Uncradled Love *A Z.M. AU*

Chapter twenty-four

Sarah's P.O.V.
"C'mon Sarah. Its seven. We have to be there by 8." Zayn called out from downstairs.
"I know. I'm coming." I replied shouting, applying my lip gloss.

I stepped down the stairs in total anxiety waiting to come back from the dinner, already. I wasn't at all excited for this dinner even though I wanted it.

"They will like you, love." Zayn consoled me stressing on 'will' as soon as he saw me.

"I hope so Zayn. But still, I have every right to be nervous." I replied still stressed.

He shrugged, shaking his head from left to right.

Zayn's P.O.V.
I could tell by the time she was taking to get ready that she was stressed. And that also made me stressed. I knew that my parents would want a girl who is good, especially mannered. That's why I never told Sarah about the type of clothes she should wear to the dinner today. It wasn't like I was judging her but I just wanted to know whether she knew the requirement of the ocassion.

But, totally opposite, my worries vanished when I caught her glimpse skipping down the stairs. She was wearing a black long skirt paired with a simple creamy white shirt and a black and scarf around her neck. This girl surely has a sense in fashion.

And I am proud to trust her.

We arrived at Mom and Dad's place at about 7:45 p.m. and I heaved a sigh of relief.

"Come on." I told Sarah as I opened her car door. She wiped her, now sweaty palms, with her skirt and got out of the car. I held her hand and squeezed it, telling her that everything's gonna be okay.

Doniya opened the door instantly as we rang the bell. Sarah partially hid behind me.
Oh I've never seen this shy side of her.

Sarah's P.O.V.
I managed to hide behind Zayn as a beautiful girl opened the door.

"Assalam O Alaykum, Doniya." Zayn greeted her, opening his arms wide welcoming her for a hug.

"Wa Alaykum Assalam Zayn. But I'm not interested in meeting you." She replied with an expression of fake disgust.

A chuckle escaped my mouth and I stood besides Zayn to meet the lovely girl.

"Hey." She greeted cheerfully.
"Hi." I replied.
"I am Doniya. Zayn's older sister. Nice to meet you." She said shaking my hand.
"Nice to meet you too. I'm Sarah." I replied.
"I know. He won't ever shut up, you know." She said, looking at Zayn.

The house was beautiful. It was just the way a "home" should be. Anyhow, I never noticed this before and I don't know why. Soon, Waliyha and Safaa joined me. They recongnised me, of course and started chatting. As soon as Mr. and Mrs. Malik entered the room, I stood up from my spot.

"Oh sit honey." Mrs. Malik said smiling.
"No no. That's pretty okay, Mrs. Malik." I replied walking towards her.

Her smile made me forget all my nervousness. She was a good and polite lady and I could tell that.

"Call me Trisha." She said, hugging me.
"Nice to meet you Trisha." I flashed her a genuine smile in return.

"Hi Mr. Malik. I am Sarah. Sarah Carter." I greeted Zayn's father, rather awkwardly.

"Oh. Aren't you Wali's friend?" He immediately questioned.

This was certainly the question I was afraid of. What if his father doesn't allow him to date me? What if he hates me after everything that has happened? What if he thinks that I am no good?

The room went silent and awkwardness floated in the air.

"I am." I replied, monotonously.
"And Zayn's girlfriend too?" He interrogated again.
"Absolutely." I stated.

"Nice. Very nice. Make it your own home dear." He said in a polite voice, tapping my shoulder.

The huge weight was lifted off my shoulder as I looked at him as my Dad. A Dad I never had.

"Thanks." I smiled.

"The dinner is ready." Waliyha shouted from the dining room.

The dinner was Chicken Alfredo with broccoli, Chinese and Pakistani cuisine because Zayn is a half Pakistani. We left the house at about 10:30 p.m. As we stepped out of the home, I heard Mr. Malik's voice.

"Sarah! One more thing. Welcome to the family. We'll discuss the wedding soon."

I instantly turned my head back and a giant smile cracked on my face.

I looked over at Zayn and he squeezed my hand tightly, kind of blushing a little.

"Told you! You'll get your answers today."

And the "Perfect"'s video was Perfect except the fact that Zayn wasn't there. Its still hard but....