His Reluctant Romance (On Hold)

1♡

Author Pov:

The family dining room was bathed in the soft glow of the morning sunlight, and the table was laid out with an array of breakfast foods. Anaab, Arsalan, Farhan, and Inaya sat together, enjoying the meal in relative peace, but the atmosphere shifted as Anaab decided to ask something that had been on her mind for a while.

"So, Arsalan, did you finally finish that project of yours?" Anaab asked, her tone casual but with a hint of challenge.

Ab agyega maja Anaab thought in her mind.

Arsalan, already sensing a trap, replied, "Yeah, I wrapped it up. Why the sudden interest?"

"Just making sure. Your deadlines have been slipping lately," Anaab said with a small smirk, unnoticed by everyone at the table.

Arsalan, irritated by her probing, snapped, "And you've got a habit of nagging. Can't you give it a break?"

"I'm just looking out for you," Anaab retorted, the smirk still lingering on her lips. "It affects everyone when you're not on top of things."

Farhan, their elder brother, intervened before the situation escalated further. "Alright, let's not turn breakfast into a battleground. Annu, Arsal, let's keep it civil." Inaya, ever the peacemaker, chimed in as well. "Annu, you know Arsalan tries his best. And Arsalan, Anaab only wants what's best for everyone."

Before anyone could continue, Farhan’s phone rang. It was their Phupu.

"Assalamualaikum, Phupu," Farhan greeted.

"Walaikumassalam," came the reply, laced with the familiar bitterness. "Where is Anaab? She's a constant reminder of what we lost. Manhoos ladki."

(That unlucky girl.)

Farhan sighed, trying to stay calm. "Phupu, we've been over this. Anaab is part of this family, and we care about her."

"Well, I just wish things were different. Seeing her there brings back painful memories," Phupu continued, her voice heavy with unresolved grief.

Farhan attempted to reason with her. "We understand it's difficult, but we're trying to move forward—"

Anaab, overhearing the conversation, cut in with her own greeting. "Assalamualaikum, Phupu Jaan! Suna hai ke apne mujhe yaad kiya?" (Peace be upon you, dear aunt! I heard you were asking about me?) She added with an innocent smile that everyone knew wasn’t quite innocent. "Aww, I miss you too, but I'm not sorry if my presence brings up painful memories. Just like you've lost your brother and sister-in-law, I've lost my parents too. I hope you understand my pain now."

There was a silence on the other end before Phupu abruptly cut the call in frustration, likely seething at Anaab’s boldness.

Inaya, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Anaab, you're an important part of this family. We're happy to have you." Anaab smiled warmly at her and mouthed a "thank you." Dadu and the rest of the family exchanged proud looks, appreciating Anaab’s firmness in standing her ground.

After breakfast, Arsalan leaned towards Anaab. "Have you finished your breakfast, madam? I don’t want to miss my first lecture because of your endless talking."

Before Anaab could retort, Dadu spoke up. "Chup hoja tu, khane de meri beti ko. Dekh kitne double ho gaye hain."

(Be quiet and let my daughter eat. Look how healthy she's become.)

"Han han, dekh raha hoon," (Yeah yeah, I see it) Arsalan replied with a mock-serious expression.

Anaab shot him a glance. "Oh hello, mister. If you're in such a hurry, just go. I’ll take the driver. And by the way, do you even attend your classes properly?"