ishq kavita

Chapter 3: Zarar

I would have never agreed to come to Zoha’s event if she wouldn't have mentioned her. The sound of everybody talking, and the girls dancing and laughing and the dhol beats were already too fucking loud. I had to cancel my meetings to come to this event. It wasn't like Zoha wasnt my friend. Zoha, Ravi and I have been very close friends since college, but I just didn't like this.
Sighing, I picked my phone back and started checking the inbox.

“We are already too late, Dina. Stop cussing.”
“We are not late because of me, it was Rabeeca’s fault. Stop scolding me all the time.” Her voice was like melody to my ears. My heart suddenly picked up pace. I didnt even try to turn around and look at her. I’d melt and I wouldn't be able to control it. What was wrong with me?

“Let him be, Daneen. Come, let's greet Zoha Aapi.”

When I was sure the girls left, I breathed again. A huge hand shouldered my blades. “Whastup bro? I thought you were not coming.” Ravi.

“Zoha started her melo drama. Couldnt turn her down.” I lied. I could easily turn her down and she wouldnt even care since all I could do was make her function boring, but she was getting married to her highschool sweetheart and moving to Jaddah after her wedding, hence our presence to each of her functions was mandatory.

“So, whats up with you? Business all day?” Not like he cared but we needed some topic to start a conversation with.

“Yeah, Sherry’s busy with Bhabi all the time. She is in her last trimester. I have to give more time to clients since someone needs to replace bhai for some time.” I reply. Sherry is my older brother. He’s married and he lives in his separate house with his pregnant wife and a 5 year old son. Bhai used to be more active at client meetings since he was the one more hospitable, but since bhabhi is now due any week, he needs to be with her most of the time and I need to deal with clients. It's not hard, I just need time to get used to it. I mostly just interrupt when needed in meetings, bhai used to carry all the presentations and ideas. I’ll do it anyway.

“What about Rayan? Isnt he going to help you?” Rayan, my younger brother. 2 years younger. He is careless and dad doesnt trust him with the business yet, besides he doesnt even want to be a part of family business.

“We were out of contact for 2 months only, Ravi. do you seriously think Rayan would suddenly develop an interest in family business in these two months?” I didnt know why I was suddenly disliking talking to him. He was my best friend.

He sighed. I looked up at him from my phone and saw him roll his eyes. We both knew which unsaid topic was dancing between both of us like a hanging knife.

“Two months werent enough for you to process it?” I nearly whispered, although the music was loud around us.

“You are actually serious about her.” I didnt know whether that was a humbling question or an accepting statement.

“Ravi, be a man. I approached you first because you are her brother and my friend. I need a signal from you so that I can send my family to ask for her hand. I want to do it the right way. Why were 2 months not enough for you?”  He saw me staring at her or rather lost in her 2 months ago at Zoha’s engagement party. I told him I liked her and wanted to marry her. I didn't know when I started liking her, but I did. He got all busted and said he needed space. I didnt give him the fucking space just to hear he was still in a shock state. What's with the brothers?

“I don't know if she’ll agree.” Well, that was part of the problem. She never talked to me, more than a few words here and there.

“Ask her.”

He rolled his eyes. “She needs to complete her bachelors first.”

“That is 2 months from today.” I could wait two months.

“Fine. I’ll talk to her after her exams.” A small smile appeared on my face. My mind imagining her as my bride. “Stop blushing. I said I’ll talk to her.” I wasnt blushing, this fucker can get his eyes rinsed with surf.

“Let's go get some refreshments.” I tried not to smile again.