This is just a little something I was inspired to write after watching the last episode. Hope ya'll enjoy!
She was looking at him through her eyelashes. Again. She had to know what that did to him. He did not know if he wanted to grab her, hold onto her, look at her, and touch her to his heart's content. Or push her away; so that he could go back to feeling like he had some control over his thoughts, his feelings'his life. He just wanted some sense of normalcy back in his life.
But normal means going back to not seeing her every day, not talking to her every day, not hearing her talk, not hearing her awful couplets that secretly make me smile, not looking forward to breakfast and dinner every day, with her yammering on about something or the other''What the hell is wrong with me? I cannot not go down this vein of thought. Just'NO! Stop it Asad!
He was lost in his inner monologue, when he felt it. Her palm against his cheek. He inhaled sharply. His heart beating faster. His skin felt like it was on fire, where she touched him and he wanted more. He wanted to keep her hand there, against his cheek. To nuzzle it. To fold her fingers into his and bring them up to his lips, to his nose, so he could breathe deeply the sweet strawberry smell that seemed to fill the air whenever she was around. He cursed the powdery substance that was preventing him from fully feeling the softness that was her palm.
She was looking at him with playful eyes. Those big beautiful eyes that hid so much pain' in which he saw so much restlessness'. You don't have to hide from me Zoya. Not now'.never.
His fingers were itching to tuck away that lock of hair, that was forever teasing her, behind her ear. So he did. Slowly he raised his hand and gently, as though she were the most delicate thing he would ever touch; his fingers brushed her forehead and pushed her hair back. So pretty... delicate' soft
If Zoya was surprised by his move she did not show it. She just kept looking at him. Today she witnessed a side of Asad Ahmed Khan that she did not know existed. For once he looked his age. Young'. Carefree'.Happy! She wanted him to look like this always. He was always so serious. Jahanpannah! Instantly, she felt guilty at that thought. Even though the moniker was ascribed to him out of affection more than anything else. She knew there was a reason he was so serious all the time. His father'obviously' but also taking on so many responsibilities at such a young age' She thought to herself. She suddenly felt a surge of protectiveness towards him. She wanted him to rest his head on her lap. So she could run her fingers through his hair till he was lulled into a deep slumber where he could let go of all his worries'all his pain.
Asad dragged his fingers down the side of her face. He noticed as her eyes fluttered and lips parted. He intended to let go of her; but wasn't ready to end this moment yet. He pushed her long black hair behind her shoulders. Soft'So soft... He cupped the back of her neck, and tugged on it a little. She obliged; and took a small step toward him. Her breathing got increasingly shallow. Her forgotten palm, that was still cupping his cheek was brought down to rest on his chest. Right above his heart. Asad wondered if she could feel just how hard his heart was beating. How could she not he thought, a little embarrassed but not enough to remove the gentle weight of her hand from his chest.
He tugged again. Another small step.
They were standing close. So close. Not close enough. Their bodies did not touch, but their clothes kept brushing. Their heads were bowed into each other'foreheads brushing but not resting'.breathing the same air. Strawberries and musk. This moment'this closeness'.they felt at once wound tight but also peaceful.
Zoya's eyes were focused on her hand resting on his chest. She could feel his heart pounding a beat against her hand; and, had the urge to lay her head on his chest, close her eyes and wait to see if their heartbeats would sync. She wanted to look at him, but did not think she could handle looking into his eyes right then. It was too much'yet she wanted more. More of what'.she did not know... She just knew she wanted to stay there forever.
Look at me Asad thought. He needed her to look at him. He needed to look at her.
"Zoya" he whispered. So soft, he wondered if she even heard him. She raised her eyes and he sighed. His eyes softened realizing that she was feeling as overwhelmed as he was. He needed to say something. To tell her how he was feeling. His mouth opened, but no words came. He tried again. Nope. Again he tried, and failed. He frowned, his breaths stuttering, his eye shut tight. Panicked.
Just then he felt her fingers in his hair, massaging his scalp. "Shh" he heard her say. His eyes opened, and he stared at her. Dumbstruck. "It's okay" she said, one palm cupping his cheek the other still stroking his hair.
Is it really? He wondered, hoping she was right. He nodded to let her know that he was okay.
The distant sound of beating drums slowly became more pronounced and they became aware of their surroundings. With resigned sighs they stepped away from each other.
Not knowing what to say, Zoya just shuffled in place from side to side. She looked up to see a small smile playing on his lips.
"What" she asked him.
Still smiling, with his gaze on her, he shook his head. "Nothing" he exhaled.
"Let's go home?" he asked. She nodded.
Together they turned and started walking in step with each other. Asad looked at Zoya out of the corner of his eye and thought Normal is overrated.
Comments are very much appreciated.đ
Book Talk
