Love Thy Enemy ~ A ZaiRa FF

Chapter 7 : Tit For Tat

Mubashira was jogging in the vast lawn of Shahwani mansion. The pleasantly cool breeze of 7 in the morning was failing to put a smile on her face. The plan to make Zaid leave the room had totally backfired which had her sour. She couldn't stand him in the office alone and now had to tolerate his presence in her living space. It had not been a big deal if he had just chosen the guest room to stay. But no, he was him. She had a hunch he won't give up that easily. But she was also Mubashira Jaffer. She would make him fall on his knees and crawl for his dear life.

With renewed determination, she increased her jogging speed to take the final round.

~

The morning sun peaked through the curtains, illuminating the room with a soft glow. Zaid stirred in bed, sleepily stretching his arms and squinted his eyes open. The first thing his hazy mind noticed was Mubashira's absence on the other side of the bed.

‘Chali gai.’ - his brain whispered but he didn't entertain himself with that thought. Knowing her since childhood, he knew better than to hope she'd give up that easily, if, at all.

Putting off the quilt, he sat up and rubbed his eyes. He was not ready for the day at all let alone face the wedding reception happening that night which was, unfortunately, his.

A rumbling sound from his stomach forced him to freshen up and head down as he hadn't eaten anything since the night before. He dragged himself up and headed to the bathroom for shower.

Half an hour later, freshly showered and wearing black tailored fit shirt over black jeans, Zaid descended the staircase to the hall while rolling his sleeves. He caught sight of Mubashira seated at the breakfast table, looking distressed on something Asif was saying.

‘Maybe the day is not going to be so bad...’ - Zaid thought, smirking to himself and entered the dining hall.

“...but uncle, I have already taken three days off from the office.” - Mubashira said to Asif.

“And one more day won't do any harm. It's your and Zaid's reception tonight. You should be focused on it.” - Asif said, wiping his mouth with the napkin before standing up. “Well, I'm done with the breakfast. You guys enjoy.” - he said and left the hall.

Mubashira turned her head to stare daggers at Zaid who had taken a seat opposite her at the table. Her sour face only made Zaid happier, causing him to offer her a sweet smile.

“Baba is right you know. After all, the occasion is so grand, it deserves a day off.” - Zaid said while sprinkling salt over his roasted vegetables. In actual, he felt the salt was falling over her wound.

Mubashira shot to her feet, her eyes red with fury and he had a feeling she was planning his painful murder inside her head. He was barely holding in his grin.

“You are right. After a major incident, even the government declares holiday to mourn.”

The smile wiped off Zaid's face. Replaced by an annoyed look that somewhat placated Mubashira and she smirked.

“Enjoy your breakfast-” - she said smiling so sweetly it almost turned bitter. “-dear husband.” The last two words sounded more like a slap than the lovely meaning they were supposed to hold.

She picked up her purse and phone from the table and walked out of the hall with her trademark Mubashira Jaffer grace.

Zaid pushed his plate away in anger and slumped back on his chair. He needed to do something of that girl else he'll go berserk!

~

Asif Shahwani was all smiles receiving guests that evening for the grand reception of his only son. The Shahwani Mansion was looking no less than an elite banquet. The garden adorned with lilies and lavenders, fairy lights and globes around the trees and plants, caterers and event managers handling the function smoothly. Everything was almost perfect.