SACRED DECEPTION

19 || Blood ||

Sufian's pov~

The chamber was filled with the
moonlight coming inside through the open windows, looking like a silver cascade in the air before kissing the floor tenderly, like a lover's caress.. painting the canvas with the glow of tranquility, making the floor look deeply in love with the light ⸻ embracing it like no other, as if the night itself is whispering secrets to the room.

In between this, my gaze focused on Tahir's hands as they moved with so much grace that spoke years of familiarity with the ritual which he was performing. He poured the amber liquid in the first tumbler before moving to the next, filling them up with gleaming golden content.

As alcohol filled the tumblers, sense of happiness erupted inside my body.. remembering the events that carried significance and led us here ⸻ sitting across the table at dinner time with alcohol for celebration waiting for us, as the silence between us stretched for long.

He knew I was feeling content with the announcement of their marriage, and for confirmation.. my face and the alcohol plan said it all.

But which brother wouldn't? Tahir is the perfect match for my little Aayat.
Who still believes herself to be an outsider, while I fail in every attempt in persuading her that she couldn't be more integrated than this ,for she is already in my heart.

A sigh escaped my lips at this thought and then Tahir extended the vessel in my direction, after taking it.. with measured gaze.. I transferred my attention to him, only to find his face void of any emotion.

No excitement
No flicker of anticipation
No happiness ⸻ nothing.

Just his normal stoic expression, which made me want to dive into his deep sea of thoughts and figure out what was going in his mind, to figure out if he was okay with the marriage, or just agreed because of mother.

" Do you find happiness in the confines of this marriage proposal, Tahir? " I suddenly found myself asking the question which was the result of the concern I feel for him.

For the very first time in hours, he actually looked at me.

" Why wouldn't I, hm? " He said and gulped down a generous portion of the liquid in one go.

" Because the announcement was all sudden. " I embarked. " And as much as I am happy with the prospect of welcoming you in our family, I'm finding it hard to overlook that you didn't actually say anything other than an agreement- "

" Was he not already a part of our family, bhai jaan? " My words were abruptly cut off by Amir's question as he strode in the room with Nasir, a mischivious grin adorning his features.

He settled down on the edge of the sofa, where Tahir was already seated.. while Nasir took a seat beside me.

" See Tahir, Your bestfriend.. ! Never considered you a member of our family. Its so heart aching na? " With this, Amir elevated his hand, and then with delibrate grace, laid his palm on Tahir's chest, right above his heart before continuing, " I can feel the pain of your crying heart Tahir, my friend.. trust me I can. "

Amir dramatically inclined his head before shaking it, all the while.. keeping his palm anchored at the same place. While on this.. Tahir's lips thinned in a straight line, his tumbler poised mid air in his hand. His face revealing his inner emotions, which were.. ' what the fuck is wrong with him!? '

On the other hand, my facial expressions clearly stated, ' nothing is wrong with him, he has always been like this. '

" Sometimes you and your words make no sense " Nasir's voice rang out and then his chuckle danced in the air. Leaning forward, he grabbed the bottle and poured himself the amber liquid with same grace as Tahir.