Her hands clutched her dress as she looked down. I placed my both hands each side of her head on the wall and caged her. She was terrified to be in that position. "Move back. What are you doing" Turning her face to a side she pushed me with both han...
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The house is quiet, shadows stretching long across the floor. Zahra pads out of her room in fuzzy socks, yawning, headed to the kitchen for a glass of water.
She pauses at the living room entrance—surprised to see the TV on.
Aryan is lounging on the couch, one leg propped on the coffee table, lazily flipping through a news channel. The volume is low. He doesn't notice her at first.
Zahra, rubbing her eyes said. "You always this obsessed with politics or just pretending to be wise?"
Aryan, glancing over, "Couldn't sleep. Unlike some people, I don't snore my stress away."
"I don't snore." Zahra said narrowing her eyes.
She grabs a glass of water, drinks slowly, then returns and leans against the living room arch, watching him.
Zahra spoke softly, "It's weird seeing you awake this late."
"Too many things in my head, I guess." Aryan shrugged.
"Anything serious?" Zahra aked.
Aryan (glancing up at her): "You volunteering as my therapist now?"
Zahra (grinning): "Depends. Do I get paid?"
Aryan (grinning back): "Your payment is being tolerated by me."
Zahra (mock offended): "Wow. You're lucky I'm too sleepy to roast you properly."
A short silence follows. The kind that feels... warm.
She walks over and sits on the far end of the couch, hugging a cushion.
Zahra: "Do you always stay this distant with people?"
Aryan (raising a brow): "That supposed to mean something?"
Zahra (quietly): "Don't know. Maybe I just noticed it."
He doesn't answer immediately. Flicks the TV off with the remote, room falling into softer silence.
Aryan: "It's easier, you know. Keeping things simple."
Zahra (watching him): "But simple doesn't mean less lonely."
Their eyes meet. Just for a second. Long enough to say things neither of them dares to speak.
Aryan looks away first.
Zahra took another slow sip of water, then squinted at him thoughtfully.
Zahra: "Hey... what happened to that girl you used to talk to? What was her name... Sumaiya?"
Aryan's hand, which had been lazily flipping through channels, paused for a moment. He glanced at her, then back at the screen.
Aryan said dryly: "Who knows... it's been a long time. Maybe she has a baby now."
