I'm Right Here

Chapter 2 - "Have you had... 'sex'?"

"He said 'Yes!'" Asfia exclaimed, bounding up the stairs, eager to share her news with Shruthi, who had been patiently waiting in her room.

The two friends couldn't contain their excitement, breaking into an awkward yet joyous dance. "O.M.G! He's even more handsome in person! And it seemed like he couldn't take his eyes off me either... This is going to be amazing!" Asfia gushed to her best friend. "Now, we can have coffee dates, go to movies, attend concerts... Oh, and vacations! I should look at honeymoon spots. Is it too soon for that?"

Shruthi chuckled, trying to temper Asfia's enthusiasm. "Take it easy, girl. Remember, marriage isn't just about romance."

Asfia waved her hand dismissively, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I'll shape my marriage the way I want it to be. And for me..." She placed a hand over her heart and looked upwards before giggling again.

"I understand it's about building a relationship, starting a family, and all that. But I don't intend to have kids anytime soon. So, for at least a few years, why can't it be a fun relationship- like you and I have? Roommates, best friends, and of course, loads of fun." Asfia's laughter filled the room as she continued to revel in her newfound happiness.

Shruthi paused for a moment, her expression growing serious as she inquired, "So, what did you two talk about? Did you happen to take a look at that list I gave you?"

Asfia's eyes widened as she realized she had forgotten about the list. "Oh, that list slipped my mind. I promise I'll read it next time," she replied.

Exasperated, Shruthi facepalmed herself. "There is no next time! You've already said yes!"

Asfia, still caught up in her excitement, clarified, "No, I mean on our next date or something. I should get his number. My parents must have it, right?" She turned to Shruthi for answers, her friend's worry evident.

Asfia was known for her cheerful disposition, always finding the silver lining in every situation and seeing the good in everyone. Although she had experienced sorrow in her life, losing her brother at a young age, she had coped remarkably well, becoming a source of light and strength for her grieving parents.

That night, Asfia had managed to obtain Faisal's number from her mother. Lying in bed, she contemplated sending him a message. Just as she was about to make her move, her phone buzzed, and a smile graced her lips—it was Faisal. She had already saved his number.

"Hey, this is Faisal. Just wanted you to have my number," he texted.

Asfia couldn't help but do a little mental dance.

"And this is mine 😉," she quickly replied.

"Lol," he responded.

She waited anxiously for several minutes, but nothing came. Her heart raced as she impulsively typed, "Do you want to go out for coffee with me?" She hesitated for a moment, regretting her boldness, and swiftly deleted the message, clutching her phone to her chest. Almost instantly, it buzzed again.

"Sure. Let me ask your parents if that's ok," he replied.

Of course, he needed to seek her parents' permission. Asfia's emotions were a whirlwind of excitement, nervousness, and happiness. She had never experienced this mix of feelings before; it was as though her very own love story was unfolding before her eyes.

"Gn," she typed, her heart pounding.

"Gn," he responded promptly.

She opened Wattpad and delved into another story, an arranged marriage between a millionaire and an ordinary girl. Ah! She loved those stories. Faisal might not be a billionaire, but he was the perfect hero for her tale, she thought.