When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

21. A R R I V A L

I N A Y A

"Done!" I exclaimed adding the final bits of almonds to the sweet Kheer, giving it a final touch.

I've been working in the kitchen for the last hour, cooking with Mom, Sasha amd Hafsa. It's actually fun, carrying with their never ending jokes and Mom's funny remarks.

I've made the sweet first, because it takes time to get chilled enough to be served. We continued cooking after completing our Asr prayers.

"Hey! Look at my Snowman". Hafsa exclaimed, our heads snapped at her. She had rice balls mounted on a plate, a little piece of carrot as nose and stalks of coriander as it's limbs. We all burst out laughing, continued by Mom scolding us not to play with food.

I really felt like I was with my own sisters, laughing freely and smiling widely without a care. And everytime Mom looks at me, with that sparkle in her eyes. I find Mumma in them, smiling at me warmly.

Time flew by as we indulge ourselves into the cooking frenzy. As evening stretched by, the time for their arrival neared. I stirred the fish curry, inhaling it's spicy and sourish aroma with a hint of tamarind and ginger.

I never thought in my wildest dreams that 'I'd marry' and freaking cook for my not soo sweet 'AUNT' .

I rolled my eyes at the thought.

"Are you mad on that fish in the curry?" I flinched at the sudden voice. Turning around, I saw Ahad peeking into the vessel, raising his eyebrows.

I huffed lowly, placing a hand over my chest, "What is it?" I asked, still stirring the curry.

"You were rolling your eyes, you only do that when you're mad". He said and I looked at him puzzled. Seriously? He knows me well enough already!

"No! I was thinking something". I said and he moved closer, making me go stiff. His breath fanned on the side of my neck, urging the baby hair there to stand up straight.

"What were you thinking that you didn't even notice my presence?" He husked and my eyes widened.

"What the hell are you up to? Move". I whisper yelled, turning my face a little to the side. I could sense him smirking against me.

"Why sweetheart? It's just us". He whispered again, my grip tightened on the spatula as his voice never failed to send shivers down my spine.

I wanted to push him back but couldn't. Like a part of me rebelled against me, or I think every part of me was ready for submission. I shouldn't be letting him do this. And we are in a God damn kitchen!

"Someone can walk in Ahad, MOVE!" I said firmly this time, while my warm cheeks betrayed me as always.

"So what?" He asked. Smirking. His lips grazing my earlobe, I closed my eyes unable to process anything, as our closeness send my mind into a haze.

I literally shivered when he gently placed a kiss on the side of my neck, I inhaled a sharp breath as my heartbeat accelerated way too high. His feathery touch igniting fire in it's wake.

I was pulled out of my reverie as the warmth suddenly left me. I abruptly turned my head around only to find the kitchen empty. When did he leave?