The atmosphere between Aida and Haashir was clearly charged as they sat down to dinner that night. Aida couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eye for the evening was still on her mind. She pretended to read the menu in front of her while in her mind, their afternoon together was replaying. Haashir had come so close to her in such a short while that she didn’t realize that he meant more to her than a real friend. Today, she had enjoyed his caress and touch as much as he enjoyed hers, she could tell. She knew that Haashir wanted her to say something, to talk to him but this was the first time in their rekindled friendship that Aida didn’t know what topic to discuss with him.
As she took her time in review, she felt Haashir’s gaze on her.
“What would you like to eat, Aida? Have you decided?”
“I can’t decide. It seems like I want to eat each one of these dishes here on the menu.” Aida grinned at him.
“You sure you can eat all that? I don’t have any problem ordering it for you.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“I can” Haashir grinned at her.
“No!” She exclaimed. “Let me decide on something.” She finally settled on a chicken sizzler with mushroom sauce and some of her favorite nachos while Haashir ordered a beef steak for himself. The waiter took their drinks orders and left them alone, each looking anywhere except at each other.
“What time do we have to leave tomorrow?”
“Six in the morning.”
“I’ll pack our bags after dinner then.” Aida said.
“No need. I asked one of the bellboys to take care of that. I just want to spend tonight with you.” Haashir said. Aida blushed at the meaning of his words sank in. Before she could reply, Haashir’s phone rang. He didn’t attend but handed her the phone.
“Here! You attend this call.”
“Aidaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…!” The excited voice from the other end could be no other than Rameen. Aida’s face lit up as she heard her sister’s excitement from the other end.
“Assalamualaikum, Rameen.”
“Salam, big sister.” Rameen said, utterly contrite.
“How are you, my dear? Enjoying your vacation up there?” Aida asked.
“Immensely. I wish you could come here with us as well.”
“I will visit you as soon as I can, my dear. I miss you so much, brat.”
“I miss you too sister.” Rameen said.
“Here is mother now. Take care sister and have fun with Haashir bro, byee.” Aida smiled into the phone.
“Allah Hafiz, Rameen.”
She greeted her mother and talked with her for sometimes. Aida told her about their trip to Lahore and how much she had enjoyed here with Haashir. She clearly eliminated the gory details about her and Haashir.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. You sound so fresh and relaxed, dear. This trip has done you a world of good, I guess.”
“Yes, it has mother. I miss you guys so much.”
“I miss you too, my child.”
The waiter placed their dinner in front of them on the table just then.
“Mom, the dinner is here. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Eat well, child. Give the phone to Haashir; I have to tell him something.”
