Sandal's POV:

"W-what do you mean?"

"I wasn't talking in Persian."

"But Sir, I really don-"

"You're not going anywhere Sandal, nor will I let you."

"What?" I frowned and his gaze hardened. Dominating and intense.

" I want you to stay here... by my side."

"Huh?" My voice barely came out, but quickly shook my head to self-compose myself and said, "Sir I really don't understand what you are talking about. What I am trying to say is I will not stay here ... in this city anymore."

"And what if I stop you from leaving?" He asked spinning his phone in hand, but his gaze was glued on me.

His voice was calm usual yet it was sending shivers through my backbone. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I also sensed some change in his body language. All of a sudden, my heart started to beat like crazy and I really felt like running away.

"Why would you stop me?" I asked angrily.

Is this some kind of joke???

"Because I like you."

"If you like someone it doesn't mea- wait, what?" I cut my own sentence when I realize what he just said.

"It means, you want that someone near you... by your side...always." He got up from his seat and start walking towards me.

Startled by his statement and his actions, I abruptly stood up. As took a step forward, I took a step back.

"What? Are you afraid of me now?" He asked frowning and I quickly shook my head in negative.

"Then why are you moving back?" I kept silent for not knowing what to answer, but I stopped myself from moving back any further.

"I asked a question Sandal." He stood near the table edge and leaned against it, crossing his arms on chest.

I took in a deep breath and said, " I-I don't have an answer ... b-but I should go now... It's getting late." He nodded slowly and I walked outside.

As soon as I left the office I made a run to the elevator, I pressed its button.

Hurry hurry ...

I wanted to get out of here as fast as I can. The elevator's door opened and I rushed inside, but before its door closes, someone put a foot between it.

"You forgot to take your resignation back." Sir said as he came into the elevator. Holding my hand, he put four pieces of paper in it and slid his hands in his side pockets.

"One more thing. If you try any other way to resign, I will drag you to the court for any false claim I find suitable and I mean it, so don't even think about it ... Allah Hafiz." He turned on his feet and walked away.

Wh-what was that???

Squirming in a corner, clenched my hands into tight fists, I tried to control myself... fear?... anger?... I didn't know what I feel... the only thing I know was I have to get out of here. As the elevator stopped I dash out from the building without caring about my heels. I quickly take a cab and tell the driver my address.

~*~

Mr. Ibrar's POV:

"You mean I was the only one who was kept in dark?" Shama asked angrily.

" You know! That's the main problem of every typical Pakistani mother... they think they know everything related to their child... they never see them as a grown-up... they have their own thoughts Shama, they can make their own decisions ... and about this matter, he didn't tell anyone ... it's just his action made it clear." I replied in the same tone. She was about to say something but the sound of the heavy steps of Ahmed's shoes made us stop our conversation. I was waiting for him. To be honest, I was here for him. He Salam loudly and stared at me silently before walking into his room.

Oh! My dear nephew is angry with me...

"What happens to him?" Shama said getting up.

"Where are going, Bari Bi (Old woman)? Sit down. I had an idea what might happen to him." I made Shama sit beside me grabbing her hand.

"He is coming from the office and he is mad because Sandal has given her resignation today."

"Resignation?"

"Yes, they are moving back to Peshawar."

"What? ... but I was planning to go to her house after Zohma's wedding."

"Well, I suggest it would be better if you talk to her mother before the wedding and at least ask them to do Nikah before leaving."

"Bhaiyya (Big brother) what are you saying? I cannot ask for this. Sandal's mother just finished her Iddat. At least we should give them one year time... and ...what if... They refuse the proposal in the first place?"

"I hope that won't happen ... Ahmed has a one-track mind when it comes to his emotions. Whether it is love or hate, he never let it go easily. And about Sandal ... I am afraid that she has very deep and strong roots in his heart... she changed him in a few weeks... if that girl can bring positive change just being around him, then there is a possibility that her absence might bring out worse in him."

"But we cannot force them, besides I don't see the need to rush."

"Shama... you're not understanding the situation here... your son is not a boy, he is a grown-up man... in love with a girl whose life is just started... she yet have to meet many people in her life and Ahmed is scared that he might lose her." I paused for a moment then continue, " and remember. Whether we accept it or not, people like us are greedy and selfish ...and before Ahmed's selfishness take control of him, do something about it." I patted her hand and got up.

"Call me if you need anything .... or my nephew's temper goes out of control ... Allah Hafiz."

"Allah Hafiz." I heard Shama's faint voice before coming out. I hope that he didn't lose his temper or go out of his line.

~*~

Ahmed's POV:

"I went out of my line." I said to everyone after taking a sip of my cold drink.

'Uff', 'great', 'idiot.' From my friends. We are sitting in Seesha Bar right now. I was depressed at Sandal's reaction... I knew she doesn't have feelings for me and I thought I was ready for it ... but her indifferent behaviour made me angry.

"So what did you do?" Asked Armaghan.

" I threatened her."

"What? Not cool, Is that all you've done? And I was thinking you kissed her or something." I grabbed a cushion from my back and hit it on his face.

"Think before you speak." Saeed said to him and Salman hit his head at the same time.

" That hurts!" Imran said. He was the youngest in our group and most active and fun. He was a loner and shy when we first met him at school and now, that shy boy became one of the top models, a first-class flirt and a smooth talker. When he is with friends he never holds back on anything and one thing was for sure he was the main essence of fun in our group.

"And what did you threaten her about?" Asked Armaghan.

"Just forget it, I didn't join you guys to talk about my stupidity."

"That sure was stupid." Comment Salman.

"You know it would've benefited you more if you kidnapped her and married her forcefully. She might hate you but look at the bright side, she would be your wife."

"Just make him quite." I facepalm myself.

"It's not the way to do things. When you love someone you seek for their affections, not their hatred." Saeed tried to explain.

"Sorry, daddy dear! I am not old enough to understand love." He said carelessly.

Uff! And I thought I could refresh myself here...

~*~

"Why are you giving me details? Where is Sandal?"

"Sir she took off today. She has a very high fever. I called her but she was barely able to speak."

Great!

"Hmm! Okay. Tell her that she can take another off if she doesn't get better... and ... Take that file to Mamo... he will look into it."

"Okay, Sir. Anything else?"

"No, nothing."

"Allah Hafiz."

"Allah Hafiz." I threw my phone and myself on the bed.

Why did she get a fever...?

Did she take the stress from yesterday?

There was nothing to stress up her like that... I just tell her how I feel.

' And I was thinking you kissed her or something.' Imran's voice echoed in my mind.

I quickly shook my head and got up from the bed.

Curse you Imran......for filling my head with these thoughts .....

~*~

Sandal's POV:

"Sandal if you don't get here in fifteen minutes I swear I'll be coming here and I mean it."

"Okay." I said slowly and ended the call.

She was demanding as her brother, a female version of Ahmed Wali ...

'Because I like you.'

Sir's voice echoed in my mind.... again and I buried my head under the pillow ... it will make me go crazy. Whenever I think about it my heart started to beat fast and I feel my body temperature rises. I don't know how to calm myself ... what he said wasn't a joke ... I can tell... his eyes were saying things that his words holding back... the message was clear to me and was enough to make me startle... he wasn't asking me for about my feelings. He was telling me to accept his.

"BAJJO!" I heard Hareem shout and take out my head from the pillow.

"What?"

"You ruined your braid."

"Huh?" My mind is really not working.

"Api, fix bajjo's hairs." Hareem ran out from the room calling for Areeba.

Today was 'Mayon ceremony' of Zohma. It's will be a female gathering and males are allowed only to stay outside. The colour theme of Mayon is always yellow. So all the girls wearing are yellow dresses with yellow flowers Jewellery and braid with traditional yellow Pranda. My dress was Pajama and frock with different shades of yellow colour and bright pink lace. Areeba made it for me... we are her real-life models... she does her experiments on us.

"Bujjo what did you do to your hairs?"

"Nothing."

She shook her head hopelessly and starts fixing my hair.

"Bajjo, Zohma api calling." Hareem handed over my phone.

'Hello!'

'Where are you now?'

'Home.'

'What? You're still at home... Sandal I am coming now.' She threatened me.

'Shut up! I'll be there soon.'

'How soon?'

'As soon as we get a cab.'

'Sandal I..... wait.'

'Bhai you have a minute?' Zohma calls Sir.

'Hm?' I heard Sir's voice next.

'Can you please go and pick Sandal and everyone? It will be hard to find a cab right now.'

No way...

'No, no thanks. We are coming .... don't trouble him. Bye,' I quickly hung up.

"What's wrong?" Areeba asked.

"Nothing."

I don't want to face him...

I don't know what to do... if I could, I would run to the edge of the Planet. Somewhere I won't have to face him..... Ya Allah, help me...

~*~

Muskan directly led me to a corner of the living room where Zohma was sitting. This place was decorated with yellow flowers too. As soon she saw me she jump from her place and embrace me tightly.

"Finally you came. How are you feeling now?"

"Much better... you're looking very pretty today."

"Thanks... where are others?"

" Areeba is with Muskan, Ami is with Auntie talking with some other Aunties I guess and Muskan says Hareem is with Sir."

"Hm, don't worry about it. Hareem is in good hands. My brother and his friends love to spoil the kids." I just nodded and held her hand I bring her back to her place.

After a little round of Dholki, the Rasam started. Zohma made me sit beside her all the time and I kept receiving glares from everyone. It was uncomfortable and later I started to feel suffocated. Maybe because I am still not recovering from my fever properly yet. Excusing myself, I took a seat in the corner. In the end of Rasam Muskan and I took Zohma back to her room. As we were leaving I saw Sir talking to Auntie about something. His eyes met mine and I quickly hid behind a Zohma.

What am I doing???

I asked myself.

"What are you doing?" This time it was Zohma.

"Nothing."

Muskan left us both in the room as it's about dinner time, but we decide to eat later. After all the guests left, dinner was served again downstairs, Ami, Auntie, Sir and his friends were, we also joined us. I thought it would be awkward to eat with so many people whom we don't know, but it turned out to be fun. All the time Sir and his friends along with Muskan kept teasing Zohma. Recalling their childhood days. Hareem was enjoying herself sitting between Sir and one of his friends, while Areeba was eating silently, lost in thoughts.

The elders were busy in their own talk and I was confused about what to do. I can't eat silently like Areeba because whenever I try, they drag me into their conversation and when I tried to fit in Sir's scrutinizing gaze stopped me.

"Zohma, do you have my phone?" I didn't notice I don't have my phone with me.

"No, it was in bed. Didn't you take it?"

"No!... I'll be back in a moment ." I quickly walked into Zohma's room, pick my phone and turned around to find Sir leaning against the entrance.

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