STUCK IN TIME

(ix)Book 1: Chapter 7- Only If You Punch Him Real Hard

AYANA'S POV

These few days have passed swiftly and pretty uneventfully. The only changes are that I have become good friends with Esmael. Isra and Hamza are like the happiest couple on earth, which is pretty cool because Isra's relationships don't last long. I am having a feeling that this one will.

Afifa's medical treatment is in progress with satisfactory results. Since the day I followed the doctor I hadn't suspected anything unusual around my house, nor have I felt being stalked or something for which I am so grateful.

Asher is complicated like always. I can never understand what he thinks or wants. He has done stupid childish things which I am trying to forget but at the same time he has always been here for me too, which makes me want to take a step forward. But every time I try, he does something that tends to drift us apart and makes me hate him even more. I don't think so. But whatever.. Its not like I care, at least not mostly. Our friendship is always takes two steps back after just one step forward. Just like that night when he saw Richard here.

But nevertheless, His telling me that he would never hurt me nor will let anyone hurt me, have kind of become my new favorite words. They felt so true and meaningful coming out of his mouth that I felt all secure and cared-for hearing them then and recalling them every time. I wanted to go talk to him and ease the awkwardness. I wanted to tell him that I cared for him too and that we can be the same friends again, that we can sit together like civil people and have a normal talk again. But every time I tried I didn't know how to say it all without making things more complicated.

ASHER'S POV

Since the day I apologized to her, I had been angry at myself. I cant tell if it is because I acted extra sweet which was unlike myself or because I saw some other guy casually having coffee with her at her home. I know it disturbs me to see any guy showing interest in her and it more than disturbs me to watch her reciprocating. This has to end and for that I had planned to keep some space from her. But practically this is far more difficult than I thought.

I think of the faces she makes when I tease her, her cute dimples when she smiles or talks, her huffing out loud and her death glares which makes a smile take over my lips. For how can I just stop getting on her nerves and miss this absolute bliss.

I cant pass a single day without seeing her, no matter if it is just to tease her.

But despite all this, I managed to stop teasing her and we haven't had a single fight the whole week long. There is an undefined tension in the air around us which is making things complicated for me.

"And what about Zayn? Why is he always so over protective about her?" Miles's voice pulls me out of my thoughts of her and a blank expression replaces my smile. What is wrong with my brother? It is his billionth question about her and its really irritating me.

"He is just like that since we were kids. He always gives her special importance." I reply without removing my eyes from the screen.

Apparently we are watching a football match but ever since the match has started Miles has been non stop about asking me about her. I am getting frustrated but trying to answer all his questions calmly.

"So you sure they are not into each other?"

"No man! Not at all. They are like siblings, Miles. Plus Zayn is not the type to crush over anyone. Now for heavens sake let me watch the fucking game and shut up!" I say loosing my patience finally.

"Whoa cool down brother. Okay one last question."

"Shoot!" I allow him while taking a few pop corns and munching on them.