When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

72. A G A M E

A/N - Longer chapter on demand! Jaldi se vote kardo❤️

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Spoiler: Ahad being Ahad.

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A H A D

I pursed my lips to stop laughing at the way Asim was constantly tapping his foot against the floor.

"Nervous?" I asked, letting a small smirk surface.

"What? Me? N-no."

His face said it all. I just shook my head, chuckling as I continued to review a few monthly reports. We were in my study. I needed to talk to him once before we'd bring this up in front of Mom and Dad.

"Why are we just sitting here?" He asked, his tone dripping with annoyance.

I leaned back, dropping the stylus nearby as I looked at him. "Waiting for you to calm down."

"What?" He snapped again, his eyes narrowing like he couldn't believe my words.

I sighed, standing up from the chair as I walked towards the window. It overlooked into the plain field, the night deepening as the streetlights cast golden light on the grass.

I caught Asim's gaze through the glass. There were no expressions on his face I couldn't read. He was overwhelmed, yes, but I couldn't ignore the underlying fear hidden in his eyes.

"I'm asking again, are you sure?"

He huffed quietly, his shoulders dropping as he nodded.

I shook my head. "Don't nod."

"Yes, Bhai."

I smiled when he kept his gaze locked with mine, declaring the strength with which he would love and take care of Hafsa.

"You know Hafsa is no less than Sasha for me." I started, a mask of seriousness replacing my smile as I continued, "and we both know how protective you get when it comes to things or people you love, Asim."

He averted his gaze, humming solemnly.

Turning around, I placed a firm hand on his shoulder, eyes soft as I explained, "Being protective is good. Just know, too much can suffocate her instead of making her feel safe and seen. I know you won't ever hurt her knowingly, but remember-if she cries, I'll be the first you'll answer."

"Yes, Bhai." He agreed, his tone firm. I hummed, patting once as I said, "Let's go to Mom and Dad then."

He grinned, pulling me into a brief hug as he whispered, "Thank you, I don't know what I'd be without you."

I chuckled warmly, hugging him back a fraction tighter as I teased, "Aww, too emotional?"

"Bhai yaar!" He whined, soft laughter escaping him as we pulled apart.

I let the silence settle as we walked towards Dad's study. Looking at him, so sure and responsible, happiness curled around my heart.

It felt like it was just yesterday when he'd cry every time someone broke his skaters. Even broken, he'd keep them safe with him. I still remember when I had found broken toys, half-used pencils and his every little old thing-in his closet.