Obscured Affection {ON HOLD}

10

In the morning, Safoora and Sabeena went shopping with Ishaq. They bought loads of things, and after grabbing something to eat at the mall, they headed towards Mahnoor's house.

***

"Sir, here's your coffee," Sara said as she entered Arsal's office with a cup of coffee.

"I've told you so many times to call me by my name," he said, taking the cup.

"Sorry, I forgot. I'll call you by your name from now on," Sara smiled.

"So, Ms. Sara, what's the schedule for today?" Arsal asked.

"There's not much work today. You just have three meetings, then you'll be free for the rest of the day," Sara replied, looking at her file.

"Alright, I'd like to talk to you about something after the meetings," Arsal said a bit seriously.

"What is it?" Sara asked.

"I'll tell you after the meetings," Arsal replied with a smile.

"Alright, I'll go call Mr. Ranvijay's secretary," Sara said as she walked out.

"Good luck, Arsal, this is your chance to confess your feelings. Be ready! Today, you must express your love no matter what," Arsal muttered to himself.

***
As soon as Safoora, Sabeena, and Ishaq arrived at Mahnoor's house, Safoora jumped out of the car and rushed inside. Sabeena followed her, carrying a few bags. Hearing Safoora's voice, Mahnoor came running.

With the wedding atmosphere in the house, loud music filled the air. Mahnoor hugged Safoora and then greeted her aunt. Sabeena responded to Mahnoor's greeting and kissed her forehead before heading towards Rahila. Mahnoor stood by the door, searching for Ishaq, as Safoora had said he would come along.

Ishaq parked the car and started walking inside with the remaining bags. When he saw Mahnoor standing by the door, he took a deep breath and went inside.

Mahnoor greeted him, and he responded in a stern tone. Just as he walked in, the song Sajan Ji Ghar Aaye started playing. Mahnoor blushed as she looked at him. Noticing this, Safoora stood beside Mahnoor and teased, "Did you play this song because your beloved has arrived?"

Hearing Safoora's words, Ishaq was initially confused, but as he listened to the song, he understood and shot a glare at Mahnoor.

Mahnoor turned red with embarrassment and glared back at Safoora. Ishaq walked past them, pretending not to notice, but accidentally stepped on Mahnoor's scarf, causing it to slip down. Mahnoor quickly bent to pick it up, and Ishaq also bent down at the same time.

"Sorry about that," Ishaq apologized, handing her the scarf.

"Uh..." Mahnoor started wrapping her scarf back around her head, but her phone rang before she could say anything.

"Assalamualaikum," Mahnoor greeted with a smile.

"Yes, Abdul Rahman... hold on, I'll go to my room and talk to you," Mahnoor said, looking around at everyone and realizing she couldn't hear well over the music. She went to her room.

"Abdul Rahman? Who's that?" Ishaq muttered to himself, raising an eyebrow. He couldn't remember anyone by that name who might have a relationship with Mahnoor. None of her brothers or cousins had that name, so who was she talking to? Ishaq thought he shouldn't dwell on it and shrugged it off as he went inside.

After greeting everyone, Ishaq went to Jameel's room. Mahnoor's and Jameel's rooms were side by side, so their balconies were also close. When Jameel went downstairs to get water, Ishaq went to the balcony. Mahnoor was on her own balcony, chatting on the phone. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen her this happy. She was so engrossed in her conversation that she didn't even notice Ishaq's presence. He stood there, watching her. After a long time, he was looking at her, and she had indeed changed a lot. She used to barely reach his shoulder, but now she came up to his neck. Her complexion was even more radiant. He had been so busy with his work that this was the first time in two years he had gotten time off to go anywhere. Lost in these thoughts, he was watching her until Jameel's voice called him back, and he went back inside.