Deceptive Affections

CHAPTER 9

ZAISHA

Okay! I can't believe I said yes to this crazy plan. I have done a lot of crazy shit, but this has to top the list.

After we decided to pretend to date, Reyaan told me to get some rest and we will discuss the logistics of our plan tomorrow before the party. He left after that, and I came to my room.

OH MY GOD! I AM GOING TO DATE REYAAN. In all the adrenaline rush and chaos, the thought didn't even occur to me. Butterflies in my stomach erupted. It seems like they are going to have a permanent home here.

Ithought of the reason he gave me for why he would want to date me. I read aboutthat article, barely, because I had no interest to know about it. And I triedto forget it as much as I could. a part of me is glad to know that it was fakenews.

I heard a knock on my door which made me get out of my thoughts. I have changed into my night suit now. I went to open the door knowing who was there.

Bhaiya. He is still in the same clothes and looks irritated. I made way for him to enter. He came inside and sat on the edge of the bed. I sat beside him. neither of us spoke for a few minutes. Him because he had too much to ask and I because I had too much to hide.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he finally asked.

"You also didn't tell me about Siddharth, did you? And given your reaction, I think I made the right choice of not telling you." I am also angry with him.

I would have told him the truth, but he looked pretty opposed to the idea of me dating Reyaan for real, so I don't think he'll be much happy to know that we will pretend to date.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't have a chance to tell you. You have been so busy with your work lately. And I have known Siddharth for a long time now. He is a great guy for you Aishi."

"No, he is a great guy for someone else as he already has a girlfriend. And it does not matter if you had a chance or not, you should have told me. You know how much it frustrates me when this happens." I sighed.

"I don't get it why everyone in this house is so interested to get me married. If you guys want me out of the house just tell me!" I am frustrated. I am angry and I don't want to talk right now.

"You know that is not true. Don't say such things. I am sorry I did not tell you." He wrapped his arms around me to hug me.

At least he apologized. I released a sigh. "I will not forgive you so easily."

He shook his head in resignation. "Fine! What do you want?"

I gave him a sinister smile. "Singapore tickets. I want to go to Singapore to watch the F1 race." He raised his brows, and I gave him a glare. "Okay!"

I continued, "And you'll also get me the F1 tickets obviously. Goes without saying." He crossed his arms and so did I. "Aren't you taking advantage of the situation now?"

"Do you want my forgiveness?" I retorted. "Fine!" he agreed.

"One last thing. And the most important one also. You will not say anything to Reyaan. He is my boyfriend, and you will accept it." That is non-negotiable.

"I will break his face before doing that." He said with anger coated in his voice.

"You will do no such thing." I stated.

"We will see about that. It's between him and me. You should sleep now. Good night, Aishi." With that he went out of my room. I rolled my eyes at him. I shrugged my shoulders and went back to bed to get a good night's sleep. As good as it could be.

"Zaisha, are you okay. You look tired. Did you not sleep well?" Papa asked.

I shook my head and started eating my breakfast. I could not sleep the entire night as I kept tossing and turning thinking about what happened yesterday and what will happen today.

"It is your day off today. You can take a nap in the afternoon," he suggested. I would love nothing more than sleep right now, but I can't.

"I can't. I am going out today." I told Papa. And soon as Mumma heard this she asked me where I was going.

"Um... I am meeting Reyaan for lunch." There were a variety of reactions in front of me. A genuine smile from Mumma, a nod from Papa and wide, angry eyes from Bhai. Ignoring all of them I continued, "I will then go to Aarohi's place. We will come directly from there to the venue."

"Have fun dear. But don't be late." Mumma told me.

I then finished my breakfast and went to my room to get ready. I picked up my phone to check for any new messages. There were a bunch of messages from Aarohi, asking about what happened yesterday. This is why I am meeting her today. I need to tell someone.

I got a message from Reyaan in the morning. The first message I saw was his. He wished me good morning and a smile made its way on my face. He also asked me if he should pick me up. But I declined as I don't want to trouble him anymore and then he texted me the name of the restaurant we were meeting at later today.

I still have to decide on what to wear today. Why is it so difficult? It's not like this a real date. I still want to look my best. So, I decided on a pink summer dress. I put a bow in my hair and wore a star-shaped pendant and a layered bracelet.

Before going out, I thought I should check in with Bhai once, remembering his face at breakfast today. I knocked on his door, but he didn't answer so I went inside only to find out he wasn't there.

I asked Mumma, she told me that he went out right after breakfast. Oh! I took out my phone to text him really quickly, asking about his whereabouts.  

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