His City ( اُس کے شہر )

Four

The first day at the academy passed by in a blur.  She had a total of four classes, her favorite one being Design 1A. The professor had promised that they would be able to create their own dress as an exam at the end of the semester. 

Jasmine didn't have any classes with Arya since she was in her last year here.  Jasmine came from an Indian background. She was full of energy and kind of on the wild side; way too wild for Arya. 

"Done for today?" Jasmine caught up to her as Arya was walking out of her last class.

Arya nodded, smiling. "Yeah, it was amazing."

"I was exactly like you in my first year," Jasmine waved at a few people passing by. Her English hinted at a French accent. "So full of excitement and wonder." 

Outside, small drops of rain pitter-pattered against everything that they could touch. Arya contained in a shiver.

"Do you want a ride?" Jasmine frowned at the rain. "We can go get some warm drinks and hang out."

Warm drinks sounded amazing.

"Already trying to steal my girl, Sharma? That's not nice."

Both girls swiveled their heads at the voice.

Asad stood at the base of the steps, hands deep in his jeans pockets. He gave Arya one of his fox smiles when she caught his gaze.

Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Don't pull that possessive shit on me. She's an independent woman and can do whatever she wants. And if she wants to go get coffee with me you can't stop her."

Both girls stopped in front of him and the rain above began to tap against Arya's skin, trailing down her cheeks like freshwater tears.

"See, but that's where you're wrong." Asad pulled at a strand of Jasmine's hair and she slapped his hand away. "She can't go with you; Ami wants her home. Asap."

The blonde's eyes narrowed for a second but she sighed, giving in. "Whatever," she turned towards Arya. "Maybe another time?" Arya nodded. The short girl gave her a tight hug, gave Asad the finger, and was gone the next second. 

It was just Arya and Asad now. They'd been standing under the rain long enough for Arya to feel the fabric of her hijab start to feel heavy, beginning to get wet.

"Hello." Asad greeted her, lips turned upwards.

"Assalamualaikum," Arya replied firmly, raising her chin.

The boy seemed amused. "Walaikumsalam," he said it almost tauntingly. Asad stepped back and tilted his head towards the general direction of the parking lot. "Shall we?"

"Why does Aunty want me home?" Arya asked him as they headed towards the car.

"She doesn't want you home." The car beeped and Arya shot him a glare before he slid himself inside.

"You lied?" Arya sat herself in. The car was warm and the heavenly smell of mint and a dozen of other spices enveloped her. Arya had realized that it was his cologne. Not that she was happy about the fact that it made her feel so light and dizzy. She was unconsciously taking in deep breaths of it.

"I wanted to spend time with you," he said, as if though it made it okay to lie.

"And I don't want to," Arya argued back, feeling that prickle of anger trying to resurface, This guy was too much. "I'd rather stay far away from you."

"Oh ouch," He mockingly put a hand against his heart. "I felt that."

Arya snorted. "Please don't bother to drive me anywhere ever again. You've done enough."