FEAR OF FONDNESS

Chapter 1 THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Shinaya's pov:

As the melody of "Happy Birthday" echoed through the room, enveloping me in its warmth, I couldn't help but feel a surge of joy coursing through my veins. Sixteen years old today, and surrounded by the love of my family, I couldn't have asked for a better moment.

Passing a smile to everyone I cut the cake and passed slices around to everyone. My family gave me warm birthday wishes, and with a heart full of joy I moved on to the next person, 

I extended my hand to the next person in line, and a wave of surprise darted through me. I knew he wouldn't eat the cake, yet there he stood, accepting the cake from my hand with a quiet nod. Did Wassal just eat the cake from my hand? 

 His unexpected gesture caught me off guard, For a moment, I was frozen in place, my mind raced with questions and doubts. But then, with a shake of my head, I pushed aside those nagging thoughts and forced a smile onto my lips. Moving on to the next person in line, I brushed off those thoughts and continued my celebrations.

 After the cake was distributed and the guests settled into their respective groups, the room buzzed with the hum of conversation. My mother, mami (maternal aunt), and aunty sat together, their laughter mingling with the gentle clink of teacups as they exchanged stories and caught up on family gossip. 

At another table, my father, Mamu (maternal uncle), and Uncle Ali (Wassal's father) were engaged in a lively conversation of their own. Their voices were blended in a symphony of laughter and debate. I caught snippets of their discussion as I moved around the room, fetching refreshments and ensuring all the guests were comfortable.

I indulged in conversation with Zaiba, when an unsettling sensation washed over me, like an invisible gaze piercing through the room. Turning slightly, I caught sight of Wassal, his dark brown eyes fixed on me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. His stare was deep, almost penetrating, yet empty of any palpable emotion.

Attempting to brush off the unease, I forced myself to focus on Zaiba's words. I was just nodding absentmindedly at whatever she was saying. I was trying to focus on our conversation but as I tried to leave the sensation of being watched, I couldn't shake the feeling that Wassal's gaze remained fixed on me.

I never had any interest in who was staring at me or who was not. I always had thought that if I did not stare at them I would not see them, easy pezi. But now he was sitting on my opposite side, and it was difficult to ignore him. However, in normal circumstances, It was the thing of Mahnor and Aqsa. They always knew however were staring at me or giving me some cheesy flirty ex[expressions. Me and Maryam are "not interested " girls in our group. I can bet if Mahnoor and Aqsa would have been here, they would have given me such expressions that everyone at the party would have known what was happening. 

"Shinaya?" Zaiba's voice broke my thoughts, pulling me back to the present moment. "Are you okay? You seem a bit...distracted."

Forcing a smile, I quickly reassured her, "Oh, it's nothing. Just thinking about an assignment I have due tomorrow. Haven't quite finished it yet, so it's been on my mind."

Zaiba's expression softened with understanding. "Don't worry, you still have time. You'll get it done."

I nodded but still, Wassal's gesture was in my mind. Why is he watching me like this? His dark brown eyes weren't usually warm and inviting but they now seemed to hold a sense of danger. 

I watched him from across the room...  Why did his eyes seem so dangerous, so different from anyone else's? Many people had brown eyes, yet his eyes held a fierce intensity that set them apart. But now it was not the right time to focus on his eyes as I failed to diagnose any reason behind his stare