How did an angel find love in hell?
Zaina Fathima, a 23-year-old trauma surgeon, thought her life was finally settling down. After attending her best friend Aliza's lavish wedding events back home, she boards a flight to Italy for the main celebrati...
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I was curled up on Aliza's bed, wrapped in a soft blanket, scrolling through my phone and trying to block out her ongoing rants. She was, yet again, going on about which hijab suited her better, the darker pink or the pale pink one I had suggested. A normal person would've made a choice by now, but Aliza wasn't most people. And to make things even more dramatic, Zain's sister Mahek had joined the conversation, insisting that only red could ever do her justice.
If you're wondering why I wasn't more involved in this very passionate debate, it's because it was completely ridiculous.
"Are you even listening?!" Aliza's voice broke through my thoughts
"Yes, yes, I'm listening," I replied, tearing my eyes off the screen.
"So should I go with pale pink, the brighter one, or do I risk it all with the red?" she asked, hands on her hips like this was a world-altering decision.
"It's up to you, Aliza," I said, trying not to sound as bored as I felt.
"No. Pick one!" Her eyes narrowed, dead serious.
"Why should I choose when you'll just go with the opposite of what I say anyway?"
"CHOOSE!"
"Okay! Pale pink!"
"Ugh, fine. I'll be right back. And everyone, phones down and get dressed! We're already late!" she declared before disappearing into the bathroom.
"I better go pick something before bhabi comes back and starts yelling again," said Tanisha, Zain's youngest sister, standing up from the beanbag where she'd been reading a book she borrowed from me.
"I guess I should change too," I said, finally getting off Aliza's bed. We were all staying at a hotel, and after bothering Zain all morning to take us out for breakfast, we were still getting ready.
This was just the beginning of a 15-day cruise, and even though I kept thinking about how work would drive me insane once I got back, I promised myself I'd enjoy every moment of this break.
I picked out my outfit, a simple but bright blue kurta paired with white heels that I already regretted choosing. They looked great, but comfort? Questionable. Still, I was determined to make an entrance even if it was just to the hotel parking lot.
Dressed and mildly stressed, I made my way outside, feeling both excited and slightly nervous. My suitcase rolled beside me, bumping into my heel every few seconds like it had a mind of its own.
"ZAINAAA! Hurry up or we're leaving you!" Aliza shouted, already sliding into one of the cars.
"I'm coming!" I called back, picking up the pace. There were two cars, one driven by Aliza's husband and the other by Farzaan, her younger brother. Just as I was about to look away, my gaze locked with a pair of deep brown eyes. It felt as if they could pull me in, mesmerising me with an intensity I didn't quite understand.
(A/N: He might not literally pull you into his eyes, but he just might pull you into his arms!)
"Zaina, how do I look?" Aliza's voice snapped me back. Her white hijab stood out against her outfit, and her expression demanded honesty.
"You look amazing. Can we go now?"
"You're lying, aren't you? The hijab doesn't match. I knew it! Now we're going to be late, and it's all because of you!" She pointed at me like I had ruined her entire day.
"Don't even think about changing. You look great, and let's not forget you were the one who took a decade in the shower!"
"Ugh, fine," she grumbled but didn't argue further. Victory.
We walked over to the car together. I was just about to put my luggage in the trunk when the driver's door opened.
"I'll do it," said one of Zain's friends. I recognised him from the BBQ night—tall, built, with chocolate-brown hair and golden brown eyes. I think his name was Amaan. Or maybe Ramaan. Something along those lines.
"Thanks," I said, handing him my suitcase. Things were awkward enough, and I didn't want to make it worse.
"Your suitcase is heavy for someone your size," he said, clearly annoyed.
Excuse me?
It wasn't even that heavy. And this man had the nerve to complain while he had two bags of his own and a backpack that looked like it belonged to a mountain climber.
"Are you too weak to carry it?" I asked, offering a sarcastic smile.
"Then carry it yourself," he shot back, dropping my suitcase to the ground.
"Gladly," I muttered, picking it up and placing it in the trunk myself.
"Okay," he said flatly, slamming the trunk closed like it had personally offended him.
"Was that really necessary?" I called out, but he ignored me and walked away. Typical.
I climbed into the back seat next to Nafi, still annoyed.
"Wow. He's just full of charm, isn't he?" I muttered under my breath.
Aliza burst out laughing beside me, trying (and failing) to keep a straight face.
"You okay?" Zain asked, clearly unaware of the tension.
No, Zain. I was not okay.
I had just been insulted over a suitcase, locked eyes with a stranger who looked like he stepped out of a drama, and was now trapped in a car with him for who knows how long.
This wasn't just a bad start to the day.
This was war.
"Yea I'm fine..I guess"
A/N
Ummm Hi ya'll back with another re-written chapter update VOTE AND COMMENT PLZ I need the support this chapter is very similar to the previously written one and don't worry the changes Im making while re-writing aren't that major, ig. Also follow me on Instagram for spoilers *authorriraa*
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁☾ Your new favourite delusional author, Iraa ୨ৎ. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
