Anaa - a tale of ego and love

Chapter 7

Author's note: Damn this chapter ended up being much longer than I anticipated. So now its divided in two parts. It's taking a while to build up the main plot point where Izza's family will demand that Altamash marry her to save her reputation. So please bare with me.

I am posting the next two parts together as chapters 7 and 8. It's like no matter how hard I try to keep my chapters concise, I can't because I end up wanting to add more details. If you all are still reading, thank you! Please leave comments on this and next chapter!😊

Altamash's POV

The morning air was crisp, unusually so for a summer morning, as the school faculty members gathered outside the school, ready to depart for the conference. Luggage lined up by the bus, and teachers were chatting excitedly, forming small clusters of animated conversation. Altamash watched, with a cup of coffee in hand. He was hoping for just a moment to pull Izza aside and clear the air. Simply put, his chances were not looking good.

He hadn't slept properly the night before, not really, replaying their last encounter over and over. He needed to apologize, to explain—not that it seemed possible with everyone else around, but she deserved at least an honest admission of wrongdoing from him. Yet, as the minutes ticked by, Izza masterfully avoided any opportunity for private conversation, always surrounded by Anya or Kabir or other teachers, her laughter ringing clear and she seemed untouchable across the parking lot.

"Trying to send telepathic apologies, huh bhai?" Anya's voice laced with mirth, nudged him from his reverie. She looked at him playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Altamash managed a rueful grin, his frustration veiled thinly behind it. "It'd be easier than catching her alone," he murmured, watching as Izza shared a light moment with Kabir. Something about the way Kabir handed her a cup of tea, his attentiveness, irked Altamash unexpectedly. Why was he always making tea for Izza?

Anya raised an eyebrow, her gaze following his. "You know, jealousy is a bit unbecoming on you, bhai."

He scoffed, trying to shake off his sister's accusation. "It's not that," he lied, partly to himself. "It's just—"

"Kabir?" Anya finished for him, her tone lightly teasing. "He's harmless, you know. But if you're so concerned, why not just go talk to her?"

Before Altamash could formulate a response, Nashwa's voice sliced through his thoughts, her tone tinged with irritation. "Why did you need to go talk to her now?" she asked, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. He hadn't even noticed that she had joined him and Anya.

"It is about her presentation," Altamash responded curtly, feeling the walls closing in as Nashwa continued to stare at him. Sensing their conflict, Anya left to join Izza and Kabir.

Nashwa's lips twisted in a pout. "Seems like you're always ready to go talk to her. What's so special about Izza's presentation anyway?"

He sighed, his patience thinning. "Nashwa, it's my job to ensure the quality of our faculty's work. That includes Izza's. It's nothing personal."

Yet as he said it, Altamash's gaze drifted involuntarily over to where Izza stood, laughing freely with Kabir. Damn it!

Nashwa followed his gaze, her voice dropping coldly. "Just make sure it stays professional, Altamash. Remember, you're engaged to me."

Altamash nodded absently, his mind racing at the implication of Nashwa's words. "Of course," he murmured, as his heart thudded traitorously against his chest.

What was Kabir's deal, anyway? He wondered. Why did he always hover around Izza? Altamash used to regard Kabir as a competent teacher, respected by peers and students alike, but recently, his casual familiarity with Izza had began to grate on Altamash's nerves.