Make Me Yours

Chapter 10

As Tasha and Hamza made their way to the parking lot, Ashar couldn't help but feel a mixture of concern and irritation. He had been genuinely worried when the HOD couldn't find Tasha, and now he had to address the issue.

When they reached the parking lot, Ashar, with his usual calm and composed demeanor, took a step closer to Tasha, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

"Tasha," he began, his voice low but stern, "Do you realize how reckless and irresponsible that was? You fell asleep on the stage without a care in the world. You are outside and there were males all around. Also, your phone was on silent. Have you lost your mind?"

Tasha's eyes met his, and she felt a rush of emotions—guilt, embarrassment, and something she couldn't quite put her finger on. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Professor Ashar. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Ashar's gaze softened just a fraction, but his tone remained firm. "I know you didn't intend to, but it's crucial to be responsible, especially given your position as a student. You represent the university, and such behavior can have consequences."

Tasha hung her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She knew he was right, but she couldn't help feeling overwhelmed by his presence and his scolding.

"And another thing," Ashar continued, his voice taking on a possessive edge, "Some crew members were trying to misbehave while you were asleep. However, do not worry! No one knows and I will take strict action against them. It's unacceptable, and I won't tolerate such behavior."

Tasha's eyes widened in surprise as she heard him talk about the crew members. She felt a strange mix of vulnerability and protection in that moment, as if Ashar was a shield against the world.

"I'll make sure to address that as well," he added, his gaze unwavering. "But you must promise me, Tasha, to be more responsible in the future. You're not just anyone; you're representing your family and the university."

Tasha nodded again, her earlier embarrassment giving way to a sense of determination. "I promise, Professor Ashar. I'll be more careful from now on."

Ashar's expression softened as he heard her promise. He nodded and gestured towards the car that the HOD was sitting in and waiting for her. "Good. Now get inside. He has been waiting for some time now."

As they all got into their respective cars, Ashar couldn't shake the feeling that his emotions were becoming entangled with Tasha's. His protectiveness and dominance were becoming more pronounced, and he found himself wanting to keep her safe, even if it meant scolding her now and then.

……………….

As the days passed and mid-term exams drew closer, Tasha couldn't help but feel the mounting pressure. Her determination to excel in her studies was fueled by the desire to impress Ashar, who had captured her heart. She knew that doing well in her exams would not only secure her future but also gain his attention and admiration.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Tasha found herself immersed in her study notes in the university canteen. Her concentration wavered as she stole glances at Ashar, who sat at a nearby table with his colleagues. She admired his dedication to his work and couldn't help but feel drawn to him.

Ignoring the warning signs that her phone's battery was running low, she continued to study, convinced that she could push herself a little further. Unbeknownst to her, Ashar had been observing her from across the room, his stern gaze never leaving her.

As the minutes turned into hours, Tasha's phone battery finally gave out, plunging her into a state of panic. She had relied on her phone to keep track of time, and now, she had no way of knowing how late it was. An overwhelming sense of dread washed over her as she realized that she might have missed lunch at home.

With a rush of adrenaline, Tasha gathered her belongings and made her way toward Ashar's table, her steps faltering with each approaching moment. She needed to ask Hamza for a favor—a charger for her phone. But she also couldn't shake the feeling that Ashar might not appreciate her intrusion.

Tasha approached Ashar's table, her voice trembling slightly as she addressed Hamza. "Hamza Bha- I mean Sir, I'm really sorry to bother you, but my phone died, and I need a charger. I lost track of time while studying, and I'm afraid I might have not informed my mother."

Ashar, who had been engrossed in a conversation with Hamza and Ali, suddenly turned his steely gaze upon Tasha. His expression was a mixture of irritation and dominance. He had been observing her persistent advances, and while he had grown somewhat accustomed to her attention, her carelessness in losing track of time irked him.

In a low, commanding voice, he replied, "Tasha, you should have been more responsible."

Tasha's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she stammered an apology. "I'm really sorry, Professor Ashar. I'll find a charger elsewhere."

Without another word, Ashar turned his attention back to his friends, effectively dismissing Tasha. Her heart sank as she retreated, chastened by his dominant response. She had expected him to be strict, but she hadn't anticipated the depth of his control.

"Wait, wait! She wasn't asking you, man! She was talking to me!" Hamza's voice was filled with concern as he gently intervened.

"Here, take my phone and call your driver. I don't have any charger at the moment." His words were delivered with a genuine kindness. Hamza's caring nature shone through, and his brotherly instincts were always at the forefront when it came to her.

He had been observant, taking note of her actions and mannerisms. Additionally, his cousin, who was married to Tasha's relative, had spoken fondly of her, further solidifying Hamza's impression of her remarkable personality.

After making the call, Tasha left the canteen, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. While Ashar's dominance had left her flustered, it also fueled her determination to prove herself to him. The upcoming mid-term exams became her focus once again, but this time, she was determined to excel not just for her own sake but to earn his respect and approval.

Little did she know that Ashar, too, was wrestling with his own feelings. His dominant nature was a reflection of his inner turmoil, as he struggled to balance his role as a professor with his growing attraction to Tasha. The tension between them continued to simmer, waiting to ignite into something neither of them could control.

As Tasha returned home, her heart was heavy with the memory of her earlier encounter with Ashar. Little did she know that the shock of her life awaited her within the walls of her own home.