In Love with Neighbour

Chapter 8

Today the Sheikhs were having a get together at their place. As Samaira will be going tomorrow, the relatives living in New Zealand were going to come today to meet her. Obviously the Khans were invited too. Hafiza, Zara and Ayesha had come over to help Farida. Zaif was helping Sahil with the chair settings in the backyard.

All day long Zain had kept himself occupied with studies. It was Saturday and he had to make an excuse to avoid Samaira at all costs. Even though he had spent the last whole week around her, he knew he wouldn't be able to control himself in front of her today. He didn't know what he might end up doing in front of her. So, he went to the library to study, but his mind kept drifting off to Samaira.

Similar was the case with Samaira. As much as she wanted to see him right now, she didn't want to admit it. She was also busy with works, so the day passed.

In the evening all the relatives came. Samaira had worn a light pink kurta which went down till her knees. She was also wearing a matching scarf, a pearl bracelet and a white woolen oversized cardigan. She was not a fan of heavy make up. So, she only applied kohl and lipstick. She really didn't have the energy to deck up.

Only close relatives were invited. There were few of Samaira's uncles, aunts and cousins who lived in New Zealand, Ayesha and her family were there too. Most of them were in Pakistan. The Khans were familiar with the Sheikh's relatives. So, all got along well. All of them were giving many advices to Samaira and were really proud of her.

Samaira was standing at a corner inhaling the cozy scene in front of her, when Sahil came and side hugged her,

"Whatcha thinking?"

She released a deep breath,

"Just that....I'm going to miss all of this!",
She indicated the surroundings.

"Come on Sam! You're not going away for eternity, you'll be back after 2 years InShaAllah! You better be!", he fake glared at her.

She chuckled,

"InShaAllah I will."

"Come on everyone, dinner is served!", Farida called.

All went for dinner when the bell rang,

"I'll check," Samaria opened the door and saw the person she had been dying to see all day.

Little did she know that his feelings mirrored her.

Even though Zain had been avoiding her all day, he knew he had to see her. So he came to the dinner. He was late, but he came. Samaira knew he would come. She was sad that he was late, but at least he came! They were staring at each other for a few seconds. His grey eyes against her hazel ones. Zain couldn't take his eyes off her, she looked like an angel. So innocent and beautiful.

"Hey! Assalamualaikum! Why are you so late?", Sahil came and bro-hugged him.

This made them both look away. Samaira was happy for this interference, she was sinning!

"Walaikumassalam. Yeah, sorry. I didn't realise how time passed away while at the library," he gave a sheepish smile.

"Areh, Zain dear! You're here! Come come, have dinner first," no one can escape from Farida's feeding obsession!

They all had dinner together. Zain obviously got many scoldings from Hafiza for being so late.

After dinner, the youngsters were sitting in the lawn and chatting. There were some of Samaira's cousins too.

"So, you're going to stay at Hamid chachu's place, right?", Fatima, one of Samaira's cousins asked,

"Yeah," she replied with a tight lipped smile.