Love Means Sacrifice

Ch. 14: Instincts

Mehwish's P.O.V.

It was all smiles and cheers at Mahira Apa and Zia Bhai's wedding. Everyone ate and danced a lot, including the couple. I think Farhan was right about Mahira Apa having feelings for Zia Bhai; otherwise, I don't think she would have been so enthusiastic and happy as she was, dancing with her husband and whispering into his ear so much and all. I also think Farhan really felt better after sharing with me. He seemed to have taken my words seriously because he wasn't aloof, but he obviously wasn't as jovial as he usually is. I just genuinely hope Farhan finds someone when the time is right. He deserves to be happy too.

It was nearing mid-summer. Zahid and I were on his rooftop having a picnic. His family was at Sahir's house, but Zahid stayed back using the excuse that he had work to finish.

Zahid had cooked pasta, while I brought sandwiches and chocolate-covered strawberries. After eating the savory foods, I laid my head on his lap and played with his left hand.

"You know what's in two days?" I asked, looking up at him.

He took a bite of a strawberry before responding, "Monday?"

I sat up and faced him, "Babe."

"Jaan." He exhaled, looking into my eyes.

I felt butterflies. Why does he have such an effect on me?

"Stop it." My cheeks were turning pink.

He hooked his fingers around the belt loops of my jeans and pulled me closer, "Stop what?"

I was inches away from his lips.

I whispered, "You know what you're doing"

"What am I doing?" He murmured, his lips grazing mine.

Zahid's P.O.V.

She began leaning in as I pulled back and crunched into the remainder of my strawberry.

"Mm, these were really good." I stifled a laugh.

"Zahid!"

"What?"

She huffed and sat facing the other way.

"Mr. Handsome Arrogant." She muttered.

I pulled her on to my lap and kissed her cheek. I took out my phone. She looked too cute to not photograph her. I smiled as she pouted in the selfie. She came around and started making other faces for the camera. I wrapped my arms around her, and she relaxed on to my chest.

"Your birthday is on Monday." She stated.

"Hmm."

She turned her head to look at me with furrowed eyebrows, "Don't tell me you don't celebrate it."

"I do... I usually stay home and cut a cake with Abba and my siblings."

"That's it?"

"Up until a few years ago, I used to watch videos that Ami recorded for our birthdays."

"That kinda reminds me of how Tina left letters for Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai."

"Haha, I guess you can say Ami was a little filmy like that. You know, she used to do marketing for a production company."

"Really?"

"Yeah... This year, though, I have something else in mind."

Her hand shot up near her forehead as if saluting, "I'm at your service. Just tell me your wish, sir!"

She was crazy. I pulled her hand down and held it before continuing, "Will you meet me under the boardwalk at the beach tomorrow night? 8pm?"

Her eyes were big and she opened her mouth to respond, but then she closed it and sighed playfully, "I'll think about it."

As I was about to respond, her phone beeped.

"Ma wants me to meet her at the grocery store so we can go home together."

I don't know why, but today, more than usual, I didn't want her to go. She stood up and began packing her containers into a bag. All I wanted was to sit with her and have her in my arms for a little longer.

"Do you have to go?" I asked solemnly.

"I wouldn't if I didn't have to," she smiled at me, "Seems like someone's going to miss me."

"I miss you every second you're away from me, jaan."

"Uff, I think Aunty's filminess passed on to you."

We both laughed before I offered her a ride, to which she declined, "No, I will take an Uber and pick up Ma."

As we went downstairs, I asked her a few more times to let me drop her, but I got rejected each time.

We stood in the doorway of the front entrance with the door open after she called for the Uber.

"You give me so many rides all the time! It's fine if I go by myself once in a while."

"I get worried, babe. It'd be different if you knew how to drive."

"How about this? You can start giving me driving lessons. I'm sure I won't be scared to learn if you're with me."

I agreed and told her that she could start learning before university starts again. 

Once we saw the driver was two minutes away, I pulled her into a long tight hug. I didn't want to let go. It felt as though all the comfort, love, and warmth in the world were in my arms. Before she let go, I leaned down and kissed her long and slow. It was as if time had stopped. We were lost in the kiss until I pulled away after hearing her phone vibrate with a notification indicating that the Uber was here. I looked out the door and it was rightly so. Mehwish was still looking up at me all dreamy-eyed. I put my right hand to her cheek and stroked it before telling her the car was here. She gathered her belongings and I watched her get into the car.

She waved to me after she got in and yelled, "See you tomorrow!"

"See you!" I waved back until she was out of sight.

The following night I dressed in semi-formal attire to the beach. I was wearing Mehwish's favorite black shirt and grey pants.

After I reached the area under the boardwalk where we almost had our first kiss, I arranged a bunch of candles and rose petals into a heart that spelled "Z+M" inside it.

It was almost eight and Mehwish would be there any minute. I stood there holding a bouquet of roses, while the ring I purchased a few days earlier rested in the box inside my pocket. I was going to propose to Mehwish. 

I know I should've spoken with Abba and Noureen Aunty first, but I knew they wouldn't say no, though of course I should never be too confident. I would ask them as soon as they were free next weekend. 

I knew tonight would stay between Mehwish and I and it would make her extremely happy. It would make me the happiest. There was no one else I could imagine spending my life, raising kids, and growing old with. If she was near me, then I felt as if I had everything. I wanted to keep looking at her twinkling eyes. I wanted to keep the smile on her face that lights up every corner of darkness in me. I wanted to be there for her and hold her hand during her highs and lows. I wanted to make her mine forever.

My eyes kept moving from my watch to the distant sidewalk. It was almost 8:45. I was worried. It was unlike her for to be late. If she ever was, she would call or text to let me know, but I received nothing. I called once and texted her a few times, but I got no response.

Finally, around 9:03, I got a call.

Little did I know how everything was going to change.