In The Pursuit Of Love

Weird yet Elated

Assalamualaikum beautiful readers!! I just wanted to say lots and lots of thanks to all those who supported me through the hard times by sending their beautiful prayers and by their kind words.. Jazakumullahu khair for the patience you showed while I got myself up to update this book.. keep supporting and loving this book. :) Love you all..

'You don't always have to force yourself to be strong. It's okay to be weak sometimes. That's why you have Al-Qawiyy, the All-Strong.' - @StormyYetCalm (Instagram)

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A whirlwind of emotions ran past his tanned face, as he looked away from her brown orbs. Raking a hand through his hair, he tried to calm his beating heart, his gaze focused at a spot of nothingness. His fear was back.

The fear of losing her to those men. The fear of her being killed.

Oh Ya Allah, please protect her.

He remembered his promise to her, 'just for one day. If you don't feel right, I will personally drop you to a hotel'.

If she wasn't okay, if she didn't like it here, she would leave. He would have to take her away from his home. And he didn't want that. Taking a deep breath, he turned to look at her, who was looking at him with a frown marring her face, probably trying to figure out the reason behind his weird behavior.

"Okay tell me what's wrong. I mean is there anything you need, or anyone making you uncomfortable. I'll go talk to Mehreen" he turned around ready to leave, but her voice stopped him in his tracks. She took few steps and came to stand in front of him.

"Zeeshan, right now its you who is making me uncomfortable" she crossed her arms above her chest and raised a brow. His eyes widened as a drop of sweat trickled down his sidelock.

"I am not just okay. But I am more than okay, Zeeshan," he frowned not being able to understand whatever she was trying to say, "You have an amazing family Zeeshan and I understand where you and Mehreen got that kindness from. The way your mother smiled and welcomed me, the way your father passed me dishes after dishes at the breakfast table, it never felt that it is my first day at this house. It felt as if I was a part of this family, of your family. So believe me Zeeshan when I say this, that I am okay, more than I have ever been."

She stopped to take a deep breath and to control her shaking voice, which would crack any minute if she says any further.

"All my life, I have never seen such people. Heck I never knew people like you all even existed and so I am not used to it. Back at the orphanage, there wasn't a day when I wasn't insulted or beat-" she stopped herself and peeped a look at him, whose eyes had widened. She didn't know if it was the emotions filling inside of her or because it was Zeeshan, that she had started speaking about her orphanage days. She shook her head. She won't tell anyone what she had been through. She wont show her vulnerable side to anyone, even if it was Zeeshan. She had to be strong. For her sake.

"So when you guys are showering me with all the kindness, I feel uncomfortable. And you guys keep asking me if I am okay? I am. Believe me."

After a few moments of silence, and when it was clear that Nargis wasn't speaking anymore, Zeeshan came out of his initial shock, Nargis' unveiling of the orphanage information left him with.

He had noticed how her eyes were left with unshed tears and how abruptly she had stopped. She had uttered those words by accident. She didn't want to talk about it. And he won't press the topic either.

"That's some information. Phew.. I think we are being too good. We should at least do something bad, like put extra salt in your food" he said with a mischievous grin and a soft smile graced her lips. He noticed tiny droplets of sweat on her forehead and gulped.

"I think we should go. Its too hot here" he fanned his face making her nod. As she turned, he paced to come in front of her. She stopped suddenly, an audible gasp leaving her mouth.

"One more thing" he raised his index finger, "You don't have to feel burdened by anything. Just relax and enjoy the wedding" she nodded and he gestured her to walk down the stairs.

"You go, I'll come after a few minutes. You know, cant let anyone see us together"

Together.

It did something weird inside her, but at the same time, she felt her soul getting bigger somewhat happy. Nevertheless, ignoring it she walked away.

Mehreen stood at the last stair, waiting for the duo. A few minutes earlier she had reached the terrace in hopes of finding Nargis, but what she saw had her duck behind the door. Zeeshan was standing there having a conversation with Nargis and she didn't want to intrude. She knew her brother would never do anything haram and so she was about to leave, but Nargis' next words made her freeze on the spot.

'Back at the orphanage, there wasn't a day when I wasn't insulted or beat-'

She stopped. What was she about to say? Beaten up? Ya Allah. She had covered her mouth with her hand and ran down.

Mehreen was an emotional girl, and so seeing anyone especially girls in pain or in distress, made her sad. Wiping away the lone tear that trickled down her eye, she calmed herself and waited for them to come down. She feared if anyone would see them together.

And so as soon as she spotted Nargis, she ran up the stairs and wounded her arm with hers, much to the surprise of Nargis.

"I feared if anyone would go to the terrace, and imagine their surprise on seeing you and Bhai" she replied to Nargis' questioning gaze while walking down the stairs.

If Nargis was surprised earlier, she was now embarrassed and looked down clearing her throat. But then looked at her again, "Were you waiting for me?" she whispered with a gasp.

"Kind of" Mehreen shrugged and before Nargis could say anything, she waved her hand in dismissal.

"Oh I know that look. Don't. Thank. Me. You seriously need to stop thanking."

"You both are too good to be true" Nargis muttered.

"Did you say something?"

"No"

Before turning towards the room, Nargis looked back and saw Zeeshan standing at the top of the stairs, with a soft smile on his lips.

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