Laazawaal Mohabbat

Chapter 26 : Yours To Cherish

Zunera watched nervously as everybody took the first sip of coffee. Their eyes widened and they all looked at her like she was an alien.

“You didn't like it ?” - she asked anxiously.

“No...” - Jahan'ara said and her heart sank. “I LOVED IT!!!” - Jahan'ara exclaimed gleefully.

Zunera's shoulders slumped as everyone started showering her with praises on her coffee making skills.

“I've tried various high class restaurant's and cafes' coffee but THIS IS JUST...” - Arish couldn't seem to find suitable words to praise her.

“It really does taste fine Zunera.” - Sulaimaan said, raising his mug high in appreciation.

Her heart leaped with joy. She turned to Arbaaz, looking at him expectantly but he only smirked. A secretive smirk that promised he would tell her his opinion in private. Her cheeks heated up and she averted her eyes.

‘This guy is too much!’ - she thought nervously and pleaded with her heart to calm down.

~

“I assure you Shahbano. Kashish will work at SGI. I can't believe Arish did that! And I'll see this accountant who doesn't have time to supervise an internee! If she is so busy than she can leave!”

Aafiya and Shahbano were seated in the main hall of the later's house after dinner where Aafiya got to know about the internship ruckus.

“Do you really think an ordinary employee would have a say in it Aafi ? It's all Arish's doing! I'm sure he already had instructed that girl to refuse. I don't know why your elder son has got an issue with my daughter!” - Shahbano said, shaking her head.

“Even if that's the case, I'll look into it.” - Aafiya said, her jaw set.

“Okay ladies! Brighten up!” - Kashish announced in a cheerful voice as she stepped into the hall with a servant in her wake with a food trolley.

Aafiya and Shahbano automatically smiled at Kashish's chirpy demeanor.

“Do you know Aafi ? She has made Kheer today. With her OWN hands!” - Shahbano told Aafiya, a proud smile on her face.

“Oh my! But you shouldn't be surprised Shano because our Kashish can do anything!” - Aafiya stated.

Kashish dramatically flipped her hair back, making the ladies chuckle, before offering Aafiya Kheer.

Aafiya happily had a spoon and froze. The Kheer had a burnt taste which was dominating it's sweetness. She tried to swallow but her throat refused and she choked.

“Aunty! Are you okay ?” - Kashish asked worriedly.

By now, Aafiya was having tears in her eyes due to the coughing fit and she placed the plate down.

“Kareem! Fetch Water!” - Shahbano shouted, patting Aafiya's back meanwhile Kashish looked on frowning.

‘The Kheer doesn't taste good ?’ - she thought, perplexed.

~

“It's almost 9 Dadi Jaan. I would like to take your leave now.” - Zunera said and Jahan'ara became thoughtful.

“I was thinking Zunera... that you have to go to office anyways in the morning. So why don't you stay the night ?”

Arbaaz perked up at his grandmother's suggestion and looked at Zunera expectantly.

She chewed on her bottom lip. Contemplating. And had just opened her mouth to decline when he caught her eyes. She saw an adamancy, a demand, to stay. And she found herself surrendering.