Orphic

Episode 37.

A low hum of wind rushed past their ears, soft and cool, a small buzz of the breeze escaping tht clutches of tall standing mountains. Crinkle of snow under boots and steaming hot coffees warming hands of the holder.

A choir of screaming and stabbing sounds filled the haveli to the brim, cousins hurdled close together in blankets and pillows sprawled on the floor infront of the huge tv screen. A movie of their time played on its screen and the watchers sat chewing on their popcorn.

".... I'm telling you it's Azra" Shayla argued with Zoya who was shaking her head in no.

"Nahi.... Shayla Azra is a sweet, broken girl. She's not the one." she argued.

"She acts so weirdly, no one's that reserved"

"Wanna bet? Five thousand?" Zoya said turning to her. Shayla looked her up and down and nodded shaking hands with her.

"I'm gonna anyways" Zoya shrugged watching the movie intently.

"Can you both shut up?" Hamza said loudly making the others curse him as well. The two females stuck third tongues outs and continued watching the movie.

"What the hell" she yelled throwing her empty bowl away. "This is not fair" Zoya whined after the real identity of the serial killer was disclosed, which happened to be Azra.

"Hah! I told you. The innocent ones are the major suspects" Shayla cheered.

"Empty that pocket love. Empty it" she grinned at Zoya's glare.

"I don't have any money" Zoya said looking away.

"Don't be sleek I know you got your salary fee days back" Shayla said snatching her phone.

"Give it back to me" Zoya yelled toppling her.

"Give me my money" Shayla demanded.

"I don't have any" Zoya argued.

"Liar"

"Shayla, Zoya" a strong voice stopped them as they looked to be side to find Zahan glaring at them both. With an awkward clearing of their throats they straightened up.

"Stop being obnoxious" he said making him roll their eyes.

"Ask her to pay me and I'll stop" Shayla laid down her arm.

"Zoya" he turned to her making her look at him - snapping out of her embarrassment marathon - questioningly.

"What?" She asked innocently.

"You initiated the bet. Settle it down"

"You're siding with her. It's not my fault I got scammed" she whined making him sigh and shake his head.

"Shayla just let it go." He said making his sister scoff.

"No. You're her husband you pay on her behalf" she smirked as she saw his shoulders tense and her breath hitch beside her.

He turned from his sister to Zoya, she looked away right after meeting his eyes and slipped out of the room silently giving him a grin and thumbs up.

"How much? Five?" He sighed shaking his head. Shayla grinned and nodded. The night had aged and with a few hours left till dawn they all headed back to their respective room.

He entered his room and flopped on his bed exhausted from the busy friday night. It had been almost two weeks and he hadn't witnessed a single day when his siblings or parents hadn't reminded him of who Zoya was to him. His heart didn't forget to skip a beat each time she was mentioned as his wife.