Dastoor-e-Dil (ON HOLD)

9

Hayah POV

Two weeks later

I had no idea what to do after my housejob ended but I didn't want to remain idle, so I started working at this clinic nearby part time in the evening. I had been going there for a week and it felt nice to practice medicine again.

My timings were 2pm to 7pm so it was nothing crazy and my parents were satisfied with it. It didn't hinder with helping Fatima's wedding planning as well.

Speaking of Fatima's wedding, I've been having to face Saleh quite a few times but I have been successful in ignoring him and pretending like he doesn't exist. So far, my plan has been successful.

Anyway, I got off early from the clinic today, as Dr. Imran had to close up early due to a commitment, so I just got myself a cup of chai from the dhaba nearby and started drinking it in the car whilst scrolling on reels.

I was enjoying my "me" time when I got a call from my mother asking me to home as she has a surprise. I love my mother, I really do, but I don't love her surprises. Reciting bismillah, I drove the car home, to find another car that I didn't recognize parked in the driveway.

I got out of my car and as I neared the main door, I heard the collective voice of a laughter. One of the voices inside sounded familiar but I couldn't exactly put my finger on who exactly it was. Realizing that the only way I'd figure out who it is was by walking inside, so I did.

And as soon as I did, I was hit with nostalgia, I could see Rehman Uncle and Soha Aunty sitting in the drawing room along with a grumpy Saleh who didn't seem the slightest bit amused with everything that was going on. No one had noticed me coming in, so I decided to sneak upstairs, take a shower, and then come back downstairs, but fate wasn't on my side as I heard my mother say,

"Hayah beta is that you? I can see your white coat"

Busted! My mom quite literally called me out. Swallowing my embarrassment, I walked inside, I knew I looked disgusting, with my sweaty scrubs and my hair tied in a disgusting messy bun, not those cute ones you see on social media. because we had an outreach medical camp and I was sitting outside in the sun for 3 hours today.

"Assalam Alaikum Uncle and aunty, how are you guys?", I said

"Walaikum Assalam", they both echoed out

"Mera baccha, it's been so long since I've seen you", Soha Aunty got up and hugged me. I was about to walk away but she made me sit next to her.

"Beta, Saleh kou bhi Salam karo", my mom instantly put me on the spot, I was supposed to ignore him but now everyone was looking at me, so I had to,

"Assalam Alaikum Saleh bhai", I said

I have never called this guy bhai in my life, ever. I don't know why it slipped out of my mouth but everyone was shocked looking at me, even Saleh. He quickly mumbled a Walaikum Assalam and then we sat in a semi awkward silence that I broke by saying that I needed to go freshen up.

I, quickly, made my way upstairs away from everyone and took out a pair of comfy sweatpants and a sweatshirt. It was the mid of November, so we were in the hot days but cold nights time of Lahore. After about 15 minutes under the boiling hot shower, I got out, blow dried my hair and changed. I got downstairs, and started helping the house help with dinner preparation, because I could not face everyone.

Once everything was all done, I went to the drawing room to call everyone to the dining room, but Saleh wasn't there,

"Hayah, meri bachi, Saleh is in the lawn, he had a call to attend, why don't you go call him?", Soha aunty asked me

I was literally in a position where I couldn't say no, so I just nodded and went outside into the lawn, I could see a tall dark silhouette pacing around in the lawn, he was furiously typing something on his phone.

I cleared my throat to get his attention, but that didn't work out, so I called him,

"Saleh, please come inside for dinner"

He instantly looked up from his phone, dangerously maintaining eye contact with me, he then started slowly walking towards me and with basic survivor's instinct I started walking backwards.

I didn't know what he was doing but I didn't want any confrontation. I kept walking backwards until I hit a wall, panicking, I looked to my side to escape but it was too late. Saleh had reached up to me, with his hands on either side of me, not letting me escape and his height towering over me.

"Bhai kisko bola?", he said in a low voice

"Huh?", I didn't understand what he meant by that

"For the past two weeks, you pretended like I didn't exist, even though we saw each other, every single day, lekin chalo manzoor hai, but let me make one thing completely clear to you", he said now almost whispering leaning in close to my ear

"I am not your bhai, never ever call me bhai again. Is that clear?", he said looking at me in the eyes

"Crystal", I gulped out

"Okay, ab what were you saying pehle?", he asked slowly backing off giving me space to breathe

"Dinner lag gaya tha, I was sent to call you", I said

"Okay, you go inside, I'll come after you", he replied

Turning around, I took 3-4 full deep breaths and then walked back inside, I could see Soha aunty and mama standing in the dining room window with a teasing smile looking at me, at first, I didn't understand, but then I realized, they saw my entire exchange with Saleh.

Fuck my life.

AHAHAHAH SALEH GOT BHAI-ZONED. HAPPENS TO THE BEST OF US LMAOOO.

Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed reading this chapter, if you did, please vote, comment, and follow. I love y'all MWAHHHH!!