𝐙𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀 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...
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"We have a meeting in ten minutes with Techno, and your mother called. Handerson signed the copy, and the representatives from Callosal Corp want to set up a meeting with you, sir," my secretary, Emilia, announced in one breath, her heels clicking rapidly against the floor as she struggled to keep pace with my hurried steps.
I sighed inwardly. Despite my countless requests for a more professional wardrobe, Emilia showed up daily in those eye-catching short skirts and low-cut tops that barely qualified as business attire. Not only was her choice of clothing distracting, but her flirtatious nature seemed to heighten my annoyance, especially on days like this when I had a million things on my mind.
She was only a temporary solution until Arsh returned from his long honeymoon. I couldn't believe he had found love so easily. We had often joked about our fates as eternal bachelors, yet there he was, blissfully married. Now, even Zain was following suit, leaving me feeling like the last man standing in a game I never wanted to play.
"Sir, are you even listening?" Emilia asked, peeking around me, her voice cutting through my thoughts.
"Cancel all my meetings and clear my schedule for today. If there's anything urgent, have Mike handle it," I instructed, stepping out into the vibrant sunlight. The moment I exited the building, I could hear Emilia catching her breath, her laughter mixing with the flirtation shared between the receptionist and a few guests in the lobby.
As I took a deep breath of the fresh air, the bustling sounds of the city swirled around me, momentarily providing a sense of calm. But just as I was about to collect my thoughts, my phone rang, shattering the moment.
"Kaun?" I answered, already feeling my patience fray.
"If you don't reach the venue on time, Armaan, mein tumhen maar daaloonga!" Zain's voice boomed through the receiver, infused with urgency and frustration.
"Zain, I will reach," I replied, glancing at my watch in irritation. The ticking of the seconds felt deafening.
"You better! Are you still in the office?" he pressed, clearly not in the mood for pleasantries.
"Haan..."
"THE NIKKAH STARTS AT 12!!! JALDEE AA!"
I bit back a sigh, feeling the weight of his panic. "Stop screaming. I'll be there in ten." I cut the call before Zain could launch into another round of complaints and headed toward the car waiting for me outside.
"Why the hell have we stopped for so long!?" I barked at the driver, my patience running thin. It was already 11:40, and I had only twenty minutes to get to the venue.
"Sorry, sir, but there's too much traffic." He glanced nervously at the congested road ahead, where cars honked incessantly and drivers yelled, their faces a mix of frustration and impatience.
"Unlock the doors. I'll walk from here; it's just five minutes away," I insisted, gripping the car door handle tightly.
"But it's too hot outside, sir!" he protested, concern etching his features.
"Koi baat nahin, bhai sahab. Ap gar jao," I said firmly, stepping out into the blaring sun as he offered a reluctant smile and closed the windows behind me.
"YOU'RE A MINUTE LATE!!!!" Zain shouted as I entered the venue, his face illuminated with both relief and mild reproach.
"Well, hello there, husband-to-be. Nice to see you too," I replied, attempting to feign casualness, even as my internal chaos churned.
"Sorry, I'm not in my right mind right now. So glad you made it, bro!" he exclaimed, running a hand through his hair, clearly nervous.
"Of course, but—"
"Are you leaving soon?" he asked, but I could barely focus on his words. Just then, the most breathtaking woman I had ever seen walked past me, her presence stopping me in my tracks. She moved with a grace that captivated everyone around her.
"Armaan?" Zain's voice broke through my reverie, pulling me back to reality.
"...Yeah," I stammered, still entranced by the vision before me.
"Do you need to leave early or something?" he inquired
"No, no, not at all," I replied, trying to divert my attention from her and back to the task at hand. "Shouldn't you be over there?" I gestured toward the stage adorned with elegant white roses, hoping to redirect the conversation.
"Oh, right! Help yourself to the welcome drinks and everything!" he said, as he moved toward the stage
I chuckled softly as I watched Zain scamper to the stage, his excitement palpable. He and Arsh were the closest things I had to siblings
As the ceremony began, I glanced around the room, trying to shake the feeling of being adrift in a sea of emotions. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and celebration, yet my mind kept drifting back to her—the woman with the enchanting laughter.
"QUBOOL!" Zain exclaimed, a radiant smile lighting up his face as the guests erupted into applause. I joined in, yet my heart was elsewhere, grappling with a whirlwind of conflicting feelings.
"Congratulations, Zain! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness," I said, shaking his hand firmly
"You're next," Zain teased, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.
"Ya right," I replied, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress a smile. The idea of marriage felt so distant, yet in that moment, it began to resonate deeper within me. "But, in the end, it's up to Allah..."
"Inshallah, Allah will guide you to your naseeb," he responded, a knowing look in his eyes that made me wonder if he could sense my hidden doubts.
"You know I could ask my wife to give you her father's number. They're friends," Zain said, his smirk widening.
"Whose?" I asked, momentarily confused.
"The woman you were just mesmerized by before my nikkah," he chuckled, clearly enjoying this playful banter.
"Oh, her..." I recalled her enchanting laugh, the way it danced through the air, and for a fleeting moment, I wished to hear it again.
"Yes, her!" Zain continued to tease, leaning in closer.
"No, I... don't need it," I said, my voice coming out more firm than I intended. Armaan Malik and marriage were not on friendly terms at the moment. The thought of becoming a husband felt too soon for me.
"Are you sure? You seemed—"
"No!" I interrupted him, trying to sound resolute, though deep down, I could feel the truth in his words. Perhaps this was a moment worth exploring, but not yet. Not right now.
A/N
This chapter is from a new point of view... I hope you like it. We are now getting closer to them finally meeting falling in love and me torturing you with the twists part I'm also very sorry that I took too long to publish a new chapter I was very very busy and had 0 motivation, I even felt like dropping not only the book but my passion so I'm very sorry hope you understand. I would also be really happy if you drop a comment even if it's correcting my grammar and vote on this chapter. I'll publish better chapters soon Inshallah You can also check my Instagram for spoilers for the upcoming chapters.
