Love Means Sacrifice

Ch. 3: Ink & Coffee Spilling Girl

Mehwish's P.O.V.

"You?!"

Oh no! Mr. Handsome Arrogant was Javed's brother! I was NOT going to allow for any more chances to embarrass myself.

Zahid cleared his throat and composed himself. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and chest with a small towel, and that's when I realized he was shirtless. He had a six-pack.

I averted my gaze. Did the room just get hotter or was it just me?

"You two know each other?" Javed smiled, raising his eyebrows.

"I-uh- we're classmates." The air was stuck in my throat.

Zahid caught me take another glimpse off him, making him put on a tank top.

"Yeah, she's in one of my upper-division classes," he stated, "I'll go take a quick shower and then I'll join you guys."

Javed nodded at his brother.

I stood still as Zahid made his way past Javed and I while taking another look at me.

Like in class, he looked serious. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. He didn't seem anywhere near playful like Javed.

A minute later, Ayaan Uncle walked in. I greeted him, and he responded warmly, "Walaikumsalaam, Mehwish. How have you been? I haven't seen Noureen Baji in a while. How is she? And your father?"

"All well, Uncle, alhamdulillah. Thanks for asking."

"Make sure to stay for dinner," he smiled before walking out.

Javed directed me to the dining room where Zahid appeared minutes later. His normally well-kept hair still looked styled, though wet.

Zahid sat at the end of the table while I sat next to him. Javed was next to me on my right.

He began slowly, "So, what do you need help with?"

"Oh. Right." I grabbed my assignment out of my backpack while Javed was busy on his phone.

"Guys, I'll be back I have to attend this call," Javed said as he left the room.

I kept staring at Zahid's face as he explained the questions to me. He kept looking at me then back at my paper as he spoke. I could see the bits of green in his hazel eyes. His face was so well-defined. He had a very light beard, accentuating his cheekbones even more.

"Since debits go on the left and credits go on the right, where would the accounts receivable go?" he asked.

He was close enough for me to smell his cologne.

"Mehwish?" he looked deep into my eyes.

"Huh?" I said, holding the eye contact.

I could suddenly hear my heartbeat in my ears.

Javed walked in, causing both of us to snap out of it.

What was going on? I didn't even know Zahid that well, but it didn't feel like it.

"Sorry, Bhai. Can you go over it again?"

"I actually have to go," I mumbled quietly.

Zahid kept his gaze lowered.

"I'll catch up quickly, Mehwish! Also, Abba said to stay for dinner remember?"

"I know, but it's actually, um, I just remembered, Ma wanted me home before Maghrib."

"Ohh, well, I'll drop y-" he was interrupted by his phone ringing again. He began walking out of the room, "Actually, Bhai, can you drop Mehwish off?"

"No, it's okay, I can take an Uber, it's fine!" I tried to explain, but Zahid was already out of his seat in search of his car keys.

Was he annoyed that he has to drop me off or was it not a big deal?

On the drive home, I shifted in my seat to face him and began rambling, "I'm really sorry about your pants and laptop! I'm normally not so clumsy. I don't know how all of that happened, but believe me, it was an accident."

"So, it's not a regular thing?" he asked with a small smile tugging on his lips.

"No, no! I-it-" I huffed silently.

I looked out the open window and muttered under my breath quietly, "Mr. Handsome Arrogant."

I saw from the corner of my eye that he had an amused look on his face as he glanced at me using the rear-view mirror.

After we reached my house, I got out of the car and closed the door. I turned to look at him, "Thank you, Zahid, for the ride home and for tutoring me."

I turned back around, unable to suppress a grin.

When I got inside, I was greeted by my mother. We had dinner then prayed together. When I finally got in bed, I wrote in my diary before making dua and falling asleep.

The following week, I got to class earlier than usual to sit in the seat next to Zahid. When I saw him and his friend walk in, I slightly waved at him. He looked as if he was about to smile, but then his face blanked and he simply gave me a nod. When they took their seats, his friend turned towards me, leaning over Zahid.

He raised a curious eyebrow, "Ink and coffee spilling girl?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but Zahid interrupted, "Mehwish. Ami's friend's daughter."

"Got it. Farhan Qadir," he extended his hand.

"Mehwish Inayat," I smiled and shook his hand but pulled away after Zahid cleared his throat and placed his new laptop in front of him.

After the boring lecture, we began packing up our materials.

"Bro, you'll be there tonight, right? Don't say Uncle's got you busy with work. That excuse won't work."

"I'll be there. It's Sahir's birthday. I wouldn't miss it."

"Cool. And Mahir-"

Zahid chuckled, "Yes, Mahira Apa will be there, too, as will her fiancé."

"Why are you laughing?! I don't like her anymore, bro. How many times do I have to tell you it was just a childhood crush!" Farhan exclaimed. He continued, "Forget it. Hey! Did you invite Mehwish? Mehwish, you should come! There's a birthday party at Zahid's cousin's house tonight!"

Zahid stared at Farhan blankly, so I took it that as he doesn't want me to. I tried coming up with an excuse, "No, it's okay. Thank you though. Maybe next ti-"

"What next time? He's only turning 19 once. It'll be fun!"

"No, no, I-uh, don't have ride, yeah!"

"I can give you a ride!"

"I'll take her. I know where she lives. It's on the way," Zahid cut in quietly.

"You su-" Farhan began but stopped when Zahid gave him a serious look.

"He'll be there at 5!" Farhan affirmed quickly before bolting out of the room after Zahid gave him another sharp look.

Zahid left before I could say anything, leaving me to huff,

"Mr. Handsome Arrogant."