Love, as I know it

Home away from home

Home.
As I made my way towards my new apartment, I couldn't help but cry out. Kabir knew this would happen, so he asked me to stay in the car until he brought my bags up, and then he'd come get me. So I stayed there in the car, mustering up all the courage to make my way home.

But it was all in vain. As I made my way up towards the apartment, I was practically bawling. Kabir was holding on to me. Soothing me. But I couldn't help it.

When we got into the elevator, Kabir cupped my face,
"No Ani. You do not cry. Think of his memories, think of how happy he'd be that you are going to be living here. He decorated this apartment from scratch for you. So you need to be happy as you go in. Please? For Him?"

I sniffled, as I nodded my head.

My apartment was on the top floor. I noticed that there were just two apartments on this floor. They were right opposite each other. I stood there,staring, whilst Kabir opened the door to my new home.

As I went inside, I gasped.

Every bit of the house was decorated with my favorite kind of furniture, the detailings, the littlest things. The color of each room. I went through each and every room, until I reached the last room. I knew what this room was. He used to talk about it always.

"I've made your study at our home. That room is going to be for you. Especially for you."

"You know you're not allowed to see it until you turn 19 right?" I heard Kabir from behind me.

I turned to face him. "Do I really have to wait?" I questioned, knowing that there's no way he'd let me in.

"Ani. No. There's no way in hell that I'm gonna break one of the last promises I made to him."

"One of the last promises?" I asked curiously.

"Yeah. He made me promise three things. One. I'll make sure that this house is always yours. And that you don't get to see the study until you turn 19, until then, I have to take care of the house.
Two. Make sure you move on. Live. Lo-Love.
Three. I'll always protect you."

I could feel the tears fill my eyes, "Kabir, you know it won't be easy. Move on? I can't even think of that."

"I know Ani. But that's what Armaan wants."

I sighed.
"I need to get changed."

"Okay. I gotta go, I have to be at work in half an hour. Oh and here, that's your new phone. I have activated a number for you. You can just sync your iCloud and get it set"
He said, handing me my new phone.

I nodded and hugged him goodbye. Locked the doors, and decided it's time to unpack.
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It took me hours to finish unpacking my things. The apartment has four bedrooms, a separate master bedroom, a lounge, a study room (to which Kabir would not give me the key), a huge kitchen, the TV room, the Dining.
Okay. There was no way that I'm gonna stay alone here. I gotta talk to Kabir about helping me find some tenants or something!

The next few hours, I spent binge watching grey's anatomy. I was just about the episode where McSteamy enters the show when I heard people outside.

I'm guessing the neighbors are finally home! I thought to myself.

A while after watching Greys anatomy, I decided I could make some food for myself.
And after an hour long of thoughts on what I should eat, I finally decided to make my signature pizza.

Armaan knew my passion for cooking too well! The utensils that he had put together, the baking trays, the oven, basically everything about the kitchen was perfect! But he wasn't here with me.

As the pizza was baking, I decided I'll set up my new phone, and call my parents and Ali.

And so, that's what I did.

I called my sister through Skype once I got my new phone set.

She answered in an instant!

"Anika Ahmed! I miss you!"

"Alia! I miss you so much! Where're Mama and Dada?"

"They're asleep. It's almost 1 AM here Ani. Time difference, remember?" She chuckled. (**Okay just for the sake of the story! There's a time difference of 8 hours between Amsterdam and the UK. Okay? Awesome!**)

"Oh yeah... sorry baby! You can go to sleep now. Tell them I said hi yeah? I'll ring them tomorrow!"

"Alright. Insha Allah! Bye! Love youu"

"Love you too!"

I sighed as I looked over at the time it's only 5 PM and I'm bored!

I decided to scroll through my phone as I suddenly remembered my promise to Niall!

As weird as it seemed to be texting a stranger, I needed friends here. Friends who did not know my past. Yet.

And so I texted him.

To Niall Horan

Hey Niall!
This is Anika! I hope you remember! 😅 Just wanted to thank you for your offer! And let you know my number :) and I hope you reached your place safe! It was great meeting you!

I sent the message just as I heard the sound from the oven indicating the pizza was done!

I put the whole pizza onto a plate, cut it into pieces, and sat down in front of the TV, deciding to watch some movie from Netflix.

I decided I'm gonna go for a Hindi movie, and picked Barfi!

Just as I was starting the movie, I got a text from Niall.

Hey love!
Of course I remember! How could I forget! ;) well, the lads' girlfriends are here, we're at our house at the moment, but are planning on going to the mall, would you like to join us?

I thought about it for a moment. Do I want to go! Well, he did say there are other girls, and it'd be good to have a few girl friends around me. So, I said yes.

To Niall Horan

Sure! Would love to! :) let me know where ? And I'll meet you guys there.

Almost immediately I got a response from Niall.

No way! You did say you're new here right? Wouldn't want you to get lost! How about this, you give me your address, and We'll pick you up on the way? That would be like, in another hour?

Perfect! One hour is just enough time for me to finish my pizza, and get dressed!

To Niall Horan

Yeah that's perfect! :) my address is
Harris's apartment complex, Apartment number 35, city of London, EC3R.

I responded, and put my phone down so that I can enjoy my pizza. But, I didn't get to have a bite, when I heard someone ring the bell.

I hurried up to my room, wrapped my hijab loosely around me and went to open the door, only to stare at the sight in front of me.

And the blue eyed boy stared right back at me with a big grin, showing his braces filled teeth.
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Helloooo all my beautiful people!
I hope you guys are enjoying the story! :) I'll try my best to do more frequent updates! But I'd so so love it if I could know your thoughts about it!

Lots of love!