Azmaish-e-Ishq

Ch. 13: Home Decorating

Heer's P.O.V.

I carefully crossed the beam to Salaar's house and entered his open window after he responded to my text asking if he was awake.

He shut the window after me, "Are you cold?"

I clutched my dupatta tighter around myself as my teeth chattered, still wearing my salwar kameez. The few minutes it took me to get to his room had me shivering on this chilly December night.

He placed his hands on my shoulder, gently sitting me down on his bed. He kneeled and cloaked his comforter around me, gazing at my face after with soft eyes, "Better?"

I nodded cutely like an eager child, earning a soft chuckle from him.

He brought his swivel chair in front of me and took a seat, "What's up? What did you want to talk about at," he tapped the screen of his phone, "11:42 PM?"

"Kamran."

He wet his lips, glancing at me before focusing on the ground. He nodded, signaling for me to continue.

"He came over tonight to meet my parents. Anne found out about him yesterday and invited him. It was sudden... They liked him."

"And then?" he probed quietly, searching my eyes.

"His uncles are going to call Baba. If things go well, then," a shy smile appeared on my lips, "they'll fix a nikkah date."

He froze, staring at my eyes.

My smile faltered as I observed the unreadable expression on his face.

He wasn't happy.

"Nikkah?" he finally uttered.

I nodded slowly, my heart sinking.

Why did he sound so reluctant about it?

I fidgeted with the lace of my kameez, "His father died when he was really young, and he's not in contact with his mum. So his father's broth-"

"You're going to marry Kamran?" he asked, as if none of what I was just saying reached his ears.

"Well, I'm not dating him for fun, Sally..." I spoke softly in a gentle manner, being mindful of how taken aback he seemed. Though, he was good at hiding it.

He stared at me for another few seconds before lowering his gaze to the floor, processing my words.

Was this... hard on him?

"Anne's going to tell Ami about it tomorrow."

He continued peering at the carpet, his fingers slowly balling into fists.

"I told her to wait until I told you. I wanted to tell you first."

I removed the comforter from around me and leaned closer, searching his eyes with concern.

"Sally?" I whispered, placing my hand on his knee.

He looked up at me, "Heer-"

He paused, hesitating with his lips parted.

"Yes?"

He wanted to say something. He was going to share what was running through his mind.

He studied my eyes for a minute until his lips twitched into a small smile, "Congratulations."

"Salaar, what were you thinking about?"

He shook his head, keeping the smile on his lips, "It just- I was just surprised. That's all. You're only 22, and it hasn't been too long since you and Kamran having been dating."