Farmeed / One-shot Series

~ a little gift ~

As Farjaad looked at the painting in his hands, he couldn't help but admire the beauty of it. For the first time in the entire day, he felt a smile tugging on to his lips as he checked out the details of the horse sketch in his hands. Precision - one of Farjaad's favourite characteristics in every matter of his life, from his work down to the setting of his room. He never liked anything being out of place, it made him annoyed and grumpy. 

And that was exactly how he was feeling for the past many days, and especially today. 

"Normal insaan mehmaanon ko dekh ke salaam karta hai, is tarah munn pher ke chala nahi jata."

He replayed in his head again, and suddenly, the painting couldn't make him happy either. He let out a sigh as his mind went back to the pain and disappointment in Umeed's voice. He had picked it up then too, but something about finding Umeed and AK sitting and enjoying together didn't settle well with him. 

Why couldn't it be me?

He was in the middle of furiously shaking his head to get the thoughts out of his mind when he heard footsteps from behind him and a knock. He looked over to see Rina walking into his room and telling him that she had forgotten to write her name on the gift. 

"Ye tum laayi ho?"

He was shocked, and he hated to admit it, but also a little hurt? He was hoping it would be from someone else. 

"Haan kyun? Tumhein pasand nahi aayi?"

He never learnt how to lie. It was the best gift he had ever received. He was accustomed to receiving generic presents like watches and perfumes. To have someone bring him something that he held so close to him was a rarity. 

Out of gratitude for the gift and in order to make up for his behaviour at the birthday party, Farjaad found himself giving Rina company in the backyard. As she talked about one topic after another, his head could only go in one direction. 

"Aur aap jo chup chup kar Rina se -"

What was Umeed going to say had Niggo not interrupted? What was she going to ask?

The thought had been messing with his mind for hours. He had gone back to ask her, but there was something about seeing AK anywhere around her that sent alarm bells ringing in his head. Why did Umeed hang out with AK so much?

You know how AK is, what if Umeed is just being friendly?

His mind argued. 

But what if it's more than friendship? Didn't AK admit liking her?

A cross argument. 

Yes, but Umeed never showed any such intent. Unlike you.

A comeback and one that brought back all the guilt he had been feeling. His mind flashed back to the birthday party, and how he had deliberately said, "Okay Rina, I'll see you". He had seen the look on Umeed's face clearly. The hurt, the way she avoided meeting his gaze. 

Umeed Pasha never avoided anything or anyone.

Did he hurt her too much?

The thought made him jump up and Rina looked at him confused. 

"Kya hua Farjaad?"

"Wo uhh, Rina I'm so sorry par it's way beyond my sleep time. Mujhe neend aa rahi hai kaafi. We'll continue this some other time?"

"Oh haan, sure."

Giving her a courteous smile, he walked back into the house, his steps rushed. He found Mimi in the living room and he rushed towards her.