Unapologetically

chapter four

Marwa felt unsettled. Afraid. Where did things stand now? What was this uncharted territory? As she looked at the 73 percent on the late assignment Harris had passed out to everyone she had bleached. It was the highest grade she had gotten in this class on an assignment. Of course her test grades had been stellar, but this? This was something Professor Zahrun had complete control over.

And he didn't take that lightly.

She worriedly touched her temple. Her eye was twitching slightly as it did from lack of sleep. Oh she was so tired. She hadn't been able to sleep. There were so many thoughts in her head. There was so much guilt.

Woh usko ek galat aurat toh nahi samajh raha hoga? Woh aisi nahi thi.

She took in a deep breath. Standing up, putting the papers away in her bag, capping her pen and sticking it into the bun underneath her dupatta.

The class ended and she left, not sharing a single glance. And from what the few she had taken during class, he hadn't looked at her once.

It felt disappointing but good. Good. She didn't need trouble. Maybe he thought her a younger sister and just wanted to comfort her! She cringed a little at the thought but it was a way out she could take and that's what she did.

///

Rohail stared at the girl in his class. She was sitting a few feet away. Her head was done and her cheeks were red. They were always rosy. Somewhat naturally. The golden sunlight was glinting in through the windows, and she was drenched in it. The heat of the day had gotten to them both. The window was propped open, the fans on full speed.

He had his shirt's sleeves rolled up to his elbows nearly, the first few buttons undone. He hated Pakistani summer.

She wiped her brow, and he looked at her in worry. Her hand was shaky. She wasn't really biting at his usual jabs. She was always silent, but today, she was extra nervous.

"Ms. Kafeel? Are you alright?" He asked, flipping through the next week's plans.

"Yes." She answered briefly.

"You're sure."

"Absolutely."

"You don't look fine."

She didn't look up, notting down small notes next to her copy of the schedule.

"Jobs kaisi ja rahi hain apki?"

Her eyes flashed towards his, chin raised in defiance. "'That is not any of your business."

He felt delight course through him. A reaction. A break in demeanor. Her cheeks were even more flushed, her face ever so pretty in the light, eyes deep brown and sparkling with anger, tiny nose pin glinting with pride.

So much pride.

"Oh so it's not?" He was having his fun now, resting his pen against the wood of his desk, as he leaned back.

She had all of his attention now. She was angry and he loved her this bothered. He loved her this passionate and this animated.

Usko pathar se bani hui Marwa k liye dhuk hotha hai. Khauf ata tha.

"Not at all."

He perused her. All black shalwar kameez. Dupatta on her head as always, one end over her chest as it wrapped loosely, her curls forming face framing pieces. He wanted to curl them around his finger. He wanted to see if she smelled as good as she looked.

The dainty necklace around her neck. He didn't like it. He'd get her something better, prettier, suitable for a woman like Marwa as her wedding gift.

"You chose to tell me." He pointed out as her gaze was about to leave his.