Her Hated Feelings

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟐

"What happened to you? Who did this?" Aena asked, her voice laced with concern. Mahir raised an eyebrow, about to step forward, but Shahab stopped him with a whisper, "Don't." Mahir rolled his eyes, irritated, and went back to writing the names.

"A little fight," Ali replied nonchalantly.
"And who did this?" Aena’s gaze sharpened.
"He," Ali said innocently, pointing at Mahir, who was unaware of the accusation. "He doesn’t like it when people defy him. He’s kind of spoiled."
"What? Aren't you guys like brothers?" Aena asked, incredulity in her tone.
"Huh? Of course, he's like a brother to me, but the man doesn't care about anyone. You either agree with him or face his wrath. But I don’t support what's wrong. He hit me," Ali said, touching his face as if the memory still stung. "Then he cut me out, and that’s why I’m having my own opening ceremony."

Aena raised an eyebrow. "What a brat that guy is," she muttered, an idea forming in her mind. "If I come to yours, will there be music? Or other guys?" She asked, hoping Ali would say no.
Ali seized the opportunity. "Woah, no, there won’t be. Please, will you come? I’ll only have a simple dinner, just for an hour." His tone was pleading, yet confident, knowing that Aena would appreciate the quieter gathering.

Aena’s face lit up at the offer. Without hesitation, she wrote her name on his list. Ali smirked internally—his plan was working. "Can I have your number? I’ll send you the details," he added smoothly. Aena, still in the mood from the dinner invitation, handed him her number and walked away, her mind already set.

Soon, it was time for the ceremony. The four friends got ready, and Aena wore her stunning red saree, her hourglass figure accentuated. "At least give me a shawl," Aena said, turning to Lia, who was busy applying lipstick.
"Send your picture to your mom, and Mia will give you a matching shawl," Lia replied.

The four of them made their way to the venue, where Aena spotted Ali waiting. "I’ll pick you up myself," he had said, his presence almost possessive. As Aena walked toward him, Ali’s eyes lingered on her, his gaze intense, despite her shawl.

When they arrived at the hall, Ali led her inside, where the dinner was set in the center. "It will just be dinner," Ali whispered from behind, leaning close to her ear. Aena turned to face him, relieved that he respected her boundaries.

"Thank you for this. You’re a gentleman... much better than your cousins," Aena said as Ali made sure she was seated, the soft words of gratitude reaching his ears. He was pleased by her praise, but a part of him felt victorious.

As dinner progressed, Ali subtly tried to paint Mahir in a negative light, but Aena’s focus remained on the meal. She wasn’t ready to take the bait. The evening ended, and as Aena prepared to leave, Ali insisted on driving her back.
"I’ll call my brother. He said he would drop me off," Aena replied dismissively, not noticing the flash of irritation in Ali’s eyes.

Just then, a black car pulled up in front of her, and Aena’s heart skipped a beat. "Oh no, don’t tell me that idiot—Saim—sent him," Aena thought to herself. She waved goodbye to Ali and climbed into the car, greeted by Kasim’s intense gaze.

Kasim was momentarily distracted by a tap on the window. "This is for you, Aena," Ali called out, handing her two large bouquets of red roses. Aena smiled in surprise, but before she could respond, Kasim’s voice cut through the air, sharp and possessive. "What’s that for?" he asked, his tone dangerously low.

"Nothing, kiddo. Just a gift," Ali said, his smile cool, but there was something beneath it that made Kasim’s grip tighten on the steering wheel.

Kasim didn’t respond, choosing instead to drive off. Aena glanced at him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "Why isn’t Saim here?" she asked innocently.

Kasim, his eyes never leaving the road, replied, "Why are you wearing that?" His question was blunt, but it carried an edge.
"Oh, this?" Aena gestured to her saree. "Mama made me wear it. Thank God for the shawl, though." She absentmindedly removed the shawl and placed it in the back seat. Kasim’s gaze flickered to her for a brief second, his eyes darkening before he quickly looked back at the road.

"Why’d you take it off?" Kasim asked, his voice almost a whisper, but his tone was heavy with something unspoken.
Aena laughed lightly, completely unaware of the tension she was building. "What do you mean? It's just us now. There are no men around."

Kasim’s chest tightened. "Huh? I’m a man too," he said, his voice strained as he tried to keep his composure.

Aena turned to him, her face breaking into a teasing smile. "Seriously, my little boy is a man?" She pinched his cheek affectionately. "Okay, okay, obviously you’re a man. But you and Saim will always be toddlers to me."

Kasim didn’t like how she was treating him—like a little brother—but he said nothing. He couldn’t afford to lose Aena by expressing the feelings bubbling up inside him.

When they reached the university gate, Aena showed the guard her card. "Where’s yours?" the guard asked, eyeing Kasim.
"He’s my brother. He’s here to drop me off," Aena explained, before turning back to Kasim. "It’s 12:16. No cars or transport vehicles are allowed in after 12:10." The guard nodded, and Kasim rolled up the window, his jaw clenched.

Aena sighed. "It’s okay. I’ll walk to the hostel from here. It’s far, but I can manage. Just tell Saim to call me."

Kasim’s protective instincts kicked in. "I’ll park here and walk you to the hostel. It’s not safe to walk alone at this time," he insisted, locking eyes with the guard for permission. The guard nodded, and Aena, though initially hesitant, gave in.

"You guys have really grown up," Aena muttered, rolling her eyes. Kasim’s smile deepened, and they began walking, the air thick with unspoken tension between them.

To be continue....