Make Me Yours

Chapter 15

Mid-day sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting long shadows across the university cafeteria. The bustling noise of students chatting and cutlery clinking filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere. As Tashi and her friends made their way from their department towards the cafeteria, they weaved through clusters of students, their voices echoing against the tiled floors.

"I mean seriously, I'm the older one and still I'm not getting engaged!" Tashi moaned, her frustration evident in her animated gestures.

Laraib, walking beside her, attempted to pacify her friend. "It's not about being older, Tashi! Your turn will come soon too! Chill, girl!"

"Easy for you to say! Your love is not one-sided!" Tashi retorted, a hint of envy coloring her tone.

"Come on, yar! You are annoying now! Go and talk to your Asher then. He is right there." Sana, following closely behind, interjected with annoyance while pointing towards a table.

“Good idea!”

“Oye! I was just joking!” As Sana's words fell on deaf ears, Tasha found herself just a few steps away from Asher's table in the bustling university cafeteria.

“Assalamualaikum” she greeted in her cheerful voice.

“Walaikumassalam” hamza replied just as cheerfully. Ali just smiled and replied softly while Asher mumbled under his breath without looking up. He felt her even before she was here by his side. Call it intuition or danger-alert but Asher always knew when she was looking at him or coming closer!

With newfound boldness, Tasha addressed Asher directly. "Let's talk man to man, Asher!" This was the first time she took his name in front of him, shocking not only him but everyone listening.

"It's Professor Asher or Mr. Asher for you, Ms Mantasha!" Asher's direct glare and rebuke made Tasha feel a little scared to say what she came to say.

"Yes yes Mr. Asher! Sorry!" she instantly corrected herself, giving an awkward smile, but Asher's glare remained the same.

"Yes! What can I help you with?" Asher asked, turning his seat a little and looking up at her as she stood beside him.

"Can I sit at least?" Tasha asked sheepishly, determined not to leave without saying anything.

"No," Asher replied without waiting, his tone firm.

"Oh ok then, can you please stop looking at me! I can't say with you looking with those eyes! They are kinda distracting!" Tasha again gave an awkward smile and said nervously.

"Ms Mantasha!" Asher growled with even more aggression, though his heart skipped a beat at her remark.

"Acha (okay) sorry sorry! I just wanted to ask you something!" she instantly said with a straight back.

"Yes?" Asher encouraged her as she kept looking in his eyes with her hazel eyes. The sun hit directly in one eye, giving it a golden hue.

"I wanted to say that you... Eh?!" she trailed off, giggling nervously and scratching her hijab-covered head.

"Hehe! I forgot!" Tasha's brilliant answer left everyone around them bemused, while her friends thanked the heavens and hurried towards her.

Laraib took one arm while Sana took the other, starting to pull her back. "Aray ruko tou! Me kiya kehnay wali thi? Laraib, what was I going to say just now?" ("Oh, wait! What was I going to say? Laraib, what was I going to say just now?") Tasha asked confusedly, pulling her arms out of their grip.