"The world gets better when you forget about it"
I open the blinds, letting sunlight flood the room, Our flight landed yesterday morning, and I was so wiped out that I slept the entire day. Not just any sleep—the kind that grips you so hard, you could probably sleep through a nuclear bomb.
Groggily, I drag myself to the bathroom to freshen up, glancing at the clock. Mehendi night was tonight, and I needed to be wide awake and energized. Aliza, my lovely, slightly crazy best friend, would never let me live it down if I showed up half-asleep. But before any of that, coffee. My body couldn't function without it.
Throwing on a pair of jeans and my favourite white blouse, I make my way to the small coffee shop down the street. As I step inside, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets me like an old friend. The barista behind the counter smiles at me, already knowing my order.
"Here you go, Miss. Enjoy your day, and do come again!" she says, handing me the steaming cup.
"Oh, don't worry, I'll be back," I reply, flashing her a grin before turning towards the door. Before I can even take a step outside, my phone rings. Aliza.
"Where are you?!" she yells so loudly that I have to move the phone away from my ear.
"I'm on my way!" I say quickly, heading out when—bam!—I slam straight into what feels like a brick wall. I stumble back, and my precious coffee sloshes all over my blouse.
I look up, mortified, and see a tall man with an equally shocked expression. My shirt is completely ruined, coffee stains blooming across the white fabric.
"You ruined my clothes!" I snap, more at the situation than at him. I mean, seriously, my shirt was WHITE.
Without missing a beat, he takes off his blazer and hands it to me. "I'll pay for the dry cleaning. You can cover up with this." His voice is clipped, almost annoyed, like this was somehow my fault.
"No need to pay for anything," I mutter, snatching the blazer, "but I'll take this." No way was I walking back to the hotel looking like I'd lost a fight with a coffee machine.
***
"Finally!" Aliza exclaims, rolling her eyes but hugging me tight when I arrive at her place. Her embrace is warm and familiar, and I can't help but laugh. I missed her so much during the time we were apart.
"I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world," I say, smiling as I make my way towards the washroom.
Aliza follows, her eyes catching the stain on my shirt. "What happened to your blouse?"
"Long story. Some guy and a coffee shop accident," I shrug, removing the blazer.
Aliza nods but waves it off, already bouncing with excitement. "Okay, whatever! Just get ready. The guests will be here soon."
YOU ARE READING
𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 | A Halal Love Story
Romance𝐙𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐌𝐀+𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 A rollercoaster romance between Zaina Fathima, a determined 23-year-old surgeon, and Armaan Malik, a confident 25-year-old CEO. What begins as a tale of enemies-turned-lovers, filled with witty bante...