When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

78. E N C O U N T E R - II

I N A Y A

I cackled loudly when Zara stated an incident. She was narrating about someone from her cousins who was annoyingly cute. That was what she said.

“Then, she goes like… No, no, don't hurt my baby, my love. And we were literally staring at each other, wondering what baby she was speaking of.”

Her tone absolutely got me.

My stomach hurt due to laughing and I was already breathless. I gasped, smacking her back as my head dropped on her shoulder. She chuckled despite trying to maintain a stoic face.

“Yeah, like seriously? It's a fictional character. I understand we fall in love with them, but… such PDA? And I was myself confused thinking why was that so cute!”

I only laughed more, wheezing as I tried to breathe. Zara’s expressions were hilarious, her hands and tone animated like I had to understand this.

“She married your cousin, right? It must be so fun!” I asked and she hummed, continuing, “They have these weird traditions there, you know? Like the sister has to marry before the brother even if she's younger…”

“Really?” I asked, now turning to face her properly.

She nodded. “His sister, Samaira, was around four years younger to him. And they got her married first, only then was her brother allowed.”

I exhaled, leaning back as I muttered, “That's… unfair.”

“Yeah, right.”

The conversation then shifted to normal things. She even asked me if I had talked to Ahad regarding the shutdown. I just nodded, saying I did. I would keep the details.

And out of nowhere, came what I called the ‘Zee-energy-burst’. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she stood, dragging me along.

“Let's get you a new haircut.”

“WHAT?” I snapped, already jumping out of her hold. “NO! I've to go to the mansion, Mom needs help with something.”

“Come on, you grandma. We'll get you a beautiful haircut and a HydraFacial, then you can tell me how Ahad Bhai reacted to it. It won't take long.”

I stared blankly. “I've been to the spa with you before, I absolutely know how long it DOESN'T take.”

She snickered in hesitation and I opened my mouth to reply when my phone rang.

Zara grabbed my phone which was kept on the table, shooting me a teasing look as she handed it over.

Ahad.

I spoke to him for a minute, saying I'd reach there soon. Hanging up, I turned to Zara with a smile. “Zee… I'll have to go now, I'll join you for the spa before Eid, promise!”

She glared at me begrudgingly, shoving me away. “Get lost. You've forgotten me since you've married. I'll come and not spare Ahad Bhai and ask him what magic he has done on you.”

I laughed, the voice laced with fondness as I forced her into a tight hug. “I love you. You were before him, let's not forget that.” I winked and she rolled her eyes, smiling as she hugged me back.

“You're the one who's forgetting that.” She made a face and I giggled, waving a bye as I walked out of the cabin.

The drive to Ahad's office was silent. I dialled Mom, informing her that I'd soon reach there with Ahad. She was deciding on a charity for this Ramadan.

I walked into the building, smiling as a few employees greeted me politely. Taking the elevator, a smile rode up to my face at the thought of seeing him again.