Laazawaal Mohabbat

Chapter 7 : Sulaimaan Group Of Industries

Arbaaz was restless.

And restless, to the point of panicking.

Last night, he had wanted to tell Zunera how he feels about her but she had run away. Her blush had at least let him known that he won't be at the receiving end of her slap if he expressed his feelings. But then they had gotten busy in the wedding and he thought he'll talk to her in the morning.

And that's where the problem was.

He didn't see her on breakfast nor anywhere else ever since. The last time he had seen her was hugging Shanaya when she was bidding farewell to her family and left with her in-laws.

‘Where are you!’ - he thought, running a hand through his hair.

He spotted Shanaya's mother and decided to ask her.

“Aunty...” - she turned to him with a gentle smile on her face. “Have you seen... Zunera ?” - he asked a little conscious because she could think that why was HE asking.

“She left for Ajmer an hour ago. I wanted her to stay for the reception but she said her cafè owner won't give her off for long.” - she told and he froze.

Zunera left ?

He felt the air in his lungs leaving as well.

He couldn't even tell her he had fallen in love with her. He didn't know where she lived in Ajmer. God! How will he find her now ?!

‘...she said her cafè owner won't give her off for long...’

The words rang in his head and a smile appeared on his face. Wasn't he quite fond of coffee ? He should try out the latte of all the cafes in Ajmer.

Putting his sunglasses on, he headed to the room for packing.

~

Around 10, Zunera reached Ajmer by train. She took an autorickshaw to Sahara and quickly made her way inside. Her shift at cafe would start from 11 so she wanted to be there on time. Although, Inaya had assured her that she had a volunteer who'll work as her substitute but she didn't like to put her burden on others. That too for long. That is why, she had told Shanaya last night that she won't be able to stay for the reception. Her friend had been a little sad but understanding nonetheless.

“Good morning Ms. Kethy!” - she greeted the old lady warmly.

“Arreyy Zooni! Morning. You're back early.” - Ms. Kethy said, smiling.

“Yeah. Because of the job.” - she replied, ignoring the little voice in her brain who whispered something about gray eyes.

“Oh! I just remembered, when you were gone, a man had come asking for you. The same man who had left you here twenty years ago.” - Ms. Kethy informed.

Zunera stilled. The man who had left her here... why did he want to meet her ? After all these years ? Tears prickled at the back of her eyes but she held back.

“I'll get late for the cafe. See you in the evening.” - she excused herself to get ready.

15 minutes later, she returned to find a man standing, talking with Ms. Kethy. But by the looks of it, the conversation looked heated.

She cleared her throat and he turned towards her. He was looking around 42-43. Gray stubble on his face. He was wearing a brown kameez shalwar. His appearance was normal, but the look on his face wasn't. His eyes were cruel. There was no other word for it.

“Zunera Anwar ?” - his voice was cold as he completely turned towards her.

“Yes.” - she replied calmly.