Ashiya's PoV:

There are moments in life when you don't know what to do or say. Moments so fragile that you fear they'll break if you make one wrong move. I was experiencing one such moment as I didn't know what to do. The man in front of me had just revealed probably his biggest baggage and he looked so vulnerable, unlike his usual composed self. I didn't know whether I should say something or just stay silent and listen to everything he had got to say. He had been carrying such a load inside him since so many years...

I walked over to the window and stood beside him. He turned his gaze at me and I swear I could see so many emotions in his eyes but most of all, I could see pain, I could see regret. I imagined an 11year old Ahan, crying alone and blaming himself for the turn of events. My heart shattered at that image. I felt the sudden urge to embrace him and console him till he falls asleep but I didn't have the right to do so. He was a non mehram, after all. I realised we were staring at each other so I slowly lowered my gaze making him break out of the trance too.

"I'm sorry I should be going," he said like a kid apologizing for saying something wrong.

"Please don't apologise," I said and he glanced up, his eyes a little watery, "it's better to let go of your baggage than to carry it alone. Besides, it's all Allah's plan. He never burdens a soul more than its capability to handle. So whatever happened, it happened for a reason. All the hardships that you have gone through have only made you stronger. You have a mother and two brothers to take care of and you are doing your duty very well. I'm sure Uncle must have been proud of you if he were here..." I didn't say these words to console him or anything. I spoke what I felt about the whole scenario.

"You really think so?" He asked innocently and I nodded with a smile.
"Thanks, I...I don't..I mean...Thanks," he finally managed to say, "and sorry for what I said today, I swear I didn't mean any of it."

"It's okay, I forgive you..." I said and he smiled. We kept looking at each other before he said goodnight and left my room. I was still smiling after he left when I realised what I was doing. Get a grip Ashu! What are you doing? I scolded myself and immediately went to bed, with sleep far away from my eyes.

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Next day, as I made my way to the hall, I saw Khala walking up to me with a worried expression, "Are you okay, Ashu?" She asked and I smiled.

"I'm fine Khala, don't worry. Lemme help you with breakfast," I said walking to the kitchen but she stopped me.

"Ashu, I'm really sorry for what happened yest--"

"Khala," I said interrupting her apology, "it's fine. I'm okay now and it wasn't your fault anyways," I assured her and she finally nodded.

We were in the kitchen when I felt someone's eyes on me. On looking up, I realised it was Ahan. He was all dressed up in his dark blue three piece suit with a white shirt beneath. His hair looked well combed and there was an intimidating aura reflecting from him. I dare say he looked good. What the hell! Stop drooling over him.

I'm not drooling over him, I just praised his looks.

Yeah, are you forgetting that he's the same guy whom you used to address as Mr. Khadoos just a few days ago?

Oh shut up, don't make a big deal out of it.

Yeah yeah whatever.

I came back to my senses as I heard Khala's voice. She was telling me to carry the parathas to the table. Shit! I was openly staring at him. Astagfirullah! I lowered my gaze quickly and carried the parathas to the table, all the while feeling his gaze on me. Somebody please tell him to look away.

"Goodmorning fellas!" Arhaan's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I looked up to see him approaching us in his work attire. He pulled a chair beside Ahan and sat down.

"Where's Ayan?" I asked.

"He's gone for some project work to his friend's house," Khala replied while she too joined us at the table. Ahan's eyes were no more on me but I could still feel him stealing few glances in my direction.
I wondered what has gotten into him. Only yesterday, he didn't find me worthy of a single look and now... what's the matter?