Mehran got Umaira and himself a fried corn. His fingers brushed against hers, though both felt the jolt they ignored the feeling. They continue to take the stroll as they munched their corn, both enjoying the silence, the gentle breeze, and the sea.

Umaira glanced at her wrist watch and gasped 'Oh No! we are getting late for the function.' She said and jerked her hands free.

'Hey! I am coming with you.' screamed Mehran running behind her. Umaira hailed a cab and hurriedly got into the cab, as soon as she entered Mehran sat. For a second Umaira got alarmed but relaxed realizing it is Mehran. They gave the address

'You had planned to leave me and run.' Mehran chuckled. Umaira also laughed. Mehran leaned back gasping for breath, Umaira continued to laugh as well. The driver watched them from the rear-view mirror and smiled.

Umaira and Mehran argued for few minutes as who will pay the driver.

'My ego will hurt if you pay.' Mehran faked disappointment. Umaira chuckled. Finally, Mehran won and he paid with a content smile.

They entered the elevator together, 'Today was fun, Haina?' Umaira said brightly, a twinkle in her eyes. Mehran looked at her and nodded in agreement. She sighed happily and relaxed leaning against the elevator; her eyes closed and her breathing heavy. Mehran folded his arms across his chest and leaned to his side against the elevator and watched her lovely face. He ran his gaze all over her face taking in her beauty.

TING!

Mehran straightened up as the lift came to a halt, Umaira opened her eyes.

'Time to go, bye.' She said as the elevator opened to the lobby of her suite. Mehran smiled 'Umaira.' He said nervously as she stepped out from the elevator. The door was about to close when Mehran stuck his palm, Umaira quickly pressed the button avoiding the door from getting closed. Mehran emerged from inside and the door closed. Umaira felt her heart flutter wondering what he wanted to say so urgently. Mehran licked his lips nervously, from his body language Umaira guessed it must be something serious.

'Umaira, I want to ask you something.... I don't know if...after...you... (he sighed) since yesterday I wanted to ask you this.... can...can...we be...No...I mean (he stopped speaking when Umaira held his hand) I know Umaira after whatever happened between us, it is too much to ask...but can we...be friends?' Mehran said.

Umaira let go of his hand and stared at him. Mehran felt his heart beat increase, he feared she will walk away again and he will lose whatever little time he is getting with her. Umaira noticed sweat beads form on his forehead, he is very nervous. Deciding to not keep him in more suspense lest he faints, she smiled slightly. Mehran relaxed.

'Yes.' She said.

Mehran extended his hand 'So, friends?' he said brightly. Umaira looked at his hand and smiled shaking his hand.

'Friends.' She then turned around walking towards her suite, Mehran kept watching her. She stopped in front of door and turned around. Mehran smiled at her, she smiled at him and looked away. She took out the key and unlocked the door. She turned one final time to look at Mehran, he stood exactly in the same place with the exact same expression. She smiled at him before entering the room. After she had gone in, Mehran turned around. As he waits for the elevator, Umaira peeped from inside and stared at his back. The elevator door opened and he entered but before he could see her, Umaira quickly disappeared back into the room