Stubborn Hearts (Rewriting)

Heartbreak in hiding

Giddiness. Excitement. All the words that were the synonyms of happiness described Ayesha at that moment when she flopped on the bed, giggling into the pillow. The meeting had gone amazing, Syed was prettier up close but so quiet and reserved. Didn't matter, she loved reserved guys as much as outgoing ones. At least Syed related to her love for quietness. 

He was better than any guy she fantasized about, any of the book crushes she had and animes and movies she watched. Maybe what felt too good, she thought, was that she was marrying him. 

Already she was planning on what to do. Slow dance, romantic photos, maybe she should start making her Spotify playlist right now. Her phone rang as Hannah called, probably thirsting for updates. Indeed she was because when Ayesha received it she started bombarding her with questions. 'How'd it go? What does he look like? Is he nice?' 

She chuckled. 'I don't know about nice but he seemed very reserved. Hardly opening his mouth, only doing it when dad asked something.' 

'Ooh, stoic guys are hot in a way.' 

'I know.' She giggled again, feeling like a teenager again crushing on random senior guys and telling Hannah all about it. 'You're coming right? We've been planning on it for the last 13 years.' 

'Of course I am. Can't miss my best friend's big, big day!' 

'Copying Effie now?' 

'No, she says big three times. I said twice.' 

She rolled her eyes. This girl. 'Yeah, yeah. You said you'd take a few days off. Did you get it? The ceremony is in 3 days.' 

'Yeah, today. Packing my bags right now. I think I'll arrive after like a day.'

'Alright then, I'll see you airport. Bye.' 

'Bye.' She hung up and Ayesha sighed happily. Everything was going well. Her best friend was coming and she was getting wedded to a man who had all of her standards. Life can't get any better. 

Little did she know, the apparent best day of her life might turn her world upside down because of her very crush. 

***

Meanwhile Syed was looking through tuxedos and suits online. Siam was still very much mad at him, so was the two ladies who were family to him too. And as I said before, he hated human interaction. To the point he even ordered groceries online and would request the driver to just leave the items on the floor. 

As he scrolled and scrolled on his PC, rolling the ball on his mouse his eyes caught onto one. The pictured showed a simple black tuxedo with a black tie and a white shirt underneath. Most of the suits he saw had some fancy element but this one was unembellished, the exact look he was looking for. 

After ordering it and everything was confirmed he let out a long breath and leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands behind his back. Ayesha, she seemed so virginal as he had thought. Like a small lamb in front of the big bad wolf, and he was that wolf. Those almond eyes that mirrored his russet brown shone with an innocence he wished he hadn't lost a long time ago. 

His opposite. That's what she was. He needed this year to pass fast so both of them would be free. Mostly he wanted her to be free of him and find her fairy tale love story after he hurt her. 

***

Ayesha had a pink journal she wrote in everyday, she had bought it after she officially became a doctor and wrote in it for the past two years. 

Today me and Hannah went out for my bridal shopping and bought a really cute pink gown with netted sleeves and a intricately designed shirt. I love it! Then she treated me with a purse and heels (though I wanted to pay for the shoes by myself). But what really happened today was that I met Syed. Well, from afar. 

We were sipping boba drinks as she babbled away about this Chris guy who is the hottie of the hospital she worked at but is very rude to her. And worse, they have to work together since he's the surgeon. I managed to understand bits and pieces as my mind was scattering, mostly thinking about the upcoming day when I saw him in his black attire (he must really love black) talking to someone on the phone. 

He seemed really guilty. I don't know why. When I was about to turn away out of shyness since seeing your crush out of the blue is awkward our eyes met.

I gave a small smile but instead of him reciprocating it I saw fear and something in the middle of anger and hatred. I can't explain it but it had hurt me a little. I tried to calm myself down and was about to wave when he turned back and disappeared into the crowd.

I wonder why he looked like that.

***

Syed had tried to get her smile out of his head as soon as he had gotten home but for some mysterious reason he couldn't. He was quite a good actor and he had tried his best hateful expression which seemed to had work as her smile had dimmed.

But the guilty feeling in his chest grew and he hated it. Why did he have to bump into her?

But the worst thing that had increased his guilt was that his dad had told him not to talk to her about this deal until 4 or 5 days later. Meaning he had to act extremely rude then explain why.

I can't live up to the promises I made. All of this is a business deal. Can he really say those words to her after acting awful to her for days? He had to. He had to get his dad away from him and push her away and throw her into the arms of someone who will actually love her.

Yes, that's what he has to do.