Silent Ties: Fusion Of Hearts

Chapter 20

Azlan's POV:

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a ring, which comforted me that I wasn't making assumptions. She enjoys these gestures, and I would be happy to oblige her in every way. Zia will be leaving this coming week, so our families decided to spend two more days together before she leaves. She was having fun with everyone, so even though I wanted to take her out, I was hesitant. While the elders were out gossiping, she played a game with all the other cousins.

I didn't play with them since I was occupied with some work that needed my attention. There was a sudden commotion, and I noticed Zia and Ifra very near, almost like they were about to kiss. All of them were cheering, and I wanted to smack these idiots. Ifra was going to get a kiss, and I didn't even get to hold her hand. All I wanted to do was stop them covertly, and then it dawned on me that I should create a distraction by pretending someone had arrived at the front entrance. I turned to face the front entrance and said a loud hello to someone. There was a dead silence as everyone stopped. Everybody was looking around to find out who it was after I loudly greeted someone at the front entrance. Finding no one, everyone's gaze fell on me, and Ifra said, "Who was it, bhai?". Don't worry, it was only the helper; you may go on.

Ifra nodded, then invited me to join them. When everyone begged again, I politely declined several times and nodded as though I was granting their request. To be honest, all I was doing was waiting for the chance. They were talking about playing another game when I sat down. Arif proposed dare and truth. Although there was some hesitation at first, everyone agreed to play. Ifra was the first sacrifice made at the beginning of the game. Everyone instructed her to phone the person she detested the most and say cutesy, corny words because she accepted a dare. Ifra was pulling a face, seemingly ready to give the person who proposed it a thrashing. After some time, the bottle eventually pointed at Zia as the game progressed. She opted for truth to be safe. They were all thinking about what to question her when Arif said, "Who is your current crush?". In response, Zia said she didn't have any, but everyone said you had to mention one person since crushes are so arbitrary that you end up admiring someone for strange reasons. "Since you guys need a random name, then Azlan," was her playful response. "No, no, not Azlan," Arif replied with a laugh.

I could feel the heat building up on my face as they all smiled teasingly at me. "She said it randomly so don't be like this okay," I stammered out. They all exclaimed, "Woah," burst into laughter, and started teasing her playfully. I was also stealthily observing her, trying to determine the truthfulness of what she was saying. She was engrossed in conversation with Ifra when, unexpectedly, our gazes locked, creating a moment of silent connection between us.

We looked at each other, oblivious to others, until we heard everyone clearing their throats. I asked them to finish the game before they started anything because I noticed they were staring at us. It finally fell on me after a few attempts, and I went with the dare. To be honest, I hoped they'd give me a dare related to her. I waited impatiently till Ifra remarked, "Bhai, since there are minors present, we can't go as you wish and let you kiss Zia Bhabhi here. Instead, why don't you ask her parents for permission to take her somewhere alone? You know you can do that there." Zia blushed and lowered her head. I chastised Ifra for her foolish remarks. Everyone joined in teasing us, and Arif said I can't back out like this; I have to do the dare.

As I stood up, I was a little afraid to approach her parents. I glanced at Ishaan and motioned for him to follow. "Who is cooler between your mom and dad?" I whispered to him as he approached me. He gave me a playful smile and replied, "Mom." I approached the room where all the elders, including my parents, were seated before calling Aunt Zunaira for a conversation. I stated I needed her because I had something to talk about. All of the older people, including my parents, were glancing at me questioningly when she exited. I was nervous while speaking to her when she said I may talk to her freely. I hesitantly exclaimed, "I want to take Zia out with me, but I need your permission." She glanced at me before laughing. "Azlan, you don't have to be embarrassed about it because she is now your fiancée, you can spend time with each other since she'll be departing soon, but make sure to return by ten o'clock. Since we are in Mumbai, I don't mind if you guys hang out and I don't have to worry about relatives talking gibberish," she remarked.

I thanked her and turned to go, wearing a dejected expression. They all assumed I didn't have approval after glancing at me. "Don't worry, bhai, we will go and convince them," Ifra said. "Ifra do you think your bhai is a loser? If I'm unable to get approval, you people won't get it". I asked, grinning. If I can't get the permission then you guys definitely won't". "Okay, you are the best, so hurry up and leave now," Ifra answered. I looked at Zia and realized I hadn't sought her permission due to the dare, so I asked, "I am sorry for not taking your permission before but would like to join me for a long drive". She grinned as she gave me a nod in return. We left the room to get ready for our long drive together, filled with anticipation and excitement.