Aida washed her face and tied her hair high on her head in a ponytail. She was tired from the journey but as she had slept on her way, she didn’t really feel sleepy. Her bones just ached from being confined in the car for so long. Satisfied with her messy ponytail, which she loved to make, she stepped out of the washroom and picked up her stole from the bed. She descended the stairs, looking for Haashir’s mother. Maheen had informed her that she wanted to see her as soon as she was fresh. So, she descended towards the living room where everyone was already gathered.
Everyone turned to look at her as she entered the room but she had eyes only for Haashir. After yesterday, she was rather confused as to how she would act towards him. He looked gorgeous and sexy in red t-shirt and blue jeans. His hair was wet which indicated that he had just stepped out of a shower. He smiled at her as she walked in but his eyes roved all over her, sending a warmth trickle down her spine. Aida smiled slightly at him and turned to his mother who called her.
“Come and sit with me, Aida.” His mother called her. She sat down next to her. Haashir lounged in his chair across the room and rudely stared at her. Aida felt self-conscious and she tucked a loose strand of her behind her ear. Haashir’s laughing eyes met hers and she smiled in spite of herself.
“Haashir was just telling us about your trip to Lahore. I hope you enjoyed it.” His mother said.
“Yes, I did. It’s been years since I visited Lahore and things have changed so much there.”
“Indeed they have. Won’t you show us the ring?”
“I will.” Aida spread her fingers wide and showed his mother the ring. Maheen hovered closer to have a peek and then took out her iPhone.
“I promised Rameen I will send her a picture.” She explained when everyone looked at her questioningly. She quickly clicked a photo and whatsapped it to Rameen. Haashir’s mother smiled at her daughter.
“Haashir was telling me he has to go away for two days.” His mother commented.
“Yes, mother, I will be back before you know it. I have been summoned for some important matter and it will be over before you start to miss me. I am leaving Ahmar behind, just in case.” Haashir had already apprised his mother of the situation Aida was in and so had asked her to keep an eye on her too.
“We will take care of her, Haashir.” His mother squeezed Aida’s hand. She smiled back at her.
“I’m starving. I am going to fix something to eat.” Aida said and stood up. She felt Haashir’s eyes on her again she walked across the room towards the kitchen. Aida was fixing a sandwich for herself when Haashir entered the kitchen and grabbed her waist from behind.
“You know, I was standing on this very spot when I first glimpsed you in your kitchen after years, Aida. You were looking right into my eyes and I can’t explain what I felt. I had to have a closer look at you, right then and so I came to your place. It was years since we saw each other. I hardly recognized you because you were always such a homely child and you have changed so much over the years. You know how I decided it was you?” he whispered in her ear.
“How?”
“From your eyes. They are still the same although; there is more pain and sadness there now which wasn’t there before. Whenever I look at you, I am reminded of the time when we were kids and your eyes were full of happiness and laughter. I will take this sufferings and fear away from you, I promise.” He kissed her cheek, sending shivers trickling down her body and left. Aida felt all cold, as if the warmth from her life had been gone. She quickly finished making her sandwich and took her plate to his study, where she would easily be able to talk to her mother on Skype. She missed her.
