Makhfi

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Third person's POV

A few days in the girls have adjusted a bit, not much though. Mahnoor was the most interactive one maybe forced out of habit. Mehrma still was against the idea of staying at the same place as Shahzain. And the most out of the blue was Zunaira who had recently been interacting with only the four walls of her room. 

At night

Shahzain's POV

The air around the haveli felt suffocating, once again. like it had felt since the past few days. Since she arrived. I tried not to stay back at haveli more often then needed, my days were  spent at work while my nights usually were spent out or in the premises of my room.

Not everything needed to be as it was before and I am pretty sure, the relation between Mehrma and me didn't need any upgrades at the said moment. I'm not even sure we stood were we still at the same place where we left of 2 years ago, or we have to restart.

Not when everything I worked for was at stake. Not when the reason we fell apart still stands where it was 2 years ago. 

The air around me clouded as I took a drag of the cigarette. The air clouding my lungs, filling the longing in me. 

Mahnoor POV

I don't know what's wrong with me. I just feel different around Shahvaiz. I know people might find it weird. It is what it is. I've never been able to see him as just a cousin. Still I keep it to myself.

Flashback

The hallway was illuminated by a single bulb, spreading a yellow hue over the area. I walked into the kitchen my slippers dragging against the tiles only to find Shahvaiz aggressively tapping the touch screen of the coffee maker. He looked personally offended by the appliance. Weird!"It's not going to cooperate if you keep hitting it like it owes you money " I said, leaning against the counter.Shahvaiz didn't even look up let out a frustrated sigh. "It's completely unresponsive. I've been trying to get this machine to do something for the past 10 minutes. I think I broke it or it's staging a protest. And I desperately need caffeine.""Just make it on the stove then " I said, reaching for a glass from the cupboard.He finally looked at me a smile on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Right. Because I totally know how to do that. If it doesn't involve a pod and a button my culinary skills expire."Controlling my laugh at this, I turned, turning on the tap to fill my glass. "Seriously? You can't even boil water for coffee?" This twenty something guy had to idea how to make a cup of coffee on the stove?? Where have this society come to.

"Your judging me.' He stated as he leaned back at the counter. "Hey in my defense the kitchen was always a no-go zone for me growing up " continuing as he crossed his arms. "The absolute limit of my expertise is a decent omelet. Anything beyond that is a fire hazard."

"How Shahzain bhai managed to learn though " I countered, tossing him a look. "He can actually manage a kitchen." I have noticed a little about him. He usually did everything by himself. How come 2 sons be totally different?

Shahvaiz rolled his eyes. There was a smirk playing on his lips. "Please don't bring Mr. Perfect into this. The guy does everything at a hundred percent. Whether its running a meeting or being aggressively lazy on a Sunday. It's exhausting to compete with.""Sounds like someone's a little bitter " I teased.He let out a genuine laugh and for a second I forgot about the water glass in my hand. "Maybe a little.. Honestly? He's just wired differently. He's all or nothing. To the rest of the world he's this rigid guy but with family he's ridiculously protective."I smiled, pulling out a saucepan from the lower cabinet. "Move aside. Let the expert handle the stove."A minutes later I handed him a mug of instant coffee. He took it the steam rising between us and gave me a appreciative nod."Thanks, Mahnoor. Seriously " he said, taking a sip."Don't mention it Shahvaiz bhai " I replied smoothly picking up my water glass. I kept my voice casual masking the slight sting of the title as I turned on my heel and walked back, to my room.

Flashback over

Shahvaiz POV

I smiled remembering my earlier encounter with Mahnoor. She effortlessly did everything. I was kind of embarrassed to tell her that I don't know how things work around in the kitchen. But her laugh made me smile. 

I noticed everything she did, how gracefully she did everything, the way her eyes light up just on the mention of her sister, she was genuinely happy that Mehrma got Shahzain as her life partner. I remembered how angry she was on Mehrma the other day , she barely ever gets angry but her anger amused me . Everything was fine until she spoke the word bhai. I know she says that out of respect but it's awkward when the person who you are attracted to ,calls you bhai. Wait......Am I attracted towards her.

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