As he stepped out of the plane he noticed how dull his surroundings seemed, how it varied from the locations he had visited throughout his life. It wasn't like the bustling city of London, nor was it like the the night life in New York, yet it somehow made him feel comfortable,. All he wanted to do was to complete the task his father had set him so he could get onto the first flight for Bangkok where he would happily party away.
The only benefit from this was that his father had allowed his best friend to accompany him.
"Zain, come on let's get a taxi." Rizwan said bringing Zain out of his thoughts.
"No, I was thinking we could walk the 2 maybe 3 miles to their house. Zain replied sarcastically with a grin plastered on his face.
"Maybe we should, it'll help you lose some of that fat you call muscles." Riz retorted with a smirk.
"My friend, I know you don't have any. So stop being so jealous."
Rizwan glared at Zain.
"Okay, okay. Calm down. I'm sorry." Zain laughed. "Come on, we better find out where we're going. I certainly don't want to sleep under the stars, here."
Zain sat in the taxi and gave the driver the address.
"How long will it take to get to the address?" Rizwan questioned.
"At least 30 minutes,sir."
"Ok, thanks."
20 minutes later they were stuck in traffic. Rizwan was tapping his finger to the rhythm of the music he was was listening to through his earphones. Zain was fed up of checking his twitter account and playing temple run on his iPad. He locked the iPad and took in his surroundings. Cars were surrounded by numerous cyclists and motorists. He found his eyes wandering off towards a cyclist positioned to the left of the taxi. His eyes were captivated as he looked at the girl, her face was barely visible yet for some reason he felt a very strong connection to her. He was about to step out of the taxi and move toward the girl but the traffic lights had changed.
Even though the girl was no longer in sight his mind kept wondering towards her for some reason.
What wrong with me? She was just a girl riding a bicycle, he thought shaking his head.
Another 15 minutes later they arrived at the address like the driver had previously stated.
"Let's go and get this over with. I don't want to be around my cousin anymore than I need to. You know she was lethal when we were children. She was more dangerous than a rattle snake and that is putting it lightly."
"Yeah. I totally believe you. A girl could be so dangerous." He laughed. "What did she exactly do to you?"
"Not going to tell you. All you need to know is she is the devil in disguise."
"Yeah. I'm sure she is. That's why she's getting married to someone." Rizwan chortled.
"Shut up, Riz. Come on."
"Asalamu alaikum. Can I help you, beta?"
A woman asked looking at the two boys who looked slightly out of place.
"Walikum asalam. Of course you can, phups. You seem more beautiful than the last time I saw you."
"Zain, is that you?"
"The one and only."
"You grown up to be a very handsome young man."
"Thanks phups."
"It's phupi, besharam." She smiled whilst jokingly pulling his ear.
"Phups, this is my best friend, Rizwan."
"Hi." Rizwan greeted Shabana.
"Beta, are you a muslim?"
"Yes." Rizwan said. His expression displayed confusion, not quite understanding where this was leading.
"Then give salaam." Shabana told him.
"Oh, sorry. Asalamu alaikum." Rizwan said with a cheeky grin.
"Walikum asalam. Let's go inside. I'm sure both of you are tired and hungry."
"Phups, I have missed your food a lot, 10 years without it was a mission. Have you made kheer-"
"I haven't made it yet. I was just trying to find Aliya."
Shabana led the way into house followed by Zain and Rizwan.
"I haven't been here for two minutes and that girl is already trying to ruin me." Zain murmured.
"Did you say something, Zain?" Shabana asked whilst Rizwan tried to cover his laughter as a cough.
"No phups."
"You two sit, I'll go and bring some food."
Zain took out his phone to check for any message. He saw the 7 missed calls from his mother.
"Riz, I need to call my mum. Stay here."
He walked towards the direction Shabana headed towards, in the hope of finding her.
"Phup." He called out. Hoping she would hear him.
"Zain, what's the matter?" Shabana enquired, coming out of, what seemed like, the kitchen.
"Nothing. I was just wondering is there anywhere quiet where I could answer a phone call?"
"Yes, the roof. I don't think anyone is up there."
Shabana led him towards a staircase.
"Walk up the three flights of stairs, it'll be the door at the end." Shabana smiled.
"Thanks, phup." Zain said as he made his way to the roof.
Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
