AUTHOR’S POV
The next day began with the warm aroma of Grandma’s delicious cooking wafting through the penthouse. Asma and Sara were helping her out, while Noorie and Roshni bickered nearby as usual.
Once breakfast was ready, Grandma tasked Noorie and Roshni with calling the boys. With their usual chatter, they headed out—Roshni toward Armaan and Ahaan’s floor, and Noorie to Ishaan’s floor, where Ishaan and Arsalan were staying.
---
Roshni rang Ahaan’s doorbell. Ahaan opened the door, looking like he was preparing for war—he had an apron around his neck and a spatula in hand.
“Wow,” Roshni chuckled. “You cooking or fighting a battle?”
Upon seeing Roshni, Ahaan grinned. “What brings your sweet and pretty face to my door so early in the morning?”
“Grandma sent me. Breakfast’s ready.”
Ahaan’s face lit up. “Homemade food? I’m always in for free food!”
He tossed his apron aside, and the two made their way to Armaan’s apartment. Ahaan, knowing Armaan’s sleeping habits, was already gearing up to shout his lungs out.
Waking Armaan was a task—he was a heavy sleeper and never rose early unless there was a solid reason. After ringing and banging on the door repeatedly (courtesy of Ahaan), a very groggy Armaan finally opened it.
Still half-asleep, Armaan blinked at Roshni. “Sunshine? What are you doing at my door this early... and why are you with this cartoon-faced alien?”
Ahaan gasped at the insult. “Excuse me?!”
Without hesitation, Ahaan smacked Armaan—hard. The slap shocked Armaan, jolting him wide awake.
(Poor Armaan... 🥺😲🤣 Who wants to wake up getting slapped?! 😅🤣)
“Are you okay, Mani?” Roshni asked worriedly.
“I’m fine, Sunshine,” Armaan replied, still dazed. “Idiot, why did you hit me so hard?!”
Ahaan grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Because, my dear Mani, you’re not dreaming. Roshni is actually here—with me, a handsome gentleman you rudely called an alien.”
Armaan turned to Roshni, looking betrayed. Roshni gave Ahaan an apologetic look, subtly signalling him to stop.
“‘Mani,’ huh? Nice name,” Ahaan teased. “When did you decide to change your name? Care to enlighten me?”
“That’s my nickname for him!” Roshni snapped. “And dare you tease him again.”
Armaan stuck out his tongue proudly at Ahaan, basking in Roshni’s defence.
“Fine, fine,” Ahaan muttered. “This isn’t over, though,” he added with a glare as Armaan grinned.
After informing Armaan about Grandma’s breakfast invitation, he asked them to go ahead while he freshened up.
---
Meanwhile, Noorie was at Ishaan’s door, ringing the bell non-stop. Ishaan eventually opened the door, holding a mug of coffee.
“Ishaan sir, where’s big bro? I don’t see him,” she asked while walking in.
“He’s in the bathroom,” Ishaan replied. “And hey! This is cheating. You call me ‘sir’ and him ‘big bro’?!”
“Because you’re my boss,” Noorie explained. “He’s not.”
“Let’s make a deal. From now on, you only call me ‘sir’ in the office, not outside. Deal?”
YOU ARE READING
VEILS OF ROSE
Mystery / ThrillerMeet Arsalan Ahmed Khan, the mysterious and brooding doctor and new M.D. of Health and Peace, one of the top hospitals in the country on the verge of collapsing.He can do anything for his loved ones, "touch them," and you'll see how dangerous he is...
