Shattered Dreams

Chapter 22

Safiya's pov:

Aye Ho Meri Zindagi Me
Tum Bahar Banke Mere Dil Me Yuhi Rahena Tum Pyar Pyar Banke Ankho Me Tum Base Ho Sapne Hazar Banke

After the company event, Fahad decided to teach me how to ride a bike. It still felt surreal—me, of all people, learning to ride a motorcycle. If someone had asked me months ago if I'd ever do this, I would've laughed my ass off. But here I was, doing something completely out of my comfort zone. Sometimes, life throws you into unexpected moments, and instead of resisting, you just go with it.

I used deep breathing and relaxation techniques to calm myself as Fahad led me to the bike. We started small, slow movements to help me get used to the feeling. Fahad was patient, standing close, his hands steady as he guided me through the basics. He even sat behind me at one point, wrapping his arms around to help me balance. His warmth and presence made everything feel less intimidating.

The thought of flying down the road on my own gave me butterflies—both from excitement and nerves. The wind, the speed, the freedom. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before.

And then, there was Fahad. This shift wasn't just in my life but in my relationship with him. There was a closeness between us that hadn't been there before. Every time his hand steadied me or his voice encouraged me, I felt it. Something had shifted, i had never spoken it aloud, but knew it was there.

"I'm nervous," I admitted, glancing at Fahad.

He asked with a teasing smirk, "Are you nervous?"

"No," I lied, even though my stomach was twisted in knots from the anticipation. The bike beneath me felt like a wild animal I hadn't quite tamed yet.

"Shh! Don't lie," he said softly, placing his fingers gently on my lips. His touch was brief, but it sent a wave of calm through me.

"Okay, I'm nervous," I agreed, feeling the weight of his gaze on me. He looked both amused and thoughtful as if he had a lesson brewing just for me.

"If that's the case, let me tell you something. Kal raat, maine ek stray cat ko tang kiya tha road pe," he started, his voice playful, but his eyes sparkled with a deeper meaning. "Or kal poori raat usne mujhe khuwab mein tang kiya. Even usne mera haath itni zor se kaata ke Baseer aur main mil ke bhi usse chhurwa nahi paaye. So, what did you understand? If you're nervous, angry, or sad, you should accept it rather than deny it. Don't think people will judge you. Issliye, don't hesitate to verbalize it."

"Allah Allah, Fahad," I said, shaking my head, half-laughing. "Kuch zyada hi aap mere per dhyan nahi de rahe hain. Itna andar tak mat janiye."

He grinned, his smirk back in full force. "Uff, larki! Main toh tumhe bewaqoof, immature, rootu bawali, crybaby fia bola nahi hai."

I shot him an exaggerated glare, pretending to be deeply offended, though the smile tugging at my lips betrayed me. "Fahad, aap kitne boore hain! Main aapko chhoroongi nahi!" I warned, gripping the handlebars tightly.

"Filhal, handle mat chhoro bike ka," he quipped, his voice light and teasing. I turned around to see him grinning like a mischievous monkey, thoroughly enjoying this.

"Monkey," I muttered under my breath, trying to focus on the task at hand. He taught me to ride with that same lightheartedness, making it easier to relax.

Though I struggled at first, I could feel the progress happening in the small moments, and every now and then, I'd look back and see Fahad's proud smile, the one that made me believe I could actually do this.

I looked into his eyes, and he didn't look away. There was a tension hanging between us, the kind that made my heart race. Then, out of nowhere, Fahad said, "It's me. And you. Together. It won't work." His glare intensified, cutting through the air like a sharp blade. "Whatever fantasies you have of us swirling in that pretty head of yours, kill them."