Faurah

Chapter 10

I glanced at the menu and occasionally looked up to see Riaz smiling at me which would make my cheeks turn red. My parents agreed to me meeting up with Riaz because they were so worried about Haroon completely ruining my chances at finding a good man. I was surprised when I told them I planned on meeting Riaz and all they said was not to be home too late and to turn my location on.

Fair deal.

I felt awkward sitting there. It wasn't normal to be sitting alone like this with a man who was pretty much a stranger to me. Nevertheless, I felt joy bubbling up inside of me as I thought I could have a fresh start with someone. Maybe having Haroon in my life was a trial for me to surpass and Riaz is the real deal.

I shuffled in my seat and had the feeling I was being watched, not just by Riaz.

"What would you like to eat?" He hummed while waiting for my reply.

"Seekh kebabs are always my go to. I'll probably get them. What are you getting?"

"Hm, I think I'll just have some of yours." He smiled. I hoped he was joking.

"You're funny," I fake a smile. He better order something for himself because I'm not sharing.

"Yeah, I'm not too hungry so I'll just have some of yours." He took my menu out of my hands and placed both mine and his at the side.

I huffed a sigh which he didn't see before he excused himself to go to the toilet.

He can't be serious.

My eyes drifted around the Pakistani restaurant but stopped once my eyes latched on to a pair of familiar black iris'. What the...?

Arfan looked around, fixed his tie and made his way towards me. He stood behind the chair where Riaz was sitting and leaned in. "Come with me."

I pressed my fingers to my temples and massaged gently, "now you're the funniest guy I've spoken to all day. Do tell why I should go with you."

"Because you don't want to be here with Riaz. He has nothing to him. He's got no... no... what's the word?"

"Baggage?"

"No."

"Bad attitude?" I raised a brow.

"No." He furrowed his brows, "he has no substance! That's it."

"Pffffft, he has plenty substance," I said, trying to convince him and myself. "We've had riveting conversations about- about..."

"See, nothing, nada." He smirked, evidently proud of himself.

"Oh Shush, you say it as if you're not the same. I have spoken to you enough to know you don't have a personality. It's just direct orders from you. Oh! I know," I say with a gleeful smile before dropping the act, "you're bossy. That's your special personality trait."

"You'll get to know me, just come with me, Faurah." Hope glittered in his eyes.

"You better skidadle before he comes back, boss." I gave a faux cheer. "Off to sitting back at that table waiting for whoever."

"Waiting for you," he bluntly stated. My heart raced but I knew it was a joke to him. I didn't know him well but I'm sure he's not too far from his brother.

"You're having a giggle," I deadpan. "Besides, you better go, Riaz is coming."

Arfan looked back to see the tall slim figure on his way to sit in a seat. He looked back at with one final look and walked back to his table, across from us where he had a clear view of me.

"Who was that?" Riaz asked.

"No one, no one, take a seat."

He sits down and folds his hands in front me. A new found glint in his eyes as he looked through mine.

"So you want to get married?" He smirked.

I felt uneasy but replied, "yes otherwise I wouldn't be here," I let out a nervous laugh.

His tone turned dark and his words were of pure malice. "Well tough luck, buttercup, Haroon has you on the rishta blacklist."