Make Me Yours

Chapter 7

For the next two weeks, an interesting routine developed. Tasha would discreetly bring something for Ashar and then vanish as quickly as she had appeared, leaving behind a tantalizing aroma and a sense of intrigue. It became a daily ritual, the unopened offerings sitting on Ashar's table, tempting his senses but never reaching his lips. Instead, it was Hamza and Ali who eagerly indulged in the treats, their appetites seemingly insatiable.

After these 2 weeks, she found herself at her taya jaan's oldest son's wedding. Her attire was a symphony of elegance — a black anarkali adorned with golden accents, a graceful hijab of shimmering gold, and a black net dupatta draped gracefully over her arms. She looked nothing short of enchanting, a delicate blend of tradition and modernity.

As the wedding celebrations neared their end, a cheerful photoshoot engulfed the venue with a flurry of bright lights and joyful laughter. In the midst of the lively commotion, Hamza's attentive eyes caught a glimpse of Tasha. The scene was both simple and deep — Tasha was seated in a corner, openly relishing a few plates of food. Her charming expression and unreserved enjoyment held Hamza's attention.

Driven by curiosity, Hamza felt an irresistible urge to learn more about this intriguing girl. Approaching the groom, he casually inquired about the unidentified diner. A smile of amusement played on Hamza's lips as the groom revealed Tasha's identity, portraying her as his cousin. Hamza felt amazing after getting to know Tasha a little from the groom— she was described as someone who embodied modesty, down-to-earth qualities, and authenticity. In a world often blinded by materialism, such qualities were indeed rare gems.

A newfound sense of approval bloomed within Hamza, not only for Tasha but also for the possibility of her connection with Ashar. The idea of her entering Ashar's life appeared more favorable now, like a missing piece fitting seamlessly into a larger picture.

As the night came to an end, all the cousins from both sides decided to go for an outing. Tasha and Zeni also wanted to go but their mother, Asma was against them going so late at night. Now that her husband was out of the country, she was extra protective of her daughters. So, she forbids them from going. Tasha being the spoilt one, she decided to just sneak out without her mother noticing. Zeni complied with her mother without a second thought. 

With determination, Tasha stormed away, driven by rebellion. A rush of feelings guided her steps, yet she wasn't prepared for the stern presence that awaited her at the entrance.

The sight of Hamza, his gaze a mixture of sternness and concern, halted her in her tracks. Her voice trembled as she addressed him, her words laced with nervousness that betrayed her intentions.

“Ap yaha kiya kr rahay hain hamza bhai? (Hamza bhai, what are you doing here?)” She asked with nervousness as she thought he will tell her mother about Ashar and how she was trying to interact with him. Her mother will go all Hulk on Tashi so she got scared and timidly asked. 

“Go back inside! Didn’t your mother just tell you that you are not allowed to go?!” He asked sternly

“But…” Tasha's lower lip jutted out in a cute pout, a fleeting expression of innocence that contrasted with her rebellious intent. She hesitated, caught between her desire to enjoy the night and the fear of her mother's wrath. 

 “Ander jati ho ya aunty ko tmhari harkaton ka baton university main? Btaon Ashar ka? K kesay meray masoom dost ko phasa rhi ho? Btaon? (Are you going inside or should I tell your antics to your mother about the university? Should I tell her about Ashar? How you're trying to trap my innocent friend? Should I?” Hamza's voice cut through her plea, mock seriousness tinging his words.

“Nhi nhi, please! Allah ka pakka wada nhi jaon gi cousins k sath. Please mama ko nhi btana (No, please! I promise, I won't go with the cousins. Please don't tell Mama.)” Tasha's eyes widened in genuine fear, her voice trembling as she pleaded with him. 

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, a raw vulnerability that tugged at Hamza's heart. His stern facade wavered, replaced by a soft nod and a gesture towards the hall where her mother stood.

Tasha's response was a mixture of a pout and teary eyes as she reluctantly retreated, her emotions a mix of relief and disappointment.

With Tasha's departure, Hamza found himself smiling, a genuine warmth enveloping him. He watched her disappear into the hall, a sense of fondness settling in his heart. His convictions solidified — Tasha's genuine spirit, her softness, and her vulnerability made her a perfect match for his friend Ashar.

The stars above seemed to wink conspiratorially, their twinkling light illuminating a path that fate had set in motion. A bond, mysterious and uncharted, was forming between Tasha and Ashar, guided by the threads of destiny that neither could fully comprehend.

……..

The next day, the university was buzzing with excitement as the welcome party drew closer, only two days away. Tasha felt a flutter of excitement, even though she wasn't joining any planned activities. Being a social person, she loved the idea of a fun gathering. Tasha had a hidden talent for singing, but she kept it a secret because her mom had firmly told her not to sing.

Finally, the evening of the party arrived, making the campus come alive with celebration. Tasha wore a simple yet pretty silk dress and a white scarf on her head. She looked lovely without wearing high heels. Her friends and sister Zeni wore heels and looked taller than her.

As Tasha moved through the crowd, a few of her classmates couldn't help but exchange giggles about her petite stature. Yet, they also couldn't deny her beauty, with admiring glances cast in her direction. Unbeknownst to her, some boys secretly noticed her, captivated by her charm. Tasha remained oblivious to the attention she was garnering from the opposite gender.

Zeni, Tasha's vigilant and caring sister, had a keen eye for any potential admirers. She was always on guard, ready to shield her sister from any undue attention. Zeni could easily discern when people were casting appreciative glances at Tasha. With a protective demeanor, she would shoot them stern looks as if to say, "That's enough."

Amidst the festivities, Ali's attention was drawn to Zeni's presence, implying that Tasha was also in attendance. Ali playfully nudged Hamza, who followed Ali's line of sight to catch sight of Tasha. A mischievous idea sparked in Hamza's mind, and he couldn't resist the urge to add a touch of playful teasing into the mix.

Teachers were actively engaged in assisting students as they navigated their way to their designated seats. Hamza seized this opportunity to infuse some good-natured humor into Ashar's day.

“Professor Ashar!” He called from a distance. Ashar's gaze shifted toward Hamza, his expression a mix of amusement and slight exasperation. He was all too familiar with Hamza's playful antics and braced himself for what was to come. 

“Yes PROFESSOR hamza?!” Ashar said while raising an eyebrow, his tone laced with good-natured sarcasm.

“Ah, yes, esteemed PROFESSOR Ashar. Just thought you should know, the students from THAT department have made their grand appearance.” With an exaggerated sweep of his hand, Hamza theatrically indicated the direction where Tasha was seated. His expressive eyes sparkled with mirth, and he waited for Ashar's response.

Ashar responded by rolling his eyes in mock exasperation. Despite Hamza's antics, he remained focused on his task of guiding the students, determined to carry on without getting sidetracked by the playful banter.