Momin returned the smile but looked puzzled. "Walaikum Assalam. I'm sorry, but who are you?"
The question momentarily deflated Miraal's excitement. She took a deep breath and responded with a smile, "Momin, it's me, Moon... I mean Miraal."
Momin widened his eyes in surprise, "Ohh, but you look so different with your hair and this smoky makeup."
Miraal smiled shyly, "Yeah, it's just me now."
He nodded appreciatively, and Miraal felt a blush creeping up her cheeks as she admired how perfectly he seemed to be in everything. Momin, noticing her lingering gaze, said with a gentle smile, "Shall we go inside?"
"Yes, of course," Miraal replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her heart jumping with excitement as she followed him.
As they walked into the house together, Momin greeted everyone with a loud, cheerful "Assalamualaikum!" His voice filled the room, drawing everyone's attention. Kabir, who had been lounging on the couch, immediately jumped up and approached him with a wide grin.
"Ohhh, my mochi!" Kabir exclaimed, pulling Momin into a tight hug. Their laughter echoed through the room, and even Miraal couldn't help but giggle at their enthusiasm.
Momin playfully squeezed Kabir's shoulder, "Woah, man, you've gained some weight, huh?"
Kabir smirked, flexing his arm jokingly. "Yeah, your boy is stronger than ever! But some people still think I'm just a mama's boy."
Momin chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "And who are these 'some people'?"
Kabir glanced at Miraal with a teasing smile, "Ah, just some folks who don't know any better. But whatever, let's leave it."
Miraal rolled her eyes at Kabir's not-so-subtle jab. She took a seat next to Nafayall, who was discreetly stealing glances at Kabir, her affection obvious to Miraal.
"Yaah, Nafa, I'm getting angry here. You're not giving me any attention, but I can see you're busy focusing on someone else," Miraal teased, her voice laced with playful accusation.
Nafayall's eyes widened, and she quickly looked away from Kabir, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Yaah, you shameless girl! What do you mean by that, huh?" she retorted, trying to play it off.
Miraal, ever quick-witted and perceptive, caught on instantly but decided to let it slide for now. She leaned back with a smirk, "Okay, okay, I was just kidding. But come on, let me show you your gifts. I also have something for Momin and Wahab oppa."
Miraal's tone lightened the mood as she spoke, and she felt a surge of excitement, especially at the thought of giving Momin his gift. Despite Momin being four years older than her, she had always called him by his name, a habit that stuck with her since childhood.
Miraal led Nafayall to her room, where she carefully selected gifts from a neatly arranged assortment. She handed a beautifully wrapped gift bag to Nafayall, who eagerly opened it to find an array of luxurious makeup and perfumes. Nafayall's eyes widened in delight.
"Yaah, thank you so much, Moon! These are so expensive," Nafayall exclaimed, genuinely touched.
Miraal grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, your girl is expensive too," she quipped, her smirk making it clear she was enjoying the playful exchange.
Nafayall chuckled, her cheeks flushed with gratitude. "You're too much, Moon."
Miraal's smile grew as she replied, "Now you stay here and enjoy your gifts. I'll go give these to Momin and Wahab oppa."
