𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

فطرتِ عشق ۱۱۔

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing~

-Henry Ford

After Murtaza had left, Daneen came in their room, brimming with excitement for the upcoming dinner. She aimed to appear special herself and create a memorable evening. Evident happiness graced her countenance, a slight smile adorning her lips, as she perused her walk-in closet in search of the perfect dress. Ultimately, she selected two options: one in red and the other in black. She found herself torn.

"Ugh... I adore black, yet I'm equally fond of red, what-"

She mused aloud, but her contemplation was interrupted by the ringing of her mobile phone.

It was an unknown number.

Typically, she refrained from answering unknown calls, yet on this day, she made an exception. This decision would soon become her second most significant mistake of the day.

She was taken aback as the voice on the other end turned out to be the last person she expected – Ayaan.

"Daneen, it's Ayaan!"

Daneen glanced at the caller ID, realizing that he must have figured out she had blocked him and was now calling from a different number.

"Hey Ayaan, how are you doing!"

she replied, her tone hesitant.

A conversation reluctantly began.

"I'm not doing well. Nimra cheated on me. I've broken off the engagement. Can we meet up??"

Ayaan sounded vulnerable, and the news of Nimra's betrayal left her shocked and at a loss for words.

"Daneen, you're my only friend. I really need you right now, at this crucial moment in my life,"

Ayaan expressed, and Daneen, making her biggest mistake of the day, agreed.

"Let's meet at the cafe near your house, in half an hour!"

Ayaan requested, and Daneen ended the call. Life was tossing unexpected challenges her way, and she sensed that Ayaan was going to bring trouble.

________

"Can I use the car from the porch, aunty? My friend has an emergency,"

Daneen asked Guljaan, who was seated on the sofa engrossed in a soap opera.

"Sure, yeh bhi koi poochne waali baat hui bhala?!"
(Of course, is this even a question?!)

Daneen gave her a small smile and grabbed her bag before heading out. Once settled in the car, she messaged Murtaza – after all, it was his car.

Murtaza, I'm taking your Civic. I need to meet a friend.

___________

Sometimes the person you'd take a bullet for ends up being behind the gun~

- Tupac Shakur

Upon entering the restaurant, Daneen spotted Ayaan occupying a corner table. She quickly took a seat across from him, eager to address matters promptly.

"I truly am sorry, for youAyaan,"

she sincerely offered.

"What happened, though?! You two seemed happy during your engagement!"