🖤

Teri ada ada pe marta mai
Wafa wafa si karta
Kyu hado se hu guzarta mai
Zara zara zara

Tum to darasal saason ka saaz ho
Dil mein mere chupa jo
Wahi raaz raaz ho

"Inaya baji?!", Inaya's head whipped towards the door when she heard the helping hand shout her name. The chain of her thoughts shattering abruptly, bringing her back to reality, ceasing the rule of those deep eyes from her sanity.

"Han Safina?"

"Inaya baji bari bibi pooch rahin hain ke apko kab nikalna hai?", she took a glance of herself in the mirror, a sigh escaped her lips as she noticed her hair still wet.

"Thori der mein Safina! Ami ko bolo mai Mahrukha aur Rimsha ke sath hi jaon gi", she exclaimed plugging the hairdryer and sat in front of her vanity.
It was their Annual Welcome event for the new batch. She didn't want to go but Rimsha and Mahrukh had insisted leaving no other option. After drying her hair she applied a bit foundation and her favourite tint highlighter. Just as she was about to apply mascara her hand stopped when her eyes fell on the sticky note attached on her mirror,

'Mail the assignment submissions to Mr. Alam!'

(Yes Safina.)
(After a while Safina! Tell Ami I'll leave with Mahrukh and Rimsha.)

"Sunein?", her heart hammered when his deep voice hit her ears, color reaching her ears. His words from last week still lingered in her brain, the sterness of his raspy voice causing her heart to flip,
"Inform me If he tries to misbehave ever again."

It had been a week since the incident at cafe. She hadn't come across Asfandyar after that except for classes or once when she had to take the project details from him. She hadn't noticed any change in his behaviour, he was still the same, emotionless and rigid. It was hard acknowledging the fact that he was Asfandyar, her once knight. But she had felt a strong alteration in her feelings the past week, trying her best to avoid his existence but failing miserably. She had never realized she felt such a dominant attraction towards him, an attraction which was impossible to ignore. The words of her father would threaten her and she would try her best to clear the frenzied state of her mind but It was getting difficult with each day at University. Whether be his frosty eyes or deep stare, everything was extremely jumbled up.

She gulped shutting her eyes and took a deep breath, maybe she was just being overwhelmed. Inaya glanced at the wall clock indicating five past six, they were going to arrive soon.

Finishing her look with rosebud salve, she wore the silver studs and her bracelet. Taming the dark hair with brush she caged them with her beige hair barrettes. Before she could set her dupatta her phone rang, the screen flashing with 'Dramebaaz', a smile adorned her lips and she picked up the call,

"Asalam-u-Alaikum!"

"Va Alaikum Asalam! Inaya I'm sorry, I know kafi derr ho gayi, ham bas aa rahey hain tum tayar ho gayi na?", she chuckled hearing Rimsha gasp loudly . This wasn't new, ye inkey roz ka tha! Being late as usual!
(I'm sorry, I know we're late, we're almost there, are you ready?)

"Ham mai tayar hoon, aa jao jaldi", she said straightening her shirt and Rimsha cut the call asking her to come outside as they were near.
(Yes I'm ready, come quickly.)

She took the organza dupatta and draped it carefully on her head, her eyes flashed to the screen hearing ping sound,
'DON'T YOU DARE FORGET TO WEAR THE HEELS WE BOUGHT!', a sigh evaded her lips looking at the package on her bed.
Did she have to? AH!

__________

"MashAllah! You're looking gorgeous as always!", Inaya smiled adjusting her dupatta when Mahrukh praised her. The taupe shirt with embroidered sleeves complimenting her hazel eyes.

"Thank you, you look beautiful-", she muttered but haulted hearing Rimsha's exclaim,

"O bhai! Did you guys heard that?!", Rimsha clamored taking long strides towards them. They were waiting for her infront the venue while she parked the car.

"What?"

"Hadi told me ke Zain is going to perform on stage", she told making Inaya and Mahrukh share a glance,

"Toh?", Inaya askey scrunching her brows. What was odd about that? Zain would perform often, he was the head of University's music society.
(So?)

"He is going to perform for a certain someone!", she asserted looking at Inaya who cut her lips trying to interpret the situation and a gasp eluded her lips when she remembered his apology message from two days ago,

'Although I wasn't at fault but I'm going to apologise Inaya, I'm dead serious about what I told you. You don't need to say anything for now, I'll give you two days to think, please consider my feelings.
I like you and want to marry you. I want to show to the world that you'll be mine!'

"Don't..don't tell me!", her eyes widened like saucers and Rimsha swerved holding her hand,

"Let's hope It's not like we're thinking", she said calmly.

"Nahi! Rimsha tum janti nahi Zain ko? He is extremely stubborn. He said he was giving me two days and aj do din ho gaye hain, how did I forget about that! Mai..mai wapis ja rahi hoon-"
(No! Rimsha don't you know Zain? He's extremely stubborn. He said he was giving me two days and It's exactly two days today, how did I forget about that! I..I'll leave-)

"Inaya! Kiya ho gaya? Mera nahi khyal wo sabke samne kuch kahe ga", Mahrukh stopped her blabbering.
(Inaya! Nothing happened, I don't think he willdo something infront of everybody.)

"Bilkul! And agar usne esa kuch karne ki koshish ki to ham bhi sabke samne uski esi ki tesi karen gey! Jahal insan ko ek bar mein kuch samjh nahi ata", Rimsha added applying pressure on Inaya's hands who gave them a slight nod.
(Exactly! And even If he tries to do something infront of everyone then we'll also make him regret infront of everyone! He's a stupid, not understanding at once.)

'I hope It's not what we're assuming'. He couldn't implore her before everyone, or could he?'

__________

Asfandyar's eyes sauntered as he tried to keep himself indulged in talks with his associates. He didn't know why was he looking forward to see her.
Didn't he just saw her yesterday?
Was she going to come though?
He stroked the tip of his nose looking away from the foyer.

"Are you thinking of contacting new investors?", Mr. Hussein inquired distracting his brain and he nodded giving them a brief response,
"Yes we are, we've already contracted with a few associations."

"I'm glad I asked your father to persuade you, our students will surely learn marvels in your assistance', he bobbed his head with a brisk smile hearing the appreciation.

"It's a great opportunity for me as well, I would have continued in the future too If not for my plans of stepping into Abu's business", he answered sipping on the drink in his hand.

"I'll keep pursuing you, my son", he chuckled hearing Mr. Hussein, the intriguing dimple disappearing in his dark stubble even before it emerged.

"It won't be that easy to convince me though, Mr. Hussein", he retorted taking a brief inspection of surroundings, the hall chirping with students but the striking face in his thoughts still missing.

"Are you looking for someone?"

"Huh? No, I was just reminiscing my days", he told placing his hand on the table before him and Mr. Hussein smirked knowing too well.
'This young generation', he chuckled nodding. Mr. Hussein and Mr. Baig were pals from a long time now, Asfandyar being a little boy before his eyes who had grown into a fine man, making his father proud.

"Zain?", Asfandyar turned to look around when Mr. Hosseni called aloud. An unpleasant expression returning on his face as he glared at him.

"Salam Chachu", Zain greeted coming forward, giving a hard look to Asfandyar who seemed a bit shocked.

"Va Alaikum Asalam, meet him, Asfandyar, he's Mr. Baig's son, I suppose he doesn't need any more introduction, right? And Asfandyar, he's my nephew, Zain", Mr. Hosseni informed with a charming smile, signature of his temperament.

"Jee chachu, we know each other very well, right, Mr. Alam?", Zain spoke loosening his tie a bit with one hand. His face plastered with a smirk as he stood right in front of him.

"Indeed", Asfandyar stood straight, towering a bit over Zain. He was coming across him after a whole week. He hadn't seen him around Inaya the past week nor in the classes.

"I hope you are having a good time with Asfandyar as your mentor?"

"Jee chachu! He's a wonderful teacher", "poking nose in every student's business", he answered, the last part only audible to Asfanyar who clasped his fists in response. The air around them swelling frigid as Mr. Hosseni wheezed changing the topic,

"I'll leave you guys to your own then, I need to do some work being the head", he chuckled addressing them both and Asfanyar turned away from Zain,

"Sure, see you Mr. Hosseni", he shook and Mr. Hosseni left after he had patted Zain's back.

"Loving the attention, han?", Zain raised his brows taking a drink from the counter, sipping on it lazily. Asfanyar clenched his jaw, building his patience, trying his best to not punch his face square. Guess the impact of yoga lessons had perished sooner than expected.

"Fed up of acting like a generous teacher?", he said when Asfandyar didn't respond, tone clearly mocking.

"I think you want a repeat of my actions last week", Asfandyar said calmly, not showing his inner turmoil, frigid eyes darkening.

"Oh well you guessed right!", Zain smirked lightly tapping his hand on the pub table, "but this time I won't be standing still, the brown belt I own shall have some use, Mr. Alam."

"What's the use of beown belt when you can't react when needed?", Asfandyar perked up, a lone smile on his lips, "no offense though."

"Cut the crap! You didn't do the right thing that day. You are going to pay for that! Just wait and watch", Zain said working up, Asfanyar's excessively calm demeanor making him impatient. Asfanyar just fixed his collars in response, and took a glance at his wristwatch, making Zain's nerves budge.

"And yes! STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY AND INAYA'S-", he halted as Asfanyar grabbed his neck from behind harshly, a cough escaping Zain's mouth. Seemingly showing as If he had his shoulder around him in a playful manner but in reality his strong grip causing Zain to wince.

"DON'T! Don't. Fucking. Think. You don't know me yet", he grumbled near his ear in a hard tone then moved away patting his shoulder and Zain pushed away his hand abruptly,

"I'll see your face after this night ends, Mr. Alam, It'll be great to burst your little bubble of portraying  this sympathetic image before my Inaya", Asfandyar felt a strong urge to blow up his senses after hearing him talk as If she was his when in reality she belonged with him, solely.  However, the atmosphere demanded something else so he closed his eyes, took a whiff in, and bucked up again, a slight smirk playing on his lips,

"I'm in for it", he spoke with pretense, looking dead into Zain's eyes, his own hardening.

____________

"Inaya idhar dekho", Mahrukh asked as Inaya pouted getting annoyed. When was the session going to end? Nonetheless, she did look at her, with a feeble smile adorning her rosy lips.
(Inaya, look here.)

"Ek mere sath bhi!", before she could move Rimsha lunged at her, putting her arms around Inaya's shoulder. A soft giggle escaped her lips and she looked up into the camera, her hazel eyes gleaming beautifully.
(One with me also!)

"Asfandyar?", Asfandyar coughed uncomfortably as he heard his name being called, a smile threatening to form on his lips. What was he doing? He brushed the tip of his nose looking away, eyes craving more but brain refusing.

"Are you okay?", his colleague asked and he waved his hand notifying them he was okay. Sight taking a glimpse towards his left, forgetting to blink for a while as she smiled shyly, the lights making her glimmer, adorning her features.
From when did he start to check girls out? he thought rubbing his chest lightly, which felt strange.
'Maybe from the day you saw her?', his inner self mirrored inciting him to sigh.

'What have you done to yourself, Alam?'

____________

"Rimsha!", Rimsha swiveled to look at Inaya as she heard her exclaim.

"Rimsha..ye", she scrunched her brows when Inaya forwarded her phone to her, she eyed at the screen,

'Zain Calling'

"Han bas iski kami reh gayi thi", she huffed snatching the phone from Inaya's hand and cut the call,

"I told you to block him!", she said peering at  Inaya who looked confused.
(This was waiting?!)

"I was going-"

"Kiya to nahi na, tabhi kar dena chahiye tha", she said placing the phone in Inaya's lap and looked around, trying to locate Asfandyar in the crowd of people,

"Asfandyar Sir nahi aye kiya?", Inaya fidgeted her fingers at his name's mention, taking a peek in his direction. A huff escaped her lips when she saw him involved talking with some people. Unwillingly her eyes raked him once again, the umpteenth time this night and her heart jumped watching him dressed formally, looking graceful as ever. The sober navy-blue suit commending his relentlessly cold eyes. Her intuitions made her look away abruptly when she saw him darting her way, color reaching her ears realizing his fierce stare.
(But you didn't? You should have done it before.)
(Didn't Asfandsar Sir come?)

Was he looking at her? Before she could get straight her thoughts the phone rang again, Inaya peeked at the screen, this time It was an unknown number. She looked up at Rimsha who was still busy finding Asfandyar.

"Hello?", she said meekly answering the call.

"Shukar apne call to uthaya", her eyes dilated discerning his voice.

"Call nahi kaateye ga please! Bas ek baat kehni hai", he bit on her lower lip hearing his utterance.
(Please don't cut the call! I have something important to say.)

"This one is for you, mai sach mein apko bohot pasand karta hun Inaya", Inaya gasped clutching the hem of her shirt as the lights of the hall veered dim. She looked around hearing whispers all around. Luminous limelight emerged at the end of the hall, the chorus of the guitar resonating, making everyone quiet down.
(This one is for you, I like you Inaya.)

'Zara Si dil mein de jagah tu
zara sa apna le bana
Zara sa khawbon mein saja tu
Zara sa yaadhon mein basa'

Shouts and hooting's started as soon as his melodious voice reverberated in the arena. Inaya bolted glimpsing at Rimsha who had her head in her hands whereas Mahrukh's mouth open in surprise. Zain stood at the end of the hall, guitar in his hands, eyes on them, while the spotlight shined on him.

'Mein chahun tujhko
Meri jaan bepaanah
Fida hoon tujhpe
Meri jaan bepaanaha'

Inaya closed her eyes tucking her head low. 'What the hell was he doing?'
A flash of displeasure passed through her face when she opened her eyes to look in his direction, he wasn't there. Did he leave?

'Zara Si dil mein de jagah tu
zara sa apna le bana
Zara sa khawbon mein saja tu
Zara sa yaadhon mein basa'

"For a special someone!", the shouts intensified at his remark causing Inaya's mind to latch. She was smothered.
Inaya stood up abruptly and commenced to move out when Rimsha yanked her hand,

"Inaya ruko! kaha ja rahi?", she ceased for a moment, then revoked Rimsha's hand from her arm.
(Stop Inaya! Where are you going?)

"I can't stay here, mai bahar ja rahi hoon", she said before turning around and both of them stood to leave with her. They had just reached the entrance when all of a sudden darkness engulfed the surroundings followed by wild screams.
(I can't stay here, I'm leaving.)

"Kia batameezi hai yar! Koi light ka system bhi rakha hai inho ney?!", Inaya stood still on her place when she listened to Rimsha blurt in frustration. She couldn't make where she was standing but before she could turn on her flashlight someone bumped into her making the phone fall from her hands.
(What the hell! Don't they have any system for electricity?)

'SHIT!', she grumbled trying to see around but despite the flashlights, she couldn't infer anything. Inaya bend down to pick her phone, she was still struggling when it rang causing her to see it. She stood picking it up, Mahrukh was calling.

"Hello?"

"Hello Inaya? kaha chali gayi yar?"

"I? um..I'm near the entrance"

"Yar ham bhi to wahin kharey hain, esa karo tum parking me aa jao ham bhi wahi jatey", she nodded her head and cut the call. Damn it! She just shouldn't have come.
(Hello Inaya? Where did you go?)
(I? I'm..I'm near the entrance.)
(Where are also standing there, just come to the parking area then.)

_______________

"Inaya are you there?", Inaya looked around analysing her surroundings. It was dark everywhere, just the street light casting a shadow on the road ahead of her.

"Mai..uh Rimsha I guess mai right hone ke bajae left ho gayi", she mumbled taking a deep breath. The road was almost empty, however, she could hear the indistinct sounds of students yelling.
(I..uh Rimsha I think I turned left instead of going right.)

"kia matlab left ho gayi? Parking area ka sign nahi dekha tumne?"

"uh..nahi"
(What do you mean? Didn't you see the Parking area sign?)
(uh..no.)

"Had hai Inaya! Tum wahin ruko ham aa rahey hain", she nodded swatting her forehead on her folly.
She peeped at the beige heels in her feet, they hurt like bitch. That's why she never wore heels. She sighed and gazed at the wall on the side of the street, strolling a little forward when her eyes fell on something scribbled on the wall along with some paintings. But before she could move further she felt a presence behind her. She whipped her head behind but scowled discovering no one.
(Ouff Inaya! Stay there we're coming!)

She was still studying her surroundings when all of a sudden she saw the glints of the venue lightening again, the electricity was back. But since she had walked a bit far, it didn't have any effect on the street she was standing.

'Teri adaa, adaa pe marta main
Wafaa, wafaa si karta kyun
Hadon se hoon guzarta main
Zaraa zaraa zaraa'

A smile adorned her lips despite the situation when the muffled sound of one of her favorite songs came into her ear. Someone had played it in the hall maybe.

"Tum toh darasal saanson ka saaz ho
Dil mein mere chupa jo wohi raaz, raaz ho", she sang along the lyrics glancing at the clear sky above her. Even in the velvet dark, there was the light of the stars. As the light twinkled and the music played, her gape fixated at the stunning moon shining above the horizon. She sought when she felt her senses calm down.

'Tum toh darasal ikk naya noor ho
Mujhme bhi ho zara si zara door door ho'

"Ahhh!", a shriek escaped her mouth when someone pulled her against the nearest wall causing her body to imbalance. She was so engrossed that she didn't notice anyone appearing. But instead of feeling the hardness of the wall, her head landed on something extremely gentle and soft. She scampered shut closing her eyes in panic. Everything happened so briskly that she didn't realize when her hands went to her mouth, covering it wholly.

"Open your eyes", Inaya felt her breath stop when the stiff voice reached her ears. Her legs wobbled as she supported herself against the wall, something behind her head making her comfortable. Just when she felt her fear subside, the strong scent of spicy citrus caused her eyes to flicker open and a soft whimper left her lips when her radiant eyes met with his tantalizing ones.

'Tum toh darasal ishq ho, pyaar ho
Aati mere phasaano mein tum baar baar ho

Inkaar mein jo chhupa hai wo IQRAAR ho'

'Was she hallucinating?', this was the first notion that hit her brain while she tried to keep her racing heartbeat under check. The lyrics of the song resonating in the alley.
But dreams had never felt so natural, her innocent eyes wandered on his rigid face, the dim light making his features darken more than usual. She noticed the distance between them and gulped, a step forward and his shoes would touch her heels.
She blinked trying to clear the murky state of her senses but nearly choked as his deep chuckle entered her ears. She felt her breath hitch as she discovered the dimple on his cheek, which had appeared for less than a second but she was fortunate to notice.

"Bellisima", she peeked around when she heard him murmur in his subtle voice, her heart thumping inside her chest. Her eyes widened when she saw that it was his hand behind her head, the other positioned on the wall beside her. She shut her eyes once again, still waiting for the trance to fade. A moment passed, then another but she didn't feel him budge nor did he say anything else but she could feel his intense stare on her frail figure, making her conscious. She still had her mouth covered with her hands.

"Ms. Salman?"

"huh?", she mumbled opening her eyes on instinct, and the exact moment she saw him moving back, removing his hand from behind her head, carefully placing it against the wall. She felt the warmth vanish around her, the strong spicy scent fading.

She saw him muttering something under his breath and then brushed the tip of his nose turning to the opposite side. She noticed he towered greatly above her despite the fact she wore awfully long heels.

"I'm going to kill him", she looked up at him when he stated, his face turning dismal like usual, tone hardening. She kept staring at him in confusion, her heart beating like hell. She couldn't decipher his words. Was this real?

"Turn down that bastard properly", Inaya released a breath when he spoke again in his profound tone. Her mind still blank, eyes fixated on his features.

"Are you listening?"

"huh?"

"I said turn him down properly!", she shivered closing her eyes as the pitch of his voice increased,

"I swear he's going to regret his presence", he snarled, a bit softer this time, taking a glimpse of her lashes dropping on her cheeks.

"Tum sirf Alam ki ho", his next statement prompted Inaya's brain to process, she reckoned If she had heard wrong but less did she know, her life wasn't going to remain the same anymore, not when she belonged to him.
(You only belong to Alam.)

Bellisima-Very beautiful.

                       🖤

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Hello and Asalam-u-Alaikum Sweethearts!

I hope you're all in your best spirits! May Allah bless you!💫

Ohey! Weekend I said, weekend it is!
So..HOW WAS THE UPDATE SWEETHEARTS?<a long one;)>
I hope you enjoyed reading the chapter! Don't forget to vote!

wese..Asfandyar bhae ye kiya kar rahe ho aap?! dimaag set hai?🤡☠️
Han set hai but shyd writer ka ghoom gaya hai🦧☠️😂🌚

Kherrr, have a nice day ahead! Don't forget to pray and thank Allah for everything! May Allah do better for all of you, Ameen💫

Stay happy, Stay safe💛

P.S
Next chapter as soon as I get time, maybe a week later? or more?☠️
Until then, Allah hafiz💫

Keep Smiling!🌸