So as promised... ehm.. a week late though. Like I said, busy days are here. Thanks to all the people who commented and pressed like. Love you guys! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for reading it despite the flaws 😊
Chapter 14
It's hard to say that I love you
There was a time when I hated my birthdays. Those are the days I felt most lonely. I had a few friends and acquaintances who would know about my birthday and dutifully call me to wish; but it's not the same. I always felt jealous of the birthdays where friends would gather not out of duty but because they genuinely want to be a part of the celebration.
It's not that I would sit around depressed because my family would always call the moment the clock struck twelve. And I knew their love was the most genuine one I could find; their wishes did for me what thousands of other careless wishes would never be able to do... because I loved them and they loved me unconditionally.
And today I came to visit the person who was depressed that her most important person skipped town on her birthday. I knew he was planning a surprised date but she sounded so depressed over the phone that I decided to go over to her house and at least attempt to cheer her up.
"Look, please don't make that face, it's your birthday and we'll have fun." I tried to lighten up Humeira's gloomy mood. I felt bad seeing her like that but a promise is a promise. I promised Ayaan to get her to their surprise birthday date. But she definitely can't go there looking like this.
"Come on, I'll take you out to dinner and we can call Ayaan from there and tell him how horrible he is." I decided I'll try reverse psychology.
"But it's not really his fault, how would he know my birthday... I didn't give him any hints." She defended her boyfriend who she was mad at a second ago.
"But still he should know, he is your boyfriend after all!" I said in mock indignation.
"He is not like that! If he knew-" She paused, "I know what you are trying to do... it's not his fault but I can't help it if I'm a still mad." Smiling, I patted her head.
"I understand. But we can't ruin your birthday like this"
I dragged her to her feet and pushed her towards the closet, "Pick something nice and special!"
She lazily browsed her clothes.
"I'm serious, look pretty so the pictures come out really nice and Ayaan regrets not seeing you!" That was the perfect incentive because she was a little more enthusiastic than before in her search for outfits.
I checked the clock to make sure we were not running late. Ayaan said he booked the whole restaurant for a dinner with her. How romantic!
Granted that I prefer much low key stuff, but a romantic gesture warrants all the praise!
I think they make a cute couple. From what I could tell in our few meetings, Ayaan is very much like Humeira with lively personality. But Humeira also has a mature, calm side of her to balance out his rebellious sides. Some people are meant to be while others are doomed from the beginning.
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I looked around the restaurant decorated with balloons and flowers and Ayaan checking every minute detail every few seconds. I could see the happiness in his eyes as he anxiously anticipated Humeira's reactions to his hard work.
I felt happy that my brother was this happy and content. Somewhere I was also envious of him and his happiness that seemed so hard to find in my complicated life.
"Bhai, why are you here?" Ayaan asked me as I walked to his side. He had his eyes fixed on the door and his face was laced with nervousness and excitement.
Why am I here... because after the incident with him, Zoya refused to answer my calls. I did everything short of directly going to her house... I even went to her office on the pretext of having some work but she was out. I left one voicemail asking her to answer since it felt weird discussing something like this over voicemail, let alone over phone. But he never called back. Or texted me.
I'll have to meet her today and explain everything.
My eyes were also fixed on the door because regardless of how insistent she is on avoiding me, she won't even think of ruining her cousin's plans.
"Zoya is bringing Humeira here and she'll feel awkward as the third wheel, so I thought I would drop her home or wherever she wants to go from here." I replied to Ayaan's question.
"But I-" Before he could finish his sentence, Zoya and Humeira walked in. We were watching from the upstairs section of the restaurant as the lights turned off and a spotlight was on Humeira. She looked around surprised and I realized Ayaan had left my side.
My eyes scanned for a glimpse of Zoya in the dark. I was contemplating going downstairs when the lights came on and I found her. She was smiling and being hugged by Humeira. Ayaan thanked her and she was bidding her goodbyes.
It was my cue. I quickly went downstairs and called out to her. She looked slightly surprised to see me there.
Before I could say anything to her, Tannu stepped with our group and linked her arm with mine.
"Hi, Jammy!"
"Uh- Hi.. What are you doing here?" She was not supposed to be here today.
"Ayaan called me to apologize..." I didn't even have the time to ask Ayaan the reason because I kept staring at Zoya afraid that she would leave if I look elsewhere.
"Bhai, with all your questions, I knew for sure you're in love too." I was irritated when I saw him wink at me. His good intention was going sideways.
"So, I decided to arrange for your dinner in the sky lounge as a sorry about that night. Enjoy your romantic dinner!" He quickly left with Humeira. And Zoya had turned to leave without a word.
"Zoya" I barely whispered. If she leaves, I wouldn't get to see her for who knows how long. I was about to follow her but Tannu didn't let me go.
"Tannu..." I spoke through gritted teeth. But she held on stubbornly. I finally had enough and roughly untangled myself from her.
"Zoya!" I shouted. We were outside in front of the hotel. I'm sure she heard me but was choosing to ignore me. I shouted after her again and was running to catch up to her.
She was crazy, not even looking where she was walking when a sports car rushed towards her on the driveway.
Thankfully, I reached her by then and spun her towards me as the car screeched to a halt.
"What the hell were you doing? You scared me to death!" I screamed at her unable to control my emotions. She was startled to see me by her side when she regained composure.
Abruptly stepping back from my embrace, she asked, "Why?"
"Why? Why what? Why did I just save you or why th-this situation is making me crazy?" Well, I didn't really know what I was saying. I think I was talking faster than what my mind could process.
"Why did you come after me? Your fianc is waiting for you inside." She spoke angrily but her eyes that stared at me had something else.
"My fiance doesn't need a babysitter." I snapped at her.
"I don't know what your fianc needs, but," her voice broke, "please don't do this, Mr. Khan." She took another step back.
I could tell she was going to cry and I tried to tone back my frustration which frankly was not directed at her.
"Zoya, I-I'm sorry I just got too worried." I reached for her hand, but she moved it away.
"Don't be worried about me, Mr. Khan. Don't always come after me. Don't try to call me or find me at the office. Don't leave a missed call at the middle of the night. Don't say you would eat the horrible food I cook."
She begged me as tears rained down on her face, she continued, "Don't... look at me like you understand me. Please..."
She looked away from me and tried to stop her tears.
"Why can't I do that?"
"Because you won't catch me if I fall-!" She said in a fit of frustration and stopped herself. She seemed surprised at her outburst but controlled herself and continued on,
"It must be normal and easy for you... but your nonchalant actions are hurting me," she raised a hand to her heart like I was physically hurting her at that moment.
I didn't even get a chance to react because Tannu called both of us from behind.
Zoya hurriedly wiped her tears and left before I even had the chance to ask what she meant... if I understood correctly what she just said. Did she really mean what I think she meant? I was about to go after her when Tannu stopped me.
I glared at her. I had had enough of her now. "Stop it, Tannu!"
"Stop what, Jammy? You're the one who should stop this... Don't be childish and mess up everything."
"Childish?" I scoffed at her.
"Yes, what do you think it is then?" Tannu shot back.
"I lo-"
"And please don't say love, because honestly, do you know what love is? You didn't even believe in love. Think for a second if you really love her."
Why does this girl always freaking manage to stump me at the wrong moments...
"She is getting married too, you know. My dad already talked to her dad and they are meeting the guy's family day after tomorrow. So, don't do anything rash and ruin everything." She left me dumbfounded at this new revelation.
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I can't believe I confessed to him. I can't believe it. This shouldn't have happened.
"Zoya?" Ammi entered my room and I scrambled to wipe my tears in vain.
"What are you doing in the dark? I didn't even know you came back. I-" Ammi turned the lights on and immediately stopped when she looked at my haphazard state.
"What happened? Are you okay?" She sat down beside me. I didn't know what to say, so I just hugged her and cried.
She comforted me quietly. We stayed like that for some time, before she spoke up, "Zoya, this is not the right time, but..."
She hesitated and I could see she was debating whether to continue or not. I sat up and wiped my tear-stained face one more time for a good measure. I should worry about the people who are here and important to me, "What is it?"
"Do you remember I told you that your Abbu wants you married and settled? Tanveer's dad brought a really good rishta and they wanted to meet you." I could see that Ammi didn't feel great requesting this of me when I was in this state...
"Your Abbu already promised them. So, I was thinking... you could at least meet them. I want to tell you in the morning but you already left."
I nodded slowly. If it's just meeting, I can do that. Besides, I need to move on. The more I sit around doing nothing, the more I end up thinking about Mr. Khan.
She kept giving more details in hopes of distracting me but I wasn't really interested in the guy or his background. I just needed this opportunity to forget him.
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Just felt like I should say this.. don't worry Tanny won't get into Asad's head again. Because next chapter will be special! 😳
Channel V Dil Dosti Dance
Arjun
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