Exactly at 10:00 PM, being slightly drenched from the rain, carrying a bag full of Ayesha's shades in one hand and a small bouquet of tulips in the other, I found myself standing at her doorstep, waiting for her to open the door and show me her beautiful face, which would brighten my mood as freshly as these tulips.
After a few seconds, she opened the door and stood in front of me with a messy bun, which made her even more attractive. Her glasses were slightly down, adding to her cuteness.
"Why do you always wander around here like a lost soul, Dr. Zaid?" Ayesha said with an absolutely exasperated look. And just in seconds, all my thoughts about her went wrong. Only her appearance was cute, not her tone towards me.
"Care to speak, Dr. Zaid?" Ayesha asked, folding her arms and giving me a pointed look.
"Can you let me in first, Ms. Hayat? I'm drenched here," I reminded her with a calming smile.
"Who even asked you to come here?" came her next question.
"My heart! Now, can you let me in?" I replied instantly, without wasting any time. And as soon as I said these words, I noticed a slight blush forming on her cheeks.
She blushes? I've never seen her like this before, but seeing her like this did many things to my heart. She is absolutely dangerous to me, and yet I'm still here, wanting to be with her.
"Get in," she said dryly and went into her room.
I stood there, still inhaling her perfume as she passed by me.
"Dry your hair first, Dr. Zaid," Ayesha said as she came towards me, handing me a pink towel. Her face was expressionless, and her tone was emotionless.
But I just stood there, watching her.
"What?" Ayesha asked with a lot of patience, though her voice was still stern.
I then raised both my hands to show her that they were full.
"What's this?" she asked, with a slight smile, and even her tone was filled with curiosity now.
"These flowers are for you, and as you said, these are your shades," I said softly as I handed both things to her, silently praying she would like them.
"You really bought the shades?" Ayesha asked with surprise as she took the bag and flowers.
"Yes, I wanted to make it up to you," I replied, taking the towel from her hand. A strange happiness filled me as I saw the joy on her face.
"Whatever," she said nonchalantly, placing the flowers on the table next to the couch and taking the bag to her room.
I got busy drying my hair, and exactly two minutes later, Ayesha came out, a smile on her face. And I don't know what happens to me when I see her smiling; all I want is to keep looking at her.
"Sit," she said, heading toward the kitchen. I sat on the couch and started messaging my men.
After a while, when I smelled her scent and looked up, she was coming toward me with a tray holding a glass of water and a cup of coffee.
And among all her habits, this is one that I really like-no matter what time I come to her house, she will always make a hot cup of coffee for me. Even if I come after a night shift at 7 in the morning, she won't forget to make coffee for me. And despite caring so much about me, she's still not ready to admit that she freaking loves me.
"You're not drinking?" I asked, noticing there was only one cup of coffee on the tray.
"I've already had mine," Ayesha said as she sat down in front of me.
"So, are you going to tell me why you came here?" she asked with a teasing smile.
Ah-ah, I couldn't find any words.
"Speak, Zaid," she said, and suddenly, I forgot everything-why I was here, what I came for-nothing came to mind after hearing her call me just Zaid.
And I don't understand why I become so delusional when it comes to her. Why does she have such a strong effect on this heart that only beats when she's near me?
"If you're done drinking the coffee, you can leave," Ayesha said sternly while getting up.
I took the last sip and stood up.
"I wanted to ask, what time are you leaving for the airport, so I can drop you," I said calmly.
"I'll take a cab-"
"No way, I'm letting you go alone at this hour!" I said instantly, cutting her off.
"I can go alone, Dr. Zaid" She defended.
"And I'm not leaving you alone, Ms. Hayat," I said firmly. Even if she wants to, I can't let her go alone, not while I'm still alive for her.
"Dr. Zaid-"
"Tell me the timings, Ms. Hayat," I cut her off again, sitting back down on the couch.
She gave me a pointed look and started checking the flight timings. And here I sat comfortably, counting down.
3... 2... 1...
"No way, they can't do this!" Ayesha shouted while looking at her phone screen, and a small smirk appeared on my lips.
"Anything wrong, Ms. Hayat?" I asked innocently, pretending to have no idea about her issue.
"My flight is cancelled," her tone was filled with worry and shock.
"What? But how can that happen?" I asked with concern, moving closer to her to take a look at her phone.
"Check if there are any other flights, Ms. Hayat," I tried to reassure her.
"It's unbelievable, Dr. Zaid. How can there be no flights available?" she said with utter shock and a hint of worry.
"Ahh, I need to be there by tomorrow; Aleena will be waiting for me." At this point, my heart ached, seeing her so worried.
"Ms. Hayat, if you don't mind, will you come with me? I'm leaving for India today," I took the opportunity.
"What? You're going to India too?" she asked, shocked.
"Yes," I said calmly.
"But how will I go with you? There are no flights available, Dr. Zaid," she tried explaining to me.
"We'll go by our jet," I said and sat beside her, only to see her choke at my statement.
"Why do you always give me mini heart attacks?" Ayesha asked while trying to calm herself.
I instantly handed her the glass of water while gently caressing her back.
"Not my fault that I have an effect on you, Ms. Hayat" I said with a slight smile on my lips.
"I didn't know you could smile too," Ayesha looked into my eyes, and her face glowing even in this dim light.
"I always smile when I'm with you, Ms. Hayat. It's you who doesn't see me," I admired her.
She looked deeply into my eyes, perhaps lost in her own thoughts.
"I'm afraid to look at you, Zaid," she whispered, and then got up.
And I'm afraid to lose you, Ayesha. I wanted to scream, to tell her that I'm afraid too.
"So, you're coming with me, Ms. Hayat?" I asked her with hope.
"No," she said casually and took the tray towards the kitchen.
"Why?" I asked, following her into the kitchen.
"I don't trust you," she said instantly while putting the tray and coffee cup in the sink.
I couldn't help but smile at her accusation.
"If you didn't trust me, you wouldn't have opened the door for me at 10 PM, Ayesha," I said seriously. My heart sank, hearing her words.
Her hands paused; while washing the cups, she glanced at me before resuming.
"Can you wait for five minutes while I pack my suitcase?" Ayesha said softly, trying to sound as if she don't care much, as she approached me.
"I could wait a lifetime for you, Ms. Hayat," I said with a smile.
Without responding, she scrunched her nose and walked past me, making my heart to race even more by her cute expressions.
She'll be the death of me, I thought, watching her walk towards her room.
I took out my phone and called Rayn.
"Everything is ready, sir," came his voice before I could speak.
"And what about the strawberry cupcakes?" I asked.
"They're ready too, sir," Rayn said.
"Okay," I said, hanging up the call and sitting there, waiting for my doctor to return.
And exactly five minutes later, Ayesha showed up wearing a dark red gown, which literally made my cheeks flush red. Her black hair was down, her face was absolutely flawless, with no makeup on it, carrying her coat in one hand, and she was setting her suitcase by the door.
"Two suitcases... fine, not bad," I thought as I watched her place two large suitcases outside her door. I walked over, grabbed them, and was about to head towards the entrance when her voice stopped me.
"Wait, there are more," she said, bringing two more suitcases and placing them in front of the others. I stood there looking at the suitcases? -No! It looked like she had packed for two years! She's not staying there permanently, so why on earth does she need four huge suitcases?
"Is there more, or is this all?" I asked her calmly, trying not to sound like I was taunting her.
"Nothing much, just my handbag and these tulips. That's it," Ayesha said casually, as if this wasn't too much for just a few days.
"Great!" I exclaimed, dragging the luggage towards the door.
As we both stepped outside, I was dragging her two year's of luggage while Ayesha was busy carrying her handbag-which didn't even look like a handbag; I've never seen such huge bags! And on top of that, she was carrying the tulips, her phone, and a water bottle in the other hand.
And even with all of this, madam wasn't satisfied-she was wearing heels! Black heels, open hair, a dark red outfit, flawless skin, clumsiness, rudeness, and a hint of blush-that's all it took. And here I am, already on my knees for this dangerous woman!
"Congratulations, Dr. Zaid Siddiqui, in the entire universe, you only got her?" I asked myself.
"Yes, only her" My heart replied.
I brought my black Thar just in case her luggage wouldn't fit in the car, but thanks to her, I had to call my driver to bring another Thar to carry all her luggage. When we reached my car, my driver also arrived. My two men took her luggage, and I opened the passenger seat for her to sit.
Before I could offer my hand, she held it for support and sat down. After making sure she was comfortably seated, I started driving toward the location where my jet was parked.
After a 30-minute drive, we reached the place. I opened the door for her, and Ayesha again took my hand for support as she stepped out of the car. She looked at me, whispered a small "thank you," and then looked at the jet. Her expression clearly showed that she was in shock.
"How can you be so rich, Dr. Zaid?" she asked in amazement.
"Did you like the jet?" I asked as we walked together.
"I'm in love with it," Ayesha said with utter excitement.
"Then it's yours from today," I said calmly, only to see her stop in her tracks and instantly turn toward me.
"Don't you think before talking, Dr. Zaid?" Ayesha asked in frustration. And here I was, melting even more from her scolding.
"My mind doesn't work when I'm with you, Ms. Hayat. The only thing I think about is you," I said as I gently moved a few strands of hair that were blocking my view of her eyes.
"Let's go," she stuttered, and started walking faster. I matched her pace with a smile and stood in front of her, offering my hand to help her climb the steps.
Ayesha kept her gaze down and took my hand. We went inside, and she took the window seat.
Once we were both comfortably seated, I took out my phone and got engrossed in messaging my men to bring her cupcakes.
"Are you planning to kidnap me?" she asked suddenly. I instantly turned towards her as soon as I heard her illogical question.
"Are you serious right now, Ayesha?" I asked, confused.
"Yes, I am," she said, her tone full of seriousness.
"Do you really think I would kidnap you, Ayesha? Don't you trust me?" I was hurt. It would only take me seconds to kidnap her and make her mine, but I can't do it. Even if my stupid mind tells me to, my crazy heart refuses to hurt her in any way.
I want her to be with me by her own will. The only thing I can do is win her heart by making her comfortable with me, to make her believe that she is safe with me. And I think it will take time for her to completely trust me.
"I'm afraid to trust any man, Dr. Zaid," I heard her soft whisper. When I looked at her, Ayesha was leaning against the window with her eyes closed. I leaned closer to her.
"Take your time, and don't trust any man around you-just trust me, Ayesha," I whispered near her ear.
She opened her eyes and instantly turned towards me, but because of our closeness and her hurriedness to turn, our heads collided.
"Ouch, that hurts," she winced in pain.
"How can you be so careless, Ayesha?" Without wasting a second, I started massaging her head.
"You always hurt me, Dr. Zaid," she whispered again.
"Do I?" I whispered, still massaging her head.
"Yes, Always," she said while looking into my eyes. My hands stopped at her response, and my eyes refused to even blink as I gazed into her black eyes.
"Do you want to have some cupcakes?" I distracted myself by asking this question, at this moment when she was just inches away from me.
I know this wasn't the time to ruin our beautiful moment, but I had to because I knew if I didn't, I might do something I'd regret later, and the trust she had started to build for me would shatter in seconds.
"Cupcakes? Here?" Ayesha asked with a laugh.
"Yes, I saw you enjoying them, that's why. I hope you'll have some?" I calmly placed the cupcakes in front of her.
"Thank you," Ayesha murmured softly, then took one to eat.
"Will you not eat one?" she asked before taking a bite.
"I don't eat sweets," I said with a smile while admiring her.
"But I like sweets," she said with a cute pout, and once again, I melted for her.
"This isn't fair, Ayesha," I defended myself, seeing her use her weapons against me.
"What am I even doing, Dr. Zaid?" she asked innocently.
"Will you eat them?" Before I could answer her and tell her that she was doing so much to this heart, she asked the same question again.
And I gave up in front of her, because I can never win against her.
"I'll eat it, but only if you feed me," I said with a smirk.
"Then don't have it," she said casually and started eating the cupcakes. I mean, she just betrayed me in seconds. How can she just rule over me like that?
She was enjoying herself, and here I was, feeling a hint of disappointment. I turned my head away from her, looking at the other side of the jet.
I was looking at the empty side, then I took a slight glance at Ayesha, who was busy enjoying her cupcakes. And just then, I felt a sense of peace in me.
I feel comfortable when she is around me. I feel safe when she is with me. And I feel a sense of fear if I don't see her around me, and I seriously have no idea what this feeling is. Is it love or my obsession? What are you to me, Ayesha? Do I really love you, or are you just my obsession?
If you're my love, then why am I hiding my identity from you? And if you're my obsession, then why do I feel insecure when I don't see you even for a mere second? What are you doing to this mafia's heart, Ayesha?
My precious woman enjoyed her cupcakes, then fell asleep, using my shoulder as her pillow. She snuggled against my bicep, and I just admired her throughout the journey.
After a 8 hours, we finally reached our destination.
It was around 8 in the morning when the gates of a beautiful mansion opened to let our car in. I was mesmerized by the view.
"Whose house is this?" I asked Ayesha as the car stopped in front of the entrance.
"It's Aleena's house," Ayesha replied with a bright smile as she got out of the car.
I was busy watching the staff take her luggage when I got distracted by someone calling Ayesha's name.
"Oh my God, I can't believe you're here, Ayesha!" I instantly turned to see a man approaching from the entrance with a bright smile as he spotted Ayesha.
As he walked towards her, he opened his arms to embrace her, but before either of them could do anything, I embraced him in a tight hug.
"I dare you to even touch her, or I'll personally bring flowers to your funeral, Mr. Idris Riaz," I whispered softly near his ear, though my hands were itching to punch him right there. How dare he even think I'd let him touch my woman? I'm only tolerating him because he's my best friend's brother; otherwise, he wouldn't be standing here right now.
"How come you're here, Idris?" Ayesha asked him once I broke the unwanted hug.
"It's my brother's soon-to-be wife's house. I just came to give the shagun, Ayesha. And how come you both are here?" this man said, giving me an instant heart attack.
"And I'm the bride's best friend, Mr. Idris," Ayesha replied with a slight smile.
And here I stood, absolutely shocked for many reasons.
What. On. Earth. Is. Happening. Here?
Aleena? And Asad?
I just hope Aleena isn't the woman Asad has been searching for all these years.
But what if she is? No, she can't be. If she's the same Aleena, then no one can save her from Asad.
"Does Asad know about her?" I asked Idris, feeling both curious and uneasy.
"Yes, he knows," Idris answered.
"See you in the evening, beautiful lady," he winked at Ayesha and walked past me.
I will kill him, I thought through gritted teeth.
"How can your choice in friends be this cheap, Ayesha?" I asked her with a stern look.
"He's a gentleman," she said, making me even more pissed.
I felt the urge to kill Idris right in front of her and tell her that the only gentleman she'll ever meet is me-only me!
"But no gentleman can give you the happiness that only I can give you, cupcake," I whispered in her ear, jealousy dripping from my voice. Yes, I am jealous.
"What kind of happiness?" Ayesha asked, looking confused.
"The happiness of-" I stopped midway, then leaned even closer to her and softly kissed her earlobe, and then started walking towards the car, not daring to look back at her.
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