45 Phone Calls

#6th Phone Call

Ting.
Ting.
Ting.
Ting.
Ting.
Ting.
Ting.
Ting.
Ting.

I slowly opened my eyes and blinked several times before seeing all the messages from Ishaan.

My phone buzzed as my phone lit up again as it displayed an incoming video call.

'Assalaamualaikum,' I had greeted and yawned before finally showing my face.

'Wa'alaikum assalaam Amal, why are you sleeping? Isn't it after one already?'

I nodded as I rubbed my itchy left eye.
'Yes but I was taking my nap.'

I had completely forgotten about the fact that I was mad at him so when it finally sunk in, I frowned and stared at the camera directly, hoping he would have felt my burning gaze but he did not seem phased at all as he stared right back at me, well at his phone to be precise.

'What is that weird look on your face?' He asked which had just angered me more.

'Whatever, what do you want?'

He raised his brows before asking,'And that?'

'What?'

'That attitude...what did I do?'

I tsked then rolled my eyes and threw my hijab over my shoulder in a sassy manner.

'Okay...is it because I ended the call suddenly?'

I snorted and mumbled nonsense under my breath to which he barked with laughter.

'Oh my Allah! Amal! How can you be upset when you do that to me all the time?'

I reddened as I realised that it was true before I cleared my throat and raised my head, trying to appear confident.

'Whatever Ishaan!'

He smiled faintly then cleared his throat.
"So you're 17 yes?"

I nodded and felt my face heat when he continued to stare at the phone.

"Something wrong?" I asked to which he hastily shook his head.

"Nothing...you're just beautiful."

Shit...

"Excuse me?"

He realised what he said and shook his head before muttering something in Urdu.

"Adam is stupid...is that what you said?"

He smiled brightly at the fact that I could translate what he had muttered.

"So you speak Urdu?"

"No, I only know a few phrases thanks to Adam."

"So what do you like to do in Africa?"

I frowned. "You mean Cape Town? Africa is the continent...South Africa is the country...Western Cape is the province and Cape Town is the city. What I like to do in Cape Town is go to Signal Hill, have a cup of hot chocolate and speak to my brother as the sun sets."

"You have brothers?"

I nodded and smiled as I thought of him. He was truly the only one amongst my family that understood me. Well partially.

"Yeah just one, he's older and he's studying to become an engineer."

Ishaan nodded as if pleased by what I have just told him.

"And you? Do you wish to be a engineer too?"

I smiled at how he ran his veined hands through his silky hair and listened attentively.
"No I do not wish to be an engineer but a teacher."

He chuckled. "Teacher? You do not have the patience jaan."

I frowned and hesitated before I flipped him off. He gasped dramatically in advance to mimicking my action and smiling innocently.

A moment passed before I found myself asking,"Ishaan do you still speak to Adam maybe?"

He clenched his jaw and looked away. "If I ever see him, I will beat him."

"Why?"

"Do not worry jaan, for now...I have to go. Mera ma is calling."

I surprised myself when I exclaimed,"Ten more minutes."

His smile was small and faint at first before it widened. "Okay tell you what, let me check on my mother while you stay on call. Do not sleep or end the call, just wait for me Amal."

I smiled shyly.

Amal what is happening to you?

It took him more than 20 minutes to return and when he did he seemed upset.
"Everything okay Ishaan?"

"Everything is fine," he mumbled then stared at me with dark eyes.

Suddenly my phone beeped, an indicator that the call ended.

"Fu—"

"Hey Amal!"

I bit my tongue and turned to see my brother standing in my doorway with a box in his hand.

"And what is this for?" I asked smiling slightly.

"Mommy gave it, apparently some guy left it for you."

I frowned as I reached for the box until I saw Rilee's name scribbled on the card attached to the box and an unexpected smile appeared on my face.

"Rilee? Is it that laaitie that you attended school with?"

I rolled my eyes at the use of "laaitie" and sighed.
"Yes, it's that laaitie..."

He sat down on my bed and stared at me with an awkward smile. "You like him?"

I chuckled light-heartedly. "Are you trying to have that talk?"

He frowned with confusion all over his bearded face.
"What are you–"

"I don't like Rilee...but I think he wanted to propose!" I whispered after having shut my room door.

"What?! Amal if momma find out about this...you'll end up being that...that child's wife. I can't allow it."

I chuckled as I slowly unwrapped the box and lifted my gaze occasionally to see his expression. He was angry. Not don't speak to me but slam your fist against the wall and run away before he ends your life angry.

'...I have no intention of getting married to him. So chill kanallah.'