Jaan-e-Azlan❤

33

The cabin lights were dimmed, soft golden lamps glowing above their wide seats. The hush of the aircraft filled the air, muffled by the luxury of business class. Misha leaned back, adjusting her dupatta neatly while glancing sideways at Azlan, who was scrolling through something on his iPad.

"Azi..." she said softly, her tone half playful, half curious.

He hummed without looking up. "Haan, bolo."

She tilted her head, a teasing smile tugging her lips. "Aapne hamesha plane ka corner choose karna hota hai? Mujhe toh aisa lag raha hai jaise hum plane ke andar bhi kisi office meeting ke liye baithe hain."

Azlan finally looked at her, raising a brow. "Aur tum chaahti kya ho? Economy mein jahan poori duniya tumse takraati rahe?"

She laughed lightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Nahi, economy toh waise bhi hum travel nahi karte. Bas keh rahi hoon... business class bhi thoda boring ho jaata hai aap ke saath. Aap toh har jagah laptop le aate ho."

Azlan smirked faintly, setting his iPad aside. "Tumhe boring lagta hai mere saath travel karna?"

She shook her head quickly, her eyes sparkling. "Nahi, boring toh kabhi nahi. Bas... thoda zyada serious lagta hai."

He leaned slightly towards her, his voice low. "Aur tumhe lagta hai tum meri seriousness handle kar sakti ho?"

Her heart skipped, but she covered it with a grin. "Aap samajhte hi nahi... main toh aapki seriousness ko mazak bana deti hoon."

Azlan chuckled, a deep, quiet sound. "Tumhari ye aadat bachpan se hai, Misha. Har cheez ko halki bana dena."

She smiled softly, her voice lowering in return. "Aapko bura lagta hai?"

Azlan studied her for a moment, then shook his head. "Nahi... shayad isi liye tumhari baaton mein sukoon hota hai."

Mantasha looked away, suddenly finding the window more interesting than it was. Outside, the city lights faded beneath them as the aircraft climbed higher.

The flight attendants served food. A fine meal, silver cutlery clinking gently. Misha poked at her dessert absentmindedly, then leaned slightly towards Azlan.

"Azi..." she whispered.
He was sipping his coffee. "Haan, ab kya hua?"

She gave a mock pout. "Aapko yaad hai jab hum family ke saath Dubai gaye the, aur maine airport pe kaha tha ke main khud apna bag handle kar lungi, aur phir woh ghoomta wheel toot gaya tha?"

Azlan gave her a look, a half smile playing at his lips. "Tumhe lagta hai main woh bhool sakta hoon? Uske baad Ammi ne mujhe daanta tha ke main tumhe dekh kar kyun nahi chal raha tha."

Mantasha chuckled, hiding her face with her hand. "Aur aap toh seedha keh rahe the, 'usko hi shauk tha khud karne ka.'"
"Woh sach tha." He smirked.

She rolled her eyes. "Aap bilkul bury ho jaaty hain kabhi kabhi."

"Tumhare liye hi hoon." His reply came casually, but the weight of it hung between them for a second.

Misha fell quiet, nibbling her spoon. She wasn't sure if he meant it lightly or if there was more in his tone than she was ready to process.

Hours later, the cabin was quieter. Most passengers had reclined into sleep. Misha pulled her blanket around her, settling sideways in her seat.

"Azi..." she whispered again, her voice sleepy but still carrying mischief.

"Tum thakti nahi baatein karke?" he asked, glancing at her from his reclined seat.
She smiled, eyes half closed. "Aap bore toh nahi ho gaye na mere saath?"