𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓: 𝐀 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐫'𝐚𝐧

chapter 45

Today is the day when Ayaan has to drop Ayat at her house, fulfilling the Sunnah of Walima. After her shower, Ayat came out wearing the clothes that Salma had sent with Sabeeha. Who is sitting with Ayaan in the lounge,

Ayat finished drying her hair and styled it in a bun. She wore her abaya, hijab, and a veil before stepping outside to see Sabeeha and Ayaan talking and smiling. Ayat noticed Ayaan, who was smiling brightly at Sabeeha, like telling something so exciting, her steps halted at the spot and she became engrossed in watching his bright smile

Sabeeha caught sight of Ayat's focused gaze and smiled because Ayat was so absorbed in staring at Ayaan that she hadn't noticed her. Ayaan was animatedly telling Sabeeha about an upcoming football match set for three days from now.

"Muhammad!" Sabeeha called out, interrupting him. Ayaan shut his mouth and gave her a puzzled look, his hands still in the air "Ayat is looking at you...ahm, staring at you!" she teased. Ayaan widened his eyes but didn't look in Ayat's direction, instead grinning while gazing down.

"You should see for yourself!" she insisted, gesturing for him to look at Ayat, who was still standing there, but he shook his head.

"If I will look at her, she might avert her eyes, and I don't want that!" he replied, still looking down. Sabeeha's eyes widened with amusement, and she chuckled. "Awww," she said, playfully making Ayaan widen his eyes in surprise. Ayat realized she had been staring for too long and facepalmed herself. She stepped forward and asked, "Shall we go?" catching their attention. Sabeeha nodded and got up to join her.

"Thank you," Sabeeha whispered to Ayat, who raised her eyebrows in confusion. "I will wait outside; you both come, okay?" Ayaan was about to leave when Sabeeha's phone rang, drawing their attention to her. "Yes, okay, I'm coming!" she answered in a slightly cold tone that confused both Ayaan and Ayat. "Actually, Muhammad... the owner of the madarsa is here for a visit. I need to go. You both carry on, hmm?" she explained. Ayaan furrowed his brow. "Okay, then I'll drop you," he offered, but Sabeeha shook her head.

"The madarsa is in the opposite direction, Muhammad. First, fulfill your duty and drop Ayat. I can go alone," she assured him. Ayat, still listening to their conversation, interjected, "But why, Aapa? You can come with us; he will drop you, too!" She held onto Sabeeha's arm stubbornly. Sabeeha smiled at her while Ayaan watched their dynamic, still unsure of the depth of Ayat and Sabeeha's friendship.

"Ayat, I can go alone!" Sabeeha insisted again, but Ayat didn't let go; she tightened her grip. Finally, Sabeeha relented, "Okay then!" she said with a shrug. Ayat smiled behind her veil, while Ayaan observed, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation.

The three of them settled into the car, with Ayaan driving, Ayat in the passenger seat, and Sabeeha in the back. They soon reached the madarsa, and Ayaan stopped the car. Sabeeha got out and headed inside while Ayat continued to look at Sabeeha's disappearing figure.

"Can we go?" Ayaan asked, and Ayat turned her head toward him and nodded.

As they drove slowly, Ayaan's curiosity got the better of him. "Since when do you know Sabeeha Appi?" he suddenly asked. Ayat, still gazing out the window, turned to him. "More than 11 years," she replied. Ayaan's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" he asked, feeling intrigued. Ayat nodded.

"Yes, because I used to study at that madarsa, and Sabeeha Aapa was my teacher!" she explained. Ayaan listened attentively, but Ayat then turned to look out the window again.

As they approached the alley leading to Ayat's house, she suddenly placed her hand on his that rested on the steering wheel. "Stop here!" she commanded. Ayaan's heartbeat quickened at her mere touch; he was momentarily distracted by it. "Ayaan, stop the car!" she said loudly, breaking through his thoughts. He extended his hand in front of her before suddenly hitting the brakes. They were already partially in the alley, and Ayat looked at him, frustrated.