Love Means Sacrifice

Ch. 40: Not So Bad

Mehwish's P.O.V.

We pulled up to the airport drop-off area and got out of the car. The brothers then took out the luggage from the trunk.

Zahid hugged Javed, "Take care of yourself, Shehzad."

"You too, Bhai. Have a safe flight." He replied over his shoulder.

An airline's employee approached Zahid and began explaining their luggage services, meanwhile Javed turned towards me. I smiled at him before he wrapped his arms around me. It was a lingering hug. Once he finally let go, he studied my face.

"I should get going... I'll keep you updated. I'll let you know when we land."

He kept staring at me.

"Javed?" I waved my hand in front of his face.

"Yes, right. Please do. I'll be waiting." He nodded.

"Alright. Please take care. I better not hear any complaints from Ayaara." I joked, making him laugh softly.

I put my hand on Javed's arm, giving it a light squeeze, and added, "Bye."

He said solemnly, looking down, "I'll miss you, Mehwish," he then looked up at me and furthered, "Safe travels."

"Me too, but I'll be back before you know it. You, too, will be back here to pick us up in ten days!" I laughed.

He smiled and we said goodbye again before he got back into the car and drove away.

I joined Zahid right as he finished speaking to the employee.

I tried to ease the atmosphere, so not necessarily in an enthusiastic way, but in a rather awkward sociable tone, I said with a small smile, "Assistant Mehwish, ready for duty."

Zahid's P.O.V.

I was a little surprised that she spoke to me first, but I was grateful because it put some tension to rest. It made it easier for me to try and keep things normal between us too.

I chuckled and we proceeded to check our bags in then go through TSA.

Once we reached our gate, we still had less than an hour before we had to board our flight, so I suggested we have dinner.

We ate sandwiches sitting in front of each other.

I tried to make conversation, "So... Where are you looking forward to going the most? London or Paris?"

She looked up at me and responded after a few seconds, "Paris."

We continued to discuss different tourist spots we were interested in visiting until we were done eating and returned to the gate.

Once we boarded the plane, we got comfortable in our business class seats which were next to each other. They turned off the lights before the plane took off. I didn't realize when I dozed off. My mind had been wondering how this trip would go. I never thought I would be traveling with Mehwish given our situation.

I guess Mehwish had fallen asleep too because when I woke up, she was holding and sleeping on my arm. I decided to close my eyes and stay frozen, pretending to sleep even though my arm had gotten numb, so she could stay comfortable and also because I realized she would've been embarrassed if she knew that I saw her sleeping on me.

After a few minutes, she let go and shifted in her seat, continuing to sleep.

Before I knew it, we had arrived at the London Heathrow Airport. It was December 23rd, 10:30 AM.

Once we got our luggage and stepped outside to the pick-up area, I turned to Mehwish, "Welcome to London."

"Thank you. Welcome back for you. How long has it been?"