chapter 20

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Izhaan's pov

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After returning from Reem's house I went straight to my room, I changed into night wear and laid on my bed, I wanted to sleep but it won't come, after tossing and turning for a while I gave up, I switched on the light and picked up the file of one of my cases.

I sat on the bed and got myself busy in it, the twin door opened and athar entered in my room

"What are you doing here?" I asked. He was holding coffee mugs in both of his hands, he  passed me one, I happily took it

"I wanted to talk to you, but when I saw the lights of your room were off, I didn't disturb you, but then you switched on the lights, so I guessed you were still up, so now I'm here" he shrugged

"I need to do something about this door soon, even the light of my room can go in yours" I shook my head

"Don't worry buddy I will never spy on you" he joked

"By the way thanks for the coffee, I really needed it"

"I made it myself"

"How many times have I told you please give rest to your hands"

"It's fine. I took the pain killer"

"You should be careful till the stitches won't heal"

"Hmm" he hummed, he kept on staring at me

"what?"

"Are you really ready?" He asked

"For what?"

"Marriage" He said rolling his eyes, I sighed deeply

"I don't know" I truthfully answered

"I was so surprised when Reem apologised to me, I was seriously not expecting that"

"You are talking about an apology! I was stunned how sweetly she was speaking to you. She never spoke in that tone with me, just tonight I was telling her something, but she snapped at me. I wonder if she will ever be nice to me"

"Think about it again buddy, how will you live your life with her if she's like that. Please talk to dadi or maa, it's about your whole life"

"Even you know nothing can be done, my fate was written a long time ago. I cannot change it."

"Kuch to option hoga bhai (there must be some option brother)"

"Reem's and my relation is not just about us, dada ji promised to her grandfather about our marriage, and now him and dadi take Reem as their responsibility, how can I say no to them?"

"You should have raised your voice then only"

"I was just a boy that time. And anyways no other girl has ever been a part of my life. I always knew that Reem will be the one I'll be spending my life with"

"So that's it! You will not even try to tell them anything and let Reem fake the perfect girl picture"

"Maybe things will change once she's here"

"You are being too optimistic right now" he shook his head, I just shrugged

"Forget about me, you tell me when are you going to give auditions to Marvel" I smirked, he laughed

"Ayesha is crazy" he said

"And you are crazy about her" I poked his stomach

"You started again" he rolled his eyes and took a sip of coffee

"I'm telling you buddy, it is the perfect time, you should confess your love to her" he spat as I spoke, I laughed

"What did you say?"

"I'm serious, she's very impressed with you right now, she has made you her hero, you should just propose to her, she won't say no" I winked at him

"Tum kar hi lo dadi se baat, dimagh pe gehra asar ho gaya tumhara bakwas kare Jaa rhe ho (You should talk to dadi, you are really traumatized, you are talking all crap)"

"It's not crap. I'm serious, you are in love with her"

"I'm in love? And I don't know it myself? And you know how?"

"Because I can see what you are denying"

"Like?"

"Like your jealousy towards the guy with whom Ayesha went on a date"

"Oh please I was not jealous"

"You were! You jumped in the building where you could die because of her, you love her that is why you risked your life for her"

"I sent her there, if something happened to her in that building I would have been held responsible, so I had to save her"

"You could call for help also. If anyone else was there, you would definitely reach to help, but you would have thought about it logically, not like what you have done now. Just jumped to die. You punched the glass repeatedly. If it is not love then what is it?"

"Duty"

"Spare me with your lies. I saw with my own eyes how restlessly you were waiting for her tonight, you just wanted to see her"

"Because I was worried about her health "

"You got more hurt than her." I stated the fact

"She is different for you, she is the one who has made you feel that your own life is not important sometimes for somebody else, for someone you love"

I felt self satisfied when I left him speechless. He was in deep thought.

"I should be going" he stood up

"Stop running and face the reality" i told him, he stayed quiet, "and one more thing, think something about the lie you have told everyone in the house about the girl. Maa and dadi have been grilling me to find out about your "mysterious non existing" girl. Please tell them the truth"

"I will see what I can do"

"I have an idea" I said

"What?"

"Propose Ayesha, then tell everyone that she was the one"

"So jao tum, tumhe zarurat hai (go to sleep, you need it)" he said and left, I laughed

Allah iski aankhein khol dijiye aur sach dikha dijiye (Allah opens his eyes he needs to see the truth)"

I put my files aside, switched off the lights, and laid to sleep. It was three in the morning. I didn't realize when so much time passed with Athar.

***"

I was in deep sleep, but the irritating continuous sound was disturbing my sleep. I groaned and pressed my ear on the pillow to stop the noise, momentarily it stopped but then it started again. I let out a frustrated growl and looked for the source of irritation.

My Phone was ringing and it was Reem's call. I sat up straight with a jerk. Why is she calling me? It cannot be anything good. I quickly answered the call

"Hello"

"Where were you I have been trying to call you for so long"

" Yeah I was sleeping, last night I was up till late"

" I need to meet you" she said, I couldn't believe my ears

"Huh? What did you say?"

" Wake up Izhaan. I said I want to meet you"

" Okay you tell me when I will come to pick you up"

"No need! I will text you the time and place. I will meet you directly there"

" I can pick you up, i have no issue"

"See you later" she said and hung up

Kuch achha nahi expect kar sakta mai kabhi, chalta phirta tufaan hai yeh (nothing good can be expected from her, she's a walking disaster)"

"Chal beta Izhaan ab uth Jaa madam ki khidmat mei hazir hona hai (let's get up now izhaan, you have to be at madam's service)"

I woke up and walked in the bathroom, I did my morning routine, then I took a bath, got ready and then went downstairs.

******

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Reem's POV

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My mind is exploding in too much stress since last night, I didn't know the reason for the Khan family coming to our house was to talk about my marriage.

I feel my heart sinking thinking about my life with izhaan. Oh Allah help me

"Kya soch rahi hai (what are you thinking?)" Ayesha asked

"Just about last night"

"What is going on in your mind?"

"I'm going to meet Izhaan today, I will talk to him"

"What?" She asked

"I'll let you know, let's have breakfast quickly, I have to go to the orphanage from there I will go to meet Izhaan"

"Tell me something at least" she insisted, I rolled my eyes at her stubbornness

"Ugh! I'll buy some time".

"Really? How much? What will you say to him?"

"I will request him" she scoffed

"You and request? Yeah right"

"Now let's go downstairs, I really have to leave soon"

"Just be careful while you talk to him"

"Ok"

I leaned to help her in getting up, she stood on her feet with a little support from me.

" Feeling okay?" I asked, she nodded

"Take me somewhere out please, I'm tired of staying at home" she cried like a child

"Let's go for a movie tonight" I said, her eyes shone

"You promise?" She asked, I nodded.

"Yaaayy" she hugged me

We reached the dining table, sadly dad was also there, Ayesha and him started talking with each other, while I just sat there focusing on my food.

"I can't believe, such a little time left for her in this house" dad said pointing at me, he looked excited

"Yeah! Our little Reem is a grown up girl now" Ayesha replied, i narrowed my eyes at her.

"There's a business trip I have to go on, it will be two weeks, I'm thinking of postponing it, I want to stay at home with my daughter for as much time as possible" he said, and I suppressed an urge to roll my eyes. Drama

"Don't cancel it, just wait till tonight" Ayesha said to him, I looked at her in anger, Ayesha bit her tongue

"Why?" Dad asked

"Just like that" she smiled sheepishly

"Reem bete! I know you are angry with me, but trust me when i say this, I love you so much and just the thought of you leaving me makes me so sad"

Why? Aren't your wife going to be there to give you company?"

I opened my mouth to say something, but closed it immediately when I found Ayesha glaring at me. She made me promise that I will never talk badly with dad.

"Good morning everyone" the woman entered looking so happy, she had a big smile on her face, only dad greeted her back, Ayesha and I stayed quiet

"How are you beta Reem?" She asked

What is wrong with everyone this morning! Why so much drama?

"Ok" I replied to her

"And ayesha my child, how is your ankle now?" She asked

"Getting better" Ayesha replied

"Aren't you bored of being confined in the house, you must go somewhere out for some change, you'll feel better. Should I tell Sufiyan to take you somewhere?" She asked, Ayesha was taken aback by her words

"Koi zarurat nahi hai, mujhe karna hoga mai khud kar lungi use call (No need I will call him if I want to)" Ayesha snapped at her, she deserved it. She gave an embarrassed smile

"I should get going, I'm getting late" I said and got up

"Where are you going?" Avira asked, I raised my eyebrows at her

"Let her go wherever she is going" dad told her

"Don't you think you are too lenient with her" she said to dad

"No I don't" he shook his head, there was a coldness in his voice, she zipped her mouth quickly. I felt a little happy that dad spoke that way

"Be careful beta" he said to me

"Bye" I said looking at Ayesha and then left.

I went straight to meet kids, they had a few school projects and I had to help them. After the work was done I messaged Izhaan informing him about the location and time.

I was waiting in the cafe while sipping on my coffee and waiting for him, within five minutes he came.

"Assalamualaikum" he said

"Walekumassalam" I replied

"Sorry for getting late, i couldn't find the parking lot"

"No problem. You want something?" I asked

"Allah kher! Itna aram se bol rahi ho mujhse aasmaan girne wala hai kya (Allah have mercy! You are talking so nicely with me, is the sky going to fall)" he said and I rolled my eyes

"Abhi tak to nahi gir raha par itna chahte ho to Allah se maang leti hun k tumhare sar pe gir jaaye (It is not falling till yet, but if you really want that desperately I will pray to Allah to make it fall on your head)" I said angrily, he mumbled something which I couldn't understand

"Huh? What did you say?" I asked

"I said to tell me why you have called me?" He asked, I took a deep breath

"I need some time" I replied

"Fine, you think about it till then I will order something for myself" he shrugged, I groaned

"Aaahhh! I mean I need some more time for the marriage"

"Oh" he fell silent

"I'm being very honest with you right now, I'm not ready to start my life with you as yet."

"So why didn't you tell everyone last night?"

"It just happened so quickly I was not prepared for it"

"So you can tell everyone now" he shrugged

"You can tell everyone now". I mimicked his voice in my head

What will I tell dadi? And dada ji? He couldn't stop giving me blessings last night, how can I tell them that I don't want to come to their house

"I'm not going to tell anyone, you will tell them" i said, he shrugged

"Fine, I will tell them that Reem is not prepared"

"You will not take my name"

"If I will not take your name then what will I tell them?"

"Look for an excuse"

"What excuse? They will ask me 1000 questions"

"Haan to de Dena jawab kis kaam ke waqeel ho warna (So what, answer them, otherwise what kind of a lawyer you are)"

"Don't you think you are bringing my profession in between our conversations too much"

"Ab jo hai so hai (It is what it is)" I shrugged, he rolled his eyes

"What will I tell them?"

"You can give any excuse, you can say you want more stability in life, or you are waiting for Athar's marriage"

"Call him Athar bhai, he is older to you, show some respect"

"I know! You both are old"

"Are you calling me old?" He frowned, I nodded my head.

He began to speak some crap which I didn't let my mind register. I was just at peace that I had stopped the drama for the time being.

****

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Ayesha's pov

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I sighed and stretched my legs, I stared at the sketches i just prepared.

"Nice" I smiled in satisfaction.

It felt too good to be in the office, I resumed the office on Monday and had the best time this week.

I never knew that architecture could be so fun, making sketches, learning to make notes, preparing graphs and doing all the work is making me so enthusiastic that I feel so grateful about picking the right career for me

I have been sitting for the past 3 hours. My body was feeling stiff so I decided to take a coffee break.

When I returned to the office, so many people asked me about my health. The word spread like fire. Everyone knew what happened that day in the building.

I was on my way to the pantry when I found a familiar figure walking towards me.

" Good afternoon" Afham said

"Good afternoon!" I responded

" How are you? I heard about the mishap"

" Everyone heard about that, not just you" I chuckled, he smiled

" How are you feeling now?  you sprained your ankle, right?"

" I'm fine now. It was hardly anything. I'm just happy to be back here"

"I see so much enthusiasm in you. It's very pleasant to see someone so dedicated and serious about work. You are a very ambitious girl. Keep it up"

"Thank you so much. Much appreciated"

" The other day in the meeting when I was sitting there and trying to explain myself. You displayed my thoughts as if you have envisioned them. I noticed that you really put an effort in understanding what the client wants and it is a very good quality"

"Really? You think so" I asked He nodded vigorously

"It's just sad that you refused to work on my project" He said and I also felt sad about it, but then I remembered I never said no to work for his project

"I'm sorry! what did you just say?"

"I said I really wanted you roped in the project but I respect your choice. If you don't want to, you don't have to"

"Who said I don't want to?"

"Athar" he shrugged

Then his phone rang and he excused himself and went away.

So he was so insecure about me being appreciated that he cut me off by lying. How cheap can he get!

I went straight to his cabin, I was so angry at him, it was quite low, even for him and here I thought we were making progress, he was now interested in giving me work.

Without knocking on the door, I barged into his room. He was writing something, but looked up when I entered

"When did I say no?" I shouted

"Huh? What?" He frowned

"When did I refuse to work on the Imams project?" I replied, he understood what I meant, he looked down

"Oh" he said and got back to writing

"What oh! Tell me, because I don't remember any conversation like that"

"Go back to work Ms Ayesha." He murmured while focusing on the paper he was staring

"I want an answer to my question" I yelled

"Hmmm" he didn't pay any heed to my concern. I was so angry at him now, I marched towards him and snatched the pen from his hand and threw it away

"What the...." He stood up and stared at me, "kya badtameezi hai yeh (what is this ill behaviour?)"

"Kya karu jab tak badtameezi nahi karti aap sunte hi nahi meri (what to do! You don't listen to me till I don't misbehave with you)" I retorted, he narrowed his eyes at me

"Now if you are done staring at me, please answer my question. Why Afham was telling me that I have refused?" I asked, his eyes clouded with anger

"Kitni baar kahu nahi sunna mujhe tumhare mooh se uska naam (how many times do I have to tell you that I don't want to hear his name from you)" he said grinding his teeth, I rolled my eyes

"Mr Khan! Just answer my question"

"Because I told him that" he replied

"And why! May i ask?"

"Because I wanted to, you cannot question me, I'm the boss" he took a step towards me, I had to angle my neck to look up, he is so tall

"If that is the case, then you should have told him, that "you" didn't want me to be a part of the project, you shouldn't have taken my name and lied"

"Ab tum bataogi mujhe kya karna chahiye aur kya nahi (you will tell now what I have to do and what not!)"

"Haan mujhe hi batana padega, kyunki khud mei to itni akal hai hi nahi aap mei (Yes, I will, because you don't have that much intelligence)" we both continued staring at each other, both of us too proud of ourselves to look away.

"I don't understand what is your problem with me and this project, I know I'm just a temporary intern here, but what would have gone wrong if i took a part in it."

"You will not decide your work, I will. And I have decided that you will not even go near this project"

"But Mr Khan...."

"You may go now" his ice cold voice cut me off, then he sat back, picked another pen from the pen stand and resumed whatever he was doing. I continued staring at him with angry eyes

"Take a picture, it will last longer, then you can keep staring at it for as long as you want" he said without looking at me

"My phone will corrupt if I take your picture. You are not that handsome. I don't know what your girlfriend sees in you" I stomped my foot and walked towards the door, I held the doorknob and was about to pull it when he spoke

"Ms Ayesha"

"What?"

"I don't have a girlfriend" his eyes looked at me so differently, I stood there frozen and kept looking at him, then I shook my head to clear my head

"So" I raised my eyebrows at him

"Just wanted to let you know"

Without saying anything I walked out of the room. What does he think of himself! Idiot duffer, stupid.

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