This story revolves around Roshni and Saad.
Tropes
Love at first sight
Best friend's Sister
Immature X Mature
Secret Author X CEO
Age Gap (5 Years)
He falls first, Both fall harder
The evening had arrived, and I was absorbed in my writing when my phone buzzed.
A message appeared from "Baarishwala"—Saad. "When are you coming? The event has begun." My eyes widened; I had completely forgotten about the literary book reading event.
I quickly typed back, "On my way," and grabbed Ezzeh, hurrying toward the venue.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice curious.
"To a literary book reading event!" I replied with a joyful grin.
We reached the venue, and without waiting, I dashed inside, leaving Ezzeh looking confused behind me. She hurried to follow, though at her own pace, so I found myself seated just before she managed to catch up. Taking a seat beside me, she panted.
"Why were you in such a rush, as if the event had finished and we were just entering!" she huffed, still catching her breath.
Just as she spoke, the hall erupted in applause. The event had ended.
I looked down, disappointment weighing on my shoulders. "We actually arrived too late, and the event just finished," I murmured sadly.
I had looked forward to attending this, and now, because of my forgetfulness, I missed it entirely.
Author's POV:
As Roshni began to leave, someone's hand grasped her wrist, firm enough to halt her steps. She turned and found herself face-to-face with "Baarishwala." Her heart skipped a beat as she whispered his name, "Saad," under her breath.
"Why were you so late?" he asked, his voice heavy with disappointment.
Roshni looked down, ashamed. "Actually, Saad... I forgot about the event. It was only when you messaged me that I realized. I hurried, but it wasn't enough," she confessed, regret in her voice.
Without another word, he released her hand and walked away, leaving her standing there, confusion written all over her face. She could sense he was disappointed, maybe even hurt.
Next Day
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen as Roshni stepped in the next morning, signaling the start of a busy day. Aaliya was cooking breakfast, adding her usual mix of love, care, and spices to every dish. Today, Roshni was dressed in a simple yellow kurti paired with jeans.
Still thinking about Asad's appearance at the book fair, she reached for a mug—only to accidentally drop it. The mug shattered against the counter, snapping her out of her reverie.
Aaliya's eyes narrowed, her gaze turning sharp. "Where are you lost?! You broke one of my favorite mugs!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with both anger and disappointment.
Roshni flinched. "I...I'm sorry, Ammi... I didn't mean to break it. It was an accident," she stammered, her voice filled with guilt.
"How can you be so careless, Roshni? Will a simple 'sorry' make the mug whole again?" Aaliya demanded exasperation in her tone.
"I'm really sorry, Ammi," Roshni whispered, her eyes downcast, unable to meet her mother's gaze. In response, Aaliya pointed to the door, signaling for her to leave. Roshni walked away, disheartened by her mother's disappointment.
With a heavy heart, she found herself drifting toward Asad's room. Pushing open the door without knocking, she saw her brother adjusting his hair, dressed simply in a shirt and trousers.
"What were you doing yesterday at the book fair? And I saw you with my best friend, Ezzeh," she started, her voice laced with accusation. Then, with a serious look, she added, "Is there something going on between you two that I don't know about?"
Her sudden interrogation caught Asad off guard.
He hadn't expected her to ask about Ezzeh, and he was even more surprised to learn that the girl he clashed with was Roshni's best friend.
"I went to the event for my best friend's speech, that's all," he replied, his tone calm but serious. "And I had no idea it was your best friend who bumped into me." With a smirk, he added, "Though, with her behavior, I should've guessed—she's a lot like you." He chuckled softly.
Roshni rolled her eyes. "Oh really? I didn't know your friend gave speeches. I figured he'd be as boring as you." She crossed her arms and continued, "By the way, who is this 'best friend'? The only person who gave a speech at the event was Saad Malik."
Asad's response was calm, yet it left her speechless. "Yes, my best friend is Saad Malik," he said, taking a seat on the couch.
Roshni's eyes widened as she processed his words. She stood there, rooted in shock, unable to move, leaving him puzzled.
He approached her, gently gripping her shoulders to shake her from her thoughts.
"Huh? Are you serious? Saad is your best friend?" she asked, needing confirmation.
"Yes, Saad is my best friend. But why are you so curious?" he asked, slightly amused by her reaction.
"Umm...I don't know," she muttered before bolting out of the room, leaving him baffled but not overly concerned.
Seeking solace from the morning's drama, Roshni headed to her shop, Whispers of Love, to write and regain her peace.
Meanwhile, Saad was at his own home, his mind still replaying Roshni's late arrival at the event he had invited her to. He wondered if she'd reach out, yet his phone remained silent. After some thought, he decided on a way to reconcile and hopefully get to know her better.
A few hours later, Saad arrived at her shop, his ocean-blue eyes scanning the room until they landed on her hazel-green gaze. Standing before him, Roshni was stunned. His sleeves were rolled up, his hands in his pockets, and his arms showing signs of tension.
He gave a small grin as he thought, 'How could anyone stay upset with someone so stunning? Her eyes alone could turn any mood around.'
Feeling a surge of nerves, Roshni took a few steps back, unwilling to let her feelings for him deepen now that she knew he was Asad's best friend.
Their eyes locked, and the air between them seemed to thicken with silent intensity. She broke the moment, turning and walking away without a word, leaving Saad standing there, puzzled. Watching her leave, he, too, exited the shop, wondering what had just happened.
