Un-Arranged Love

Chapter 41

Alaya POV

Alex and I had walked to the canteen together. While he went to get our breakfast, I went to find a table for us to sit at. Alex reappeared, carrying a tray of food. I know I said I was hungry, but that didn't explain the overflowing tray. It was enough to feed a family of five. Pain au chocolats, croissants, muffins, toast, fruit, eggs, yoghurt pots, and granola were among the items on the tray.

"Are you trying to make me fat, Alex?" I asked, staring at the tray first, then at him.

"You said you were hungry, right?" he asked, biting into his apple.

"I know I said I was hungry," I admitted. "But how do you think I'm going to eat it all?" I responded with scepticism.

"Oh sorry babe, I wasn't sure what to get so I figured I'd get everything that was halal friendly," he remarked, his tone indicating satisfaction.

I stroked the side of his face, and in an exclaimed tone said, "Oh Alex, you are such a cutie!"

As Alex's schedule for the day differed from mine because he was a second-year student, I would be in separate classrooms from him.

Sculpting, digital media, and printmaking were on my timetable today. I went to my first lesson, which was about digital media. This was exactly what I needed to take part in to especially if I wanted to become an illustrator. There were less students in the class, which was beneficial because it allowed us to receive the teacher's full attention. I was in my element, and I couldn't stop gushing about how Alex was the reason for everything that was taking place. He was the one who pushed me since he believed in me. The lesson had gone by quickly, or so I thought because I was having so much fun. After that, I went to a printmaking class and then a sculpture session.

I couldn't help but feel the separation anxiety. I was missing Alex and I couldn't even text him due to there being no signal. 

We had already agreed to meet at the canteen to eat lunch together. I was seated at a table, air pods in my ears, listening to music, particularly Maroon 5's 'My Hearts A Stereo,' which had recently become one of my favourites. Alex wrapped his arms behind me and hugged me tightly, much to my delight. I could tell his scent from anywhere. I stood up and hugged him properly. I clenched my fists around him and rested my head on his chest.  

"I missed you, my Jaan. Feels like I haven't seen you in forever." I said to him, as I slowly let go of his embrace.

"Me too. Stupid signal problems prevented any of my texts from reaching you. Jaan?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he peered at me.

"Yes. It's means "my special one" in Urdu. Do you not like it?" I asked, waiting to see if his expression would change. It was a term of endearment in Urdu for someone you loved, meaning ''my world'' but I felt too shy to admit this to him.

"Jaaaaannn. Am I pronouncing it correctly?", he asked me in such a cute manner.

"Yes you are."  When I answered him, I couldn't help but giggle. He was trying his hardest to say it properly, bless him.

"I sort of like it. I guess you'll have to teach me Urdu at some point. You don't have any more classes, do you?", he asked.

"Nope, I've finished for the day. I'm all yours", I responded, a huge grin on my face.

"That's great. Let's grab a bite to eat and then go for a walk. I want to capture some photographs for my project", he informed me.

After lunch me and Alex proceeded on our walk. Our afternoon walk was made even better by the fact that the weather was sunny and pleasant, with a light breeze. 

We went to look at various greenery scenes. Alex claimed he was photographing the scenery, but I was in every single one of the shots. I'd hear the clicking sound after he asked me to pick up a flower, or look towards him and smile. I wondered why I was in so many of his photos.

We took a stroll through a lavender field that was in full bloom. As a breeze blew through, the flower's spikes fluttered gently, diffusing their exquisite aroma. The shrubs were perfectly placed next to the lavender plant. When there was a slight breeze, the lavender fields looked like a beautiful purple wave.

I moved ahead of Alex a few paces, taking in the sights, while extending my arms out and spinning. I'd hear 'Click, click, click.' Alex would simply smile at me as I turned around, giving me those all-too-familiar butterflies in my stomach.

We moved on to another field, which was bursting at the seams with vibrant, smiling sunflowers, whose golden warmth radiated across the landscape and appeared to dance in the breeze. Their dazzling golden petals, which resembled the sun, appear to encompass the essence of summer, which we would soon be bidding goodbye to. The natural splendour that surrounded me was magnificent.

Alex POV

Alaya took a couple steps closer to me. I'd been observing her reactions to the surroundings. We had a lot in common, Alaya and I. We both seemed to enjoy the simple joys of life, taking in the natural beauty around us rather than needing to race through life like everyone else.  I needed photos for my project, and I had plenty of them, but the photos I took today were for my own  personal collection of Alaya. Her beauty made the flower-filled fields seem insignificant.

"This place is incredible, Alex. Thank you for taking me on such a lovely walk. I've had a great day soaking in the sights. Have you gotten your photos yet, or should we move on to the next field? "  she inquired, bending in to get a better look at what I'd captured but failing miserably due to her height, as I pulled my camera away from her.

"I got my photographs Alaya. Shall we head back, They'll be serving dinner soon and I know how cranky you get when you're hungry. That Alaya frightens me a little "  I said this while trying hard not to laugh.

"Ha ha. Very funny. Make fun of me why don't you." She replied, attempting to hide her amusement.

We returned to the canteen for our evening meal before heading back to our cabin. Alaya was the first to shower and change into her pyjamas, which featured miniature pizzas all over them, followed by me. 

Alaya had turned on the TV to check if there were any decent shows on. She switched the channel to one that was showing a movie. Oh great a rom-com! Although it was not my favourite genre, Alaya seemed to enjoy it. "What are you watching, Peanut?" I enquired as I towelled dried my hair.

"Oh, Alex, it's one of mine and mum's favourite movies. The film's title is 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days'. Come sit next to me and we'll watch it together," she said, smiling and crossing her legs.

Did she just invite me to sit next to her? It didn't take me long to figure out that I didn't need to be told twice. I tossed the towel in the basket and sat down beside Alaya on her bed. Despite the fact that it was a single bed, we were both able to sit comfortably. Alaya was commenting on each scene, and her laughing at some of them made me chuckle as well. I wasn't a fan of these types of films, but my girl loved them and I loved her. Her reactions to some scenes were very endearing. I could see why she enjoyed spending Saturday evenings with her family watching movies.

I leaned back placing my hands behind my head. I could see Alaya was relaxed as well, because she had rested her head on my chest and placed her arm across my waist, still watching the movie. 

She wasn't holding back. I released my hands from the back of my head and clasped her in my arms, allowing her to rest on me. "Baby, do you want me to change the channel or..." I said quietly as the movie ended, but as I looked down, I saw she had dozed off.

Her arm was still placed around my waist, and she seemed at ease with the proximity. I couldn't bear moving her, so I remained in that position, clutching her. 

We both dozed off into a peaceful slumber.

Hey Lovelies,

It seems to be getting serious for these two. If any one has any suggestion please comment as I would love to hear them. Please vote- S 😴