Aryanโs pov:
As we step out of the ice-cream parlour, I hand her my cup of ice cream to fish the car keys out of my jacket pocket.
"Aryan, listen!" Her voice makes me pause mid-action. I glance at her.
"Yeah?"
She points towards a nearby park, dimly lit by a few scattered lamps. Most of it is cloaked in darkness.
"Let's go there."
I blink at her. "It's two o'clock, and you want to go to a park? Really?"
"Yes. Please, let's go there," she insists, her tone pleading.
I glance at her hopeful eyes and shake my head. "No, it's too late."
"It's not late! Let's just go for a few minutes, please?"
"No, Zaira. It's not safe."
She rolls her eyes. "What's unsafe about a park? And even if it's not safe, you're here with me, no?" She flashes me a playful smile, her mischief unmistakable.
"Za-"
"No, 'Zaira.' Let's go! You're strong. I saw how you dealt with that man, okay? Now let's go, Aryan, pleeease."
Her tone softens me. With a mix of irritation and amusement, I sigh and nod. Her face lights up, and before I know it, she grabs my hand, practically drags me towards the park.
When we reach, there are two swings in the middle of the open space. She hands me back my cup of ice cream, then sits on one of the swings, pushing herself gently back and forth.
"Come on, there's another swing," she says, gesturing towards the empty one beside her.
She raises an expectant brow.
"No, I'm fine. You do whatever you're doing quickly so we can leave."
She rolls her eyes and takes a bite of her ice cream.
"I was wrong when I said you've changed. You're still boring. You know, it wouldn't hurt to find joy in little things like... eating ice cream, swinging on a swing, etc., etc."
"Yeah?" I cross my arms and lean against the swing frame.
She nods.
"Haan, tumhe zyada pata hoga, physiologist jo ho."
(Yeah, you must know more since you're a physiologist.)
Her brows shoot up in surprise. "Tumhe kaise pata main physiology padh rahi hoon? Aur dusri baat, main abhi physiology padh rahi hoon, physiologist bani nahi hoon."
(How do you know I'm studying physiology? And secondly, I haven't become a physiologist yet; I'm still studying.)
Shit. Why did I say that? Now how am I supposed to explain that I know almost everything about her life? From her University of East London to her best friend, Aliza, and even her favorite movie, Enola Holmes, without sounding like a complete creep?
"Um... Arhaan. He told me," I blurt out. It's not a lie. I did hear about her life details from him only.
"Oh..."
"So, what were we talking about-"
"Finding joy in little things," I interrupt, earning a soft smile from her.
She's so beautiful.
"Yes. So tell me, Mr. Khan, what do you find joy in? Should I list a few things for you?"
"Sure."
She thinks for a moment, tapping her chin.
"Okay, you're a CEO, right? You must be busy all the time, like my brother. Maybe you've started finding joy in your work. Is that true?"
"No."
"Okay, then let me guess." She presses her lips into a thin line, deep in thought.
"Do you do clubbing?"
I shake my head.
"Chess? Or any games like that?"
I shake my head again.
"Do you go to the gym?" she asks, looking slightly annoyed. I nod.
"So, do you find joy in that?" she asks. The corner of my lips curls into a smirk, and I shake my head.
She throws her hands up in exasperation. "Then, there has to be something! At least one thing you like or find joy in!"
"Why are you so obsessed with knowing that?" I ask, amused by her frustration.
She glares at me. "Because I want to know you better. We're friends again, remember? And as a friend, I should know what makes you happy!"
"Oh, well, I'm sorry if I disappointed you with my answers, i didn't mean to." I tease.
She doesn't respond, just swings quietly, her gaze fixed somewhere else.
"What?"
Did she get upset? Why? I didn't even do anything.
"What happened?"
"Nothing,"ย She doesn't look at me as she speaks.
I push off from the swing frame and stop her swing gently. She looks up at me, confusion etched on her face.
I crouch down to her level, her face now close to mine. Her lashes cast soft shadows on her cheeks, the faint freckles on her nose more noticeable under the dim light.
I've never seen anyone as beautiful as her.
Or maybe, I've never found anyone as beautiful as her in my eyes.
Author's pov:
I'm sorry," he apologizes, his voice soft but earnest.
"For what?" she asks, lifting her eyes to finally meet his.
"I don't know." He says, "you just got quiet all of sudden. Did you got upset?"
She nods, her gaze falling back to the ground. "Is there really nothing that makes you happy?"
"There is," he tells her, his tone steady.
"It's you."
Her head snaps up, her eyes wide in surprise. "Me? I make you happy?"
She expected anything but this for an answer, and it's not her fault for thinking so.
"I don't-I don't understand this. How do I make you happy? We didn't talk for years, and now you're saying I make you happy." Disbelief laces her words.
He looks at her calmly, a small smile tugging at his lips. His eyes are filled with warmth-and perhaps something more he refuses to name.
Love.
"In those years, I didn't feel happy like I do right now," he says softly
"Being able to talk to you, hear you ask me questions like you would do when we were kids..all of it makes me happy now.'
Her eyes widen slightly, her mind struggling to process his words. If he weren't standing right in front of her, she might have pinched her cheek-or slammed her head against a wall-because this couldn't be real.
She opens her mouth to speak but shuts it again, unable to find the right words.
"Say something, kiddo," he teases, flicking her forehead gently.
She shakes her head, still stunned. "I don't know what to say," she admits.
"But....thank you."
He nods, realizing he might have said more than he intended. Standing up, he looks away, trying to act indifferent. But the warmth in his cheeks and the erratic beating of his heart betray him.
"Chalein?" she asks, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Where?"
"Home, where else?"
"Oh. Yeah, let's go," he says, pulling out his keys and waiting for her to get up.
She rises to her feet, and he gestures for her to walk ahead.
They leave the park together, their steps quiet, the air between them charged with unspoken thoughts.
Aryanโs pov:
I cut off the engine as her house came into sight. She unbuckles her seatbelt, wraps the shawl around herself, and then turns to me.
"Thank you," she says softly.
"For what?"
"For dealing with that man, for coming to pick me up, and for taking me out for ice cream just to cheer me up." She pauses for a moment before adding, "It means a lot."
I nod, keeping my voice neutral. "It's fine."
She looks at me for a moment longer before turning away and unlocking the door. Then she glances back.
"Okay, then. Bye," she says with a small smile.
"Listen," I call, stopping her. She turns to face me again, her brows lifting slightly in question.
"Please don't worry that little head of yours," I say. "The man is dealt with. He won't trouble you again. And don't ever feel like you've wasted my time or anything. If someone troubles you again, don't hesitate to call me, alright?"
"Okay." Her smile widens, and it makes my heart race in a way I can't control.
What the actual heck is wrong with me?
With that, she steps out, shuts the door, and adds, "You can go now."
"You go first," I tell her, tilting my head toward her house.
She nods, walking toward her door. As she nears, she turns back and gestures for me to leave with her hand.
I shake my head, motioning for her to go inside first.
A flash of frustration crosses her face, but she obeys, reaching her door and unlocking it. She steps inside, and this time, she doesn't look back as she closes the door.
I let out an amused sigh.
Stubborn as ever.
The door cracks open again, and she peeks her head out. As soon as her eyes meet mine, she quickly retreats and shuts the door again.
A small smile tugs at my lips at her antics. Shaking my head, I start the engine and drive away.
This girl will be the death of me.
Not that I mind, of course.
Zairaโs pov:
Tick
Locking the door to my room, I slump onto the bed, tossing my shawl aside without care.
So much happened in just one day-I'm exhausted beyond words.
'not so soon, darling'
I shake my head, trying to rid myself of that bastard's voice and his filthy, leering eyes. The thought alone makes my stomach churn.
I hate myself for not slapping him straight across the face, but I panicked. Seeing a man in the women's washroom, holding a knife, had scared the life out of me.
Can you blame me? Wouldn't any girl freak out in such a situation?
I shudder at the thought of what might have happened if Aryan hadn't shown up. I'm really lucky. Too lucky.
Pulling a pillow close, I bury my face into it, trying to muffle my thoughts and the sting of tears pooling in my eyes. Anger and fear mix together, suffocating me.
Women are never truly safe-not even in a women's washroom.
Bear or a man? they ask.
I'd say, Anything but a man.
I pray silently, wishing Allah keeps every woman on this planet safe-safe from the cruelty, the fear, the endless fight to just exist without harm.
I'd thought today would be a good day, but it turned into a near nightmare.
A soft sigh escapes my lips as I pull the covers over me.
Exhaustion from the day finally consumes me, and I let it.
Next morning
"Zaira," I heard Azhar calling my name from the living room as I descended the stairs.
I turned around and walked over to where he stood, dressed sharply in a black suit. He hasn't left for the office yet?
"Yeah?"
"Are you going to university?"
"Hmm."
"The home driver won't be picking you up today," he said. "I'll come myself if possible, or I'll send someone from my company. Okay?"
He paused, then added, "There are some files and documents I need you to bring home. I would've done it myself, but I doubt I'll make it back. I've got several meetings and then that business trip."
I nodded in understanding. His gaze lingered on me, and I could see the worry in his eyes before he spoke again.
"Is something wrong?"
"What? No, no, nothing's wrong," I said, forcing a chuckle. I hoped he didn't catch the unease in my voice.
"You know you can tell me anything. Did someone say something to you?" he asked, gently placing his palm on my cheek, his concern evident.
"I told you, bhai, nothing's wrong. I'm just sleepy."
"Then take the day off."
"Not that sleepy," I replied quickly, watching the worry in his face falter slightly.
He removed his hand from my cheek and ruffled my hair gently.
"If something's not right, you'll tell me, okay?"
"I am fine. I can take care of myself, I'm not a ki-"
"I know you're not a kid," he interrupted, "but you're still my little sister, and I can't help but worry about you constantly."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"There it is again, the big bad brother being protective over me for no reason."
He smiled faintly and kissed the side of my forehead.
"Oh, look who's smiling now," I teased.
"Shut up and take care of yourself, you brat," he shot back, grinning.
Chuckling, I waved him goodbye and left the house, sliding into the car as the chauffeur began driving.
Thank God Azhar didn't ask too many questions.
I don't know how he always manages to figure out how I'm feeling. Like, bro, I'm the one studying physiology. I should be the one reading people's faces-not him reading mine.
Not that I mind. It's kind of sweet to see him show care, especially since he's usually so busy and reserved.
It even lifted my mood a bit. I was still feeling off because of the events of the previous night, but deep down, I felt happy too.
Because I can't believe it-I'm finally friends with Aryan again!
I thought we'd never be friends again, but here we are.
He was so good to me-the warmth in those green eyes that used to hold so much coldness.
Even if it's a faint whisper, I'll come.
Relax.
You're safe now. I won't let anything happen to you.
I called because I was worried about you.
Please don't worry your head. The man has been dealt with, and you didn't waste my time at all.
The same man who wouldn't utter a single word to me years ago said so much yesterday.
People really do change.
And I'm so stupid-I snapped at him so many times since he returned. I should've been nicer to him. Not nice, but at least polite.
Whatever he did was in the past. He was just a kid, clueless about his actions.
Maybe he broke my frame because he felt bad-hurt, even-hearing me constantly talk about my dad in front of him.
He must've felt awful, considering the loss of his parents and how he never got to keep anything of theirs, unlike me with my dad's painting.
I wish I could go back and not make such a big deal about that painting. I should've reassured him more than I did back then.
He was a child, overwhelmed by everything.
If I had the power to travel back in time, I'd hug him tightly and tell him everything would be okay.
That he could vent to me.
I never truly understood him, and it kills me to know how much he went through.
No one deserves that much pain-not at such a young age.
My own father's death affected me deeply. I can't even imagine what it was like for him to lose both parents.
With a heavy sigh, guilt and sadness settling in, I rested my head against the car window.
In those years, I didn't feel happy like I do right now.
Did he really mean that?
I couldn't believe it when he said it. Do I really make him happy?
Well, if I do, that's a good thing. A very good thing.
________________________
"Who the fuvk had the audacity to touch you? Who was the guy? Tell me!!" Adira snapped as I recounted my story of getting harassed.
I had barely started when her anger flared up.
I grabbed her arm and pulled her back into her seat. "Calm down, I'm fine. And about the guy... he won't be bothering me anymore."
She narrowed her eyes. "He won't be bothering you anymore? Why the hell are you so stupid? Huh? And why didn't you tell me about this earlier? And that guy you seem to simp over-he didn't save you? Didn't even bother to call to check if you got home safely?"
"Adira, calm down. Hear me out, pl-"
"Shut up, Zaira!" she cut me off, her voice sharp and her gaze angrier than ever. "I've told you so many times that guy isn't the one for you, but no! He's the one, isn't he?" Her tone dripped with sarcasm.
"And most importantly, tell me-how did you make it out? Are you hurt? Did that motherf-"
"Adira, stop! I'm fine. Nothing happened to me. At least let me finish. I'll explain everything."
She leaned back in her seat, her anger simmering as she waited for me to continue.
I took a deep breath before speaking. "So, when he tried to come close to me, I pushed him and tried to open the door, but he was too quick. He caught me, slammed me against the wall, and I screamed. He clasped his hand over my mouth, but someone outside heard my voice and asked if everything was okay. And guess who it was?"
Adira looked like she was ready to strangle the table. "Who could it be? Your lover boy?"
"What? No, no, it was Aryan."
Her expression shifted to one of surprise. "What? Aryan?"
I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips at her shock.
"Wait, let me get this straight. Aryan saved you from that man?!"
"Yes," I said, watching her face contort with disbelief.
"Oh my God, this is... that... I didn't expect Aryan to be part of this," she muttered, her tone much calmer now.
"How did he-what happened after? Tell me."
"Nothing. He broke the door, barged in, beat that man, and came to me. Then he took me to his car and drove me home."
"That's it? He didn't say anything to you? And what about that pervert? Where is he? What did Aryan do to him after the beating-just let him go?"
"I... I don't know. Aryan said he took care of him, and he won't bother me anymore."
"You didn't ask what he did?"
I shook my head. "No, I didn't."
She leaned back, exasperated. "Seriously, Zaira, I have to say-you're kind of dumb sometimes."
"Hey! I was overwhelmed, okay? My mind was a mess, and all I wanted to do was cry at that moment."
Her expression softened. She stood, came to sit beside me, and wrapped me in a side hug.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay," I said, hugging her back.
"Are you okay now?" she asked gently.
I nodded. "Yep, I'm great now!"
She pulled away, studying my face. "How was Aryan? Still that cold bastard?"
"Last night?"
She nodded.
"No, he wasn't cold. He was... good to me. He treated me gently, said comforting things, and even called me around midnight to check on me. I wasn't okay-I was on the verge of tears. He heard it, and then he came to my house and took me to an ice cream parlor."
"Wait, what? He did?"
I nodded again.
"You're sure it's the same Aryan?"
I smiled slightly. "Surprisingly, yes. I couldn't believe it either."
"I'm happy," I added. "I got my friend back."
Adira smiled. "I'm happy for you too. But don't forget your best friend, huh?"
"Never," I promised with a grin.
To be continue
_____________________________
3188 words!
That's it for this chapter!
I'm sorry for uploading this so late. I had exams, and I was kind of in a wrTick
Locking the door to my room, I slump onto the bed, tossing my shawl aside without care.
So much happened in just one day-I'm exhausted beyond words.
'not so soon, darling'
I shake my head, trying to rid myself of that bastard's voice and his filthy, leering eyes. The thought alone makes my stomach churn.
I hate myself for not slapping him straight across the face, but I panicked. Seeing a man in the women's washroom, holding a knife, had scared the life out of me.
Can you blame me? Wouldn't any girl freak out in such a situation?
I shudder at the thought of what might have happened if Aryan hadn't shown up. I'm really lucky. Too lucky.
Pulling a pillow close, I bury my face into it, trying to muffle my thoughts and the sting of tears pooling in my eyes. Anger and fear mix together, suffocating me.
Women are never truly safe-not even in a women's washroom.
Bear or a man? they ask.
I'd say, Anything but a man.
I pray silently, wishing Allah keeps every woman on this planet safe-safe from the cruelty, the fear, the endless fight to just exist without harm.
I'd thought today would be a good day, but it turned into a near nightmare.
A soft sigh escapes my lips as I pull the covers over me.
Exhaustion from the day finally consumes me, and I let it.
Next morning
"Zaira," I heard Azhar calling my name from the living room as I descended the stairs.
I turned around and walked over to where he stood, dressed sharply in a black suit. He hasn't left for the office yet?
"Yeah?"
"Are you going to university?"
"Hmm."
"The home driver won't be picking you up today," he said. "I'll come myself if possible, or I'll send someone from my company. Okay?"
He paused, then added, "There are some files and documents I need you to bring home. I would've done it myself, but I doubt I'll make it back. I've got several meetings and then that business trip."
I nodded in understanding. His gaze lingered on me, and I could see the worry in his eyes before he spoke again.
"Is something wrong?"
"What? No, no, nothing's wrong," I said, forcing a chuckle. I hoped he didn't catch the unease in my voice.
"You know you can tell me anything. Did someone say something to you?" he asked, gently placing his palm on my cheek, his concern evident.
"I told you, bhai, nothing's wrong. I'm just sleepy."
"Then take the day off."
"Not that sleepy," I replied quickly, watching the worry in his face falter slightly.
He removed his hand from my cheek and ruffled my hair gently.
"If something's not right, you'll tell me, okay?"
"I am fine. I can take care of myself, I'm not a ki-"
"I know you're not a kid," he interrupted, "but you're still my little sister, and I can't help but worry about you constantly."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"There it is again, the big bad brother being protective over me for no reason."
He smiled faintly and kissed the side of my forehead.
"Oh, look who's smiling now," I teased.
"Shut up and take care of yourself, you brat," he shot back, grinning.
Chuckling, I waved him goodbye and left the house, sliding into the car as the chauffeur began driving.
Thank God Azhar didn't ask too many questions.
I don't know how he always manages to figure out how I'm feeling. Like, bro, I'm the one studying physiology. I should be the one reading people's faces-not him reading mine.
Not that I mind. It's kind of sweet to see him show care, especially since he's usually so busy and reserved.
It even lifted my mood a bit. I was still feeling off because of the events of the previous night, but deep down, I felt happy too.
Because I can't believe it-I'm finally friends with Aryan again!
I thought we'd never be friends again, but here we are.
He was so good to me-the warmth in those green eyes that used to hold so much coldness.
Even if it's a faint whisper, I'll come.
Relax.
You're safe now. I won't let anything happen to you.
I called because I was worried about you.
Please don't worry your head. The man has been dealt with, and you didn't waste my time at all.
The same man who wouldn't utter a single word to me years ago said so much yesterday.
People really do change.
And I'm so stupid-I snapped at him so many times since he returned. I should've been nicer to him. Not nice, but at least polite.
Whatever he did was in the past. He was just a kid, clueless about his actions.
Maybe he broke my frame because he felt bad-hurt, even-hearing me constantly talk about my dad in front of him.
He must've felt awful, considering the loss of his parents and how he never got to keep anything of theirs, unlike me with my dad's painting.
I wish I could go back and not make such a big deal about that painting. I should've reassured him more than I did back then.
He was a child, overwhelmed by everything.
If I had the power to travel back in time, I'd hug him tightly and tell him everything would be okay.
That he could vent to me.
I never truly understood him, and it kills me to know how much he went through.
No one deserves that much pain-not at such a young age.
My own father's death affected me deeply. I can't even imagine what it was like for him to lose both parents.
With a heavy sigh, guilt and sadness settling in, I rested my head against the car window.
In those years, I didn't feel happy like I do right now.
Did he really mean that?
I couldn't believe it when he said it. Do I really make him happy?
Well, if I do, that's a good thing. A very good thing.
________________________
"Who the fuvk had the audacity to touch you? Who was the guy? Tell me!!" Adira snapped as I recounted my story of getting harassed.
I had barely started when her anger flared up.
I grabbed her arm and pulled her back into her seat. "Calm down, I'm fine. And about the guy... he won't be bothering me anymore."
She narrowed her eyes. "He won't be bothering you anymore? Why the hell are you so stupid? Huh? And why didn't you tell me about this earlier? And that guy you seem to simp over-he didn't save you? Didn't even bother to call to check if you got home safely?"
"Adira, calm down. Hear me out, pl-"
"Shut up, Zaira!" she cut me off, her voice sharp and her gaze angrier than ever. "I've told you so many times that guy isn't the one for you, but no! He's the one, isn't he?" Her tone dripped with sarcasm.
"And most importantly, tell me-how did you make it out? Are you hurt? Did that motherf-"
"Adira, stop! I'm fine. Nothing happened to me. At least let me finish. I'll explain everything."
She leaned back in her seat, her anger simmering as she waited for me to continue.
I took a deep breath before speaking. "So, when he tried to come close to me, I pushed him and tried to open the door, but he was too quick. He caught me, slammed me against the wall, and I screamed. He clasped his hand over my mouth, but someone outside heard my voice and asked if everything was okay. And guess who it was?"
Adira looked like she was ready to strangle the table. "Who could it be? Your lover boy?"
"What? No, no, it was Aryan."
Her expression shifted to one of surprise. "What? Aryan?"
I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips at her shock.
"Wait, let me get this straight. Aryan saved you from that man?!"
"Yes," I said, watching her face contort with disbelief.
"Oh my God, this is... that... I didn't expect Aryan to be part of this," she muttered, her tone much calmer now.
"How did he-what happened after? Tell me."
"Nothing. He broke the door, barged in, beat that man, and came to me. Then he took me to his car and drove me home."
"That's it? He didn't say anything to you? And what about that pervert? Where is he? What did Aryan do to him after the beating-just let him go?"
"I... I don't know. Aryan said he took care of him, and he won't bother me anymore."
"You didn't ask what he did?"
I shook my head. "No, I didn't."
She leaned back, exasperated. "Seriously, Zaira, I have to say-you're kind of dumb sometimes."
"Hey! I was overwhelmed, okay? My mind was a mess, and all I wanted to do was cry at that moment."
Her expression softened. She stood, came to sit beside me, and wrapped me in a side hug.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay," I said, hugging her back.
"Are you okay now?" she asked gently.
I nodded. "Yep, I'm great now!"
She pulled away, studying my face. "How was Aryan? Still that cold bastard?"
"Last night?"
She nodded.
"No, he wasn't cold. He was... good to me. He treated me gently, said comforting things, and even called me around midnight to check on me. I wasn't okay-I was on the verge of tears. He heard it, and then he came to my house and took me to an ice cream parlor."
"Wait, what? He did?"
I nodded again.
"You're sure it's the same Aryan?"
I smiled slightly. "Surprisingly, yes. I couldn't believe it either."
"I'm happy," I added. "I got my friend back."
Adira smiled. "I'm happy for you too. But don't forget your best friend, huh?"
"Never," I promised with a grin.
To be continue
_____________________________
3188 words!
That's it for this chapter!
I'm sorry for uploading this so late. I had exams, and I was kind of in a writing slump, so I couldn't write. But now I'm back again.
Not much happened in this chapter, but I thought I'd post it anyway because it's been a while, and I didn't want to keep my readers waiting.
Anyway, I hope you all like it!
iting slump, so I couldn't write. But now I'm back again.
Not much happened in this chapter, but I thought I'd post it anyway because it's been a while, and I didn't want to keep my readers waiting.
Anyway, I hope you all like it!
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