☀︎︎ one o'clock ☀︎︎

❀❀❀

❀❀❀

"Are you wearing these? The golden-red ones would look better." He pointed at the earrings placed on the dressing table among the mess of jewellery and make-up she had created deciding on what to choose while getting ready.

They were long golden jhumkas with red beads attached to them. While the ones in her hand were simple, a large red stone in the middle with thin silver linings on it's corners.

"Do these look bad?" She paused, holding one piece in her hand, while staring at the one already in her ear in the mirror.

"Kind of. They don't match." He simply stated, eyeing her dress. She was wearing a red kurta with trousers, and the kurta had golden linings at the bottom. He was right. Her focus was on making everything red, she didn't notice the tiny detail.

It was Sunday, the next day to their first coffee day out, she was glad he took it off unlike the first week of their marriage. Although, there was a reason behind it. A huge one.

They were going on a family dinner. Maha, being a big talker who couldn't keep anything to herself, had already told Zuha their was a special announcement going to be made at the dinner by her parents.

They had decided to move out with Maha to Liverpool, UK. She'd complete her studies from her chosen university, and her parents would settle there to be relieved of their daughter's safety and health. She was their only daughter, and they could not have her that far away out of sight for that long. Too attached with each other, Zuha could tell even Maha wouldn't be able to survive without her parents.

But if they all moved out, the only thought she had was, she'd be left all alone here and be bored as hell. Her husband was yet non-existent in her life. The only reason she had survived the week was because of spending time with her mother-in-law, chit chatting with Maha and watching movies with her. But if they'd be gone, what would she do in the empty house? She had no idea.

She had thought they'd move after some time, a month later maybe, but then again, her life was full of surprises and nothing was ever normal. They were moving in two days. Freaking two days! It wasn't even shocking for her anymore. Life had been playing games with her since her marriage day and they weren't fun games, but more of mocking ones.

It was definitely going to be a surprise for the son of the house aka her husband though. Since he was so absorbed in his busy hospital life, he had no idea what grade his sister was in, according to her very own words. "He was shocked to find out I was graduating from college when I told him to make sure he shows up to my graduation unless he wants his head shaved off." Maha had told her. "Do you know what he replied with his eyes bulging out in shock? When did you get into college? I thought you're still in like 8th grade, chotu?"

She had laughed but the question lingering in her mind slipped out of her tongue, "Did you ever feel sad about it, like, you know....?"

Maha had simply shrugged, "He was an amazing older brother to me and we joked around often as kids. Yes, when he got into med school, he got extremely busy with studies that he had no idea what was going on around him. He'd stay in his room for hours, not even caring about eating hours. Mama was really concerned, but his determination to become the best surgeon was so strong, nobody could win against him. Growing up, I got less and less time with him, and once I cried about it to him. He called me a crybaby but since then, he'd make sure to tease me everytime he came back from work, by knocking on my door, or be sweet by leaving chocolates on my bed sometimes, and spending the gym hours on some Sundays with me instead. He was trying to be low-key but I know it bothered him too." She had smiled lightly staring at Zuha.

"I know, this past week since your marriage, even I haven't gotten a glimpse of him at all and I'm so mad at him for that. But his reasons are valid or shaving his head offer is still valid from my side, bhabhi. Give him some time, I'm sure once the matter is resolved, you both will bond and make the best couple ever!" She clapped her hands and squealed, making Zuha chuckle. "But I'm going to miss you so much, we had planned so much to do together." Zuha had let out, her shoulders slumping. That had Maha go 'aww' as she hugged her bhabhi, "No worries, it's not like I'm going forever. I'll definitely visit you, but I would be the guest then."

Zuha smacked her back, but hugged her closer with a smile. This girl was the best sister-in-law she could've asked for.

Zuha nibbled on her lower lip after wearing the more matching jhumkas, while she stared at his all ready-to-leave figure. He was wearing black shalwar kameez, his sleeves rolled up till his elbows. He looked gorgeous. Man, he could walk on a runway as a model like this. She forgot to blink for a minute staring at this side of his. Perfect!

Was she guilty in taking up extra time to get ready because her gaze couldn't resist falling on his figure every two seconds to check him out? Yes. He didn't seem to notice since he was busy in checking his files so it was not so embarrassing on her part. In addition to the look, he wore those big round glasses which added to the attraction part while reading the files.

"What about my heels?" She couldn't resist the urge to ask as she got ready, giving herself a final full look in the mirror. These red heels were her favourite.

His eyes looked up, his glasses lying just below, slightly above the bridge of his nose, she gawked at him with a blush creeping up her ears.

"Why don't you wear some sandals or the red flats instead?" He examined her look for merely a second before saying so and causing her to frown.

"Why? These perfectly match with my outfit though." She was ready to throw hands.

"You can't walk in these. You look like a baby penguin struggling to walk." He simply shrugged, his eyes moving over the patient's file to review the last page.

"Rude." She muttered under her breath. How could he say that? She didn't look that stupid while walking in them. Or did she? But she had to look tall next to him, how could she just wear flats?

"Huh?" His eyes rose in confusion. Ignoring him, she took careful steps towards the mirror to watch herself try to walk as eloquently as possible. Not bad. She'll keep wearing the heels. She did not notice his steady gaze on her little practice to walk with a little subconscious smile on his face.

"Let's go!" She clapped her hands together, done with her preparation and all set to go.

"Just a second." He grabbed a pen to sign the papers after reviewing the file, as she walked his way, her heels clicking on the floor. She settled on the sofa next to him while waiting.

"Do you have bad eyesight?" Not being able to resist the urge, she questioned. She wouldn't mind him wearing those all the time though.

"They're to protect my eyes," he closed the file, bent forward towards her, "not for eyesight, sweetheart." The endearment wasn't said in a loving way but more in a sarcastic way, but she couldn't help the way her neck and ears turned the same colour as her dress.

"Oh. You look good in them." She shoved herself off the sofa, with an awkward chuckle. He took them off and suddenly a mischievous look covered his face.

"I should probably keep them on around you too." Getting up from the sofa, he stood beside her. She didn't think that part out loud though?

"What? Why?" She gave him a puzzled look.

"To protect my eyes from your beauty." The teasing tone was back with the annoying one-sided evil grin. Her mouth hung open in a look of shock and disgust.

"You're so cringe!" She smacked his arm, while he chuckled. "Let's go. God. I can't with you. Uff!" She kept shaking her head and cringing as they walked out of their room, the smile still evident on both their faces.

//❀❀❀//

Momin let out the millionth sigh, his head hanging back on the chair head, his long legs spread out ahead with his feet hiding under the table.

"You're gonna snap your neck in that posture, moo!" The always chirpy and excited voice of his best friend reached his ears, the nickname he had used made Momin clench his jaw in annoyance. There was no stopping him from saying that because he damn well knew how much Momin hated it.

"What's wrong, buddy?" He sat on the chair across as Momin opened his eyes to stare at the white ceiling.

"They're actually leaving tomorrow and they just told me about it yesterday. In a family dinner among so many relatives. It's a surprise for all. What was I supposed to say? What a surprise, I hate surprises!" He shook his head, straightening up, and his neck really did ache due to the posture he was in. "They could've informed me about it before. Given me a heads-up. I- I don't know what to even- God!" Rubbing his hands over his face, he didn't know what to name this feeling. Frustration? Sadness?

"Not to make you feel more shitty, but I met uncle two weeks back and he told me about it during our conversation." Aneel chewed the gum in his mouth, casually remembering to tell the information now as Momin gave him a look of disbelief. So even he knew? While who was the family member had no idea what was being planned at his house?

"You've practically been living at the hospital since this bankruptcy thing happened, but even before, I won't lie....you suck at socializing and interacting with homosapiens. Even if it's your family." Aneel rolled his eyes making a bubble out of the chewing gum in his mouth.

"So you're saying I can't even interact with my own family?" Momin slid his feet from under the table, turning his body towards his friend's direction who just accused him of something too big to ignore.

"To be honest, you don't try. You avoid it. Interacting with people always scares the moo out of you, cow! Unless they're your sick patients you're sure won't slice your throat." Aneel laughed out loud, as if this was the funniest joke he'd ever cracked.

"It's not funny, Aneel." He frowned. "Even so, I'm their son, I deserved to know beforehand."

"When was the last time you had dinner with your family?" Aneel crossed his arms.

"What?" Momin blinked at him.

"See, you didn't answer a simple question with 'oh, yesterday!' even though you did go on a family dinner. Forget that, we've been friends since years and even I've never gotten a chance to hang out with you other than in this hospital. And the only times we've eaten together is when I have to drag you with me so you don't get malnourished working like a donkey." Aneel was shaking his head, as Momin felt a pang of guilt hit him.

"Are you saying I'm a bad son and...friend because I prioritize my job?"

"Well, you're the bestest of the best in this field and we know how much work and time it takes to reach that level and you were only able to achieve it by prioritizing your profession over everything. I've never seen you complain or get senti over such a thing before. Bet your parents thought the same. You're a grown-ass man who can live independently just like you've been all these years, what's the big issue in that? You're over-reacting which is unlike you. Plus you have a wife now, mister. Who can babysit you if that's what you want all of a sudden." Aneel kept going on as Momin rolled his eyes shaking his head.

"Get out. I don't want to hear your annoying voice anymore." Momin got back into his half laying position, waving his hand at his friend to leave.

"Come on, bro. As your only friend ever it's my-"

"I never begged you to be my friend. Leave me alone."

"Someone's being touchy."

"No, I'm not. I'm just done with your-" He couldn't complete as Aneel jumped off his chair reaching for Momin's now squirming form while making cute faces at his disgusted one.

"You're being touchy. Aw, moo. It's-" He was close enough to pull his cheeks when Momin slapped his hand away. That didn't stop him from throwing himself on top of his chair, forcing a hug to his non-clingy friend.

"Shut up, you ant-sized piece of-"

"Don't you dare complete that-" Aneel gained back his serious face, warning in his tone.

"Okay. Fine. Get off me." Momin pushed his leg off him, both gaining their postures back. "You're crazy."

His one and only friend laughed, before replying with a wink. "Not more than you."

There was a knock on the door and both of them gave each other a nod, getting back to work, their 4th surgery of the day.

//❀❀❀//

Zuha yawned closing the magazine and putting it away. Her back relaxed on the egg chair, legs dangling in the air, lazy eyes watching the plants in the lawn.

They had bidden goodbyes to the family yesterday. One day in and she felt like dying of boredom. She suddenly remembered meeting her class fellow from college at the airport. After seeing her parents-in-law off, she and Momin were on their way out from the airport, when a familiar face caught her eyes.

Anushay. The moment she looked back at Zuha, she recognized her too so Zuha made her way towards her with a smile. They were meeting after four years. Since Zuha had always been friendly, she knew all the girls in her class and always interacted with them until the university life got her busy and now, she was married. Time really did fly, but familiar people remained in our memories.

Anushay told her she was running an online business. She had studied fashion designing and started up her brand. Zuha was really amazed to find out that the famous online brand she had shopped from a few times belonged to none other than her. In three years, her designs had gotten so well known.

Since Momin had to get back at work, Zuha quickly exchanged numbers with her and they parted ways. She was definitely going to call her for a meet-up and get a story time on how she managed to get that idea.

Deep down she felt envy. Anushay was not really a high-scorer and was among the back benchers. Yet, she had become successful in life unlike what the teachers used to lecture her on getting less marks. While Zuha was good at studies, not that she cared about the scores, but her parents did, so she worked hard for the proud smiles on their face when they saw her high scores.

She had gotten a degree studying the business subjects for four years. For what? To sit at her in-laws doing absolutely nothing but swing on an egg chair? She shouldn't be wasting her time like this. What if she also opens up a brand of her own? She knew enough about business and fashion. It wouldn't be that hard for her. Right? Nothing is impossible, after all.

Her husband, ah, husband. He would definitely not be against it. He shouldn't be. The reason she is in this position right now was because of him. She could be at her home fighting with Zain over the TV remote, teasing her mother in the kitchen, whining about useless stuff to her dad. She missed them and she definitely had not forgotten his promise to take her to visit them on the weekend. She had been counting days!

Now that she was here far away from them, alone in the house which belonged to one more resident with her now. Her thoughts lingered over him. What is he up to anyways?

How busy is he at the hospital that he comes so late at midnight and leaves so early? Does he not even rest? Or is he staying back to avoid her? Maybe, he is just......She started over-thinking baseless stuff knowing very well she was stressing herself over nothing.

Not nothing. She needed to know now. She was curious. Suspicious. What being alone with having nothing to do does. She had to find out.

The next thing she knew, she stood infront of the hospital he worked at. She had thought about all the possible excuses during the Uber ride here. She had come for a check-up. Not to check up on him at all. Her body check-up. Her back ached.

Cautiously, she made her way inside the building, her eyes wandering in every direction for a sign of the very known face. She made her way to the reception, thinking of what to say.

"Hello ma'am. Do you have an appointment?" The young lady asked with a sweet smile on her face. She wore a card with 'intern' written on it.

"Uh, no." Zuha tucked the strands of her hair behind her ear, a nervous smile on her face. What is she supposed to say now? She didn't think it through.

"Are you here to book one?" The receptionist asked, the same sweet tone. Before Zuha could answer, she heard a voice from her far right.

"Arrey bhabhi?" Aneel made his way towards her, his confused face turning into a smiling one, when Zuha turned and he was sure he recognized her right.

"How're you doing?" He asked stopping a few steps away. "Aneel, by the way. In case you don't remember, wesy bhoolny wala tou banda nai hun mein." He chuckled, as Zuha nodded, clearly remembering this funny guy from her wedding who had a cute banter with her best friend, Eshal.

"I'm good-" She paused, panic hitting her. She isn't supposed to be good, that's why she was here.

"Is something the matter? You're here to see Momin, right?" Aneel as if sensing her uneasieness began talking again. "We just got out of our 3rd surgery of the day and I feel dead tired. But that guy is made of steel, he's back at taking rounds to check the patients."

"Oh." Zuha looked down, staring at the tiles.

"Let me fetch him for you. Would you like to wait in his office?"

"Uh, no, no." She quickly shook her head. "You really don't need to. I can wait here until he's done."

"Are you sure? He really takes his time with the patients. I prefer standing under the scorching sun than to go on rounds with him. It makes me want to kick his ass to-" Aneel shut his lips tight as Zuha almost let out a snort.

"It's alright. I can wait." She smiled, relaxing a little.

"As you're comfortable." He nodded. She could see a few more young interns running around. A few people waiting in the sitting area.

"Your husband's very famous among these young trainees. Most of them are here for the free internship programme only to learn from him. They really look up to the famous surgeon. So he spends extra time in training them. This way, the hospital has gained some staff and they're gaining experience from the best." Aneel carried on talking, putting his elbow over the reception desk, as Zuha hadn't moved from her place blankly staring at the surroundings. She licked her lips, distracted. But deep down, she felt miserable. Thinking about why she was here in the first place.

"Oh, that's good."

"Well, not good for me. It's tiring as hell. These little ones have no idea and come asking for basic stuff from me. I have to answer their childish questions million times a day, I can't tell if-" He paused noticing the little intern sitting on the reception glaring at him. Clearing his throat, he quickly straightened up. "Bhabhi, I'd say you should wait at Momin's office."

Zuha didn't say a word, nodding she followed him in the direction leading to the office. It was a normal sized room with a desk, racks full of files, two cupboards, a sofa and three chairs scattered. Messy with the setting, but clean.

"I should've asked you long ago, what would you like to drink? Or eat? You know, think of it as your second home. That's what Momin calls this place." Aneel continued after guiding her in. He talked a lot, Zuha thought.

"Nothing. I had lunch before coming." She politely answered. He excused himself and Zuha knew he was going to call Momin. Her fingers played with the corner of her dupatta as she nervously bit on her lower lip.

She waiting for about ten minutes, wriggling on the chair preparing a prep talk. The door opened and she sucked in a breath. She was ready.

"Hey." He looked absolutely strained out. "Is everything alright?" The question came out of his mouth as she starting standing up from the chair.

"Yeah, no." Zuha face-palmed internally as he blinked at her, puzzled. "I had a stomach ache." It was supposed to be back ache, you dumbass. "A really bad one." Her hand went up to grab her tummy. "I felt like I was dying. Google says it could be appendix." God forbid. She didn't know which side it was, left or right, so she put her hand in the middle. Ya Allah, please forgive me for lying, but please, don't ever make it come true.

He walked towards her as she quickly sat back on the chair, hugging her tummy with both the hands now.

"You looked fine a while ago?" He pulled a chair near hers, sitting infront of her. Zuha closed her eyes, he caught her lie, obviously.

"Do you want me to check on it, Mrs. Zuha?" He bent forward, elbows placed on his knees. Her ears turned red. "No."

"You're really a bad liar."

"I know."

"Your acting was really a zero as well."

"I-" She frowned. "No. It wasn't that bad."

"You shouldn't try pulling that ever again." He rubbed the tip of his nose.

"Yeah, whatever." Zuha rolled her eyes, turning her face away.

"Zuha." His voice was a low whisper, her head bopped back in his direction. "Don't lie about being sick again."

She pursed her lips, her eyes falling down on her hands placed in her lap. She could feel her cheeks burning. Embarrassed about lying and getting caught. His hand came up to tousle her hair from the front causing her to whine and slap his hand away.

"What was that for?" The scowl on her face had him laughing as she pushed the strands of her hair back. His eyes intently watching her, noticed a scar on her forehead, which she hid bringing the strands of her hair slightly over the forehead.

"How did you get this?" He brought his hand up again, his fingers lingering on her forehead pushing the strands away, his face bent to her level, closing up the space between them.

"I fell from a swing when I was little." She grabbed his hand bringing it down as the strands fell back on their place. She was taken aback when he caressed her palm in his instead of letting her hand go. They were holding hands. He just casually held onto her hand instead of letting go? She was definitely blushing because this was the first time.

"You do look like you were a naughty child." He remarked while she was in her little shock world over holding hands with him. He was being so causal about it, why is she acting like it was something so big? They are married, this is supposed to be normal.

"I was." She replied, her cheeks had turned pink. She shook her head, bringing her lost attention back. "That's why I have the best childhood stories. The most famous one being when I got lost in the jungle."

"You never told me about it?" This time, he slightly frowned.

She almost rolled her eyes. As if you ever have time for listening to me. "You never asked." She said in a 'duh' tone.

"I'm supposed to know to ask about it." He said in the same tone as hers and she almost smacked his hand away. "No."

"You love that word." He pointed out and was replied with another 'no'. A knock on the office door had their attention diverted and moment disrupted. He got up from the chair, letting go of her hand as the lack of warmth had her clasping both her hands together.

"I'm REALLY sorry to disturb you both. I swear I hate being that person but, Momin, dude, I need a hand here." Aneel peeked in through the door, helplessly staring at his friend who instantly knew what the matter would be without asking.

"Patient 33?" Momin asked to confirm his doubt.

"YES. I swear that granny almost pulled all my hair out. She's complaining about not getting her mandatory check up if you don't show up." Aneel cried out. "I don't know how you deal with her. She's damn scary."

Shaking his head, Momin gave Zuha a nod, leaving the office room with his loud whining friend as Zuha sat there blinking. This job seems tough. Extremely tough. She understood that part. And he had chosen this for himself.

But why did he get married to her? He seems to love staying at the hospital, his lack of interest in her as a new partner in his life only made her question if he had married her just because. On his parents demand? The society? Maybe they had been planning to leave for UK all along and Momin didn't want to leave his hospital job. So they got him married to have someone stay back with him. Marriage was just a compulsion and he just went ahead to get done with it.

He treats his patients better than he treats her, just like how he left her here without a word on a call from one patient. If she actually was one of them, would he pay attention to her then?

Shaking her head, she rubbed her forehead, disappointed over her crazy thoughts. She was doubting everyone and it made her feel like the worst person ever for making such assumptions. She's going to lose her mind due to overthinking at this point. Lazily, she got up and made her way outside.

Reaching home, she was still feeling no better, but not as worst. Her brain was working like a battery fully charged. She needed distraction.

Laying on the bed, she opened the laptop and searched for business ideas on the internet.

Hours passed by scrolling and reading through stuff. Feeling her throat dry, she made her way to the kitchen when the front door opened. Her eyes looked up at the wall clock. 11:10 PM.

"You're awake." He sounded tired. Making his way into the kitchen, he grabbed a glass as she poured water for him through the bottle in her hand. "You left the hospital earlier without telling me." She filled the glass up, as he murmured a 'thanks' before continuing. "The reason?"

Avoiding his gaze, she shut the bottle with it's cap. "Reason for what?"

"For your sudden visit." He settled on the stool, gulping down the water, waiting for her response.

"Can't I pay a sudden visit to the hospital you work at?" She kept her gaze on the bottle, still playing with it's cap.

"You can. But there was a reason why you came today." He sighed. "We were getting to it, but I had to go and you left without a word."

Well, at least he cared to notice and ask. Mustering courage, she turned in his direction. "Why did you get married to me?" He flinched slightly, she kept her straight face on, knowing she had to be direct and get these questions out of her system today. "I mean, was it because your parents wanted you to, so you just said 'yes' to marry me and get rid of their demand?" Her voice sounded hoarse, the thick feeling bundling in her throat. She gulped it down.

"I didn't just get married to you because my parents wanted me to. I did not do it just to get rid of their demand. That's not how marriages work." He put away his glass, standing up. She blinked her eyes fast. She was trying to keep her emotions in check, but this wasn't going to work. It won't end well if she opened her mouth again cuz she won't be able to control her breakdown. "I know the importance a marriage holds. The responsibilities which I have to and should bear once tied into this bond."

I don't think you do. She almost said it. Instead, she stared at his serious face which was now studying her down.

"It's sharing a life with a person, how could I carelessly say 'yes' to anyone." She didn't even realize, he had walked up so close to her.

"Do you remember our first meeting?" He asked as she stared at his clothed chest at her eye level, up close, covering any other view for her. She gave him a nod.

"I loved the way you carried on our conversation. The way you validated my feelings, my thoughts and my views and gave your opinions honestly. Very honestly and directly. It impressed me. Really." He brought his hand up, his thumb and index finger holding her chin to make her look up, directly at his face. She felt her heart pick up pace as soon as her eyes met his.

"I felt heard. It didn't feel like anything superficial. I felt connected to the conversation." He continued with a small smile on his lips. His hand moving up over her cheek.

"In that moment, I made up my mind. I knew that you're the perfect life partner for me. Someone who was outspoken. Understanding. Witty." Beautiful inside out. He closed his eyes, bending forward, his lips hovering over her forehead before she felt them over the scar. And in that moment, she forgot what breathing was, her brain went blank, no thoughts, no nothing, all doubts vanished, just the feeling of his soft lips over her forehead and she was left in a state of ecstacy.

//❀❀❀//

"Yarr! Don't do that. I'm not a kid." Zuha let out agitated, fixing her hair which her devilish(ly handsome) husband just messed up attacking her as soon as she left the washroom.

"Who said we could only do this to kids?" He replied with a satisfied grin on his face. She glared at him as he passed by her to enter the washroom. But instead, his hand reached for the top of her head, ruffling her hair all over again.

"Can you not!" She cried out, annoyed. She finger combed her hair, fixing them back, her face in a deep frown. She had just brushed them!

"Why not? I just find your face adorable when I do it." He chuckled. Zuha's predatory gaze snapped his way, but he was quick enough to hurry into the washroom and shut the door on her face before she could reach out to him. Next time, she won't let it slide!

She was in a good mood today. He had come home in the evening which meant they had dinner together. Maybe it was the conversation they had yesterday, she felt closer to him. She felt they took a step closer to each other in their relationship by opening up to each other. It didn't feel awkward or new to start up a conversation with him. Or to just start ranting about anything random to him. Her heart felt at ease.

Sitting on the sofa, she slid her feet out of the slippers, bending her knees to get comfortable fully on top of the soft material. She watched him standing with his hands on either side of the dressing table, one leg straight and the other bent, his back muscles flexing from the tight t-shirt due to his posture, as he stood infront of the mirror, his towel dried hair shining and covering his forehead with a few lingering wet strands, his eyes on the file placed on the dressing table.

"So, I was just wondering. If I should start up a small clothing brand of my own?" She bit onto her lip, asking slowly, her voice low, unsure of his reaction.

"No." His dry response, eyes still focused on the file, almost as if he just let the 'no' out on instinct.

"Kya matlab, no?" Zuha's eyebrows furrowed, all her thoughts were put on a pause, as she glared at his face through the mirror.

"No means no, Zuha." This time he straightened up, grabbing the file with one hand while scratching his neck with the other. Ignoring how her name almost sounded like a whine from his side, like telling her to shut up, she pursed her lips. There was no way she was going to shut up today!

"Don't no me." She let her feet down on the cold floor from her comfortable sitting position and was about to continue when the annoying sound filled the room. His freaking phone rang again. She shut her eyes tight, letting in a huge breath. Breathe, Zuha. Be better. Calm down. And so she patiently waited for him to end the call. Only uptil he puts this phone down.

He sounded agitated on the phone with whoever he was talking to. Walking towards the sofas direction, not even glancing her way, he set the file down on the table, still on the call.

She tapped her feet on the floor, not bothering to wear her slippers.

Finally, getting up impatiently, she walked towards him. The phone left his ear, and she didn't waste a second. Standing one step away, she looked up at his face.

"Dr.Momin, I want you to look at me and give me your full attention when I'm talking to you." She gritted out, keeping her voice as cool as possible.

"Zuha, I heard you and gave a-" His hand reached for his hair, flipping the strands away from his forehead, but she cut him off quickly.

"No! What do you mean by a straight forward NO? Do you think I'm kidding with you right now? Or are you just refusing a kid who asked for a candy?" The edge in her tone had him fully turn towards her, his eyes reading her face. He let out a sigh.

"Look, I didn't say it in the sense that you can't do it. I just think you're too non-serious for a commitment like that." The soft strands of his hair had slipped back above his eyes as she blinked at him, while he blinked back.

"How do you know how serious I am about doing it?" She narrowed her eyes at him, feeling small under his gaze, as her eyes were looking way upwards to reach his brown orbs while his looked downwards. Maybe she should've remained seated on the sofa cause why did he have to be so tall up close and make her feel so short?

"I don't see any passion in your eyes. Your voice lacked the enthusiasm a person would have if they're really dreaming about doing something." He carefully spoke, his attention fully on her face, studying her.

"I didn't know you were a passionate mind reader, I thought your job was just to cut through different parts of the human body and fo-"

"Why are we shifting the topic to my job now?" He questioned, waving his hands up.

"And why are you trying to act all mighty by talking about passion and stuff." She huffed, annoyed.

"I said so because you just got inspired after meeting your friend who has a successful business, and you're making a decision in the heat of the moment. What if you don't want to do it anymore after some time?" He raised a brow at her, not knowing he hit a nerve with the question.

Zuha always lost interest in things quickly. She could never stick to do one thing for long. Everyone close to her knew that. But he didn't know that, neither did he have to know that. She had put in enough thought over this big decision.

"You're saying that as if you've known me since forever. How do you know my mind will change or not?" She raised a brow back at him, all defensive.

"You can say, I'm a good judge of personalities, and I've got to know you this much." He tilted his neck, lower, raising both his brows. She frowned. Cocky much.

"Uff," She scoffed, turning to the side and climbing up the sofa right beside them, then turned to face him again with her hands on the sides of her waist, with a proud face looking right below her chin level into his eyes.

"Why the hell did you climb up the sofa while we're in the middle of a serious conversation , Zuha?!" His long lashes almost touched his furrowed brows as his eyes looked upwards at her eye level.

"Because you're an effing khamba, my neck hurts looking up at you. Now we're on the same level, yes, now continue arguing." She folded her arms, flexing her neck downwards to release the ache.

"Mein khamba? Tou tum chirya ki tarah kahin bhi charh jao gi." He always had his come-backs ready when it came to arguments. Totally rude ones at that.

"Mujhy chirya bola hai aap ne?" She gave him a look of disbelief, moving her right foot to balance herself on the bouncy sofa. Wrong move, her foot slipped through the cushion causing her to fall to the front, her hands landed on his shoulders to save herself from the face fall, their heads hitting hard in the process. His hands jolted up to hold her arms in reflex too.

"Peeche raho, bijli ka khamba hun, current lag jaye ga. Wesy bhi bohut cases hoty hein chiryon ko bijli ky khambo sy current lagny ky." He straightened her figure by the hold on her arms while passing the remark in all seriousness, and letting go once he was sure she had gained her balance again. It took her a few seconds to process the fall and his words.

"Rude." She scowled, giving him a death stare. "Bohut rude hein aap." She almost let the hurt flash through her eyes.

"Kiya karun? Fitratan rudeness nikal jaati hai." He uttered in the same nonchalant tone. Zuha felt her insides burn in anger. Why is he being so rude now? He's always speaking in the same monotone. Sometimes he'd joke around with her and then switch up into a rude jerk whenever.

"Fitrat tou kabhi nai badalti insaan ki." She voiced out with gritted teeth, too mad not to to say something back, but scared in case she'd say something offensive.

"Tou meiny kab kaha hai mein badalna chahta hun?" He almost shrugged, moving to sit on the sofa. His face, giving none of his emotions or thoughts away. His tone, still the same. Zuha was slowly losing it and she wasn't sure what she'd end up saying or doing if this man continued with this robotic behaviour.

"Aap...aap..." She struggled to form words to continue the stupid argument when the irritating voice reached her ears causing her to flinch. Phone ringing. It had become her pet-peeve. That's it. This was her last straw.

"Ugh! Mein iss phone ko samamdar mein phenk aaun gi ab!" She screamed out. Annoyed and mad. Jumping down the sofa, she hit her toe with the coffee table. Not even wincing at the sudden jolt of pain, she stomped her way out of the room, away from the ringing, from him, slamming the door hard as she left. She needed to calm down.

"So rude! Rudeness ki hadein paar ho gai hein. Dil tou karta hai zaban pe laal mirch laga dun, sarrial!" Pacing around the lawn as the fresh air did nothing to calm her down unlike her intention which led her here. She cursed at him, talking out to herself, loud and clear. She threw punches in the air, imagining them hitting his rude existence.

"How dare he say that! Mein koi roz decisions change karny wali bachi lagti hun." She stopped in the middle of the lawn, staring at the door she had come from with burning eyes.

"I'll prove it to you Dr.Momin. How passionate I am about starting my brand and how successful it will get one day."

//♥︎♥︎♥︎//

/Author's Note\

Is rudeness fitratan LMAO😭💀

Even if it ain't, Momin be like:

Matlab 🙄🤚

she's too cute ☹️

so why so rude 👊

Ajeeb usska dil rakhny ky liye hi bol dety you can do it.

but my dude believes in long-term planning ok ! 🧍‍♂️

don't attack him 🤺

but make sure to attack his FREAKING PHONE AJEEB !!

Samandar mein nai , kisi gutter mein hi phenk do Zuha-

notice how things went from soft to heated to funny to emo- 😋

but also do long chaps get boring?

this one's like 7k words long 💀

next chap is my FAVOURITE 💅

will try to update ASAP y'all !

until then , take care <3

★━━──━━★