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The driver's seat opens, and a man steps out, dressed in a sleek black suit with a crisp white dress shirt, casually unbuttoned at the collar. My gaze finally settles on his face and-boom.
He is...
I can feel the nervousness creeping into my lungs, my heart racing at the sight of him after so long.
I thought it was Adira who arrived, but it's him. I can't believe it-he's standing in front of me.
Staring so calmly into my eyes while every nerve in my body is ready to explode-"Eid Mubarak, fellas!" A familiar playful voice pulls my gaze from the man in front of me to Arhaan, grinning, dressed in a white kurta with a subtle pattern.
"Eid Mubarak." Despite the nervousness, I manage to greet Arhaan back. I don't know why I'm feeling this way. He's not part of my life anymore. I once tried to offer him the friendship I thought he deserved, but he proved me wrong.
"Where's Azhar bhai?" he asks. I tilt my head toward the house, and with a grin, he disappears inside. I turn back to him, and he hasn't moved an inch, standing still. His green eyes are so deep, so intense, it's hard to read him. He's changed so much.
He finally looks away, and something I can't quite make out flickers in his eyes as he asks, "How are you?"
These are the last words I expected him to say. What does that even mean?
Does he think I've forgotten everything? That I'll forgive him?
He's got another thing coming if that's what he thinks.
"That's none of your concern." He doesn't even flinch or look startled at my harsh reply.
"Of course, you're not my concern," he shrugs, looking away before meeting my gaze again, "You're the headache I've had for the past seven years."
"What?" I snap before I can control myself. His lips twitch into what looks like a smile. He shakes his head, and the smile disappears.
"Nothing-" "Hey," my brother comes between us. "I was waiting for you. Arhaan didn't come?" Azhar extends his hand to him, and he takes it with a firm shake before letting go, tilting his head toward the house.
"He's inside." My brother follows his gaze and nods, then looks back at us.
A small smile touches his lips. "You guys finally met, huh?" Azhar chuckles. "How do you feel, Zaira?"
How do I feel? I feel like I can't breathe.
I don't reply, and sensing the tension, Azhar changes the subject and leads him inside, where I follow them. I can still feel the tightness in my chest.
Azhar leads him to where Nazeera Aunty, her husband, and other guests are sitting.
green eyes greets my mother and the guests. My mother pats his hand, and he gives a small smile before sitting beside my brother. He's still the same Aryan I used to know.
