FF: A Lifetime With You [Ch 6, Pg: 22] - Page 2

Chapter 2 :)

YES, since i made you all wait for SOOO SOO longg, this one's HUGE :D

i hope you all enjoy? :)

oh and ILOVEYOU ALL, Thanks for the response, oh and erm, i forgot what i had to say

The house was dead silent now, except for the occasional hushing of the wind, whereas a minute ago it was filled with Zaina's shrieks. She had thrown her usual tantrum about her mom's cruelty, he smiled thinking how she always cried whenever she had to leave her Nanu, he smiled saying "Kids"...

One thing was certain...Life was strange...unpredictable...it didn't offer second chances...whatever happens just happens and your left with no choice but acceptance. To the world he had been a good father who had gotten over his past, perhaps because people wanted to believe that everyone eventually gets over grief, it is after all a natural tendency to believe that everything reaches normality...but only he knew how much he missed her...she was his life...his heart...and with her she had taken both...He hadn't cried much for her just an occasional tear was wasted, a painful streak across his heart was endured, just that much...not more...just that...

He strolled across his room, walked towards his bed, caressing the soft sheets...millions of memories came flooding in...sweet memories...her memories...he stood up with a jerk, shut his eyes calming himself, trying hard to forget what he had remembered...but in vain...he walked towards the dressing table, touched the polished wood, fiddled with his aftershaves, hairsprays, gels he no longer used...perhaps they were expired, but he hadn't bothered to throw them out, he liked keeping things as they were, he couldn't stand change...

Sitting down on his arm chair, he realized he was tired...very tired...of...he didn't really know what he was tired of...he smiled realizing...he was tired of living...He was sure he would doze off any second now, it had happened quiet often these last few months. He would wake up with a headache and a faint memory of his past, he had been dreaming about his past a lot, because he was getting older...or perhaps because loneliness was eating him these days...

He looked up to his image in the mirror...into a pair of light brown eyes...and saw the reflection of a young man of 26, he was dressed in a rich black sherwani, embellished with silver threads, it perfectly suited his well built, tall personality. He had been setting his wet hair for half an hour and now that he was happy with his look he quickly added hair spray to set them. He smiled he was looking perfect, just the way he should. He wasn't going on a date or anything... he usually took his own time getting ready.

"Yo Asher!!! Man we're getting late!" his friend Raza screamed out to him, "the gang's waiting, we have the water balloons ready" he said. Asher Hussain looked at his friend he had dressed up well, but he wasn't as handsome, everyone knew that...there was no point being humble about it, he smiled inwardly, "red chillis added to the halwa?" he asked Raza, "Yea yea all's done! Everything's ready, only you are not, mere yaar, the girls are goners today, by the way you haven't spilled the beans to anyone have you? not even to Ayan bhaijan right? Oh and we didn't add 3 tablespoons of chilli we just added one" said Raza, but the look on Asher's face made him regret what he said. Everyone was aware of Asher's temper he would snap right away if things weren't said or done the way he wanted, he was a perfectionist, a high-tempered perfectionist. "First, I who was the initiator of this plan wouldn't dare utter a word to Ayan, and second I want 2 more tablespoons in that halwa right now, got it!" he didn't shout, he said this in a very calm and civilized manner, anyone would think he was having a normal conversation, except for his eyes which gave away his anger and frustration. "Fine! I'll do it, I was just being considerate for the girls yaar" Raza said chuckling ignoring Asher's anger. Asher smirked thinking how Raza was such a softy at heart. But he wasn't never would be, 'what's planned is planned, I don't care if the girls are ready or not for this, they'll have to deal with it', he thought and smiled awaiting the fun they would have.

Ayan, who was standing outside had heard their conversation and quickly called his to-be wife, Afsheen. "Hello, Afsheen, I've something to tell you, my brother, cousins, friends, all of them are coming to give you the mehendi gifts right?" Ayan whispered into the phone, "Yes, I do know the rituals, Ayan! I hope this is not why your calling me, plus I don't have time for this you know I'm getting married in 2 days, and why are you whispering?" she asked annoyed. "Arrre Yaar, they're planning something, I just heard they're adding chilli powder to something, they will probably tease you, so I just want to warn you" he said. "Thanks Ayan, your such a sweetie, thanks for being on our side, now we'll show them, what we're made of" she smiled in triumph. "Click" she put the phone down. "Huh?! shit! I shouldn't have called them, I was just warning her, Oh man! I shouldn't have, hopefully Asher won't guess" he sighed, why was he so vulnerable...gullible...he was Asher's older brother but they were poles apart, a better version of him, people would say. It was true he didn't have Asher's raging temper, he was much more kind and understanding, slightly taller and skinnier, and yes he always had a smile dancing on his lips...a quality Asher would never share. Ayan, however admired his brother, because he was a perfectionist, he excelled in everthing that came his way, and what's more he had the personality to go with it.

Ayan Hussain was finally getting married to Afsheen Syed, the love of his life, it wasn't exactly arranged, more like love-arranged, they were lab partners, and their 'love-story' started from there. Today both his family and Afsheen's would apply henna on their hands, perhaps enjoy songs and show off a few dance steps. He knew Afsheen's family, they weren't much into dancing and he was sure they hadn't prepared much for this mehendi, his family was almost the same...the quiet kind, not indulging much in any 'masti' except his brother had decided it was time to do something out of the ordinary. It was a sort of ritual they had, on the girl's mehendi the groom's brother and friends would take Henna, dresses and bangles to the bride's house, if they wished they could play tricks and tease each other.

Afsheen on the other hand, hadn't guessed that Ayan or his family would play tricks and such, maybe she had underestimated them, she always thought of Ayan and his parents as the silent innocent type, but his brothers...well she hadn't thought about them, she smiled, saying a silent thanks to Ayan, she rushed to tell Khirad and her cousins about it.

"Khiru! where are you? come quick!"she shouted, () in a minute she had gathered all her cousins and friends, her sister Khirad was the last one to come like always. "What?" Khirad asked, crossing her hands across her chest, raising one of her eyebrows, tapping her foot, expressing how very annoyed she was. Afsheen chuckled at her sister, it was amusing how Khirad would express herself be it anger, annoyance, frustration, she had the most amusing actions for every expression. Khirad gave her a look, "What's so funny? and why are you shouting, its your marriage Api! and your not behaving like a bride!" she said almost whispering, afraid the elders would here. "Khiru'", "Yes?" "Shut up'rite now I want all of you to think of something really evil, because'Ayan's brothers are about to give us a hard time, and they think we are completely unaware!", "Eggs! Shower them with eggs'" Nudrat shouted, "No!!! Nudrat, please spare your bizarre ideas" Khirad almost screamed, she knew it even before Nudrat had spoken that she would be the one giving the most dangerous and gooey plan. Afsheen chuckled at Khirad's horrified face, and Nudrat's triumphant distant gaze almost as if she could see the boys screaming in agony at the splattering eggs, she sighed her sisters were total opposites, and that's what they did'oppose each other. But, she had decided to go with Nudrat's idea this time, she wanted to show the boys that 'hum kisise kum nahin'

So, it was decided that the eggs would be thrown from their terrace and that too when the guys would leave, that way they would be completely unaware'unprepared. Khirad ofcourse knew it was a bad bad idea, she was scared of her parents who would surely scold them for their shamelessness, not to mention the guys who would be extremely pissed, and this would only cause them to play an even dirtier prank'so with these thoughts in her mind, she had decided that she would not take part in the action, but just watch the guys, perhaps laugh at a few''that's all' she thought''there was no harm in that right?'

Meanwhile, the guys entered the Syed Mansion, greeting the elders politely, but mostly keeping to themselves, waiting for the elders to leave and the bride's friends to arrive. The elders sensed this, and excused themselves after a few minutes, leaving the guys relieved and excited'and the girls a bit nervous about what was to come.

"Khirad, go serve them drinks, and all of you can accompany her, except you Afsheen" her mom said sternly, gesturing the girls to follow Khirad. Zeenat chuckled at the disheartened look Afsheen had on her face, she really wanted to accompany them in all the fun, but alas! She was the bride, and brides weren't supposed to go out and do 'masti' with the groom's friends.

Turning her attention to herself Khirad realized that everyone was expecting her to take the first step, and enter the room to serve the guys. She suddenly felt flustered'extremely nervous'.not only because there were around ten or more guys sitting there'but also because being the sister of the bride she would probably be teased a lot more. She was extremely introvert and shy, she hated being the centre of attention, ( Khirad is SO VERY MUCH ME! 😳 ) she avoided speaking a lot in large gatherings even when she had witty things to say, because she didn't like a hundred eyes staring at her, and here she was in the same position'and this time there was no way out of it'praying silently she entered the room with the traditional milk concoction, and laid the tray on a coffee table. She dared not look up because she had an eerie feeling that everyone was staring at her'the truth was everyone had looked at her as she was the first one to enter, but then looked away except one set of eyes' Asher's'.

She took in a deep breath, as she and all her cousins sat across the guys, she hadn't offered them to drink yet, so they hadn't. She felt a nudge, and then a whisper'it was Nudrat, asking her to offer, she looked at Nudrat, with a pleading look, indicating she didn't want to, but when Nudrat didn't react'she went ahead "uhh'you can help yourselves" she said giving a tight smile, the next second she regretted saying that, because to her horror a very strong and booming masculine voice, said "Actually, we want you to help us'". She looked up to realize that the voice had come from a man who was smirking'sitting right across her, his eyes were a light brown, well-defined, light eye-lashes not something she would want for herself, she personally loved her own thick eyelashes'she could analyze his eyes clearly'because she realized after a while that they were staring right back at her'she stopped herself, and looked away only to realize that everyone was expecting her to go up to the guys and personally serve the drink to each one'she didn't budge, because she was appalled of what was expected'how cheap and pathetic! she thought.

He decided he liked her'she wasn't upfront' a little shy'well-mannered'admitted he was the total opposite'he was well-mannered but other than that he was anything like her'but still he was attracted to her, this was the kind of girl he would want'plus she didn't look bad either, a good figure, coupled with a beautiful face'excellent eyes he had noticed'her eyes were dark'expressive'plain'she hadn't applied any make-up, perhaps because it was the mehendi ceremony. He wasn't sure if he was attracted to her beauty? Or her? 'She was drop-dead gorgeous, but he had seen prettier girls, but she had an aura of attraction'' he reasoned with himself, 'kashish' yes that was the word'she displayed 'kashish'. She was the bride's sister'he would see her'meet her again and he didn't mind it one bit, he smiled inwardly'with this trail of thought he decided he didn't want her serving the other guys' "Since you're apparently very nervous" he chuckled at this and the others followed, "Let's make a deal, the bride's sister serves the groom's brother? And vice versa".

She was a bit relieved, she thanked God silently, for making the task slightly easier, except in a way it was even harder to be serving him alone'because he was devastatingly handsome'confident'and well'he was everything she wasn't'she couldn't stop herself from thinking that she would die for a husband like him'taking a deep breath again'she stepped forward, he stood up to her amazement'perhaps to make her task easier'she noticed he was slightly taller than her, and was looking down at her intently, with a lazy smile dancing on his lips, his face was slightly unshaven'leaving a light stubble'she decided she liked him'just for this'because this little stubble told her that he made his own rules'it was a norm that guys were usually expected to be clean-shaven unless they had a proper beard'specially on occasions like marriages'she couldn't help but notice how perfectly he had lined his stubble'a perfectionist, perhaps?

She realized how warm she was feeling'she felt herself blushing and prayed silently that it wasn't apparent'atleast not to him'bending down she picked up the glass of milk'she was about to raise it to his mouth when he bowed his face down a little, towards the glass, so that they were on eye-level with each other'She cursed the groom's friends and her own cousins because they had just started cheering and whistling at his stupid gesture! She wanted to bury her head somewhere'on his chest? No! she wanted to slap herself for thinking such cheap thoughts'She tried to ignore everyone and silently gave him a sip of it'that's it'the task was done'she heaved a sigh of relief' "We're not done yet, I like this drink and I intend to drink it completely, I am sure you wouldn't mind?" he said in his husky voice'giving it a seductive tone'she noticed his tone and was appalled at his forwardness'Giving him another tight smile, displaying her dimples slightly she raised the glass once more'again he bend down'the cheers followed'he drank the liquid slowly taking his time, looking intently at her'speculating her' 'expressions' 'he always analyzed people before befriending them...their expressions told him a lot, he was amused at how much and how easily she was telling him about herself'she was too expressive'For a while, she stared back at him'then looked away'slightly annoyed at herself'but then her eyes shot up, her eyebrows creased in annoyance and this time her eyes challenged his and didn't budge, she stared right back at him'as if to express how appalled she was with his gaze'he read her eyes'her expressions'he was enjoying every bit of this' 'I can't drink air anymore' he said, 'Huh?!' she realized she had been staring at him for so long that she had lost track of the milk'she could here the guys and him laughing heartily and the girls arguing something in the background'all she could think of was 'why had she agreed to this' Nudrat was also the bride's sister... cousin Sister 🤔, she would have given him a much better time perhaps thrown some nasty prank or remark'why hadn't she thought of this earlier'or was it because she really wanted to serve him?' She was about to turn when she remembered he still had to serve her''Right' he said "I see you eager to have your share of the bargain completed, I gather you like eating sweets, or is it because I am serving them" he said with a wink, he noticed her flush red, she looked back at him her eyes pleading at him to put an end to her misery'smiling he bend down again, his light eyes piercing back into her dark ones and placed the 'halwa' in her mouth, his finger slightly touching her lips'he said 'It is said that even poison from a lover's ('aashiq') hand is sweet, let's see how'' before he could finish she had tears in her eyes, the chilli powder had not only taken a toll on her but on all of the bride's cousins and friends who had tasted it'the hall was filled with their coughs, curses, vows of revenge, and not to mention the booming laughter of the guys.

Laughing heartily he looked up to find her missing'was she angry? He hoped she wasn't, it was just a silly prank, she had no right in his opinion to be angry'hadn't she eaten spicy food before? He was angry because she had left without even saying anything'who wanted her anyways'he was enjoying himself'but for some reason his mind lingered back to her'he wanted to see her again'soon'

Meanwhile Khirad had a hard time getting over the spicy-sweet taste'because he had placed so much of it in her mouth! She was trying to gargle as much as she could'but the taste would keep lingering'despite all this she couldn't help but think back to what he had said... she couldn't believe he had the nerve to flirt with her'yet she couldn't help but feel special'

Revenge was in the air and the girls rushed up to the terrace, with loads of egg trays, leaving the elders to speak with the guys. After a few minutes of mostly silence, the guys left thanking the elders profusely for their welcome, and left with greetings of Peace' 'Salam'' As soon as they walked out of the door they were showered with eggs'eggs splattered onto them from all sides'and some who were foolish enough to look up had eggs splashing onto their eyes' Asher had managed to escape but 'splat' one hit him right on his shoulder'he was furious! Someone had the nerve to hit him' ... with eggs?! The stink wouldn't leave his new sherwani for days! He looked up to see Khirad laughing heartily. Her hand was outstretched and pointing towards him, not to mention he also saw his to-be-sister-in-law Afsheen aiming another egg! Girls! They were so hard to understand'one minute they seemed so reserved-innocent and the next they are firing you with eggs!

The boys had taken pity at the girls and not thrown their water balloons yet but they were still armed'so they went in pretending to wash off the stains'and as the girls were coming downstairs they were hit with balloons from every angle'The house was filled once again with the shrieks and murderess threats of the girls and the triumphant laughter of the guys' Nudrat had taken an instant dislike of Raza, he had been throwing water balloons at her alone'she was fed up of his childish actions and the fact that he had been following her around the house' extremely angry now she led him to the kitchen'opened the fridge and through a huge brown egg right on his face'except he ducked right on time and it hit Asher who was right behind! She gasped loudly and ran away before he could follow her'he cursed and cursed'anything but his face and hair! The egg was in his hair and he was stinking bad'he was mad at everyone especially that Khirad, she had the nerve to throwan egg at him! He decided this was all her fault'he marched up to the washroom, where he bumped right into Khirad, she looked up to see his white and yellow egg-filled face and burst into laughter. But she soon stopped when she saw him staring angrily at her'his jaw was set tightly' her heart hammered'she wasn't sure about his next step, but knew it would be something mean' his eyes they were scaring her. He held her wrist tightly to prevent her from escaping and wiped his face with her orange shimmering dupatta' at which she gasped' her new dress was ruined! She had made this especially for the mehendi ceremony which was in the evening' teary-eyed she looked up to him, to which he replied 'That's how it feels, when your best dress is ruined, next time think before you act!" he whispered, even though no one was around'He left her wrist leaving a faint mark, after a few steps he turned back and said "Oh! Yes I forgot one more thing" and with that he threw his last water balloon on her. Her silk dress was spoilt, she felt like crying but she waited until he left and then she rushed into her room and burst into tears' she hadn't thrown eggs at anyone, she had merely laughed, was it so wrong to laugh? It was all fun wasn't it'He had played a prank too, and she hadn't been angry'all she could think of now was how much she despised him'

Afsheen entered her room to find her sister crying over her dress, she consoled her and picked another dress for her, at which she cried even more because she loved her orange silk dress, she had personally chosen it' She sighed, she was angry at Asher because he had made Khirad cry that too on her sister's wedding, how childish could he be? Couldn't he take jokes? She called up Ayan and asked to speak with Asher' "Hello" he said, "Hi Asher' this is Afsheen speaking'how dare you'" and the rest was muffled by Khirad's continuous sobs, why was her sister scolding him? she was even more scared of Asher now, wouldn't he be angry at her for this too? Afsheen put the phone down and told her to stop crying and that he was apologizing, 'he wasn't aware that you had not thrown a single egg' she said. Khirad still didn't believer her sister, she couldn't whenever she tried picturing him apologize, she saw his blazing eyes, and all she could do was imagine him as a fire-spitting dragon. She hated him'was apprehensive of him'and she didn't want to see him ever again'she prayed silently that she wouldn't have to encounter him throughout her life' especially during the wedding'

yeah, so that's it guys, for Part 2

to make things clearer

Asher and Ayaan are brothers

Raza is their cousin and best friend

Afsheen, Khirad and Nudrat are sisters

Afsheen, the eldest, then Khirad and then Nudrat

Anything cofuzes you, ask me 😳

Originally posted by: -Afridimalikk-

^BHENS BFF! 😵 bas res hii karti reh tuu -__-