LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 9

Two days had passed since the Nikah, and Amal still found herself lost in thought more often than usual. Asma noticed her quiet demeanor and decided to bring it up.

“What’s going on, Amal? You’ve been so distracted lately. I can understand if you’re missing Dua already, but this feels... different,” Asma said, giving her a curious look.

Amal hesitated for a moment before responding, “No, Asma. It’s not about Dua. Actually… there’s something I need to tell you.”

Asma raised an eyebrow. “Really? What is it?”

Amal glanced around nervously. “Not here. Let’s go somewhere private.”

Asma nodded and gestured towards a nearby corridor. “Come with me. We can talk in that room.”

Without realizing whose room it was, Amal followed Asma into the quiet space. Asma shut the door behind them, and Amal sat on the edge of the bed, ready to unburden herself.

“Asma…” Amal began, her voice low. “You know Zain? He—”

She hadn’t even finished her sentence when the bathroom door opened, and Zain stepped out, steam wafting behind him. He was shirtless, a towel slung over his shoulders, and his damp hair clung to his forehead. Amal froze mid-sentence, her eyes wide in shock.

Zain’s gaze met hers, a flicker of surprise in his expression, but he quickly composed himself. Leaning casually against the doorway, he smirked and said, “Go on, Amal. What were you saying about Zain?”

Amal’s heart raced as she struggled to find her words, but nothing could prepare her for the intensity in zain's voice and the knowing look in his eyes.

Asma’s eyes were fixed on Zain, unable to look away. His toned physique and the way droplets of water glided down his skin had left her momentarily speechless. Amal noticed Asma’s reaction and quickly turned to Zain, her voice sharp.

“First of all, Zain, put on your shirt!” she snapped, trying to sound composed but failing to hide her flustered expression.

Zain raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “As you wish,” he said with a smirk. He grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head, his damp hair falling messily over his forehead. Adjusting his sleeves, he walked toward Amal, stopping just close enough to make her uncomfortable.

“Now,” Zain said, his voice low and teasing, “go on, Amal. What were you telling Asma? Or should I tell her myself?”

Amal’s jaw tightened, and she shot him an irritated glare. “What do you think of yourself, huh? Just because your name is Zain doesn’t mean the whole world revolves around you! I wasn’t even talking about you. I was talking about someone else!”

Zain leaned back slightly, crossing his arms with a knowing smile. “Oh, really?” he said, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Before Amal could reply, she suddenly let out a loud scream. “Haa Maa! Aayi!”

Zain, startled for a moment, quickly realized no one was actually calling her. He burst out laughing, the deep sound filling the room. Amal’s cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, and she muttered under her breath, avoiding his gaze.

Asma, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, was yanked out of the room by Amal. Once they were in the corridor, Asma finally spoke, unable to suppress her grin. “Amal… was that really about ‘someone else’? Because it didn’t look like it.”

Amal glared at her. “Don’t start, Asma,” she said, her voice firm but her cheeks still burning red.

The preparations for the wedding were in full swing, with the house buzzing with laughter and excitement. Amidst all the chaos, Zain’s eyes couldn’t help but seek out Amal every chance he got. It was as if his entire focus was tied to her presence.