Asya SS: Lost somewhere, chap 11, 2-01-2017 - Page 20

Chap6 little white lies

Zoya woke up the next morning with a light heart, a big smile adoring her face. The image of last night came to her mind, making her laugh again, the effect didn't vanish after this short night of sleep. For a change, the few hours of sleep didn't affect her mood. She sat up lazily, groaning and stretching her body, her hair was still wet with the late shower. She woke up alone today, he didn't tease her this morning and let her sleep. Maybe he was still sleeping, suddenly, a naughty thought came to her mind, why can't she play dirty like he did to her? But she can go to his room or can she? What if he was sleeping half naked or even worst fully naked? She debated with herself moving back and forth to the door.

-I go or not, I go or not, I go or not, Hugh, she gripped her hair annoyed by her hesitation. I can maybe give just a glimpse; I will do nothing wrong in this case. She giggled and went to his room.

She tiptoed and stood in front of his door, she let her ears on the door, to check if it's safe, and it was silent. It seems free for her, she took a long breath. She will do it, she posed her hand on the wrist of the door.

-What are you doing? He asked making her gasped

-Mister Khan? You scared me, she tried to calm her breath

-What are you doing in front of As...I mean Ayaan's room? Ayaan asked her teasingly. Do you want to enter in a single man's room? Is there something I am missing between you two? He waved at her and at the door, his lips curled into naughty smile.

-No, no, no, no, she hurried to say shaking frantically her hands. Of course not, I...I was...She looked for an excuse, but nothing came to her mind. I know what you must be thinking, he crossed his arms his eyes shone playfully, it can look what you say and it can sound what you say, but... it's not what you think, it is. It's to-tal-ly different. She was just gaining time, but still her mind didn't find anything to say.

-then, what are you doing Miss Farooqui? He didn't even pretend to be convinced

-I was...hmmm, she taped her pants looking here and there, begging internally for a miracle.

Say something, you stupid idiot

-I was...My socket

-Your socket? His eyes grew up weirdly

-YES, my socket, I took balance on the door to put my socket correctly. You know I don't have a good balance on my right foot, so I have to take balance if I don't want to fall, she finished by laughing nervously, pretending to adjust her socket.

You didn't dare saying this, seriously? Her mind sighed desperately.

He stood fixing her intently, tapping his foot, and his silence only made Zoya sweating nervously. After long seconds, who looked like eternity for her, he hummed and Zoya released her breath. At least both can pretend.

-What are you doing guys? Asad opened the door finding Zoya and Ayaan talking. He rubbed his eyes, his face still wore the stigmata of sleep.

It couldn't be worst, she lifted her eyes to the sky

-Well, Bhai, I found miss Farooqui at your door, he posed intentionally and Asad stared at Zoya surprised. If her story convinced mister khan, she perfectly knows that she can't convinced "Ayaan".

-Really? He leaned on the door, his voice sounded amused, she wished right now to disappear.

-Well, she was just adjusting her socket, am I right Miss Farooqui? Ayaan teased her. Zoya controlled herself from throwing deathful look to him, but instead forced her smile.

-Oh, I understand, Asad chuckled.

Zoya rolled her eyes and this time, she didn't stop herself from throwing him murderous look to which he just grinned. Her heart skipped a beat suddenly when her eyes fell on him, her anger flew in a blink of eyes suddenly. Even with of lack of sleep, he was looking dangerously attractive. She couldn't stop her eyes from contemplating him, his tired eyes and his messy hair gave him a boyish and tender look. Her nails left marks inside her palms closed in rigid fist, controlling herself from sliding her knuckles into his black lock falling all over his forehead. Her hunger was not only in her eyes but all her body wanting the same. She looked away, she could almost feel a strong and invisible power pulling her to him.

-I am really disappointed Miss Farooqui, I thought you come to...eat me, his voice lowered at the end.

-Hit you? Ayaan didn't hear well and understood something else, why would she hit you?

Zoya glared at him, this time, she wanted to kill him for sure. It started to be really embarrassing for her, and she didn't appreciate being a toy between the two.

-gentlemen, could you please excuse me, I am going to my room.

-Already? Teased Asad, sliding his hand in his hair innocently and Zoya swallowed a groan.

-Miss Farooqui, before you leave, I was thinking maybe we can talk together. What do you think? Ayaan suggested

-That's would be perfect, she responded enthusiastically. She threw a last look at Asad and ran to her room.

Asad followed her figure moving away from him, and unconsciously, he took a step forward. He sighed softly and his lips lifted. She was looking simple but her natural face caught his breath. He didn't experiment better morning than this for so long. His heart melt into the warmth feel of happiness when he opened the door until he lost her image. A sunrise was just next door, he sighed again. He was taking away from his la la land, when he heard giggled behind him, he then turned his attention to Ayaan.

-What?

-Nothing

-I know this face, Ayaan, you want to say something

-I noticed that you smile more than usual those days, was it because of our guest?

-I didn't smile, I am just sleepy, he yawned exuberantly

-Oh, of course, then dare to explain why your lips always curved when she was around?

-They didn't curve, it's their normal form

-Of course, how stupid I am, he tapped his forehead ironically.

-why do you need to talk to her? Asad changed the topic.

-I need to check her version before telling you all about her

-behave, he pointed at him

-what I went through yesterday, I realized that there is barbed wire, a field of crocodiles and a minefield around her. I wouldn't dare doing or saying anything, not even that she is pretty. I just hope you tell her how much she is.

-Of course not

-Asad bhai, if you like her, you should take a step

-I don't like her, Ayaan

-If you don't like her then I am gay

-Good new, you are gay. Why I am not surprised?

-you are avoiding the truth,

-Am I not avoiding anything Ayaan.

-really? Then you will not mind if I try with her?

-Ayaan I told you, she is our guest and I want you to be away from her

-but what if she was interested by me? Did you think about it once?

-No... I didn't. His throat constricted, he never thought about that.

-Maybe I should ask her out? She is different, pretty, smart, and she is not type of flirting girls that I am used too. And as you told me enough, I should find a perfect girl for me, then why not her?

-Ayaan, don't do this, please. His guts constricted imagining her with Ayaan.

-Why?

-Listen Ayaan, she is just here for some days and she will leave. I don't need and YOU don't need to get involve emotionally with a going person.

-Those days can turn to be years or a lifetime, don't tell me that it was your excuse to stop yourself?

-I didn't think that far

-Asad, you should open your heart again, she is not like Ta...

-Don't say her name, Asad flinched

-I am sorry. Just don't let her go if you care for her.

-Zoya was here for money

-yes, she never hid it

-Ayaan I don't know what you want me to say or to confess. Zoya is just here for work and for days. I appreciate her company, this is real but nothing more and nothing less. I don't want anything complicated. And if she likes you then...His teeth gritted, then, I will be fine with it.

-you will be fine seeing her with me?

-YES, he went rigid

-ok, then I think I will try with her, Ayaan tested him and he can see how Asad's feature hardened more.

-I just want her to be happy, and I know that you will make her happy.

-Asad bhai, I will not try anything with her. She likes you

-No, she doesn't.

-As I can see, she likes you and you like her too, maybe more than like I must say.

-Ayaan, I am not like you, I don't jump on any women. I don't like easily any women.

-Do you really think that Zoya is common woman?

-No...I mean yes, I mean no. Zoya is off of the lot

- Wow, you just confirm that you like her, he let out a mock grin. It's a beautiful and huge step bhai. Finally, you recognize it and I am proud of you.

-I recognize nothing Ayaan, she is our guest and you just misunderstand my chivalry and polite behavior with flirting.

-perfect match, and made for each other, both of you are the worst to find tangible excuse to convince me, her with her socket and you with your "excess" of chivalry, he quoted.

-you know nothing about, Ayaan so please don't play love matcher

-maybe I know nothing about "love" but I can recognize strong chemistry between two and I can see sparkles in each other eyes when you are close to each other.

-You know what I will let you and your imagination, and I am going to change.

-Yes, my lord, he bent down dramatically. I will take care of your lady, he winked. Asad rolled his eyes and slammed the door on his face.

-chivalry, chivalry, he shook his head annoyed, hugh, my a**, he lifted his shoulders in disapproval.

Asad leaned his back on the door closing his eyes frustrated, was it so obvious that he liked her? Did she just see it too? Did she really like him or not? Maybe she saw him like a good friend. He appreciated those moments and enjoyed them more because she was leaving soon. She filled his loneliness and took him out of his routine that why he felt it intense making him more confused and strongly attached to her. It was just strong affinity nothing more, nothing less. He scrubbed his face, he was lost, he didn't know what he was feeling for her clearly. it just matters of days and both of their path will be apart. Few days to wait and he will be back to his life. No feelings, no pain anymore.

In the garden

After a breakfast, Ayaan and Zoya went for a walk. The time finally came for her to deal with him. As much as she was happy, she couldn't help but to realize that soon she will have to leave this place. She was going to miss everything here, and especially someone, but she wasn't ready to confess to herself.

-Mister Khan, this company has been running successfully for long years and I am sure your investment will not be at a lost.

-I heard that your father gives everything to Mister Sufian Quereshi, why he didn't bequeath to you? He didn't trust you enough?

-Nothing like that, Sufian worked for my father for years and my father trusted him blindly but...Slowly, he took all the part for himself secretly, and my father realized late that he lost everything.

- Then I need to deal with Sufian. Zoya felt her inside clench painfully, it was her father's wealth, he built it for years, sacrificing everything even her childhood for it, and she promised.

-Mister Khan, I negotiate with Sufian to buy his part, I should say MY part but I need investors, so I preferred to have you than him. He was not anymore one I can trust with my father's company.

-I understand, what is Sufian for you? He asked curiously and she let out a sad sigh

-my childhood friend alas!!!

-then why you didn't just talk to him?

-I did but he didn't listen, he wants or the company, or the money or...she froze. How can she tell him what he asked for.

-You? He replied smartly, he can understand that some businessman can act like a shark and somehow ask for priceless deal. Zoya is an attractive woman and has a lot argument, he didn't need to torture his mind to see the clear picture of her dilemma. She just nodded briefly looking away.

-Mister Khan, I just want to save this company

-Shit!!!! Mackintosh, he blocked her and pulled her with him behind the wall. Zoya gasped at his sudden action and looked weirdly at him.

-who's mackintosh?

-shhh, don't talk that loud, she is a crazy and nymphomaniac woman

-what kind of name is mackintosh for a girl?

-It's because of her freckles, he pointed to his face, her face was totally covered

-this is really mean

-I didn't give that name, he protested

-AYAAANNN, she called

-oh shit, he slapped his face, I am dead, Mackenzie why did you come now?

-Why are we hiding if she is looking for Ayaan? And why does she look for Ayaan? A strange sensation rose inside of her.

-I am Ayaan, he blurted without thinking, his eyes glued on Mackintosh

-No you are Asad, she chuckled

-No, Miss Farooqui, I am Ayaan, he glared at her and froze, and his eyes opened wide tizzy when it clicked in his mind suddenly. I mean... for her... I am Ayaan.

-I don't understand, a furrow appeared between her eyebrows

-Well, how to explain, he scratched his scalp, trying to come with smart answer, he needs to be convincing. He snapped his fingers and smiled proudly. With Bhai, we used to exchange our name when we are outside, just in case, girls searched for us. So if she did, she will call for the wrong one and realized that the one that she was looking for was not the one she was looking for. Understand?

-Are you just fooling girls, Mister Khan? She asked in shock

-No, Miss Farooqui, we are fooling no one, we are just young, and we liked to have fun. I never promised anything to those girls. It's only about spending good time together and I am honest with them.

-then?

-Some girls can be insistent; we are just protecting ourselves, his eyes turned to Mackenzie

-Did Ayaan used to same prank with the girls?

-It's his idea

-Stupid, arrogant, idiot, she cursed him, how can he do this to the girls? I thought he was...She couldn't help but to feel disappointed. What if he played this game with her? She will feel betrayed, she will not spare him and hurt him as much as he did to her.

-AYAAANNN, she was adamant to meet him

-why don't you just tell her to leave?

-you don't know her, when she wants someone, she never gave up. Yesterday, I was having fun with friends and I was a bit drunk. And I don't know how and when, but she caged me in the room and jumped on me. Did you see her size and mine? I was suffocated under her weight. She was about to rape me, his face clenched in horror. Anyway, I asked her to dance for me.

-really?

-I couldn't breath, I need it to extract her from me. So she started to dance or at least made some strange moves, my stomach was close to throw out. And I just ran as fast as I could. You can't imagine how I felt after I arrived at home, I was so happy. I was closed to die Miss Farooqui.

-don't you think you are exaggerating a bit your story?

-Absolutely not, Miss Farooqui, when a man forces a woman, we call it a rape and when a woman forces a man, we call it a joke. This is unfair. You don't know her, she never gave up, I told you. And it looks like, she wants me now. I can't blame her, look at me.

Zoya rolled her eyes heavenly, she didn't feel any compassion for a man who didn't assume his act and hide cowardly.

-Zoya, you have to save me

-Of course NOT

-Of course YES, let's say it's a challenge, and if you succeed, I will give you all the money that you need and my eternal blessing.

-this is just a blackmail

-it's not, it's a challenge, now go and make me proud

-But what do I have to say? She resisted and he kept pushing her.

-Just tell her that...Humm, hum, he groaned frustrated, he couldn't find anything. Tell her...Tell her that I went to Tibet to be a monk and I forsake all the lust of this world

-Seriously?

-Fine, it's stupid, just tell her that I don't deserve her or...I have small penis...No, don't say this, I have my reputation afterall

-I would never talk about your...She gave him a disgust face

-tell her anything and let her go, you have my blessing. He pushed her away forcedly and she almost lost her balance.

- coward man, she whispered and he showed her his thumb up.

-YOU, Zoya looked up and saw Mackenzie walked toward her with a firm step and she gulped.

-Come on Zoya, you can do it, you can do it, she encouraged herself, looked at the sky, and responded using her softer tone, yes? How can I help you?

-I need to see Ayaan, where I can find him?

-Ayaan? He...is not here

-where is he?

-He is somewhere

-call him

-I can't call him

-why?

-because he is somewhere far from here

-then call him

-There is no phone there

-then you know where is he?

-No

-but you say there is no phone then you know where is he

-yes, he is somewhere

-he is here, I can smell him and my nose never lied to me, he is closed

Ayaan facepalmed himself and Zoya hissed. She was miserably losing her chance to win this challenge. Mackenzie tried to pass but Zoya blocked her way.

-I am sorry, but you can't go far from here

-he is inside, he is hiding, don't worry, I am going to find him.

-I told you, he is not here. She started to panic, and her mind was in alert, searching for something to do. Her eyes looked for a solution, why can't she just hit her head? It will give her some times. Idiot, she cursed out loud her brain and Mackenzie glared at her

-did you just say that I am an idiot?

-no, no no it wasn't for you. It was...for...for...the fly. Idiot fly, she waved in the air.

-move on

-listen, Miss, I can't let you in

-but who are you? Are you Ayaan's girlfriend?

-No, no I am not, she said outrageous. She can't be Asad's girlfriend and will never be, but Ayaan...She shove that strange idea of her and him together. I...Her eyes fell on Asad who was walking toward them. Thank god, she whispered relieved. MISTER KHAN? She waved at him.

-Miss Farooqui, Miss O'Conner

-Mister Khan, her voice sounded less hysterical and Zoya couldn't help but to be impressed by the effect he had. Her lips curled proudly. I am looking for your brother.

-I told her that Ayaan was not here, Zoya finished her sentence making Asad rigid. She knows now. He searched for her eyes expecting to see her hurt.

-Zoya, I am...He didn't know what to say and forgot that they were not alone, he didn't want her to get him wrong, he cared for her.

-but I don't believe her, I know Ayaan is inside

-I told you As...Ayaan was not here. Ay..Asad can you tell her?

She wasn't mad, how strange?

-if Miss Farooqui is telling you this, then it's true, he is not here. For the moment, he was lost and just did what she asked.

Mackenzie fumed, she knew that he was inside and she stepped back away from them, looking here and there.

-Zoya, we need to talk, I can explain, he hushed

-yes, we need to talk, I am really disappointed, I never thought you would play this kind of prank, I am really upset about your behavior, Ayaan.

-Ayaan? He frowned

-Keep playing, Asad was hiding behind there. She pointed discreetly toward Ayaan's direction with her eyes and he followed her gaze, to find Ayaan hiding behind the wall, his hand fold in prayer. Asad closed his eyes half relieved half upset, she still didn't know that he was the real Asad. He didn't know if he had to be happy with this or not, at least, it gave him time to confess by itself. Her innocent eyes made him guilty. He sighed sadly.

-Mister Khan, I trust you and I don't trust this...woman, she pointed at Zoya disrespectfully. Zoya's blood boiled and she took a step toward her but Asad blocked her path.

-Mackenzie, Ayaan is not here, he sounded strict

-You know what, I don't mind, I will come back again and again, everyday to meet him and I am sure he will be back one day. She looked mockingly at Zoya.

-You don't need to come back everyday Miss O'Conner. When he will be back, I will tell him about you.

-I don't think he will come, especially how he left me yesterday, I don't trust him. I will come back here everyday.

-Why are you running behind a man who don't show interest? Zoya protested. She disliked the fact that some women will keep running desperately for a man who didn't care.

-No men turned his back to me, Miss. I am Mackenzie, she said arrogantly.

-I don't think you need to waste your time with him. If he was really interested by you, he would have come back to you.

-I know what I have to do, I don't need your advice.

-Don't you see that he doesn't show any interest?

-You want him for yourself

-I told you I am not doing this for myself

-then for who Miss?

-Ladies, calm down. Asad stepped between them. Mackenzie, you can go and I will tell him that you need to see him.

-I won't go if she is still here, Mackenzie pointed to Zoya. I don't want to let her alone with him.

-Who you think of yourself? Mind your tongue, Zoya threated at her angrily, she won't let this woman insulting her character.

-Ladies, please, STOP IT

-She started, Zoya retorted

-if you have just let me, I wouldn't have said this to you. I don't like hearing no.

-Don't you see that he was telling you no.

-Give me just one reason that convince me to never come back looking for him.

-He...He is not interested, I told you

-He will

-he...he is not interested by any women

-I am not any women,

-it's not about you, it's about women in generally

-What do you mean?

-Don't go that road, Zoya don't go, he hushed nervously

-HE'S GAY, she blurted out

Too late, he hissed and she hissed internally. The moment, she thought about and the moment, she freed this word, she knew it, it was a bad idea, but this woman made her going crazy with her stubbornness.

Ayaan hearing this, slapped his face and fainted. Why did he send her? She just ruined his lover's reputation in a moment.

-Gay? Mackenzie asked in shock, her eyes went out of their binnacle. The sudden bomb cut her voice, for a few seconds, she was lost in her thought trying to link the dot about Ayaan's behavior with her. Asad came closer to Zoya and whispered

-You are dead,

-I am dead, she stated it more to herself than to him, she went too far. Naively, she just hoped Ayaan will not matter, she did as he asked and she saved him from this obsessed girl. He should be happy about and laughed with her about it. No matter what she said to comfort herself, she wasn't convince...At all.

-She is dead, Ayaan gritted his teeth angrily, controlling himself to run and to strangle her to death.

-It can explain many things actually, Mackenzie shortened her thought about being buried alive by Mister Khan. I understand why he was scared and yelled like a girl when I was ...I mean, she blushed, I mean... when we were...I found him strange to resist to me, he just ran and screamed like a girl, she laughed nervously.

Asad posed his hand on his mouth to control his laugh and Zoya pursed her lips to stop her too. She avoided to stare at him, knowing that if she did, they will both go into crazy giggling. It was aching her from inside to control herself, but she didn't want to lose other point in front of Mister Khan's eyes. She cleared her throat and composed herself.

-now, you understand why I told you he is not interested

-I understand and it makes me upset to recognize that you were right. Damn it, a handsome man like him, what a waste. She sighed sadly, Zoya sighed relieved, Asad sighed amused and Ayaan sighed annoyed.

-Did you know that your brother is gay?

-Well, he looked at Zoya, yes.

-Oh God, when my eyes fell on men, it turns out to be a mess.

-Miss O'Conner, I am sure you will find the right man for you, who will like you just the way you are.

-Do you mean what you said, Mister Khan? She played with the curl lock of her blond hair.

-Of course, yes.

-are you gay, Mister Khan?

-Oh God no, he stated more to Zoya than to her. Zoya smirked amused.

-then it's perfect, she replied seductively

Mackenzie's eye went greedy looking at Asad from head to toe making Zoya flinched angrily. She was already irritated by this woman and now, she dares looking at him in disgust way, she showed no shame. She didn't know what makes her angrier, her way to move from man to man, or her arrogant way to talk to her or the way she was staring at him.

-I think you were about to leave, she stepped blocking her view on him.

-Wait I have better thing to do now, she pushed her and went closer to Asad but he stepped back in response, hiding behind Zoya. Mister Khan, do you want to go out someday?

-Hmm...It's really sweet of you but no

-why? You are not gay and you are single, so you don't have tangible excuse

-He can't

-why? He is not here also? he went somewhere else? she asked sarcastically.

-Very funny, he can't go out with you that's it. Zoya said sharply.

-because...Mackenzie waited for an answer

-Because...hmm

-Because I have a girlfriend, Asad hurried to respond

-he had a girlfriend, Zoya repeated without thinking

-you have a girlfriend? Mackenzie was taking back

-you had a girlfriend, Zoya mouthed at him

-Yes, I have a girlfriend

-and where is she?

-Here, he took Zoya and held her closer to him. Miss Farooqui is my girlfriend

-I am your girlfriend? Her eyes widened in alarm

-She's your girlfriend? She posed for second, fixing their both faces suspiciously. Did you just cook this right now to avoid going out with me?

-Of course not, Zoya is my girl. He stared intently at her and his eyes trapped something new that Zoya couldn't decipher.

-I don't believe you, I am sure, she is not.

Asad pressed Zoya's back and his eyes told her silently to play with him.

-I am HIS girlfriend, she pushed herself closer, he is MINE, only... she looked up at him, mine, she could feel the heat on her cheeks.

-you didn't look that close or in love to me, I am sure you are faking.

-We had a fight, a big fight, she pushed him pretending to be angry.

Asad gazed at her quizzically asking her silently what she was doing. Her lips curved into mocking smile. She can play a bit.

-This man, you see Mackenzie, he is rude, selfish and totally unromantic. I left everything for him and look where I am stuck, IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. He promised me to be here for me, he promised me the world, but at the end, I am all alone in this house. Did you just see the size of this HOUSE? She sobbed falsely and he rolled his eyes. He lived his life without me, he preferred to take care of his horse more than me, can you imagine? He even called his personal horse "baby", I mean who call his horse "baby"? Now that he trapped me, because he trapped me, sweet words were from the past now. I don't know why I am still here...With him.

Asad crossed his arms on his chest looking totally despairing, and she, discreetly, through her crocodile tears, winked at him.

-then why don't you just left him?

-I can't

-why

-I...I l...I am used to him

She was about to blast the L word but changed it at the last time.

-Don't stay with a man because you are scared to be alone, there are plenty of other men that I am sure will...She tried to say something nice, but it cost her. Will want to be with you.

-thank you, but I still have hope that he will change and he will be the man that I...I knew before

Again the L word was about to slip from her tongue, she sighed internally.

-Just in case, you left him, please tell me

-I won't, I believe in commitment. Fight is part of couple who tried to fit with each other.

-Exactly, Asad replied pulling her possessively to him, the more couple fight together, the more they knew each other better making them closer and closer. Both of their face were closer now.

She gasped at his sudden gesture and his words trapped her breath in her throat. He wanted to take part of her game too and he can't let her play alone. However, when he felt her, her soft body against him, it played havoc and he could feel her tensed body. Having her in his arms felt perfect and intoxicating forcing his mind to lose himself. He turned her front and she was now facing him, his eyes glued with her, he lowered his guard suddenly.

-We had a fight that why we seem distant, she is right, I am rude, selfish and making her go crazy but it's my way to have her attention, my way to make her life more entertaining than I can be, because I am hell boring. The truth is that I like everything about her. I like her baby eyes which give me the sight of her pure soul, I like the way her cheeks reddened when she was angry on me, I love the way her laugh echoed in my heart, it makes me breathless and in the same time, makes me wants to hear it again and again. My day can't start without seeing her, I like the way she was looking in the morning, with her open hair falling carelessly on her shoulder, making me want to touch them and to breath them. I love the way she is, unpredictable and everyday, I feel like being with a new woman, she was adamant, independent, brave, gutsy, tender, and totally crazy. And above everything, she is just beautiful inside and outside, and I feel lucky that I met her.

If in the beginning, her breath stopped in her throat, after this confession, she had no more air, no more lung and no more guts, her brain was disconnected. He made her going jelly on her knees and if she wasn't hold by him, she would have fell flatly on the grass. And what make it worst, it's the way, he was staring at her, his piercing and demanding eyes was going through her without barrier. She dived into his eyes and let him go in, she felt naked and weak but it didn't hurt for a change, it didn't. Asad didn't lie or hide, those words came naturally to him, after finishing, his heart stammered hardly against his rib cage, she made him do thing and feel thing, he didn't want to, but she did. Everytime, he took decision to be away, she pulled him again like a magnet, his musibat magnet. Everytime, he pretended it was nothing between them, she broke his resolution in eye blink making him go weak and her gaze didn't help him to stay focus and if he could, he will give his life to hear what she was thinking right now.

-Ok, you convince me, Mackenzie broke their trance and Zoya was the first to look down.

She tried to distant herself from him, his words shook her to the core making her body shaking and her heart was no less but he didn't let her maintaining his arms around her waist firmly. I can see how each of you is caring about the other. I guess good men are always taken.

Zoya gave her an awkward smile, and she could feel his eyes on her, searching for hers.

-men are good because their women make them looking good. He brushed gently her hair and she looked briefly at him. He could feel her discomfort and he loosened his grip around her slowly. She stepped away and could breathe again properly, her heartbeat made echoed in her ears recalling each of his words.

-words, Zoya uttered and Asad felt a pinch in his heart from her rejection, he forced her and he knows that she didn't like that. She wasn't at fault, they were playing a game where he was the only one knowing the truth. It was his price to pay for his little white lies.

-So, I guess, I will have to erase this address from my list, Mackenzie sighed sadly. Anyway, thank you both.

She left their side and both watched her silhouette fading away in heavy silence. As much as her heart melt desperately into his confession, her mind stayed enough lucid about the game that they both played. All his emotions were fake but what about hers? She hoped he didn't see her turnoil.

-Thank you, he simply said, putting his hands in his pocket

-You owe me something, she was back in her sarcasm and it was her shield from being seen.

-I owe you nothing

-really? Do you need me to call Mackenzie back, I am sure she will be happy to know about your "bachelor status".

-You are bluffing

-MACKENZIIIEEE, she yelled

-hey, no don't do this, he gripped her elbow

-So? Her eyebrows rose arrogantly

-you are really impossible, you know that, his voice was mixed with annoyance and softness.

-YOU, Ayaan ran to her and his eyes were red in fury

-Oh God no, she took Asad by his arms and put him between them

-HOW DARE YOU? HOW DARE YOU SAYING THAT I AM...He gasped

-It's ok Ayaan

-NO, it's NOT OK, it's NOT, all because of HER, he threated and she hide more.

-Mister Khan, look at the bright side, she will never come back again

-BRIGHT SIDE? BRIGHT SIDE!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

-Should I?

-OF COURSE NOT, There is NO bright side, it's like Dark Vardar came by itself in my world, telling me : YOU ARE GAY. Bhai, she ruined my reputation, he held his collar's brother sobbing, I am blacklist now.

-Mister Khan, you are not blacklist, she was not the only girl here.

-Miss Farooqui, he called her exasperate, should I remind you what girls like to talk when they are all together?

-Make-up?

-NO, boys, they like to talk about BOYS, and guess what the biggest news that Mackenzie is going to share with them?

-that you are...not interested?

-Bhai, I am going to kill her, idiot

-TONGUE, Asad said sharply

-That I am gay, Ayaan lowered his voice but the intensity of his anger didn't change. THAT-I-AM-GAY. You just ruined it all, Zoya. Bhai, I will have to hide now and I will never get the chance to find a girl, she destroyed my future, can you imagine the waste? Women will never get the chance to have a part of me, the world will miss beautiful babies with curly hair, cute and handsome figure. What a waste!!!!! Shame on you!!!

-I am sorry, so sorry, I am sure that you will find other women who are going to love having a part of you, and carrying your cute babies.

-What about you? Ayaan teased her

-Me?

-Yes, you, you put me in trouble so I was thinking that you might be interested by carrying my own babies?

-I...She backed in shock

-You what? He took a step toward her and she yelped in panic.

-I...

-Listen bro, Asad came to rescue her, you can't imagine how lucky you are,

-Lucky?

-Yes, see all the girls will think now that you are gay, so you are going to be their close friend and you will access to everything. I mean e-very-thing.

-OHHH, she gasped outrageous, this is so...

-Brillant, bhai you are brilliant, he kissed him. Of course, why I didn't think about that. Ayaan giggled thinking about all the opportunities, I am going to be...He rubbed his palms between each other mischievously. I love you bhai, I love you, he jumped on his neck kissing him.

-STOP IT NOW, STOP IT

-thank you, you made my day and you, he pointed to Zoya, I have a new challenge, be prepared. His eyes twinkled deviously and she gulped, she knew that he was going to take revenge.

She let out a long sigh when he finally left.

-it's your turn, you owe me something now

-ME? Are you serious? I owe you nothing

-I just save you from his anger

-you didn't save me, you just put in trouble a hundred of girls, your plan was all that I hate in men, manipulation and lies.

-I know him, he will not go that far

-how can you be so sure? Human can't be trust when they have something to win at the end.

-Because I know him

-I thought I know you

-what do you mean?

-Nothing

-No tell me, he stopped her

-I didn't think that you can be this kind of men, Asad just told me that you switched your identity to fool the girl and now, you just give him a disgust way to be close to women using them. I didn't expect from you to be immoral and unscrupulous.

-I admit that it wasn't the best thing to say but it just came to my mind like this, and I am sorry if it hurts you.

-it's not about me, it's about the power that you gave to Asad.

-He will not do anything, he is respectful. He will play and will move to something else

-Do you really think that everything is allowed in the name of game, even hurting people?

-No, he said guilty, she had a point here.

-I just realized that I don't know you and I see that you can be good in acting. You fit perfectly in this kind of men, who can lie without remorse. I have to applause you for what you said about "me". What a confession it was!!!

-you wanted to be true, Zoya? He asked expected and she froze. It was the main point of her anger, he can pretend easily with emotion and he did it with her.

-No, I didn't say this, I was just...You know what just leave it. She walked away but he grabbed pulling her to himself.

-Zoya we all did thing that we regret and I have my own grief. I said and did thing I am not proud of it but I learnt hard. And I am a different person now, but it looks that I still have old and unpleasant reflexes.

-We all learnt hard, this is true, it's just...I didn't expect this from you.

-I am sorry

-Ayaan, I just want to ask you, did you ever lie to me?

What she wanted to ask in real, was : are you going to hurt me and lie to me? During those last days, she learnt to know him, to appreciate his company and even more, to talk to him. She can be herself with him and it was pleasant not to hide for a change. He was easy and he made her feel safe and fearless. She opened her heart slowly to him and she started to trust him and didn't want to be heartbroken again. She didn't want him to turn like her father and Sufian, not him, pretending to care for her and to use her at the end. She needed to protect herself from any strong emotion that she can develop for him. But she can't ask him in this way without exposing clearly her feelings. She didn't realize yet but she was already half way.

He loosened his grip, she took him back with her sudden question. It was maybe the right time to tell her truth.

-No, I didn't. He hissed internally at his lies. She sighed silently and her lips shook happily.

-thank you, she tapped his arms and left his side. She trusted him.

His mind was ready to say the truth but his heart stopped him. He was and will be in trouble, he knows it, he just lied openly looking into her eyes. Was she going to forgive him once she will know about him? He already knew about the answer.