Azmaish-e-Ishq

Ch. 9: I Love You(s)

Heer's P.O.V.

"Kamran! It's going to twist over and I'm going to fall," I told him as I tried to sit on the horizontal hammock while he held it in place for me.

"Sit and then it'll be balanced-"

I stood up, "No, I don't want to sit there."

He sighed with a smirk, "That's alright, babe." He then sat down in the egg-shaped chair hammock. He pulled me on to his lap, "You can sit with me."

I glanced at the sliding glass doors just as he spoke, "Don't worry. I'll keep a watch on it to make sure no one sees."

I pinched his cheek. He took my hand from his face, lacing our fingers, "About earlier... I was meaning to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"The law firm that I work for has an annual winter event. It's in two weeks. Employees are only allowed to bring one guest. Some lawyers are going to get recognized for their hard work," he lowered his gaze and voice humbly, "I'm going to be awarded for my performance thus far-"

I cupped his cheeks, "What! Congratulations, Kamran! I'm so proud of you! You just joined the firm a few months back and you're already getting an award. This is amazing!"

He lowered my hands as he chuckled, "Thank you, babe. It really means a lot. And it would mean a hell of a lot more if you would like to be my date to the event," he held my palm to his chest, "There's no one I would rather have there more than you. I want to celebrate it with you."

"I would love to, Kamran. I'd be honored."

"Th- Someone's coming," he informed as we spotted a reflection on the glass growing larger.

I quickly stood up just as Api called, "Heer, Kamran, come inside and talk here!"

He followed me to the living room and we squeezed into the sofa beside Haniya. Hina began asking Kamran about his profession as I noticed Haniya was staring at the floor while her friends chatted idly.

I nudged her shoulder, "Everything okay?"

She nodded and my eyebrows furrowed as she turned away from me, tuning into the talks of the girls.

Salaar cleared his throat, lifting his eyes from his phone, "Ami texted. Daniaal and I are going to head home."

"Oh," Daniaal glanced at his phone, "Y-yeah, my mum messaged me too. She wants us to head back."

"What about Api and Umair Bhai?" I asked. "Didn't you guys come in the same car?"

"No. We ended up taking different cars," Salaar clarified, "Api, Bhai, and Hina have plans after this."

Api spoke, "Unless you want to go to our house and rest, Hina. You can hang out with Salaar and Dan-"

"Actually, I think Chachi wants us to pick up some things for dinner tonight," Daniaal answered.

The boys bid everyone farewell before leaving. The rest of us stuck around for a few more hours.

Salaar's P.O.V.

It was nearing 11 PM. I had turned in for the night after spending time with my relatives. Sat in my pajamas, I was listening to music with earbuds and drinking coffee while writing in my journal.

Suddenly, an earbud was yanked out of my ear.

"What is with you?!" Api exclaimed.

I hadn't heard her come in.

"I've been knocking and I knew you weren't sleeping because I saw you take coffee to your room."

"I didn't hear you knock," I turned back to my desk, but Api rotated my swivel chair to face her. "What?"