𝐌𝐘 𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄

°♡• PART - 13 •♡°

Amir leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his voice cheerful.
Amir: "Okay, all of you tell me what you want."

Ali: "One ginger tea for me. Then... any snacks are okay for me."

Amir nodded, smiling.
Amir: "Alright. Aleena, what about you?"

Aleena: "I want cold coffee... and waffle."

Amir: "Noted. And your friend? What about you, Ameera?"

Aleena turned to Ameera with a playful nudge.
Aleena: "Ameera! What do you want?"

Ameera lowered her gaze, her voice quiet.
Ameera: "Anything is okay for me."

Aleena: "Ameera! Don't hesitate. Just say it. It's Amir's treat. He's my brother-he wants to give us a treat. So tell me properly."

After a pause, Ameera whispered softly:
Ameera: "I want... strawberry milkshake."

Aleena: "And?"

Ameera: "Waffle."

Aleena: "Flavor?"

Ameera: "Anything is okay for me."

Amir chuckled at their exchange before turning to Ihsan.
Amir: "What about you, Ihsan brother?"

Ihsan, who had been quietly observing Ameera, raised his brows.
Ihsan: "For me?"

Amir: "Yes!"

For the first time, a slight smile tugged at Ihsan's lips.
Ihsan: "I want strawberry milkshake too."

The words lingered in the air, and though simple, they didn't go unnoticed. Ali tilted his head, hiding a smirk, while Aleena raised her brows in curiosity. Ameera's fingers tightened ever so slightly around her scarf, but she remained silent.

Amir: "Here's your cold coffee, Aleena."

As she reached out to take it, Amir's hand slipped slightly. A small splash of cold coffee stained the edge of Aleena's farḍhah.

Aleena (startled): "Amir!!"

Amir (flustered): "Oh no, I'm so sorry, Aleena!" He turned quickly. "Ali brother, where's the restroom? Aleena, go ahead-Ali will guide you to washroom."

Ali immediately stood up, his expression calm yet firm. He gestured politely.
Ali: "This way."

He kept his gaze lowered as they walked, careful not to glance toward her. The cafeteria was crowded, filled with chatter and movement. Ali gently made way through the rush, shielding Aleena's path without a single touch, his shoulders slightly tense as though guarding her space.

Aleena noticed every detail-the way he kept his eyes down, how he subtly gestured to men in the way to let her pass, how his entire presence carried dignity without a single word spoken.

When they reached near the washroom, Aleena paused. Her heart stirred unexpectedly.

Aleena (softly): "Can you... please wait here for me?"

Ali nodded, his voice steady, still looking down.
Ali: "Sure."

He leaned back against the wall, eyes fixed to the floor tiles, giving her both space and security.

Aleena lingered for a second longer before stepping inside, a strange warmth spreading in her chest. She had never noticed before how deeply respect could be woven into the smallest of actions. And now, for the first time, she realized: this is how men honor women in Islam.