Veryyy long chapter ahead (6000 words:p)
Happy reading 😝

Author’s Pov

Karan Reddy paced around his study, dialing Abhir’s phone, which had been busy for three days now. He was anxious about what was happening in India, especially after finding out about Dwedi’s suspension, the only person in the income tax department who used to help him.

His frustration knew no bounds. Just when he was about to throw his phone on the floor, it rang, Abhir’s name flashing on the screen.

“Yes, boss?” Abhir asked calmly, as if he had not made Karan lose his mind.

“Were you fucking going to update me about the progress in India?” Karan shouted. His shrill voice made Abhir move his phone away from his ear irritably.

“Stop shouting. And I was working on it,” Abhir warned. His cold voice made Karan stop in his tracks, fuming in anger.

“How much work is done?” he asked, stopping himself from lashing out at Abhir.

“Forty percent of your properties are safe now,” Abhir replied, making Karan frown in confusion.

“And what about the rest?” he questioned.

“The rest depends on you,” Abhir replied, his voice as calm as ever.

“What do you mean?” Karan asked. He had no idea what Abhir meant.

“I will only start working on the rest of your properties once you shift every single girl commissioned or brought to your property from all over the world, from the youngest to the oldest, each and every one of them, to my mansion in London,” Abhir clarified.

Karan’s eyes visibly widened.

“No-”

“Okay then. Save your sixty percent properties yourself, which you know you cannot. And you also know they will eventually find out about the remaining forty percent anyway. You will end up behind bars with no money whatsoever, and slowly they will uncover every crime you have committed. I am pretty sure life imprisonment will be your destiny,” Abhir said.

He leaned leisurely in his hotel room. He knew he had struck the right chord, and Karan Reddy, not even in his wildest dreams, would want that.

“Bu…” Karan stuttered, but he was cut off by Abhir, who sighed in irritation before saying, “If you do not accept my proposal in the next sixty seconds, consider it void and I will be returning to Phuket on the earliest flight.”

“Fine,” Karan gritted. He was losing his mind, but he had no choice but to comply because Abhir had connections and he had none right now and he needed Abhir's assistance right now more than anything in the world, something that Abhir was aware of too.

“One more thing. I do not want either you or your men anywhere near the borders of London after shifting those girls. I do not want you interfering with anything related to them, or else I myself will make sure I destroy you the same way I am protecting you right now,” Abhir warned.

“Consider it done,” Karan gritted, swallowing his anger.

Abhir ended the call, humming.

“What the fuck is he high on these days?” Karan muttered, barking orders to his men to do what Abhir had requested. Or rather, ordered.

“Boss,” his guard huffed, running inside.

“What?” Karan asked.

“The men you sent to attack Ayesha Mehra have returned,” he replied.

Karan leaned leisurely back in his chair before saying, “Send them in.”

“Bo…” his men started, but were cut off by Karan’s irritated voice.

“What now?”

“T-they c-cannot walk,” he stuttered, looking down.

Karan’s eyes furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“She broke their legs and also s-sent t-this,” he stuttered, forwarding a piece of paper neatly wrapped with a fancy ribbon.

Karan took the paper from him in confusion, unfolding it to read. His eyes scanned the neatly written words before he turned towards his man, who stood with fear clearly visible in his eyes.

“Where are they?” he asked.

His men took him to where his men lay severely injured from the waist down. Kneeling in front of the most injured one, he pointed the piece of paper at him before asking,

“What the fuck is the meaning of this word Pookie?”

None of them had the courage to speak at that moment, which made Karan Reddy even angrier. He kicked the closest man sitting near his legs and stormed off to his study before muttering,

“Useless.”

Ayesha’s POV

“Ready?” I asked as Viraya di and jiju sat down to record their voice message for Zeeshan. I had to pause my plan because of everything that had happened in the past few days.

“Yes,” they said, sitting next to each other.

I'd asked them if they wanted to do this alone, but they thought it would be better to do it together.

On the count of three, I said, sitting behind the camera, “And action.”

“Hii Zeeshan, Happy Birthday,” they cheered happily. “Wishing you all the love and happiness like you always make sure to protect me, even though you were the younger one and I should have been the one protecting you. You were always there for me, making sure I was always fed.” Di said softly. Her smile spoke more than her words ever could.

“But then…” she paused and I knew what was coming. Jiju held her hand, a silent gesture of support. Di nodded at him and her gaze returned to the camera.

“Then everything happened and I ran away. I know what you must be thinking but not even once did I curse you or anyone, as a matter of fact. I always cursed my fate. You, on the contrary, gave me the courage to face everything with my head held high because the way you handle everything so smoothly makes me want to never pull you down with my baggage. I have always loved you for making my life easier without me even realizing it, and I will always cherish it with everything in me. Keep smiling always, Zeeshu. Anyway, I am relieved nonetheless because you have Ayesha, I know she is going to make sure you are happy. But I just want you to promise me that you will never do what you did when you stopped talking to me.”

She said this, and though my eyes filled with tears that blurred my vision, I could still see the same happening with Di. Yet she had a smile on her face, a content one.

“H-have you ever hated Zeeshan for not saving you? Or have you ever thought that Zeeshan is not capable enough of protecting you and that is why running away felt like a better option to you?” I asked, mentally recalling everything Zeeshan had mentioned that made him call himself a failure. It was difficult for me to ask this question out loud merely because I knew Di, and I already knew what her response would be.

“Never, Eshu. I could never hate him, not even in my dreams because I know my brother well enough to be aware that, if our father had not done anything about it.he would have gone to jail without a word after killing that man the very moment I’d shared this with him.But I did not know how to share this with him, especially when he had his whole career waiting for him and he was already working part time to provide us with the basic amenities our father refused to give.”

Di’s eyes widened at the question and, like I said, I was expecting this reaction from her. But as long as it is for Zeeshan, I can do anything for him.

“If anything, I am proud of the man he is right now and everything he has achieved so far. And Zeeshu, never ever think that whatever happened to me was your fault because it was not. And like I said, I am proud of you for everything you have achieved so far and for everything you are on your way to achieving.”

She added, smiling softly at the camera.

“Jiju, would you like to say something?” I asked, smiling at Di, who smiled back at me with a nod.

He nodded before clearing his throat and saying, “Hi Zeeshan, Happy Birthday. I know you are still not sure about me being your sister’s husband and I can totally understand but I still wish you all the love and happiness. Thank you for loving her so unconditionally, and I have so much to learn from you about how I can take better care of your sister. Please do share some tips. Have a blissful life ahead, and I promise I will make sure to show you that I am not a bad choice for your sister. Take care.”

Chuckling, jiju nodded at me. I ended the video with a chuckle, his formal note was adorable.

“Thank you, di and jiju,” I said, folding my tripod and keeping it in its bag along with my camera and small light.

“Thank YOU, Eshu, for taking care of Zeeshan,” Di said softly, holding my face gently.

Before I could reply, she added, “And if Zeeshan pisses you off, just let me know. I have a few skills I need to try on him,” making me laugh with a nod.

“I will leave now, di. I need to attend the team meeting. See you both around,” I informed, giving a brief hug to di and jiju before driving off to the farmhouse for our meeting today.

Ritika and Ishika were doing well and they would be discharged tomorrow afternoon, which was a huge relief but they were not attending the meeting today.

As I parked my car and turned off the engine, my phone rang with Zeeshan’s name flashing on the screen.

“Hello,” I said, putting the call on the speaker.

“Are you here yet?” he questioned from the other side.

“Yes, I just parked my car. See you in a minute,” I replied, grabbing my bag, phone, and car keys.

As soon as I opened my door, my eyes met his tired ones. Leaving my bag on the seat, I got down.

“Can I hug you?” he asked, taking a step closer to me.

“Hug me whenever you want, however you want, Zeeshan. Haq hai aapko,” I said firmly, pulling him closer to me with his shirt collar, tiptoeing.
(You have all the rights.)

The next moment, I felt his hand drape around my waist while mine wrapped around his neck. One of my hands softly ran through his hair as he hid his face in the crook of my neck.

“How was your day?” I whispered softly, a content smile forming on my face.

“Usual. After you left the CBI office, I had another meeting with the higher authorities and then I drove here,” he replied. His lips moved against my skin, causing a strange sensation to run down my spine, which I ignored while focusing on his words though my cheeks evidently heated up.

“How was yours?” he asked, still hugging me.

“It was fine. After leaving the CBI office, I went to meet Viraya di and jiju, and then here I am in your arms,” I said softly.

He hummed before pulling back.

“You look tired,” he said, his hand softly caressing my skin and making warmth spread across my face.

“I could not sleep last night. I was going through today’s case files,” I replied.

The next moment, I was in his arms. A loud gasp escaped my mouth as he tightened his hold on me.

“Zeeshan,” I whisper-yelled, holding onto him.

“What? Do you seriously think I would let you walk after looking at your face, which clearly screams that if you take one more step you might faint?” he asked, raising his eyebrow as he gestured for me to grab my bag and close the door, which I did wordlessly.

“Everyone is inside,” I said pleadingly, which he completely ignored as he walked ahead with a straight face.

“Have some shame,” I tried again.

This time he looked at me. His eyes were soft and a smile threatened to escape from his lips.

Shaking his head, he said, “Not my style.”

Tightening his hold, he continued walking inside with me in his arms, every single person looking at us with widened eyes.

But my eyes were on Zeeshan and his neck and ears, which were visibly turning red because of all the attention we were getting.

Liar.

“You are staring,” he whispered, stating the obvious.

“Can’t help it. This angle makes me want to stare at you,” I whispered back, tracing his jawline slowly with my finger.

“You love it, don’t you?” he asked, taking a very deep breath. I could feel his heart beating loudly, mirroring mine.

“What?” I asked, confused. At this point, I did not care about anyone staring at us from our team.

“Testing my self control,” he said, his eyes intensely staring at me as he spoke loud enough for me to hear before looking ahead.

“Yes, I love it when I know you are on your last thread of self control but because I am also sure that even if you lose it, you would not cross your line,” I whispered loud enough for him to hear, draping my hands around his neck and tilting my head sideways, my eyes never leaving his face.

“I will make sure to avenge everything you have been putting me through. Then we will see who is going to test whom,” he whispered in my ear after gently putting me down on my chair.

I was trying to calm my racing heart as his breath brushed my neck and his lips moved very close to my ear.

“Shut up,” I muttered, looking away and gently pushing him away, making him chuckle, proud of himself for making me speechless as always and then, he sat next to me.

Rishi Nair, one of his men, said teasingly while looking at us, “If you are done hard launching your girlfriend, shall we start?”

“Yes,” Zeeshan replied swiftly, ignoring his teasing.

I, on the other hand, wanted the ground to swallow me up because of the teasing looks I could not ignore.

These are the days I wish to have Zeeshan’s attitude of pretending that he does not give a fuck, but alas, some things are just not meant to be.

“What are the updates?” I asked once most of us had settled around the table.

“Karan Reddy’s arms and ammunition are smuggled from his main warehouse, which is poorly guarded right now. It seems as if he has forgotten about it,” one of our investigators said, showing us a few pictures of the warehouse, which was indeed poorly guarded.

“But we cannot turn a blind eye to it. What if it is a trap?” Devika chimed in.

“I completely agree with Devika. Let’s keep an eye on the warehouse for a week for now. If the information we received is true, exactly at 8:45 p.m. on December 15 we will attack it,” I instructed, looking around for any disapproval.

“Make sure you turn that warehouse into ashes,” Zeeshan replied firmly in his icy cold voice, the kind that causes shivers to run down your spine.

Though all I could right now was, he’d not held my hand today.

Why do I have to do all the work? I thought internally before lacing my fingers with his large ones under the table. His grip wordlessly tightened around my hand while he continued discussing the plan.

“B-but sir,” Devika called out. Zeeshan nodded at her to continue.

“This attack will silently declare war,” she said. She was right. This attack would indeed start a war we had been waiting to fight for years.

“Karan Reddy started it anyway by attacking our people,” he replied, understanding her concern.

“And we have enough people to fight against him,” I added reassuringly.

“Ye…” Zeeshan was cut off by his phone notification, which he checked in confusion.

“It’s time you file a petition against Karan Reddy,” Zeeshan read aloud the message he had received.

“Who is this person?” I asked, confused.

“I don’t know. I have been receiving messages from this number and all the information this number has given has turned out to be true. But the problem is that the number is untraceable,” he explained, his face scrunching in annoyance.

“But why would they help us anonymously?” Ashish, one of Zeeshan’s team members, asked.

“Maybe they have a hidden agenda against Karan Reddy,” I suggested, shrugging my shoulders.

Zeeshan hummed in response.

“Anyway, whatever that person’s motive may be is a question for another time. As soon as Ishika and Ritika join work again, we will file the petition with the district magistrate,” Zeeshan ordered, looking around.

“And we need constant updates on the progress, not those occasional ones. Call Savitri dadi and Niharki. I need them here tomorrow,” I said firmly, looking at Devika. She nodded in assurance.

“Let’s get back to work,” I added. They nodded and dispersed to their workspaces.

“So…” Rishi started, his face filled with mischief.

“You are going to help Ashish this instant or I am not paying you a single penny,” Zeeshan said, looking at him with a blank expression.

“Arre boss aap toh personal ho jaate ho, jaa raha hu,” Rishi sulked, running away the next instant, making me chuckle and Zeeshan joined me.
(Come on boss, why would you make this personal? I am going.)

“I will see you later. I am going to check on Ishika and Ritika,” I said, getting up from my chair.

Zeeshan looked at me for a few seconds before nodding, pulling his hand away.

“By the way,” he started as I was putting my things back into my bag.

“Yeah?” I looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

“Did you go home a few days back?” he asked, looking at me with one eyebrow raised.

“No. Why?” I tried not to let my surprise show on my face.

“No, it is just that I thought Veer’s room had traces of your fragrance when I went to check on him that night, and he too smelled like your perfume,” he replied, shrugging.

“You must be mistaken. Why would I go behind your back? I would have informed you beforehand,” I said, chuckling. I just hoped my nervousness was not visible.

“Right. Do you want me to drop you at the hospital?” he asked, changing the topic, for which I was grateful.

“No, you continue. I brought my car anyway,” I said, leaving quickly but not before placing a quick kiss on his cheek.

He abruptly looked at me with widened eyes, his hand immediately touching the same cheek I had kissed, comically.

Oh God, that was a close call, I thought while starting my car and driving straight to the hospital.

First, I went to Ishika’s ward, where Dev bhai sat working and Ishika grumpily looked at the ceiling.

“I hope I am not disturbing you guys?” I said peeking inside with a knock.

“Of course not, come in, Eshu.” Dev bhai said with a smile, we’d grown a lot closer after Ishika’s accident and now he’s Dev bhai instead of Mr Dev, the only good thing that’d happened for the past few days.

“Hey, Miss Grumpy.” I said, chuckling at Ishika who just looked away with a huff.

“You are also not letting me work, ma’am.” Ishika said, side eyeing me, dramatically. Dev bhai simply chuckled as he continued working after making himself comfortable on the sofa near the window.

“That’s because you need rest” I replied, stating the obvious.

“I’ve had enough rest, now I can’t take it anymore.”She huffed, crossing her hands , it made her look even cuter.

“You are not allowed to cross your hands like that.” Dev bhai muttered, his eyes glued to this laptop screen, making Ishika whine and uncross her hands.

It was due to the effect of her medicines that Ishika was acting so cute and adorable, otherwise I wouldn’t have dreamt of seeing her like this.

“Alright, before I have cuteness aggression with your cute antics, you are not doing any work, you are going to take these days and give your body a much needed rest.”She looked at me with puppy eyes, I shook my head before adding, “And because you are getting bored sitting here doing nothing which is highly unlike you, I bought you a few crime thrillers and a few romantic books for you to read.”

She squealed, looking through the books which I’d purchased yesterday for her, remembering how she’d mentioned that she’d want to read tons of books if she gets some free time.

“Enjoy, I’ll go and meet Ritika too.” I said, chuckling at her excitement, waving at Dev bhai who waved back with a grateful smile, focusing on his meeting, though his eyes kept going back to  Ishika’s infectious excitement and happiness.

This time I wasn’t going in directly because their door is closed and I have no interest in catching my best friend in a compromising position with her boyfriend.

“Come in.” Vidit bhai’s voice echoed when I knocked twice on the door.

“I hope I am not disturbing you guys.” I said dropping my bag on the nearby chair, looking at the couple looking at me with a smile.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“This is the second time you are visiting.” Ritika replied, nodding at Vidit bhai who helped her to sit.

“Yeah so?” I questioned, confused because I literally don’t find any problem visiting my injured best friend twice in the hospital. I would’ve visited Ishika in the morning too but she was sleeping peacefully in Dev bhai’s arms. I had no heart to wake her or Dev bhai.

“So, she means tujhe tera banda akela kaise chodh rhaa hai aise.” Vidit bhai said, teasingly.
(So, she means how's your boyfriend letting you stay away from him?)

Pointing my index finger at him, with disbelief lacing my voice, I said, “you are badmouthing my man, Vidit bhai. Beware.”

“Plus, I want you guys to record a video note for Zeeshan.” I added.

“Dekho, dekho matlabi dekho.” Vidit bhai gasped dramatically.
(Look, look. Look at her selfishness.)

I side eyed him before saying, “I am judging you so hard, Vidit bhai.”

“Stop it.” Ritika said, chuckling when he showed his tongue to me, I too replied with the same.

“Anyways, so as I was saying, I want to surprise Zeeshan and for that I want you to record a video note for Zeeshan's birthday and just answer a simple question I’ll be asking.”
I said, looking at them who nodded in response.

“I am sorry Riti, I would've never troubled you when you needed rest but tomorrow is Zeeshan's birthday I can't help it.” I added, apologetically.

She shrugged it off with a glare and asked me to set up my camera, she and vidit bhai are you to record the video note together.

As per her orders, I quickly set up my tripod and camera and asked, “Ready?”

They nodded in response with a smile, Vidit bhai sat next to Ritika on her bed as it was big enough for two people to sit.

“Action” I said, pressing the record button.

“Happy birthday Zeeshan/ Zeeshan bhai” they shouted together, “aur saale ek saal aur bada hogya tu kaisa lag raha hai? 3-4 safed Baal aa gye hone check kario.” Vidit bhai said, looking at the camera mischievously.
(So you’re a year older now. How does it feel? Go check, you probably have three or four white hairs already.)

Ritika slapped his arm before saying, “shut up Vid, we wish you all the love and happiness Zeeshan bhai. Keep growing and keep succeeding in everything you are working hard for including winning Ayesha.” She chuckled looking at me, I sighed, shaking my head with a smile.

“And we love you-” vidit bhai cut her off saying, “I don't. Iss rude insaan  ko I love you Kyu bolu mai” he said.
(Why would I say 'I love you' to this rude man?)

Honestly it was comical because everyone knows, including himself, that he loves Zeeshan more than anything in this world, after Ritika of course.

“Quit lying Vidit bhai. Everyone knows you care about Zeeshan more than anyone else probably after Ritika” I said, sighing.

“Fine, you are right. I do. Lekin ye baat tu cut kardio video mei se, okay?” Vidit bhai admitted, I nodded chuckling though I wasn't going to cut anything from this video.
(But, make sure to cut this part of the footage from the video, okay?)

“Have you guys ever felt as if Zeeshan failed you or disappointed you?” I asked when they looked at me.

“Vid you start first,” Ritika said, holding Vidit bhai's hand who nodded before turning towards the camera and saying, “You know Ayesha, I was an orphan. I didn't know what friendships felt like until I met Zeeshan. He showed me what real friendship was like, because of him I got a mother, two sisters and two brothers, I get to call my family. I don't call myself an orphan anymore because I know chahe puri duniya mere against ho jae lekin ye harami insaan mere saath khada hoga mera dost, meri family bankar. You asked if he'd failed me? It would be a crime to even think about it because the only thing he did to me was giving me everything, once I could only dream of - love, family and happiness.” he said, his eyes filled with unshed tears mirroring Ritika's and mine.
(I don't call myself an orphan anymore because I know even if the whole world is against me, this motherfucker will stick by my side as my friend and my family.)

“Or tu,” vidit bhai continued glaring at the camera though it was anything but a glare. “Tune ek baar bhi apne baare mei Aisa socha toh saale itna maarunga aur hospital bhi nahi lekar aaunga.”
(And you) (You better not think such things about yourself, or I’ll beat you mercilessly and won’t even get you treated.)

Both of us chuckled at his warning, smiling, he nodded at Ritika, “Everyone present here knows I am a single child including you Zeeshan bhai. But you know for me, you are the brother I never knew I needed, the way you are so protective of me, the way you spoil me, makes me laugh, love me though you never say it but your actions speak on your behalf and all of it gives me a sense of belonging and safety. I just know if anything happens I can always run to you and you will protect me. Talking about failing or disappointing me. I cannot even imagine, let alone think about it. You can and would never do something that can lead to such things. I am so proud of you and I am thankful to you for loving me like a big brother and spoiling me with your love.” Ritika said, her voice hoarse from all the crying.

I turned the video off after their affirm nods, keeping the stuff back into my bag.

“Thank you guys.” I said, softly.

“Hush” vidit bhai said, clearing his throat and wiping the remnants of his tears.

After spending some time with them, I decided to take my leave as I had lots of things to prepare for.

“Ayesha,” vidit bhai said, he was dropping me off till my car.

“yes bhai?” I questioned.

“I won't ask you to take care of Zeeshan because I know you will. I just want you to take care of yourself. Don't lose yourself amidst all this.” He said, patting my head softly.

“I will Vidit bhai.” I said, with a genuine smile.

“And if there's any problem with Zeeshan, let me know, hm? I will beat him for you. You know you are more important to me, don't you?” He said, helping me put my stuff in the backseat of my car.

I chuckled, saying, “Yes I know, Vidit bhai. Abhi aap jao Ritika k pass and if you guys need anything, just call me, I'll be there.”
(You should go back to Ritika now, and if you guys need anything, just call me, I'll be there.)

He patted my head nodding with a smile before going inside and I drove to the nearest mall. I had already informed bhabhi that I'll be late today so there was nothing to worry about.

I had already informed bhabhi that I would be late today, so there was nothing to worry about.

Once I parked my car in the parking lot, I made a quick run to the multipurpose store to get all the necessary decoration items except the ones I had brought from home.

After buying everything, I quickly drove to our place, the home where we spent our first night on the day we got married. Though I threw him out of the room, but whatever.

I had already asked the caretaker to clean the house as Zeeshan had given a spare key to me and also the caretaker’s number in case of an emergency.

Unlocking the door, I quickly placed all the items on the floor near the entrance and changed the sofa covers, curtains, pillow covers, bedsheets, including every minor thing the caretaker had not touched.

Then I moved the center table to a corner and turned the sofa, somehow dragging the two heavy mattresses from one of the bedrooms and I laid them on the floor against the sofa, making sure both the sofa and mattresses were facing the plain wall.

Dropping fluffy pillows on them, I set up my projector after moving the center table next to the sofa.

I had also brought candles with me which I would light tomorrow. On the sofa I placed a few strands of yellow fairy lights over the pillows.

Once I finished setting up the decorations, I moved to the kitchen and prepared everything I would be cooking for him.

The kitchen was already stocked with all the utensils and electronic appliances, so there was nothing to be worried about.

By the time I was done it was almost 11:30 a.m., which was not surprising. The cake sponge I had baked for his birthday was also ready.
After keeping it in the fridge, I cleaned everything and drove to Zeeshan’s home.

There were two minutes left when I reached, and at exactly 12 a.m. I called Zeeshan.

“Hello,” he muttered in his sleepy voice.

“Are you awake?” I asked, looking down at my lap.

“Yes, I was working. What about you?” he said softly.

“I was out with bhai and bhabhi. I am just heading home,” I lied. Of course I was not going to spoil my surprise for him.

“That’s great. What did you…” he started, but I cut him off.

“Zeeshan”

“Yes aayat?” He said softly.

“Happy birthday.” I said, loud enough for him to hear.

“I-thank you.” he whispered, his voice softening, shock was evident in his voice.

“Come out,” I said, leaning against the driver’s seat. The tiredness was finally catching up with me.

“What…”

“I am outside your home. Come out,” I clarified.

I heard shuffling from the other side before he ended the call. The next moment his main door opened and he walked out, looking around until his eyes finally landed on my car.

I got out just as he ran toward me, pulling me into his arms.

“Happy birthday.” I said softly, draping my arms around his neck while his arms wrapped around my waist, leaving no space between us.

“You fulfilled my wish.” He whispered softly.

“Which one?” I asked, confused.

“When you called me right now, I wished for you to wish me in person and you fulfilled it.” he explained, pulling away from the hug though his hands still held mine a soft grip.

His eyes sparkled with extreme happiness, making it all worth it, the tiredness and the efforts.

“What else did you wish for?” I asked, chuckling at his excitement.

“Just you,” he said, showing his signature infectious smile. I involuntarily smiled at his words.

“Go on a date with me.” I said, swinging our hands back and forth, after a few minutes of comfortable silence.

“Was that an order or a request, sweetheart?” He asked, circling his hand around my waist and pulling me closer to him with a jerk causing my heart to skip multiple beats.

“An order.” I said rolling my eyes, pushing him away, only for him to pull me closer, wordlessly, his eyes not leaving my face.

“Koi dekh lega Zeeshan.” I hissed looking around.
(Someone might catch us.)

“Raat k 12 baj rahe hai aayat, barely anyone's awake right now.” He said, flatly.
(It's midnight Aayat, barely anyone's awake right now.)

I sighed, giving up when he pulled me closer before saying, “iss baar haq jata raha hu apna, aapko galat lagega toh thappad maar dena.”
(This time I am claiming my rights, if you feel it's wrong, just slap me.)

I looked at him in confusion as he stepped closer and softly held my face with his left hand, gently caressing my cheek while his right hand rested on my waist leasurily.

It became difficult for me to maintain eye contact, so I looked down. My heart raced in anticipation and his intense eyes were not helping either.  

But, his hand softly lifted my chin, bringing my gaze back to his intense yet expressive eyes.

His face moved closer until I could feel my heart skip a beat again,  and as if he knew I couldn't take it anymore, he finally kissed my forehead, so gently like he was handling a fragile glass, afraid he might break it, pouring all the love in that kiss.

My eyes closed involuntarily when his lips lingered on my forehead for a few moments, savoring the moment of our shared love.

I love you, I thought.

I wanted to say it out loud but it was not the right time. Today was all about him and just him. There was no place for anything else, not even my confession.

“No thappad,” I whispered when he stepped back.
(No slap.)

He smiled softly and I smiled back contentedly while looking at him.

Are we excited for Zeeshan's birthday surprise, chat?😋