Her Hated Feelings

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟖

“Ahem. So, they’ll find you two kissing instead of us, and then her parents will be furious. They’ll restrict her, and she’ll be forced to stay away from us,” Shahab explained, his voice brimming with confidence.

I stared at him, my mind reeling. Was he serious? Fariha noticed my expression and tried to soothe me.

“Don’t worry. Nothing bad will happen to her. Aena is strong,” she said, patting my shoulder.

I brushed her hand off instinctively. “And how exactly do you plan to replace me and Aena with yourselves?” I asked, my voice sharp.

“Listen carefully, Mahir,” Shahab said, his tone firm. “Here’s the plan: Fariha and I will go to her house and pretend to kiss near a window with curtains drawn. Only our shadows will be visible. The maid won’t know who’s behind the curtain, nor which sister is involved. Fariha will then call Aena for help, claiming someone caught us. Aena will never let her sister face trouble alone—she knows if their parents find out about Fariha, her career and studies will come to a halt. Out of desperation, she’ll agree to come over.”

He paused for effect, then continued. “Who’ll bring her from campus to the house? You. That’s your role. When you both arrive, we’ll explain the situation and emotionally manipulate her to take Fariha’s place. She’ll do it to protect her sister.”

Shahab leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “And then, Aena will kiss you to sell the story. That’s when her parents will walk in and catch you both. Aena will be humiliated, and she’ll be out of our lives for good.”

He finished his explanation and looked at me expectantly, like he’d just delivered a brilliant masterstroke.

I stared at him in disbelief. “Mahir, I’m serious,” Shahab pressed. “You won’t defy your older brother, will you? You’ve done so much more for me before. This is just a mere girl. You’re not going to say no, are you?”

Confusion clouded my mind. Should I agree with my brother, my blood, or stand my ground for a girl I hardly knew?

Mahir, stop thinking. Hush. No, it doesn’t matter. You don’t care… do you?

“Count me out,” I said firmly, breaking my internal conflict.

Shahab’s face twisted in shock. “Mahir?” he said, his tone incredulous.

For the first time, I had refused my brother. But I didn’t regret it. I am Mahir Durani. I make my own choices.

Fariha tried to intervene. “Mahir, are you going to—”

“Save it,” I interrupted coldly. “I don’t want to be part of this drama.”

Without another word, I turned and walked out.

---

I entered the lounge and saw Shameer lounging on the couch.

“What are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be practicing swimming?” I asked.

Shameer looked up at me sheepishly. “I was, Bhai, but Shahab called me for help—”

“Don’t do anything Shahab tells you,” I cut him off sharply.

He looked at me, puzzled. But he knew better than to argue.

I smirked, sensing his unease. Shameer was my cousin, a year younger, and he always followed my lead. He was like a little brother to me. I patted his back, trying to ease the tension.

“My boy, don’t worry. Everything’s fine. Relax. Let’s go shake some hearts, hmm?” I said with a grin.

He smiled hesitantly. “Okay… but can we wait until I meet Mama?”

I nodded, watching as he walked toward Chachi Ami’s room. Left alone in the lounge, I pulled out my phone. A notification popped up—a video from Ali in the group chat.

I tapped on it, and the screen lit up with Aena and her friends, their laughter and voices filling the room.

Her voice… it was beautiful.

They danced, their energy contagious, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. But then, something shifted. Aena stood, her friends urging her on. She hesitated, then disappeared for a moment before returning… wearing something that took my breath away.

She began dancing.

My heart raced.

The video ended, but my mind was spinning. Her presence lingered in my thoughts like a spell.

Then it hit me—this video was sent to the group.

A possessive fire ignited within me.

I glanced at Shameer’s phone lying next to me. He walked back into the lounge just as I picked it up.

“Password,” I said, my voice low and menacing.

His eyes widened in confusion and fear. “Bhai…?”

I grabbed his collar, my anger simmering. “Give me the freaking password!” I snapped.

“It’s f…face lock,” he stammered.

I unlocked his phone and deleted the video without hesitation.

“What was it?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“It was mine,” I growled, the words heavy with meaning.

Without another word, I stormed out of the manor.

“Bhai! Where are you going?” Shameer called after me.

I turned back briefly, my body charged with an intensity I couldn’t contain.

“To claim what’s mine,” I said, my voice a dangerous promise.

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TO BE CONTINUED…

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