Abrar
"How many cuisines can you cook?", the chief chef inquired.
"Only Indian, Chef. But I can learn fast", I said confidently. I was not nervous at that time. If I got that job, it was fine. If I didn't, that was also fine. Zoya had taught me something. The more we fear anything, the more the situation will try to haunt us.
I rolled my eyes around the kitchen of that restaurant. It was a well-known one, well furnished and expensive. I dropped the hope to get a job in my field. After management and marketing, I was only good at cooking. As Zoya had closed all the doors for me to get a job in multinational companies, I didn't want to waste my time. It had been two days since I talked to Zoya last. She hung up call in anger. After that, I didn't get any calls or messages from her. That meant she was up to something, or she stopped doing something.
However, that girl was so unpredictable that I didn't dare to assume anything.
"Well, we needed a junio
ZoyaI stepped on the green grass of my garden. I never knew the garden was so beautiful. Three days in a closed room felt like a prison. In the evening, I thought to go for a walk. Ammi asked me to stroll in the garden instead of going out. I knew I was somehow grounded.After that day, abbu didn't speak to me about Abrar, nor did I. He just said sorry to me and I sighed. That was it. After that phone call, I knew what I had to do. I had started this and I would be the one to end this game. Well, it started as a game but it was not a game anymore. It started as a game but it would start as a war. For me.As the darkness embraced me, I heard my phone buzzing. Looking at the screen I sighed."Yes, Mr Sahani", I said, picking it up."Ma'am, how are you now?", he asked."I'm fine, Mr Sahani. What's the news?", I asked."I have mailed you the daily report as Mrs Ali said. Please let me know if there's any problem", he said."Sure.
Nikhat "Stupid", I spat, glaring at the screen and regretting calling him. It was such an embarrassment. Selfish guy! While I was cursing Kaif in my mind, I heard the wires spurring again. It gave chills down to me as I twisted my head back. My heart was beating faster in fear and I attempted to call Abrar. It didn't seem to be good to me to nag him every time, especially when he was not in a very good mood. He had done enough for me. I passed the phone aside, dumping the thought of calling him. My tiny apartment had a small room and undoubtedly I would never be able to escape if a fire breaks down. Heck! I was already having negative thoughts. The landlord was good for nothing. When I went to him, he told me it was normal and the wires would be okay automatically. How? How could it get fixed automatically? I didn't stay there longer and came back. Now, I was scared, I had the number of an electrician from the landlord b
Irtaza "This is the chance", abbu said from the other side of the call when I was staring at the lavishing mansion of Mr Ali out of the window of my car. "You'll have to get close to Zoya. She's traumatised. Women can be easily trapped after a split. Are you getting me?" "I'm getting you", I sighed. "But unfortunately, Zoya is not among those women. For the hell's sake, abbu. Stop suggesting to me something that wouldn't help. Zoya knows our truth and she's not less than a cunning bitch. She would never get trapped by me. But—", I smirked, looking at the gate and seeing Mr Ali getting inside his car. "But what?", abbu asked from the other side. "But your long-term friendship may work", I said while smirking. "Huh!", abbu grimaced. "Friendship my foot! Once he used to only trust you and love you blindly more than anyone. But now, he can't see anything except that two rupee employee, his so-called fake son-in-law. I don't know what kind of spell
Kaif I swivelled on my bed while going to take another long session of sleep when my eyes shot up. I hurriedly jumped off the bed and tried to find the alarm clock. It was laying on the floor. "Shit", I cursed under my breath, grabbing it from the floor and looking at the time. I pushed myself up from the bed in no time as it was 10. Heck! It was 10. I had to be in the office sharp at 9 and here I was still rolling on my bed. Grabbing my clothes, I rushed out of the room and banged into the washroom as Ammi's voice came. "I thought you're not gonna go to the office", she yelled from the breakfast table. However, I didn't even have the time to respond to her. It was all because of that useless girl. She didn't let me sleep properly last night and I was late. I took a shower hurriedly, brushed my teeth and came out. Ammi had already served the breakfast. I started to go get ready, buttoning my shirt in front of the mirror
Kaif A big bang occurred on my desk like an earthquake. When I lifted my eyes I found Nikhat showering fire through her eyes while grabbing a pile of files on my desk. I pressed my lips to control the laughter. "Thanks for the help", I chuckled. "That's not how people help. You kinda make it like a deal", she frowned. "See", I pointed at her. "I don't believe in helping people who aren't my family, nor my friends. You are not any of them. So", I rolled my eyes. "Sucks", she groaned. "Were you only being good to me when Abrar was around?" "Not exactly but I never needed to interact with you directly", I said, leaning back to the chair while yawning. "You slept so much and still yawning", she rolled her eyes, collecting some documents from my table which I left for Miss Shayna. "Huh! That's all because of you", I shrugged off. "You shouldn't have come then. I requested you, didn't force you", she fired back at
Nikhat "Can I sit here?", Kaif asked when I was having my lunch in the canteen. I rolled my eyes at him. His face was curled up. I looked around and found a few tables empty. "Sure", I said, knowing that his actual motive was not only to have lunch with me. He would have sat anywhere in this canteen. Why did he choose this place to sit? He sat in front of me and quietly opened his lunchbox. I munched the food while scanning him properly. "You want something?", I asked, frowning at him as he looked up, making a blank face. "Huh! Why did you feel like this?", he asked. "No, actually" "Well, I want you. I mean I want you for urgent work", he mumbled without looking at me and started to fill his mouth again. I pressed my lips, trying my best not to laugh at him. I didn't know why he needed me but the fact that he was here to request made me feel like dancing. He was acting so mean to me from the last night and here the time
Kaif "Keep your voice normal, okay?", I said as Nikhat shot me a sharp glare. I was muffled, settling myself on the step of the main stairs near the office building. "I was just giving you advice", I added. "I have that common sense", she shrugged, dialling a number on her phone. "Now keep quiet" I scowled at her. She was sitting a step above me. It was the moment when I got to see something. Something in detail which I hardly notice in any girl. Her sandals. The surface underneath her sandals was ripped and her heels got harsh cracks because of that ripped sandal. It gave a jerk to me and I looked up. I looked at her carefully for the first time. Undoubtedly, she was the simplest girl in the whole office. That yellow salwar suit. I had seen that same dress on her several times. She had nothing on her face, not even a bit of kohl in her eyes. She had a pair of metal ear pins which I doubted she ever changed. Her handbag
Kaif "Kaif, can we leave this topic? We are talking after so many days. I wanted to share so much with you. Let's not ruin this", he said and this was exactly what I wanted. Let the topic about Zoya sit somewhere. "Sure", I said. "Let me start first. I'm dying over here. Sahani will kill me someday with tons of work", I groaned as he laughed. "You love to work. No?", he said. "But I love my sleep and food also. He wouldn't even let me have my sleep and food someday. And that was not enough. This Queen Cleopatra", I gazed at Nikhat as she parted her lips and gawked at me. "What have I done?", she scoffed. "Huh! She's ruining my peace and what was she saying? She doesn't have a problem? She literally destroyed my sleep last night and she didn't even tell you that I helped her" "You stupid!", she glared at me. "I was not talking about it because I didn't want you to speak in between. Abrar would get to know you are here"
Nikhat"He's the photocopy of Abrar", Mrs. Ali says, holding the newborn. After eight months of our marriage, Zoya delivered a cute baby boy. He's a premature baby, indeed but still out of all danger by the grace of God. "Just pray that he gets the same tactics as me. I can't handle two short-tempered creatures", Abrar laughs."Wait! You just wait. Let me get a bit healthier", Zoya shoots him a glare. "You can scream only. What else can you do?" Abrar rolls his eyes."You—"And they continue.I take the newborn in my arms, giggling at him lovingly."First and foremost rule, Mrs. Wife", Kaif whispers near me. "No future planning after this"He's always so scared!"I know right? Stop worrying!" I scowl at him. So many things changed over time but he didn't. At first, he was scared to love someone and get married. Now, he's scared of having a baby. I don't mind it though. It's just a matter of time. I'm happy the way I am.I was promoted to the company with my salary getting doubled.
Nikhat"Are you hungry already?" Kaif asks from behind.I drift my eyes outside and look at him from near the window with a smile. He is munching a subway burger with a tight-lipped smile on his face. "Wouldn't it be better if you had gotten something for me instead of just asking?" I shrug, jumping behind and sitting at the edge of the window."Hey, careful", his eyes widen. "You're gonna fall""I'm used to it", I giggle. "This is not the first time I'm sitting at your window"He chuckles, walking toward me. "Yeah, but definitely you never hoped onto it wearing a lehenga", he scoffs as I stare down at him. He stops just an inch away from me and spirals his left arm around my waist. I shudder with the abrupt contact and lack of distance between us. My heart starts thudding against my chest and my body vibrates when he tightens his grip around me. It's been a year since we were engaged but never before has he touched me this way. I didn't want him to. But if he wanted, I wouldn't ev
Author's POVRuzina goes completely shocked but it doesn't take her much time to understand what is exactly happening. "How wouldn't I come, Mrs Ruzina?" Irtaza chuckles. "After all, the alliance maker should be there?" Zoya presses her lips tightly so she doesn't burst into laughter by watching Ruzina's stunned face. On the other hand, Nikhat gets confused with Irtaza's words."Alliance maker?" She exclaims."We can discuss that later", Zoya jumps into the conversation. "Let the guests in, Nikhat""I'm sorry", she smiles and makes a way for them to get in. As others follow Ridwan and Nikhat inside, Ruzina keeps standing there and gazing at Irtaza."You look stunned, Mrs Ruzina", Zoya rolls her eyes. "Ah, well, let me introduce myself. Zoya Zafar, Irtaza's business partner and your would-be son-in-law's friend"Ruzina curls up her face and doesn't even smile at any of them. Zoya crosses her arms and takes a step toward her, raising her eyebrows."What did you think Mrs Ruzina? Onl
NikhatI have been waiting for the evening the entire day and finally, the moment arrived. Kaif has indeed replied to me with a message which said, "it's fine"The text didn't sound genuine to me at all. Especially when he sent only two words in the reply to my entire paragraph. Couldn't he realise the urgency in that message? I don't know if I'm overthinking. He's not bound to send me a paragraph just because I did. "Nikhat, shall we leave?" Mia asks. "No. I have some work left", I lie. I don't have any pending work. Besides, Irtaza already told us that he doesn't need the whole team today. I should have left. "I thought you were done", Mia roll her eyes."No. I—" I stammer. "I'm yet to complete a few""Okay, then. Goodnight", grabbing her stuff, Mia walks towards the exit. I get back to my desk and look for some work to do. "Nikhat!" Irtaza's voice hits my ear as I look up, finding him walking out of his cabin which is straight in front of me. "You didn't leave yet"I don't kn
NikhatI don't know how to react to this crap. I can only see how hard Irtaza is trying to pass a smile. I know that wasn't expected. And why did he even need to come here just because Ruzina called him? He could have turned her down. He has plenty of work to do. I force a smile and walk toward them. "That was not necessary. Was it?" I mumble, glaring at Ruzina. How can she still smile like that?"I just thought to—" Ruzina strives to say as I walk up to her."Thought to what?" "This is so embarrassing. Why did you do this? He's my boss", I exclaim, whispering near her face.I can't say if she deliberately did that. Why would she anyway?"But he said—" she mutters. "That's called courtesy which he said. And we'll not do that. That's our courtesy", I shoot her a glare. Ruzina frowns at me as if she still can't digest that I'm arguing with her. As I should. I should have done that a long time ago. And now she literally crossed the limits by embarrassing me. What will Irtaza think a
"Okay. What about that?" I ask."Irtaza came there to meet them. They spend an afternoon together", he says and his reactions harden."Okay, so?" I ask even though I have already sensed what it meant. This is something different from any boss and employee relationship. I'm not judging though and I'm not even sure if there's another reason. I bet Kaif also doesn't know the exact reason. He's just assuming. "So? Zoya, can't you understand what that means", he scoffs at me. "That means Nikhat is having a lot of guests. What else?" I roll my eyes. "Stop it, yaar. You—``''why can't you see what I'm seeing?" He yells out of nowhere. "Because I'm not as intelligent as you. Explain to me", I scowl at him. "You can't get, Zoya? Really? Don't you know what it means? In this society, when a guy meets a girl's parents? That guy who likes her. They literally had a meeting, a conversation. Don't you know what it seriously means?" He speaks out of frustration."So!" I mumble.."So!""Yeah. So,
KaifI walk faster. As fast as I could. Through the dark alley. My head literally stops working when I put the pieces of the puzzle of that incident. I don't know why I'm getting so pissed and irritated. He just came to meet.He just came to meet. I kept ranting this to myself until I reached the resort. I feel my breathing getting ten times faster than before. I can hear my groans as I grab the grills of the gate and fum heavily. My body has heated up and I'm unable to calm down anyway. Everything was going so fine. So damn fine. Until she talked about Irtaza being there. I lost it and I didn't want to show how pissed I was, nor could I behave normally. I'm already hiding enough and this will go beyond. Anticipation builds me rapidly, no matter how much I try to console myself. "Sir, I need to close the gate", the security guard says. I glare at him for no reason and storm into the resort, walking as fast as I can.I reach my room and twist the knob. Opening it a bit, I slam the
Nikhat"Nikhat!" He whispers my name but I don't look up. I feel him holding my hand tightly and I hold the edge of the bench. Then I sense him decreasing the gap between us. He uncovers my face, lifting my hair from my cheek and tucking them behind my ear. I can feel him staring at me which makes me blush harder. "Look at me", he leans down to my ear and whispers. I squirm with his warm breath fanning my skin. As I don't respond to his words, he lifts his hand to me and slides two of his fingers across my jaw, slowly nudging my face towards him. I finally look up at him. Our eyes meet. He smiles, peering at me as if he's scanning each detail of my face. I had never been so comfortable with anyone's gaze the way I'm with him. It seems to be pure and peaceful. Most importantly, I love it. He locks his hand with mine and gets closer to my face. Enough closer which forces me to drop my gaze in shyness. "Why do you always steal your gaze from me?" He whispers. "I want you to look
NikhatIt's been a while since I've sat here in the dark alley with Kaif. It's so strange that I have never explored this alley in the last six months but today I did. With him. I'm also a bit concerned about Ruzina and Abbu being in the lodge. They might be wondering where I have been. I'm sure Ruzina is gonna make a fuss about it to abbu as she has always been doing about me. I remember those days when I couldn't be a single minute late to return from school and Ruzina used to complain to abbu, saying I had been disappearing for hours. I can't forget those dreadful days and somewhere I used to believe Ruzina is acting like all the typical mothers as she had made me believe all mothers are like that. I used to think she was strict and wanted the best for me. As I grew up, I realised it wasn't a normal thing. But then, it was too late. Abbu wouldn't believe me if I said anything against her. He used to think I had gone reckless. I never complained for years. Then why at that moment