"I am really sorry I interrupted you ,its not a place for me to be here " I say
" There is no such place in my life where you cant be,Love." His voice low.
Its a warm tale of Love.Maryam is preparing for civil service exam living in delhi with her m...
Last night, I told Alia I wouldn't enjoy this basketball tournament when we were texting, but she convinced me to come. Now, I'm clueless about the game and the people here.
Growing up in a village, I attended a small school. When I entered into this elite school, I was amazed by its structure. Rayan, Alia, and suhana passed out from this school.
I feel out of place here. This is a world of the rich, and I don't belong.
Alia and Suhana disappeared into the washroom, leaving me alone. Suhana seems insecure about my friendship with Alia; her jealous expression earlier was telling.
My gaze drifts to the court, where I find Rayan smiling at me, he is looking so handsome and athletic in his player jersey.
As the game begins, I yawn. Instead of pretending interest, I pull out my book and indulge in romcoms.
I started reading to copy civil service aspirants, but I never moved beyond fiction. Two years on, non-fiction still gives me headaches.
Lost in my fictional world, I can hear surrounding noise. The cheers of "Beast Ibrahim" and "Batch 2016" and " Rayan" fade into the background as I read my book.
A sudden explosion of applause jolts me back to reality. I glance up to see the game has ended.I was so indulged in my book i didnt realise about the time.
Rayan stands triumphantly, holding the trophy aloft. Alia waves me over, her eyes shining with excitement.
I hurry towards her, tucking my book into my bag.
"Congrats, Rayan," Suhana says, her voice dripping with sweetness. Rayan thanks her.
"Did you enjoy the game?" Rayan asks me, his gaze teasing.
"Yeah, you're a great player," I reply, trying to sound convincing.
Rayan chuckles. "You didn't even watch me play. You were too busy reading Mr. Darcy."
I'm taken aback by his comment, my face feels hot.
As we walk to the car, Suhana lags behind, her eyes narrowing.
"When did you become Alia's friend?" she asks, her tone biting.
"None of your business," I reply, quickening my pace.
Suhana grabs my forearm, her grip tight.
"It is my business," she insists.
I shake off her grip. "What do you want, Suhana?"
"Stay away from Rayan. He's my boyfriend," she warns, her voice icy.
I raise an eyebrow. "Okay, I'm already away from him. My friend is Alia, not your boyfriend."
I still can't wrap my head around Rayan and Suhana dating. They're polar opposites - Rayan's kind, while Suhana's cruel.
Alia and I sit in the backseat, while Suhana occupies the front passenger seat, being passanger princess of her boyfriend. Rayan pulls up at Suhana's place, and Alia announces she'll stay over.
Rayan's expression darkens, his anger palpable. Once Suhana steps away from the car, he turns to Alia.
"You didn't mention a sleepover," Rayan says, his tone sharp.
"We just planned it," Alia replies.
"Why? What's the need?" Rayan presses, frustration etched on his face.
"Drop Maryam off at her home," Alia instructs, exiting the car.
Rayan rests his head on the steering wheel, frustrated. I am feeling awkward.He drinks water.
"Mam,Can you come sit here?" Rayan asks, his expression transforming to charming relaxation. "Or do you want people to think I'm your driver?"
I hesitate, sensing his mood shifts so quikly.I come out of the car and sit in front seat.
I gaze out the window, avoiding Rayan's eyes. The silence between us is strange.
To break the silence, I ask, "Hey, why were you upset about Alia's sleepover with Suhana? Shouldn't you be happy that your girlfriend and sister are bonding?"
Rayan's expression changes, his eyes narrowing.
"Girlfriend?" his voice loud and he is shocked."Who told you Suhana is my girlfriend?"
"I... assumed," I stammer.I cant tell him that Suhana told me.
Rayan's gaze locks onto mine for a fleeting moment.
"There are million things to assume,Maryam and you assumed this." The way he said my name it send shivers down my spine.I feel thousand butterflies in my stomach.why his tone is so lovely when he talks to me.I look away.
"Suhana is not my girlfriend," Rayan says, his voice firm. "I'm very, very much single."
I keep my gaze away,out of the window, unsure how to respond.
Rayan pulls up in front of a luxurious restaurant, its elegant facade glowing in the evening light.
"Let's eat," he says, unbuckling his seatbelt.
"I'm not hungry. You go ahead, I'll wait," I reply.
Rayan's eyebrows rise. "What? Why wouldn't you eat? It's dinner time. Let's have dinner."
I shrug, feeling uneasy.
Walking in, I'm struck by how upscale everything looks. Chandeliers, fancy tablecloths, and staff that treat you like royalty. It's a bit too much for someone like me.
Rayan requests the menu, his eyes scanning the options.
"What would you like, Maryam?" he asks, his gaze expectant.
I hesitate, unsure of the fancy dishes. "You can order for me, I'm not picky."
Rayan's lips curve into a subtle smile. "Really? You're not going to give me any hints?"
I shake my head, feeling a bit self-conscious.
Rayan takes a bite of his steak. "Can I get your contact number?"
"Why?" I ask.
His expression turns serious. "Because I like you."
I freeze, unsure how to respond.
But then Rayan laughs. "Don't worry, I'm just joking. Alia told me you volunteer at an NGO."
"Yes," I reply, feeling relieved.
"I just finished my last year," Rayan says. "I was thinking of working for an NGO since I'm free for now."
"I can help you join," I offer.
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