Deceptive Affections

CHAPTER 11

ZAISHA

"Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!" Aarohi squealed. I just told her what happened last night and how me and Reyaan decided to fake date and about our date today.

"Hold your horses. Whatever you are thinking is wrong and absurd and far from reality." I said knowing very well what she is thinking. After all we are best friends.

"Are you kidding me? You guys are so into each other. Just make out already. Baby steps. I know for sure it is going to be hot." She has no filter.

"Your baby steps include making out?" I reprimanded.

"Of course they do. At least my baby steps take time. You started dating a guy yesterday but weirdly it has already been two months. So, you have lost all rights to preach me." she said wittily.

I rolled my eyes, and she started asking about my plans for our second-first date. That's what we are calling it. And I have no plans.

"I don't know. I just said I would plan something first because he was already not responding to anything, and I don't want to be a burden." He is already helping me stay away from potential future dates I would have needed to suffer from.

Then together we decided on what to do. We made a list and then crossed the entire list because it was stupid, and half of the ideas were not even realistically possible. We feed each other's delusions.

Then we brainstormed some more. Then again, a lot more. And we finally gave up. I laid down on her bed and rested my head against the pillow. She laid down beside me. "We are hopeless, aren't we?" I spoke.

"You are realizing this now? I have known this since school. But I have a fiancé and you are trying to impress your fake date. In essence, you are hopeless."

I placed my hands on my face and screamed. She is right though. I am the one who is hopeless. She is getting married soon and I am truly happy for her.

"OH MY GOD! You are getting married in two months." I gasped with realization.

"Yes. Happy realization!" she said, and I frowned. "Why are you getting married? You need to stay with me forever."

"No, thank you. I am very happy in my life." She got up from the bed.

"Traitor" I mumbled while getting up from the bed as well making her chuckle.

Putting aside all the conversations and ideas for the date, we started getting ready. It is already six and we need to reach the venue by 8.

Since we did traditional yesterday, we are doing western today. She wore a brown dress, which reached just above her thighs. She looked gorgeous.

I wore a black satin mini-dress. Above it I wore a black overcoat, same length as the dress with knee-high black boots. I accessorized it with gold earrings, a pendant and some rings.

We did our makeup, while listening to songs. She did her hair while I kept mine open. And finally, we were ready. We got in the car and Aarohi drove us to the party.

We reached the venue, almost on time. Everyone was already there. I went towards my parents and gave them a hug. Papa told me I looked gorgeous and Mumma started introducing me to guests.

"Where's Bhai?" I asked my mother. "He went to pick up some guests. He will be here soon." Okay. We have a lot to sort out.

I went to meet my other friends. Ridha and Jai were here. I have known them since college. We chatted for a while, when my fake boyfriend entered the room. Dressed in all black, just like me.

I went towards him, and Reyaan gave me a hug while kissing me on my forehead. I froze right then and there. This was our first hug, and I didn't even expect the forehead kiss. My cheeks turned red, and I stopped breathing. More like I forgot how to breathe.

We decided that whenever we meet in front of everyone, we will need some Public Display of Affection to make it believable. But my body cannot handle this. Our proximity is too overwhelming. Nonetheless I still don't want to let him go.

I reluctantly pulled myself away from him and gave him a smile. "You look ravishing", he complimented me, and my cheeks turned even more red, if it was possible. "Thank you."

"Your lip looks much better now", I remarked.

"Thanks to your lip balm." He took the lip balm out of his pocket. "You still, have it?", I asked surprised.

Before he could say anything, I saw my brother enter and I immediately went towards him. I grabbed his arm and took him outside. Reyaan followed us.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" I yelled at him. "How could you hit Reyaan?"

"Do you want me to show you how? Because I will be really happy to do it again" he retorted.

"Are you crazy? Why would you hit him? I specifically told you to do no such thing"

"And I told you, this is between him and I." Ugh, I can't believe him.

"This is it. I am telling Mumma." That is my last resort. He is not in a state to understand whatever I am saying.

I started going back inside. But Reyaan stopped me from moving further by holding me by my shoulders. I looked up at him. "There's no need for it, Zaisha. It is between him and I, and we will sort it ourselves."

"Great! Both of you can beat the shit out of each other." I said acrimoniously.

"That is not what I meant. You both don't need to fight because of me." Reyaan said.

I turned towards my brother. "You will apologize to him, right now. Or else I am seriously telling Mumma." I stated.

He crossed his arms and stood even taller. As if that scares me. "Reyaan, can you please give us a moment?" He nodded and went inside.

"Bhaiya" I called him so that he pays attention to what I am saying. "What's the problem? Why are you behaving so rudely towards him?" I asked softly.

"Because Aishi, I know him better than you do. He is a great friend and an amazing person but not someone I would want my sister to date." He continued, "And I am still not okay with the fact that you hid such an important thing from me."

I understand he is hurt and whatever he is doing is because he cares about me. But I can't really do anything. Everything happened so fast, and it is not like I could have told him two months ago when we weren't even dating.

"I am sorry, but I couldn't tell you." I feel so guilty. "But Reyaan is so good with me. Can you please just try to accept this for me?" I asked hopefully.

"Do you really like him?" he asked. I answered truthfully, "Yes"

"Just for you." I smiled widely at him and enveloped him in a tight hug. "Thank you!"

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