A Contracted Alliance

4

Zara came back from her meeting and informed Parisa about her deal with Ahmer Ghazi, and his idea of setting her and Kabeer up together because they both needed help desperately. Parisa was convinced, she was a businesswoman and right now this deal was negotiable and beneficial for her. She agreed for a meeting with Kabeer Malik, and Zara texted Ahmer.

Ahmer came back to Malik's office and discussed with Kabeer the outcomes of his meeting with Zara Anwar, his best friend was impressed and agreed to meet Parisa. Ahmer decided the venue and arranged a formal dinner date for Kabeer and Parisa, he then went on informing Zara about his plans. He asked Zara to come along because he was coming as well, so they could give company to their boring friends.

In the evening,

Kabeer and Ahmer reached the restaurant and sat on their booked table. "What am I supposed to say to her? " Kabeer ask his friend nervously, while Ahmer just lightly patted his back and said, "just inform her about your deal, it's not like you are marrying in real. It's just paper marriage, don't tell me you are nervous?" Ahmer casually joked, while they were talking Parisa and Zara came in, Ahmer waved his hand and Zara waved back.

The girls went on joining them, they all sat and Zara introduced herself to Kabeer, and he nodded. Ahmer tried to ease the tension, "you both can talk to each other while me and Zara will move to the other table." Ahmer asked Zara to accompany to the other table and she happily agreed, they both left their friends alone, giving them privacy.

After sitting, Zara asked him if it was a good idea to set them up, " I just want my friend to take over his business and you want the same for your boss." Ahmer replied looking thoughtfully towards his friend's table. "Anyways, leave all this. Tell me what would you like to eat?" Ahmer asked enthusiastically to Zara while she was confused looking at the menu. "I never had any of these dishes so I'm not sure." She said a bit embarrassed, Ahmer just smiled."It's fine, I'm going to order the best dish for both of us." He ordered the spiciest Lahori biryani with sides, Zara was excited to try their dishes. They both started eating while sharing jokes and their life story, there was little hope for love blossoming there.

On the other hand, Kabeer tried to start the conversation, "thank you for coming, I didn't thought that you will agree for this meeting." Parisa looked up at him keenly and replied with a formal tone that she used with her clients, "desperate times calls for unconventional measures, mr. Malik. I have no other choice but to agree to your proposal." She tried to not sound desperate but her voice was betraying her. Kabeer nodded, he ordered food for both of them because he wanted her to eat something before deciding on their deal.

He quickly realized that she had a very low spice tolerance and she ate very less. "Is anything wrong with your food?" Kabeer asked anxiously, while Parisa looked up confused"pardon?", she didn't understand this man, he was way too observant for her liking.

"I mean that you have barely eaten anything, this is unhealthy by every mean." Kabeer explained to her but she just didn't meet his gaze, "ah.. I have a low appetite and very less need for food. I normally eat small portion of food, and moreover since I'm in Pakistan, I'm not used to too much spicy food." She tried to excuse herself but Kabeer wasn't impressed with her answer but he didn't try to push her. He was genuinely worried for her now, when he saw her eating, she takes very small bites and stares at her food more, than eating it.

After they were done eating, Parisa tried to initiate the conversation: "I never thought I'd find myself considering this, but practicality overrides sentiment. Let's be clear on the terms - a marriage of convenience. Mutual benefits, no emotional involvement." Kabeer, equally composed, replied "agreed. We maintain separate lives, only coming together for public appearances. No interference in each other's lives. The facade remains intact." Parisa agreed with his terms and asked him about the duration of this contract, "how long will this contract last?, he quickly replied, "twelve months, a whole year."