Naina (Al-Ameen Family #4)

Reconnect

Some cute nonsense happening in this chapter. Apologies to all the single cringles, I stand in solidarity with you 😂 Enjoy! 

Armaan left after Maghrib, promising to text me later. He did, letting me know that some outfits would be delivered to me tomorrow morning for the evening's festivities; it was the haldi and mehendi. He had asked Safiyana to invite me, which she agreed to do without much trouble.

Although Armaan was busy for most of the day, he made the time to send me a text here and there, checking in. I arrived at their house in time for the festivities to begin. His mom was standing at the door with Safiyana's mom and Safiyana. His mom looked confused at seeing me initially, probably wondering where she remembered me from, but thankfully Safiyana stepped in.

"You guys remember Naina, my friend? She and Nazeeha have become good friends too, so I invited her, hope that's okay?" she turned her dazzling charm on the older women.

"Of course darling," her mom said, welcoming me in with a hug. Safiyana led me into the backyard where the all the guests were mingling and eating under a large tent. I spotted Armaan easily, in his yellow outfit and black sunglasses from yesterday.

I had to work really hard to avoid grinning like a loon at him. Safiyana deposited me down beside his sister Navsheen, and her little baby boy. Armaan had forgotten to share the news about his nephew's birth with me it seemed.

She let me hold him, his big eyes staring up at me. "He's just perfect," my voice was barely a whisper as I stared down at the baby in adoration. "Mashallah."

"Hey." I looked up to see Armaan sitting down in front of us. "Naina right?" he smirked. His sister rolled her eyes at his poor attempt at humour.

"Whatever happened between you two?" she asked, looking suspiciously between us.

Shit, we never talked about what we'd tell them. I quickly started talking before Armaan got us in any trouble. "I got really busy with work and we kind of lost touch. But I was in Dubai for work again and happened to hear from Safiyana with an invite."

It was only half a lie.

"Well, I'm glad to see you after so long Naina. Maybe you two can reconnect," she looked between us seemingly joking but her eyes were alert.

Armaan let out a weird snicker slash cough at her words. We all looked up at him.

"Swallowed my mint," he lied very unconvincingly.

"Watch him for one minute will you Armaan?" Navsheen stood up. "I'm going to use the bathroom while he's calm."

When she walked away, Armaan turned his phone towards me. He'd taken a picture of me and the baby from across the room.

"Don't let anyone see that," I warned.

"You look so good," he nudged my knee with his. "Want to go on a walk?" he raised one eyebrow mischievously.

"Good God Armaan, stay far away from me or we are going to get caught in seconds," I begged.

His nephew started fussing and Armaan took him from me, standing up. "Okay fine, I'll text you later to meet me. Let's get him to his dad now." 

I have to bite my lip to hold back a smile. "Looking forward to it."

I stayed in my spot once the haldi ceremony started. Family members went up one by one to apply haldi (turmeric) on Nazeeha's arms and legs.

Nazeeha gestured for me to come up as well, and I did hesitantly. Armaan's sister and cousins were so friendly and open though that any awkwardness I had left me instantly. I was still terrified of his mom though. Anytime she met my eyes, she just looked like she was seeing something on my face I couldn't see.