Love Thy Enemy ~ A ZaiRa FF

Chapter 5 : The Bitter Truth

Asif was smoking cigar, a book in his lap when Zaid walked inside the study after dinner. He didn't know why his father had asked for his presence but it was all the more good as he himself wanted to have a discussion with him. After sorting out his differences with Ayma, he decided to finally tell his father about her.

At his arrival, Asif closed the book he was reading and placed it on the side table. “Want one ?” - he asked forwarding his cigar towards Zaid.

Zaid nearly chuckled and shook his head in refusal. Asif had never been the conventional father. He was always that ‘frank dude’ with Zaid and Kashmala, handling their problems like a dear friend. He had never let them feel their mother's absence and always supported in every aspect of life. Be it studies, choice of career, any other passion or whatsoever their hearts desired. Zaid could easily say that Asif was the best father ever which he and Kashmala were lucky to have been blessed with.

“Jaffer and I met today and we have decided something very important.” - Asif began straight from the point.

Zaid smiled. Straightforwardness was one of the many best traits of his father that he admired and luckily, had inherited as well.

“Kashmala and Rayyan's alliance has been fixed.”

Zaid's smile dimmed a bit. “Rayyan ?” - his tone held incredulity and somewhat, disapproval.

Asif nodded. “After knowing Kashmala's interest in him, I talked to Jaffer.”

Now that came as news to Zaid, causing his eyebrows to shoot up. His sister liked Rayyan ? Of all the people in the world, she chose that flirt ?

“Baba, I respect Kash's feelings and your decision as well but... don't you think Rayyan's a bit...” - he paused to find a word that was befitting as well as not offensive.

“Loud ? Irresponsible ?” - Asif provided helpfully.

Well, Zaid had a list of more serious words in mind but he nodded in agreement nonetheless.

“Honestly, I do.” - Asif confessed. “But I agreed on him for two reasons. One, he is from a good family background. Has grown up under Jaffer's supervision and will continued to be guided by him in the future also. Two, Kashmala.”

Zaid gave his head a slow nod, taking in the reasonings that did sound reasonable. “Well... If you and Kash are fine with it then I'm fine too.” - he said at last, smiling.

Asif smiled. “That was one good news. Now, the other.”

Zaid raised his eyebrows, his smile intact.

“I have decided to make Mubashira my daughter-in-law.” - Asif announced with a grin.

The smile vanished from Zaid's face. “Pardon ?” - he asked frowning, thinking he heard wrong.

“Your and Mubashira's marriage has been fixed as well!” - Asif repeated like a breaking news.

Zaid couldn't believe his ears. He sat there, frozen until his brain came out of shock. “Me and MUBASHIRA ?! You can't be serious Baba...”

Asif sobered up, bewildered at his son's reaction. “Why not ?”

“No way in hell can I marry her!” - Zaid declared at once.

Asif's jaw was set. “Give me one reason to refuse.”

“She is so full of herself Baba. Rude, proud and self-centered!” - Zaid ticked off on his fingers.

Asif scoffed. “Who is not self-centered in today's world Zaid ? And what you consider ’proud’ is her confidence. She is a witty, well-educated, and beautiful girl. A perfect match for you.”