12| Controlling Jerk

C O N T R O L L I N G   J E R K

W O R D C O U N T: 2945

I found out today that forcefully yours was on goodreads. I don't know much about how it works but those of you who like this book, can you please take out some time to give stars and good reviews on that platform. Would mean a lot. For those interested, just search for forcefully yours by i7love8allah6 on goodreads and you'll find it.

Here's a screenshot of it to make it easier for you to find it♥️

Also I am wondering whether I should continue posting all the chapters here or stop and publish it on amazon.

Give me suggestions.

Happy reading ☺

The drive home was suffocating.

The silence between them was thick, the tension still lingering from their fight. Humza's grip on the steering wheel was tight, his jaw set, his eyes fixed on the road. Anaabiya sat stiffly in her seat, arms crossed, staring out the window.

Then, as if the universe decided to offer her an escape, the rain started.

Soft at first, then heavier, until droplets slid down the glass in rapid streaks.

A slow smile tugged at her lips despite the gravity of the situation.

She loved the rain.

The scent of wet earth, the rhythmic patter of water against the car—it was calming in a way nothing else was.

When they finally pulled up to the house, a guard was already waiting at her side of the door, an umbrella in hand.

He opened the door for her, holding the umbrella up to shield her.

Anaabiya smiled politely but shook her head. "No, thank you."

Before the guard could insist, she reached up and gently pushed the umbrella aside.

The moment she stepped out, the cool rain kissed her skin.

She sighed, tilting her head back slightly, letting the droplets fall freely onto her face. Her eyes fluttered shut for just a second as the tension in her body slowly melted away.

For the first time that night, she felt light.

Then—she felt his gaze.

It was like a pull, a weight she could physically sense.

When she finally opened her eyes and turned, she saw him.

Humza was already out of the car, standing on the other side, his hands in his pockets. He hadn't bothered with the umbrella the guard had offered either, choosing instead to let the rain soak through his clothes.

The droplets beaded against his dark hair, running down his face and neck, but he didn't seem to mind. His black shirt clung to his chest, and the water trickled down his arms, making him look like he had no intention of escaping the storm.

His dark eyes, unreadable, locked onto hers, and in that moment, it felt as though the rain wasn't the only thing falling between them. The distance was palpable, and yet there he stood, watching her intently, as if nothing else mattered but the storm they were both caught in.

Humza exhaled sharply, his irritation still evident as he turned to the guards standing nearby.

"Leave."

The guards hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping back, returning to their posts near the gate, leaving them alone in the open driveway.

The rain continued to pour, soaking both of them, but neither moved to go inside.

Anaabiya could see the storm in his eyes—one that had nothing to do with the weather. His chest rose and fell sharply, his frustration from earlier still simmering beneath the surface.

He took a step toward her.

"You just love testing my patience, don't you?" His voice was low, edged with restrained anger.

Anaabiya lifted her chin, not backing down. "And you love being a controlling jerk, don't you?"

His eyes flashed. "You think this is about control?"

She scoffed. "Isn't it? You walked into that party, left me standing alone like I was nothing, then got mad when someone actually treated me like I existed."

Humza's jaw clenched. "That someone was trying to put his hands on you."

She crossed her arms. "And I could've handled it."

He let out a sharp, humorless laugh, running a hand through his wet hair. "Really? Because from where I stood, you were looking around for someone to save you."

She went still.

His words struck something deep, something she didn't want to admit.

"Yes, I looked for help," she finally said, her voice quieter but still firm. "But not from you. I was looking for Huzaifa. You didn't have to get all angry, with your possessiveness, or whatever twisted game you're playing with me."

Humza's expression darkened. "You think this is a game?"

She didn't hesitate. "Isn't it? Haven't you just been toying with me all along? Like a cat playing with a mouse, dragging it around just for fun before finally killing it?"

A muscle in his jaw ticked. He took another step closer, his presence towering over her now. The rain poured harder, dripping from his hair, sliding down his sharp features.

"If I were playing games, Anaabiya," he murmured, voice dangerously low, "you wouldn't survive them."

She swallowed, but refused to look away. "Then what is this, Humza? What are we doing?"

For a moment, he just stared at her.

Then, without another word, he turned and walked toward the house.

She followed after him, the conversation abruptly ending. Just like that. It was typical of him—when he didn't want to engage, he'd simply walk away, as if she didn't matter at all.

As soon as Anaabiya stepped inside, shaking off the rain from her dupatta, Bibijaan walked toward them, her expression filled with concern.

"Humza," she called softly, her gaze dropping to his hand. "What happened to your hand?"

That's when Anaabiya noticed it too—his knuckles were bruised, the skin reddened from the force of his punches.

Humza barely spared her a glance. His jaw was tight, his face unreadable.

"It's nothing," he muttered, brushing past Bibijaan.

"But—"

"Just drop it, Bibijaan," he snapped.

The sharpness in his tone cut through the air like a blade.

The room fell into stunned silence.

Anaabiya's eyes widened. Even she hadn't expected that. But more than that—Bibijaan looked taken aback, almost... hurt.

Humza had never spoken to her like that before.

Realizing what he had done, he exhaled heavily and ran a frustrated hand through his damp hair before turning and storming up the stairs, slamming his door shut behind him.

Bibijaan remained still for a moment, the hurt in her eyes lingering before she masked it with a sigh.

Anaabiya, however, was furious.

"How can he talk to you like that?" she demanded, stepping closer to the older woman.

Bibijaan shook her head, offering a small, tired smile. "He's never raised his voice at me before," she admitted. "Not once."

Anaabiya's frown deepened. "Then why did he today?"

Bibijaan let out a soft sigh. "Because something is changing."

Anaabiya wasn't sure what she meant by that, but before she could ask, a loud crash echoed from upstairs.

Something had shattered in Humza's room.

Bibijaan flinched, and Anaabiya felt her stomach twist.

Humza was still furious. But now, she wasn't sure if it was at Farhan.

Or at himself.

Anaabiya woke up earlier than usual the next morning. Maybe it was guilt, or maybe it was the lingering unease from last night, but she couldn't just stay in bed.

When she stepped into the kitchen, Bibijaan and Maliha were already there, preparing breakfast.

"You're up early," Bibijaan noted with a warm smile.

Anaabiya walked over, rolling up her sleeves. "I thought I'd help."

Maliha grinned. "That's a first."

Anaabiya shot her a look before turning to Bibijaan, her expression turning serious. "I also wanted to say... I'm sorry."

Bibijaan raised an eyebrow. "For what, love?"

"For last night." Anaabiya sighed, feeling an odd weight on her chest. "Maybe Humza reacted that way because of me. I—I shouldn't have..." She trailed off, not even sure what she was apologizing for anymore.

Bibijaan, however, only chuckled softly and patted her cheek. "Oh, child. Humza has been like this long before you came along. Don't carry the burden of his anger."

Before Anaabiya could say more, footsteps echoed behind her.

Humza.

She stiffened instinctively as he walked into the kitchen, his presence filling up the entire space.

He looked at Maliha and Anaabiya first. "Leave."

Anaabiya blinked, looking at Bibijaan with uncertainty.

Humza's eyes flickered to her, sharp and expectant. "I said, leave."

Maliha grabbed Anaabiya's wrist before she could protest. "Come on."

Anaabiya followed reluctantly, but she kept glancing over her shoulder at Bibijaan. She was worried.

Once they were outside the kitchen, Anaabiya turned to Maliha. "He's angry. What if he says something awful to her again?"

Maliha laughed. "Don't worry. Humza Bhai won't hurt her."

Anaabiya frowned. "You're sure?"

Maliha nodded. "Bibijaan practically raised him. He might be ruthless to the world, but to her? Never."

Anaabiya wasn't convinced. There was a side of Humza she had seen last night that she hadn't seen before—one that made even Bibijaan flinch.

"What if we—" She hesitated. "What if we just take a peek?"

Maliha's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Now you're talking."

She grabbed Anaabiya's hand and led her outside, toward the kitchen window. Carefully, they peeked inside.

What Anaabiya saw made her breath hitch.

Bibijaan was seated on a chair, her expression calm yet tired. And in front of her—

Humza.

Kneeling.

His head was slightly bowed, one of his hands gently clasping Bibijaan's in his own.

He was saying something, his voice too low to hear, but the expression on his face—vulnerable, remorseful—was something Anaabiya had never seen before.

This side of Humza existed?

She hadn't known.

Anaabiya watched in silent disbelief as Humza remained kneeling before Bibijaan, his fingers gently wrapped around her frail hands. There was a softness in his expression, something far removed from the anger and arrogance she was used to seeing.

Then, he reached into his side and pulled out a small white paper bag, carefully placing it on the table beside her.

The moment Bibijaan saw it, her entire face lit up.

"You remembered," she said, her voice laced with warmth and surprise.

Humza smirked slightly, his voice lower than usual. "I always do."

Bibijaan opened the bag eagerly, and the second she peeked inside, a delighted laugh escaped her.

Maliha, still crouched beside Anaabiya, leaned in and whispered, "He got her rasgullas. They're her favorite."

Anaabiya turned to look at Maliha, taken aback. "Really?"

Maliha nodded. "He always brings them for her when she's upset with him. It's his way of apologizing."

Inside, Bibijaan picked out one of the soft, syrupy sweets, smiling wide. "You think a few rasgullas will make me forget how you raised your voice at me last night?"

Humza sighed, shaking his head. "No, but it's a start."

Bibijaan laughed again, taking a bite. "Hmph. You know me too well."

Anaabiya, still peeking from outside, felt something shift within her. She had only ever seen the ruthless, cold version of Humza—the man who taunted her, infuriated her, and treated the world like it was beneath him.

But this?

This was different.

This was a son kneeling before the woman who had raised him, making amends in the only way he knew how.

And for the first time, Anaabiya wondered—who was the real Humza?

The fleeting thought caused her to lose focus, momentarily dropping the facade she had carefully maintained as she hid behind the window.

Anaabiya felt her breath hitch as Humza's gaze locked onto hers through the window.

Her heart dropped. Busted.

Maliha, beside her, let out a tiny squeak before whispering, "Sorry! You're on your own" and darted away like a coward.

Anaabiya barely had time to shoot her a betrayed look before Humza stood up, his every movement slow and deliberate.

Within seconds, he was at the back door. Anaabiya wanted to run but that would only make things worse. The heavy wooden door creaked open, and there he was—arms crossed, looking at her like she was the biggest fool he had ever seen.

Humza didn't smirk this time. There was no amusement in his gaze, no teasing lilt in his voice. He was angry.

"Really?" His voice was low, edged with frustration. "Spying on me now?"

Anaabiya lifted her chin, refusing to back down. "I was not spying."

He scoffed, stepping closer. "Oh? So what do you call crouching outside a window like a thief in broad daylight?"

Her cheeks burned, but she crossed her arms, determined not to let him see just how much he was getting to her. "I was just making sure you weren't being rude to Bibijaan again."

Humza let out a sharp exhale, shaking his head. "How noble of you." His tone was laced with sarcasm. Then his eyes darkened. "I hope you have learned your lesson yesterday."

Her blood boiled at that.

"What lesson?" She shot back, her voice sharp. "If you're expecting me to thank you for saving me, don't hold your breath."

Humza's jaw ticked. "You really are stubborn, aren't you?"

"And you really are full of yourself," she retorted. "You think everything is about you?"

His gaze didn't waver. "No. But last night was because of you. And next time, you might not be so lucky."

"What do you mean?" She was curious.

"Forget about that. What you did yesterday was foolish."

Anaabiya frowned. "What?"

"You should know that a party like that isn't safe for someone like you to be talking to just anyone." His voice was tight, controlled, but the anger simmered just beneath the surface. "Men there aren't looking for polite conversation. They're looking for something else. And you were a fool to give him false hope."

Her jaw clenched. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." His eyes were dark, unreadable. "You were playing games without realizing what you were getting yourself into."

Anaabiya's anger flared. "So if a girl talks normally to a guy, that automatically means she's saying yes to everything? It was just a conversation!"

Humza let out a dry laugh. "Was he flirting with you?"

She hesitated, then looked away. "Yes a little... Maybe." she admitted reluctantly.

"And did you discourage him?" His gaze didn't waver.

Anaabiya hesitated again before saying, "I didn't respond to his flirting."

Humza's expression hardened. "But you laughed at him. You showed him interest."

"That doesn't mean—"

"I know it's wrong," he cut her off, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "But I'm telling you how it is. Men like that don't understand subtleties. They take what they want, and they assume that if you don't push them away, you're inviting them in. You should have left the moment you felt uncomfortable."

Her stomach twisted, but she refused to let him lecture her like she was some clueless girl. "Oh, please," she snapped. "The only reason you care is because I bruised your ego last night."

His jaw ticked. "I don't care."

"Liar." She narrowed her eyes. "You just couldn't stand seeing me act the way you act."

His lips pressed into a thin line. "Don't flatter yourself."

"Then stop acting like a hypocrite."

He took another step forward, "You really think I care what happens to you?"

Anaabiya stiffened at the change in his tone.

"What happened last night," he continued, his voice dropping lower, "wasn't about you."

She frowned, confused. "Really?"

He tilted his head slightly, looking down at her like she was truly stupid. "You think I fought that bastard because I was protecting you?"

The way he said it made her stomach churn.

He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "I don't protect people, Anaabiya. What I did was set an example."

Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. "An example?"

Humza's expression turned cold. "I don't let anyone think they can cross me and walk away unscathed. That's all it was. Not some act of chivalry. Not because I cared what happened to you."

Her chest tightened, but she masked it quickly.

He was cruel. He wanted to humiliate her.

But she wouldn't let him win.

"So you're saying," she said, forcing her voice to remain even, "that if I were any other woman in that situation, you wouldn't have lifted a finger?"

His jaw ticked, but he didn't answer right away.

Then, after a beat, he smirked. "Exactly."

Anaabiya's nails dug into her palms. "You are a—"

"A what?" he cut in smoothly. "A monster? A jerk? A heartless bastard?" He stepped even closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "Sweetheart, I never pretended to be anything else.. Certainly not with you."

She swallowed hard, her throat burning.

He was right.

She had been stupid.

All this time, she had been mistaking his actions, reading into things that weren't there. Maybe last night, for just a second, she had thought—

No.

She wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

No matter what his equation was with Bibijaan, to her he would always be a monster.

Forcing a smirk of her own, she tilted her head. "Good to know."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The tension crackled between them like a live wire, but Anaabiya refused to back down.

Humza took a step closer, voice dangerously low. "Just don't be stupid again."

Anaabiya lifted her chin. "Then maybe you should lead by example."

She turned on her heel and walked away.

She didn't wait to see his reaction. Didn't care if he had one.

But what she did know was that her hands were shaking.

She was a fool to think he cared.

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Also just so you know, Uzair is on his way 😜

E D I T E D on 14.2.20205