Love Means Sacrifice

Ch. 60: People Love to Talk

Mehwish's P.O.V.

I was in the middle of dinner with Ma when my phone rang. I was hesitant on answering his call in front of her.

"Who is it?" Ma asked after eating a spoonful of rice.

"It's, uh, a, someone from my-my group project," I stammered, "I'll call them back after we're done eating."

"It could be important. Answer it."

I gulped and held the phone to my ear.

"Hello jaan," he greeted me.

Just hearing his voice made me feel warm from inside.

"Hi."

"What are you up to?"

I heard a honk in the background, indicating that he must be driving home from work.

"Oh nothing, I was just having dinner. Did you need any help with the project, Isabel?"

"Isabel?" he chuckled.

I could totally imagine his face as he laughed softly.

"Yes."

"I understand you're busy, babe. I just wanted to hear your voice. I miss you."

My heart was full.

I looked down, trying to suppress my smile, "Me too."

"I love you."

"Me too."

"No, I want you to say it back."

"I can't."

Ma looked at me and I gave her a closed-mouth smile.

"I won't hang up until you say it. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise?"

"I'll come to your house to hear it in person."

My eyes widened, "No!"

Ma's expression turned into confusion.

He sighed playfully, "Then I'm waiting."

"I can't. Maybe next time."

"Alright, then I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Fine! I'll say it," I looked at Ma, "I'll say that part during the presentation."

Zahid laughed.

Suddenly an idea popped into my mind.

"I love you," I quickly pressed the mute button and continued, "for this Isabel! Thanks for letting me do that part instead. I'm more comfortable with explaining that material, so I think it'd be better for the group."

Ma got up to put her dishes in the sink, not thinking anything of what I said. I silently sighed out of relief before unmuting the call.

Ma took off to her room to tend to a group call from her siblings.

"Zahid!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, my jaan," he exhaled lovingly.

He couldn't keep getting away with making me weak in the knees by calling me that, but oh how I've missed it, I didn't even realize.

I sighed, "Nothing. Are you almost home?"

"I'm pulling into my neighborhood. What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Hmm, after classes, not much. Why? Did you want to do something?"

"I was just wondering, babe. I have to go somewhere after work."