Make Me Your Villain

Chapter Forty Five

Hayat Azhar

As I walked past the main hall, I caught Gulbano saheba sitting on a couch. The moment she noticed me, her expression soured and she looked away.

No one in this haveli had fully accepted me, but at least things had improved. Most of the family chose to ignore me, pretending I didn't exist. It hurt a little, but it was better than enduring their cutting remarks and cruel words.

They avoided my gaze now, as though they were aware they'd wronged me but were too proud to admit it.

So, Asra had been right. Sameer did handle that much for my sake.

The kitchen was blissfully empty when I entered and I couldn't help but smile to myself. I'd had breakfast hours ago and having tea now sounded good. With my dupatta draped over my shoulder and my hair held in french braids, I stood on my toes, reaching for the top cabinet.

"Are you making something?"

I halted then turned to see Sameer leaning against the kitchen doorframe. His hair was styled back and he wore a crisp white button-up shirt with black pants, looking effortlessly put together.

"I was just about to make some tea," I replied, keeping my gaze low.

"Need any help?" He asked as he walked over. I frowned at his offer.

"It's just tea," I deadpanned. "I think I can manage."

My answer made him chuckle slightly. "Fair enough. Can I have a cup, too?" He paused before adding, "Please?"

I blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his polite tone. Ever since his confession, I didn't quite know how to act around him. And more than that...

I risked a quick glance at him, only to look away just as quickly.

He'd been watching me lately—closely. It made me uneasy, like he was trying to figure out something hidden deep inside me. Sometimes, I'd catch him staring at me with a blank expression, as if lost in thought. But then, as our eyes met, the corner of his lips would twitch into the faintest smile, softening his gaze.

It made me wonder. Had he always watched me like this when I'd thought he was zoned out, even before all of this started?

Something told me, I was better off not knowing the answer.

I had forgotten about the cabinet when Sameer stepped closer. He reached above me to grab two mugs and I could feel the warmth of his chest brush against my back. My breath caught, but I didn't move.

He set the mugs down as I turned to light the stove. My hand rested on the counter and his came to rest beside mine, fingers barely touching.

"Do you ever let your hair down?"

I turned my head, surprised, to see him looking at me with a curious smile. "What?"

He shrugged, leaning casually against the counter. "I've just never seen you with your hair down."

His question threw me off and I couldn't help but think of how mismatched we were as a couple. Newlyweds were supposed to dress up for each other and look pretty, but it was always Sameer who looked put together, while I couldn't bring myself to care.

It was strange, wasn't it? Shouldn't I be the one making more efforts?

I shook the thought away, offering him a curt nod. "Sometimes."

"Sometimes." He repeated thoughtfully but I felt like he had more to say.

"By the way," I started as I kept my eyes down. "The other day, I rushed home because Sania called me. She sounded urgent but I didn't know what the emergency was."