Kahani Hamari Fasana Hamara

Chapter 4

Mariya Raha Ayub

"What are you doing here?" I asked, giving him a suspicious look. He stood up slowly, his movements deliberate, He approached me with steady steps.

He stared at me for a moment, his expression calm and composed-not the least bit surprised. Meanwhile, panic surged through me.

"I should be asking you the same question," His voice is deep, with a calm. we stood facing each other.

"I asked you first, faraj." I shot back, staring at him. But then, a sudden realization struck me, and my eyes widened.

"Ayad," he said simply, turning away as if I had become invisible. As if he wasn't just... wait.

Kainat had told me about her cousin, Faraj Ayad, the CEO of Ethereal Style.

He wasn't supposed to attend the wedding-he was a busy man after all...

Before I could say anything, the door swung open, and Kainat entered. Faraj slipped out without a second glance.

"Oh, sorry, Ayesha Appi didn't know you were in the bathroom, so she sent Faraj Bhai here," Kainat said casually.

"Koi baat nahi," I forced a casual tone.

I didn't know why it surprised me. What a coincidence it was.

"You know the arrogant man I was telling you about? It's him," I muttered, still in disbelief.

"No way! You've already met him?" Kainat exclaimed, laughing as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Though, I'm not surprised you called him arrogant."

I remained standing, rooted to the spot, still processing everything.

-

I got up from the bed, taking a moment to gather myself. It was nearly fajr time, I went to the bathroom to perform wudu and heard the call to prayer. After finishing my prayer, I knocked on Kainat's door and saw her engaged in prayer. I then headed downstairs; though I usually have coffee, today I felt like having tea.

Having stayed at Kainat's house so many times, it felt like home to me. I had also grown close to Aunti Zubaida, Kainat's mother.

With the wedding just two days away, I wondered if all the guests had arrived.

I never add water when I make tea; instead, I let the tea leaves and sugar boil directly in milk.

Lost in thought, my mind wandered back to the Faraj. Suddenly, I heard someone enter the kitchen, and my head snapped toward the sound. The spoon I had been using to stir the tea hovered in the air.

He looked at me with an air of indifference, though I wasn't trying to impress him.

"Good morning," I said, offering him a polite smile.

I caught a fleeting curve of his lips before he looked away, leaning casually against the kitchen counter.

"Do you always greet people with such warmth, or am I just special?" he asked dryly.

I stood beside him, my gaze fixed on the simmering tea.

He wore a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and the first two buttons undone. A silver watch with a black dial adorned his wrist, looking distinctly expensive.

"Special? I think you're just not used to such warmth. Am I correct?" I gave him a sidelong glance.

He moved closer, drawing my focus entirely to him

"Oh, I'm absolutely overwhelmed," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Did you hit your head this morning, or is this your usual level of wit?" I closed my eyes to roll them.

His gaze remained fixed on me as I noticed his hand moving. He turned off the gas just in time, as the tea was on the verge of spilling over.

He ignored my question, not that I had expected him to answer.

"Can I have a cup of tea?" he asked, though he didn't move an inch. His grey eyes stayed locked on mine, as if waiting for my response.

I took a step back and set two cups on the kitchen island. He remained in place, watching me intently.

"You're staring at me," I said, holding the saucepan with the help of a kitchen towel.

"What? Please, don't flatter yourself," he replied, looking away with his jaw clenched.

The sudden urge to throw the cup of tea at him was overwhelming, but I forced a fake smile as always.

"I'm just trying to figure out why you're so intent on irritating me," I said, attempting to sound calm as I poured tea into one of the cups.

What is wrong with him? I've tried to be nice, but I can't do it anymore. His arrogance is unbearable. I grabbed my cup of tea without filling his. He clearly wanted to irritate me, and he succeeded. I can no longer pretend to be friendly, at least not in the morning. Just as I was about to leave the kitchen, his deep voice stopped me, but I didn't turn around.

"Next time, use a rolling pin if you want to attack someone. The spoon wasn't a wise choice," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"I'll make sure to use the rolling pin next time. But only if you promise to let me practice it on you." I countered, turning to face him. He poured himself a cup of tea before meeting my gaze.

"Gladly," he said quietly, bringing the cup to his lips.

As I was about to leave the kitchen, a girl walked in. I offered her a smile, but she completely ignored me, smiling at Faraj instead. Then, she glanced at me with a forced smile.

"Kainat's friend, right?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over me. I nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, suddenly self-conscious.

"Yeah I'm mariya, and you?" I asked, already familiar with her thanks to Kainat.

"I'm Sehar, Faraj's fiancée," she said, her grin taking on a sinister curve.

Hello beautiful souls! Please don't forget to comment and vote. I'm so excited for the next chapter and can't wait to share it with you. Have a beautiful day! <3