Bewitched

•six•

"Naur, do you remember that one time when we crashed Abba jee's old vintage car against a tree?" Ghazala sipped her cup of tea, a reminiscent smile crossing her face.

"How can I forget? It seemed as if the day of judgement had descended upon us." Naureen chuckled and was joined in by Fawad, who sat casually in one of the dining chairs.

An unwilling cough left Mahira's  throat making everyone aware of her presence. Fawad's intimidating gaze fell atop hers and his now neutral expression gave no impression that he had been laughing a minute earlier.

"Mahira, how lovely of you to join us." Naureen embraced Mahira in a loving hug.

"I hope you didn't mind my tardiness." Mahira said, glancing at her mother who sat reading the newspaper.

"No, not at all. It'll definitely take you some time to get used to our customs and routines." Naureen reassured her niece as she sat back down at the table. This was met with a small cough from Fawad and Mahira instantly knew that he was referring to last night.

What a discourteous, impertinent-

"Come on now, make yourself a plate."

Mahira, choosing to calm her rumbling stomach instead of the annoyance she felt for the man sitting before her,  filled up her plate with the various delicacies served on the table.

To her dismay, she could not help but steal a glance at Fawad who was now engrossed in a book. He was dressed in a fitted royal blue kurta with a black waistcoat on top, a striking contrast to what he was wearing yesterday. With his hair styled to perfection, one could easily mistake him for a model. Knowing that she had probably been staring too long, Mahira abruptly looked away, the events of the previous night clouding her mind once again.

"Naureen Khala," She wiped at her mouth with a napkin, "I never knew you had a curfew in place." She looked pointedly at Fawad as she said this.

"Ahh yes. I forgot to mention it last night. It's a protocol that we follow for safety reasons." Naureen took a sip from her teacup, "There have been many incidents of robberies and attacks in the area recently. We're just being precautionary."

"Hmm," Mahira nodded, letting the matter go.

"Where are the others?" She quipped, her eyes scanning the empty dining room.

"The children are still asleep. The rest are taking a stroll in the gardens and the horse stables." Naureen peeked outside through the large window in the dining room which overlooked the vast greenery beyond.

Mahira looked up in wonder, the croissant that she was eating held in mid-air. Ghazala our down her newspaper and looked at her daughter, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"I wanted to surprise you but your Aunt-," Ghazala gave her sister a disappointed look, "-beat me to it."

Naureen held her hands up in surrender, a laugh escaping her lips.

"Mahira here is a huge fan of horses. And might I add an admirable horse back rider as well." Ghazala explained, knowing full well of her daughter's most favourite hobby.

"And I am also a Patron of the the Riding Club Association in Lahore," Mahira added, "I wonder why you always forget to mention that, Ma."

She glanced at Fawad and saw that there surprise in his eyes. Hmph, she smirked, I'm not just a nobody you can walk over.

"Well, what a coincidence. Fawad is a horse enthusiast as well. In fact, much of the Manzil's revenue comes from the sales of our inbred horses to the local and international market. We're the best known all around. Mahira, I'm sure you must have heard about the Saddle Group." Naureen said brightly.

It was Mahira's turn to be surprised now. Of course she'd heard about the Saddle Group. The Riding Club Association had worked closely with them until the group's rapid incline in markets. Striking deals with them was much more difficult now.

"Yes, I have," Mahira's throat felt dry, "But I never knew that Fawad was the one behind it."

She turned to look at him but found his black onyx eyes to be already fixated on her.

"Mmhmm. He's been working so hard these past few years. Sometimes, I think he loves his horses more than he does us." Naureen looked at her son with pride who had returned to reading his book.

"Why don't you go and visit them today," She said after a pause, "I'm sure Fawad would be more than willing to take you, won't you dear?"

A perplexed expression suddenly clouded Fawad's features, "Mother, as you already know I have some very important meetings that I need to attend," His tone was hard, "I'm sure the groom can give her a tour."

Heat creeped up Mahira's cheeks at his words. She wasn't some petty little girl that wanted a tour. Gathering herself, she turned to Naureen, "I really don't think that's necessary, Khala." Her voice came out less stronger than she had wanted it to be.

"Hush now. Fawad, your schedule's clear tomorrow and the day after. I'm sure you can manage something then." Naureen said sternly with a finality in her tone.

Fawad chose not to reply and glanced at his watch, "I'm getting late," He sighed exasperatedly and clasping his book shut, left the room.

Naureen let out a deep breath, "He'll come around eventually. Work pressure's been getting to him lately," She clasped Mahira's hand, "You've eaten so little. Do you want me to get you another serving?"

But Mahira who suddenly felt very full just shook her head.

•
A/N
Hope you liked the chapter, guys. 
Please drop in a vote and share your thoughts in the comment section. xx