Silent Hearts: A Marriage of Arrangements

9

-ZARA'S POV :

As I prepare his favorite choco chip cookies, along with potato bites, churros, Korean chilli garlic potato and other snacks, the aroma of freshly heated food fills the house. It's lunchtime, so I call everyone to the table. Once they've all gathered, I head upstairs to wake Asfi.

I sit beside him on the bed, watching as he stirs awake, his face soft with sleep. He blinks at me, rubbing his eyes. "What time is it? And why do I smell food?" His voice is drowsy, husky from sleep.

"It's 4 o'clock, and you smell food because it's lunchtime. Get up, freshen up. I'm waiting for you. Everyone is downstairs." I say, ruffling his hair and tracing his light stubble, enjoying this rare, quiet moment with him.

He grumbles playfully, nuzzling into my touch. "Alright, alright..." he stretches lazily before finally getting out of bed. After quickly freshening up, he joins me downstairs.

As we walk into the dining room, we're greeted by warm smiles from my parents and cousin, Sara. My parents immediately dote on Asfi, showering him with love as if I'm invisible. It's like they've forgotten they have a daughter. I raise an eyebrow but feel a warmth inside as I watch them bond with him. Their chemistry is undeniable.

Noticing my expression, Asfi leans over and whispers teasingly, "They just love me more than you."

I roll my eyes, serving him the korean chilli garlic pot-ato I made. "Try this!" I say excitedly, eager to see his reaction.

He takes a bite, and his eyes light up with pleasure. "This is delicious," he says, pulling me close for a quick kiss. "You're spoiling me..."

I blush furiously, muttering, "Uh, Asfi... we're not alone," embarrassed that he kissed me in front of my parents and Sara.

Unfazed, Asfi chuckles. "I forgot... for a moment, I forgot they were here." Then, turning to my parents, he adds with a mischievous grin, "She's an amazing cook, isn't she? I'm a lucky man."

My face heats up even more, and I eat silently, avoiding Sara's teasing gaze. I know that if I make eye contact, she won't let the opportunity to tease me pass.

Asfi, seeing my discomfort, leans in again, whispering, "Well, you'll get used to it..." He winks, completely unrepentant.

I smack his arm lightly, both irritated and shy.

Feigning injury, Asfi dramatically rubs his arm. "Hey, that hurt..." he complains, earning laughter from around the table. He leans close again, voice low. "Tonight, you'll pay for that..."

His words send my mind racing, my cheeks flushing with the thought of what he might do. Wide-eyed, I smack him again, only to be scolded by my mom to behave.

Asfi just chuckles, unbothered, and winks at me. Throughout the meal, he keeps stealing glances, his eyes filled with affection and a hint of something more. When no one is looking, he slips his hand under the table, squeezing my thigh gently.

I glare at him, removing his hand, but he holds me firmly in place. "Uh-uh..." he whispers, his voice a playful warning. "You'll pay for that later too..."

After finishing his meal, he turns to my parents with a smile. "May I borrow your daughter? I think we'll go for a little drive," he says, his tone polite but with an edge of firmness, knowing full well they won't refuse.

I glance at him in shock, looking to my mom, hoping she'll say no.

But of course, she smiles warmly. "Of course, dear. It's getting late anyway. Just make sure she gets home safely, Asfi."

Desperate to avoid being alone with him after all the teasing, I suggest, "What if we all go for a drive? Sara and I haven't caught up much since the wedding..." I say, trying to pull Sara into the plan.

But Asfi's expression hardens, his jaw clenched. "No." He says firmly, turning to my parents. "We'll be back soon." With that, he grabs my arm and pulls me up from my seat. "Say goodbye, darling."

Heart pounding, I mutter a quick goodbye and let him drag me to the door. He opens the car door for me, but the way he does it feels like I'm being thrown into the passenger seat. He slams the door shut, and I watch as he climbs into the driver's seat, his knuckles turning white as he grips the steering wheel.

"A-asfi...?" I ask, voice small and fearful.

"Shut up," he growls, his eyes focused on the road. The drive is silent, save for the hum of the engine and my shallow breaths. He doesn't say a word, but the tension in the air is thick, suffocating.

"Asfi, why are you angry? I don't like this..." I say, half annoyed, half scared.

He slams his hand on the steering wheel, making me jump. "Because you're trying to avoid being alone with me!" he yells. "Do you have any idea how hard it's been all day seeing you in that dress?!"

"W-what?" I stammer, shocked by his outburst.

"Don't play dumb, Zara!" His eyes burn with intensity. "You know how you affect me! You act all shy and embarrassed, and then you smack me, act annoyed, and now you don't even want to be alone with me?!"

I reach out, touching his arm gently. "Asfi..."

His anger deflates, his eyes softening. "Do I scare you that much?" His voice is barely a whisper now, full of vulnerability.

"N-no," I admit softly. "It's just... these intimate things... they're new to me. I've never felt them before. I've only read about them. It's a bit scary."

Asfi's features soften further, and he takes my hand in his, pressing it to his lips. "Then let's explore it together, slowly. Baby steps, okay?" His voice is tender now, full of understanding. "Tonight, I just want to hold you... and maybe... kiss you a little..."

I blush, nodding slightly, grateful for his patience and understanding. 

so guys that's the chapter for now and please don't forget to vote and comment i need motivation to write further especially after this stressful life and writing gives me peace of mind so don't forget to vote and comment

Thank you 

~Author_nooriii