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Noor had prepared wonderful dinner with new recipes hoping Yazaan would join but he didn't show up. She wondered if this person was human enough as she was disappointed in him. She had always been friendly with everyone and seeing Yazaan so occupied with himself was weird.

Four days passed by when Noor was setting up dinner table. Anfal was out for work and she was all alone to have her dinner so she filled her plate switching on tv to watch Crime Patrol.

A knock behind made her head turn and she spotted Yazaan standing. She wondered what he was doing here.

"Can I...have something to eat?" He asked as Noor hated eating all alone and this sounded like an invitation.

"Sure..I made Khichdi with chutney and kheema." She said eagerly fetching a plate for Yazaan. He hesitated as he took his seat opposite to Noor who was always eager and bursting with energy.

"You made all this?" Yazaan raised his eyebrow and she nodded.

"I love cooking and I try new recipes. That's my hobby." Noor stated as she helped Yazaan fill his plate. He had few mouthfuls as his eyes showed appreciation.

"Aren't you too young for all this?" He asked slowly as she shrugged.

"I learnt it from my Mom whereas Didi hates it." She went on. "I do most of the cooking for my Didi."

"You are very good I can say." He said finishing the meal. "I am honestly very impressed."

"I knew it. Everyone compliments my cooking and I am sure that my husband will be very happy with my cooking." Noor said excitedly as Yazaan gaze locked her as something resurfaced in his eyes which he immediately hid.

"In Shaa Allah...one lucky guy." He replied. "So is there someone?"

Noor was caught off guard at his question. Of course, she couldn't tell some stranger about her personal life. Can she?

Noor hesitated as Yazaan noticed it so he spoke up trying to calm her down.

"Noor, we are friends and don't worry answering me." He said casually. "I was just asking as I shouldn't be doing it."

He walked away to wash his hands when Noor weighed her thoughts and finally opened up.

"He is studies in my college. He is 2 years senior to me and I am absolutely crazy about him." She confessed to this stranger as he was amused by the way she glowed as she talked about Subhaan. She started praising him as he stood there listening to her in admiration until Anfal rand the bell.

"Oh! I completely lose myself when I talk about Subhaan." She scolded herself as she eagerly attended the door and Yazaan was still at the kitchen. Anfal, entered with books as Noor helped her inside the room. Yazaan disappeared inside his room as he heard tensed voices outside.

"How do I know who told Mom about the new PG?" Anfal muttered angrily. "I thought I will rent it out for few days so we can get extra cash but somebody told Mom and she is horrified how I can let a strange male reside in our home."

"Didi, just calm down." Noor tried to assure her when she yelled back at Noor.

"How can I calm down?" She snapped angrily. "You have no idea how mad Mamma was on me when she called me. I just don't know how to handle this now."

Yazaan stepped out listening to the chaos which died down as soon as he came in view. Anfal wiped her tears with napkin as she sniffed silently and Noor eyed him guiltily.

He walked up to Anfal and demanded her cell phone. She looked at him puzzled and he insisted. She obeyed as he searched her contact list and showed her their Father's mobile number. Anfal and Noor froze with thudding heart as he dialed the same from his mobile and disappeared behind his room having a long conversation after handing Anfal her mobile.

"What is he doing?" Noor asked as Anfal shrugged in disappointment. Ten minutes later she jumped at her ringing mobile.

Anfal received it hesitantly as it was her father on the other side as they talked for five minutes hardly but when she hung up, there was a smile and satisfaction on her face.

"Wha did Abbu say, Didi?" Noor enquired as she filled her that he allowed Yazaan to stay with them as long as he wishes.

They screamed happily calming down and embracing each other. Noor asked Anfal to say her thanks to Yazaan as she still held twisted impression of Yazaan. Noor pushed her so she obeyed muttering her thanks.

"Thank you for that." Noor said after Anfal left as Yazaan nodded in approval. "May I ask you what you told our father?"

"Nothing. I just said that he shouldn't worry as you are in safe hands with me. I am married already and means no threat to any of your daughters. He shouldn't be bothered." Yazaan replied as Noor was impressed what he did for her sister. He started seeing Yazaan in a new light with lots of respect and admiration reflecting from her eyes.

"That was really wonderful." She replied gently as he nodded and for a second his eyes lingered on Noor and then he looked away as it was forbidden to stare at her. She didn't know what she felt in her heart as she turned and walked away feeling at peace and secure after years in her own home .

(To be contd.............)

Media: Uploaded Anfal Mujtaba's Image(Nithya Menon)