to the USA. I'm leaving tomorrow," I said while opening the tickets to check them out.

"Why so soon, Ezzeh?" Uns asked, with disappointment.

"It's been almost 16 days, Uns, since I've been here. Besides, if you give me some good news, I might just rush back from the USA!" I said with a mischievous smile.

"What good news?" Uns asked, confused.

"Either give me another Uns or another Aziz!" I replied casually, and her cheeks started to flush.

"Your brother-in-law needs to put in some effort, Ezzeh. He's very shy," Uns said, while blushing.

"If he doesn't make a move, then you should! Honestly, if my husband be shy, I'd kick him out of the room right away," I said proudly.

"Now I feel sorry for your future husband Ezzeh. Poor guy, how will he handle you?" Uns teased me.

"First, I need to find someone, Uns," I said desperately.

"Well, my brother-in-law isn't that bad. You could give it a try," Uns crossed the line this time.

"Who, Tamir?" I blurted out without thinking, and Uns was surprised.

"You know Tamir?" she asked me instantly.

"Actually, the handsome guy I mentioned at the mall... it's -"

"Don't tell me it's Tamir, Ezzeh?" Uns asked, in utter shock. And I just nodded in response.

"I was just talking to him now," I said, placing the tickets back in the envelope.

"Well then, I don't know about Sahara and Samir, but it seems like you'll get married before them," she teased with a mischievous grin.

"Uns!" I scolded her, playfully hitting her lightly with the envelope and giving her a sharp look.

"Go on, your Tamir is probably WAITING for you," she teased as she walked toward the dining table.

"Oh, and Ezzeh, dinner is ready. Invite Tamir too," Uns said with a wink before walking away, leaving me to be a blushing mess.

What is wrong with her and my heart? Both are so shameless. I thought, heading to the lounge only to see the most handsome, shy man standing there, admiring the moon.

"Tamir," I called out softly, standing beside him and looking at the moon.

His gaze shifted from the moon to me, and it didn't leave. I didn't have the courage to look back at him.

"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" I asked quietly, still looking at the sky.

"No," came his reply.

"Why? Isn't the moon beautiful?" I asked, being surprised.

"Kyunki khuda ki, chand seh bhi zyada khubsurat kaarigari mere pass khadi hai. Tumhare saamne chand ki kya aukat, Ezzeh?" Tamir said, still looking at me, and his answer forced me to look back at him.

(Because God has created something far more beautiful standing right next to me. Compared to you, the moon has no worth).

"Kisko, dil de bhaite ho, Tamir? I asked, gazing into his deep eyes.

(Who did you fall in love with, Tamir?)

Tumhe, de bhaita hoon, Ezzeh," he replied without blinking.

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𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 ❤

Had a hectic week? Here's a chapter to brighten your day! I truly appreciate each and every one of you for your unwavering support and patience.

Your love for my story means the world to me, and I'm beyond grateful for the kind feedback you've shared.

Thank you for being such an amazing community! Now, here's something exciting: the next part is already in the works and will be posted on ScrollStack soon.

But before that, let's set a fun goal! Since this chapter is longer, I'm requesting for 𝟵𝟵𝟵+ 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟳𝟵𝟵+ 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. Plus, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿'𝘀. I'll only continue writing them if you're enjoying them!

Your feedback keeps me motivated, so please take a moment to share your reviews. It means more than you know!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with joy and relaxation.

With love,

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗮𝘀 ❤

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𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 :

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𝗨𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 × 𝗔𝘇𝗶𝘇 𝗡𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 :

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