Salaar's P.O.V.
It was the following week. My midterms had started, so I was busy with revising. Api was leaving tomorrow, so we came to pick up Heer from Hayat. The three of us were going out for lunch so Api and Heer could spend time and also because I could use a break. I told Api to wait in the car while I went to get Heer. As I entered the store, I walked over to where I saw her serving a man. He was speaking into her ear, her hair covering their faces.
Heer's P.O.V.
I placed Kamran's white chocolate mocha latte in front of him as he smiled at me.
We'd spent the last week texting and also calling here and there. I only saw him once since we went bowling; he'd brought me lunch four days later and we ate together here at Hayat on his break between meetings. Now he'd dropped by after three days.
He took a sip, "Thanks."
"You're welcome."
I'd just turned around when he called, holding onto my wrist, "Heer."
"Hm?" I faced him.
He gestured for me to lean closer so he could say something into my ear. I complied and tucked some hair behind my ear, the rest of my hair forming a curtain next to our faces.
He kissed my cheek slowly.
A warm feeling spread through me as smile made its way to my lips. I moved back slowly, my gaze gradually lifting to meet his, but that's when I realized someone was standing next to us.
Salaar.
Had he seen what Kamran did?
"S-Sally. Oh, is it 12 already?"
His eyes bounced from me to Kamran then back to me, studying the both of us intently.
I cleared my throat, "Salaar, this is Kamran. R-remember I told you... about him? When we made burgers that night?"
He nodded slowly.
"Kamran, this is Salaar, my best friend."
Kamran stood up and extended a hand, "Nice to meet you. Heer's told me a lot about you."
Salaar's P.O.V.
A lot about me? Unbeknownst to me, it seems they had grown closer. Had they seen each other after that night? If so, when?
What could he have been telling her in her ear?
I shook his hand with a closed-mouth smile, "You too. She told me you're a lawyer?"
He smiled down at Heer, "Yeah, and you're studying to become an architect?"
What else had she told him?
I nodded.
"Api!" Heer beamed nervously as my sister approached us.
"Hi," she grinned at all of us.
"This is Seher Api," she told Kamran, gesturing towards her.
He gave her a nod and smile, "Kamran."
She returned the smile before looking at Heer questioningly.
"Do you or Api want a drink? If not, we can start heading out?" Heer asked us, her voice at a slightly higher pitch than normal.
Api shook her head, "I didn't have breakfast, and I can't have caffeine on an empty stomach. It makes me nauseous."
"You should grab one when you drop Heer back... No one makes drinks like Heer," Kamran remarked.
Her cheeks flushed, radiating a pink hue.
He made her blush. She was affected by him.
Heer's P.O.V.
As if on cue, we all heard an eager "Hi Salaar!" from the counter.
"Hey Haniya," Sally waved politely.
Before she could address Seher Api, a customer went up to the register much to Haniya's dismay.
"We should get going," I piped up.
The siblings nodded.
"Bye," I told Kamran before removing my apron and going past the counter to place it on the hook.
"Bye."
Api and Sally held the front door open for me. Kamran and I exchanged a soft glance as I passed by him.
Salaar drove silently, appearing lost in serious thought, while we both listened to Api enthuse about Umair Bhai coming home from his work trip. When we reached the restaurant, Salaar spoke with the receptionist to get us a table.
Api nudged my arm, whispering, "Who was he? Was he that customer?"
I nodded coyly.
"What's going on between you two?" she squinted with amusement.
My eyes widened, "What do you mean?"
She rolled her eyes teasingly just as Salaar turned around. The receptionist led us to our table and we settled into our seats.
Salaar's P.O.V.
I stared at the menu blankly, slowly twirling the fork in my fingers.
Was he more than a friend?
Since when did Heer start hiding things from me?
"Salaar!"
I shifted my gaze to my sister, who was staring at me confused.
"Yes?"
"What are you thinking about? I've been calling your name. What did you want to order?" she gestured towards the waiting waiter.
"The same as her," I referred to Api, unaware of what she asked for.
The waiter jotted it down then disappeared to the kitchen.
I could feel Api studying me while I watched Heer, who glanced at me with a small smile.
Why was she doing this? Nothing had really happened, but it was suddenly starting to feel like Heer was growing away from me. It shouldn't feel like that and I shouldn't think as so, all she had done was meet with him and speak to him, then what was this invisible barrier that's starting to build? I may be thinking too into it. But she never answered if it had been a date when she went out with Kamran, and I never brought it up again nor did she. However, it's always stuck in the back of my mind when we met up each time afterwards.
"Excuse me, Anne's calling," Heer excused herself to take the call outside.
Api nodded while I stared at the table cloth.
"Salaar?" she took my name softly, her eyebrows pulled together.
I looked at her silently.
She kept quiet, and I wasn't in the mood to probe her any further.
"No one makes drinks like Heer."
How many had he had? I had never seen him at the café prior to today.
Heer's P.O.V.
After lunch, Salaar and Api dropped me back to the café.
"What did Salaar order?" Haniya probed as I restocked the condiment shakers.
"Huh?"
"At the restaurant where you lot had lunch."
"Oh. He had the same as Api. The risotto with fish."
She sighed with a mesmerized look in her eyes, setting her elbows on the counter with her cheeks resting on her fists, "Does he like spaghetti?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Yes!" she squealed, "We could have a Lady and the Tramp moment."
I shook my head, amused.
"Just imagine—one end of the spaghetti in his mouth and the other end in mine. We get closer and closer and then- Haaye! He's so dreamy. Couldn't you have asked him to come in for a drink when he dropped you off?"
Before I could even react, my phone buzzed with a message from Kamran, "Dinner and a movie tomorrow at 6 PM, your honor? 🍽️🍿"
A grin spread across my lips.
"Is this a subpoena? 🤔"
"Are you sure you weren't pre-law during your uni days? You may consider it a subpoena, your honor, but it was meant to be an appeal x"
"😂 I've watched enough crime shows to have picked up on court language... where should I meet you for this trial, Mr. Khan?"
"La casa de Khan," he wrote, followed by his address, "See you then, Ms. Qureshi."
"See you."
And when I walked up the steps of his flat and rang the doorbell the following night, he opened the door, dressed in a white dress shirt and charcoal grey trousers, a hand towel resting on his shoulder. The top two buttons were unbuttoned, providing him with a more relaxed aura.
He followed my gaze to the towel and he quickly slipped it off his shoulder, tossing it to where I couldn't see.
"You made it, Heer," he smiled, wrapping me in a hug that allowed me to feel the strong contours of his frame. "Come in," he shut the door behind me. "You seriously didn't need to bring anything," he remarked after seeing the Hayat box in my hands.
"I wanted to," I handed it to him.
"Thank you."
"They're banana nut muffins. I hope you like them. It's a new recipe," I followed after him, taking in his luxurious bachelor pad. It was modern, filled with tones of grey, white, and black.
"They must be fresh out of the oven then. They're still warm. And I already know I will like them. They were made by my favorite baker."
I couldn't help but blush, earning another smile from Kamran.
He set the box on the kitchen counter, in front of which there were bar stools. There was evidence of a meal in the works sprawled around the sleek kitchen—a cutting board with half diced vegetables, a bowl of a white mixture speckled with green, and two large raw chicken breasts.
"Give me your coat. Make yourself comfortable."
I began taking it off, "I thought we were going out?"
"Are we?" he lifted an eyebrow mischievously.
Red spread across my cheeks, "I- That's not what I-"
He chuckled, hanging my coat in a closet, "I know what you meant. I was teasing you... I've been told the way to someone's heart is through their stomach and my mates have told me that I'm not half bad in the cooking department, so I thought I could treat you to a night in."
"Hmm, seeking to impress, is it, Mr. Khan?" I treaded closer to the wall decorated with three photo frames.
Another chocolatey chuckle left his mouth, "In other words, yes, Ms. Qureshi. Is it working?"
I turned my head to glance at him quickly in a playful manner before studying the photos, "We'll see. After the meal."
"No pressure," he joked to himself quietly, making me giggle.
The picture on the right was of him and two older men at his law school graduation, the middle a photo of himself with a group of friends, and the left appeared to be him with perhaps his parents.
His footsteps grew closer before I felt the warmth of his presence behind me.
"They are my chachas (paternal uncles). They'd flown in from Pakistan for my graduation."
"I see the resemblance," I murmured.
He then gestured towards the middle photo, "Those are my mates from boarding school. I don't know what I would've done without them," he said with a laugh, "They're a fun but mental, mental lot."
I smiled before turning to the last photo, "Are they your parents?"
"Yeah, uh," he walked back to the kitchen, "Heer, why don't you sit down? What would you like to drink?"
The way he changed the topic abruptly, I took it that his parents were a touchy subject, one that we hadn't discussed.
He opened a cabinet, revealing bottles of soda and alcohol.
"I don't drink," I informed him politely, taking a seat on one of the three bar stools.
I hadn't expected that he did. Taking a glance at the weary look on my face that I'd done a poor job in hiding, he clarified quickly, "I'll have one occasionally if I'm with my mates or when they come over, other than that I usually don't either. Is soda alright?"
I nodded.
After taking a sip of the iced Sprite he'd given me, I offered, "Can I help?"
"Yeah," he grinned while making a slice in the meats, "You could eat one of the muffins you brought. It doesn't sit right with me that your probably hungry after working today. Dinner's still awhile."
I tilted my head, "I brought them for you. I don't mind helping. Besides, cooking's fun."
"Fine. I suppose people often cook together as a date. But, you'll have to eat a muffin first. I'll have one too."
I sighed with a smile, opening the box, "Fine."
I took out two muffins while he stuffed the chicken with a creamy spinach cheese filling. I was munching on my muffin when he approached the counter.
Mischief flashed in his eyes, "My hands are dirty. Feed me."
Oh.
I began reaching for his muffin when he specified, "Yours."
I bit the inside of my lower lip, flustered, as I lifted my pastry to his mouth. He tilted his head to take a bite from where I had done so.
"These should be a regular on the menu, Heer. They're really good."
"Thanks," I answered softly, observing as he took another bite from the same spot.
He went back to the chicken, "Seher left to Liverpool, right?"
I'd texted him about it before.
"Yeah. She left this morning. She was really excited to go back. She missed Umair Bhai," I chuckled.
"That's cute... I finally got to meet Salaar."
"You did."
"Not too sure if he was fond of me."
My eyebrows furrowed, "Why would you think that? You two didn't really have the chance to speak that much."
He shrugged, "You're his best friend and he's a man—he's protective over you. The bloke also doesn't know me that well, probably doesn't trust my intentions."
"And what are your intentions?" I lifted an amused eyebrow, realizing he'd let that slip.
He gave me a knowing look that conveyed he was aware I was trying to put him on the spot, but he answered earnestly, "For those who matter to you to like me."
And there it was, the fluttering in my chest.
I swallowed, "I'm sure you two would get along well. If you guys had a proper conversation, he would learn you're a cool guy."
I couldn't have bit my tongue any faster.
"So, you think I'm a cool guy?" he smirked.
I returned his smart look from moments ago, "I mean... You're not warm, are you? It is fall and it's a bit chilly outside, so I'd assumed-"
He laughed, "Right."
I joined him in cooking, putting together a salad while sharing stories about our respective friends. There was something about watching him cook that made me even more attracted to him. Maybe it was the way a few strands of his hair fell onto his forehead from his quiff while he scooped some mushrooms to the buttered pan, maybe it was the way he cut the zucchini with precision that the vegetable transformed into equal-sized rounds, or perhaps it was the way he looked so comfortable and relaxed in his element while sprinkling some seasoning into the pot that it was obvious that he had mastered this recipe—it was just enticing to see a man who knew what he was doing.
"This is honestly one of the best meals I've ever had, Kamran," I enthused sincerely after quickly taking a second bite. We were at the dining table.
"I'm glad you liked it."
"You're a really good cook."
"Thank you. And in that case, I hope I've won myself more nights to cook for you."
I laughed softly, "I guess I will be making reservations at La Casa de Khan."
He chuckled, "The head chef would be honored to serve a pretty guest like you."
I stuffed another forkful into my mouth, suppressing the biggest smile and garnering another soft laugh from my date.
As we wrapped up our meal, he'd surprised me with a store-bought strawberry shortcake that was in the fridge, telling me "I didn't want to attempt dessert. Only the best will do for the best baker I know. My friend recommended this shop. I hope you'll like it." The effort he's put in, and especially after a long day of work, was heartwarming to say the least.
After dessert, we sat on the sofa to watch a movie. And as my luck would have it, he likes horror films and asked if we should watch one when I didn't know what to recommend. Of course, I agreed.
It's not like it's dark out and I have to go back to an empty house, where I live on the second floor, all by myself. Haha. Hah. Ha. What if I hear noises or a creaking sound in the middle of the ni- Salaar!
I exhaled slowly.
He's put all of this in my head!
"You alright?" Kamran looked at me.
"Mhm," I nodded, forcing my gaze back to the screen.
Fluffy clouds. Cupcakes with sprinkles. Bunnies. Just ignore the dark shadow following the girl on the TV, Heer. La la la. Sunshine. Green fields. Freshly baked bread. My favorite scenario that I like to think about before going to sleep. Happy thoughts.
"I think something's going to pop ou-"
I cut him off with a shriek and lurched towards him out of fear at the jumpscare. A soft whimper slipped from my lips as I clutched the front of his shirt with my face buried in his chest.
"Sh*t, I didn't know you were scared of horror films," he quickly paused the film and wrapped his arms around me with concern, "Babe, it's not real. It's over. Shh, it's all fake."
I sought to catch my breath as my heart pounded.
This movie was NOT for the weak!
He rubbed my back, "Heer, I'm right here. I'm sorry, I didn't realize-"
I shook my head. It was my fault. I should've just told him. I stick it out with Salaar during our movie nights, but just thinking about having to go home alone and the suspense build up in the movie had me on edge.
He brushed his fingers through my hair, "Babe, relax."
The soothing feeling traveled through my limbs, making them slowly weigh down as I calmed down.
And as my body reached a sense of ease, it dawned upon me that I was resting in his arms with my head on his chest.
I began pulling away, but he kept an arm around me, keeping me close.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. I'm sorry."
His lips pressed to my forehead, "No, I should have asked if you like horror movies. You're too nice to say no," he shook his head, "We're watching something else."
I couldn't help but admire his face as he concentrated on finding something lighthearted.
I was falling for Kamran faster than I could process it.
He kept his arm around me, his hand resting on my waist, for the rest of the night. And I soaked in what was growing to be his addicting proximity and touch.
Salaar's P.O.V.
What was with this guy? Why was he here again?
It had been four evenings later since Api went back to Liverpool. Imran Uncle and Halima Anne were set to return in two days. I was dropping by at Hayat because I felt like I'd been barely hanging out with Heer. Even while Api was here, midterms had been keeping me busy with studying so I'd often be occupied when Heer's free. When I do have free time, she's either working or has plans. Even seeing each other for meals at my house were becoming a rare occurrence because I would have to eat quickly to go back to revising, have study dinners with classmates, or she would eat out with other friends. I only have one more midterm left, which is tonight, so things should go back to normal after. Or so I hope.
Heer threw her head back as she laughed at something Kamran had said. He was leaning against the pick-up counter while my best friend was behind it. Her eyes shifted from Kamran's face to mine, her smile growing bigger, "Sally, what are you doing here?"
I walked over to the counter, standing next to Kamran, "I thought I would get a drink before my exam." I then greeted him, "Hey."
"Hey, mate," he smiled, "Your last exam, right? Heer was telling me."
I glanced at Heer, who was beaming at the both of us, "Yeah."
"Good luck."
"You'll smash it, Salaar," Heer added.
"Thanks," I gave them a nod.
"What can I get you?"
"You should give him tomorrow's drink of the day," Kamran suggested cheekily.
Tomorrow's drink of the day. He'd gotten a preview.
My jaw tightened.
Had Heer been spending all her free time with him?
"I haven't finalized a name for it yet," Heer told him.
"Yours sounded better than my suggestion," he chuckled.
"Cinnamon Brewn? Are you sure?" she giggled, lifting an unsure eyebrow.
"Unless you want to scrap the whole cinnamon bun flavored drink to the matcha one..."
"No no. I think Cinnamon Brewn will grow on me," she laughed then turned to me, "Get it? Cinnamon bun, Cinnamon Brewn? Because it's a cinnamon bun cold brew?"
I forced a chuckle, nodding.
Kamran reached over the counter and grabbed the mug stained with Heer's lipstick, taking a swig, "It's really good. It's like a melted cinnamon bun."
My hands balled into fists.
Heer wasn't one to share cups or utensils with just anyone. And she was just watching him with a subtle tender look in her eyes.
"Salaar, do you want one? Or do you want your usual vanilla crea-"
"Tomorrow's drink would be fine," I gestured towards her mug, pulling out my wallet.
"Put that away, Sally," she scolded adorably before starting my drink.
I lifted my hands up in surrender, making her smile and shake her head.
"She was unsure of what to make for tomorrow's drink of the day, so I'd suggested matcha. She wasn't too keen on what she came up with, but you should try that one too. It was nice," Kamran told me as we both watched Heer demonstrate her expertise.
My lips formed a thin line as I looked at him, "I'm not surprised. Although she serves matcha beverages, she's not a fan of it."
He turned his face towards mine, his eyes returning the same unwelcoming look, "As her best mate, you have the advantage of having known her longer. I wasn't aware, but I'll keep that in mind."
We kept up the staring match until Heer turned around, her expression faltering as she peered at us. We both looked at her and she bolstered her smile, placing my to-go cup in front of us, "Here we are! Penny for your thoughts?"
I took a slurp of the sweet drink, "I love it. Thanks."
She grinned, "Yay! Cinnamon Brewn it is then for tomorrow."
"I should start going."
"All the best, Sally."
"Thanks."
I gave Kamran a nod before turning around and leaving the café.
Heer's P.O.V.
"Do you ever take a break?" Kamran faced me.
"It's a bit slow right now. Peak hours will start up again in a bit, so I don't need a break for now."
He nodded, taking my hand into his and lacing our fingers, "I see."
I stared at our intertwined hands as he caressed my index finger with his thumb.
"Your parents are coming back day after tomorrow, right?"
"Mhm."
"Heer?"
I lifted my gaze up to his eyes from our hands.
"I want to introduce you to my boarding school mates. One of them has gotten engaged, so they're throwing a celebration dinner. It'll be Sunday night, so two nights after you parents return. They'd have settled back in and you would've gotten the chance to spend some time with them, so hopefully they'll let you go. That is if you wan-"
"I want to."
He paused, staring at me with a smile tugging on his lips.
"You've told me so much about them. I think it will be fun. Will Christopher be there too?"
Kamran had shared some of the funniest story about Christopher. He was a walking talking comedy show.
He gazed at my eyes with admiration, "He just might."
Later that night as the entire world had gone to bed, I opened my window while clutching a cold box. I then side-stepped against the wall until I got to the beam, muttering to myself as I usually do about how unfairly easy Salaar makes it seem. After I crossed the beam, I knocked on his window. The lights were off in his room except for the soft glow of his desk lamp.
I knocked once more, hoping it would be loud enough for him to hear since I didn't want to wake up his parents.
With earbuds plugged in, he finally arrived to the window and opened it, and I hopped in.
"What are you doing here?" a faint smile appeared on his lips.
I handed him the box of his favorite mango mochi ice cream, "I thought we could celebrate the completion of your midterms. You weren't home for dinner and I feel like I've barely seen you these last few days. What were you doing?" my eyes fell to his desk.
"Thanks, Heer. Sit," he gestured to his bed before he sat on his desk chair and set his earbuds down, "I was doing touch ups on some of the sketches in my portfolio before I submit them for another application."
"How are you not tired after all your exams? I'd be knocked out right now if I were you."
"How'd you know I wasn't?"
I shrugged, "I had a feeling you were up."
He offered me a mochi before taking one himself.
Salaar's P.O.V.
"I am tired," I revealed.
Her eyes met mine, reading that it went beyond physical exertion, "What's wrong?"
"Just have a lot on my mind. School, studying, internship," barely seeing you and having fun together anymore, "with exams, it's just been a lot of added pressure."
She rubbed my arm sympathetically, "I understand, Salaar. Everything takes time, but it will be okay."
I nodded, inhaling deeply.
"What about you? What have you been up to?" I asked.
"Oh, I've just been working and hanging out with some friends here and there."
"Kamran?" I looked at her eyes.
She paused before a small smile grew on her lips, "Yeah. We've hung out a bit."
"You two, uh, seem close."
"He's a good friend. I think you would like him. He's fun to banter with. I was thinking the three of us could get together some time."
"Oh yeah?" I responded quietly.
"Yeah, you know he knows some people who are architects? When I mentioned you're looking for an internship, he said he-"
"Are you guys dating?" and as those words left my mouth, an unfamiliar wave of gloom washed over me.
She nearly choked on her spit, "What?"
I stared at her for a response.
"No- No, I'm not- he hasn't ask- I'm not his girlfriend."
My heart clenched hearing the word. Girlfriend.
"W-why?"
I forced a small smile, "I just don't want to be the last to know when my best friend gets hitched."
She rolled her eyes, chuckling softly, "I think you would know before me."
"That's true. As your best friend, whoever marries you will have to ask for my permission in addition to Imran Uncle's."
She sighed dramatically, "There goes all my marriage prospects then. You two would make tough critics."
I laughed quietly before gazing at her face, "Well, if they're not willing to stand up for you, then they're not worthy of your time."
"Kya?" her eyebrows lifted, "Kya Salaar sach mein is nacheez ki tareef kar raha hai?"
(What? Is Salaar praising this insignificant being?)
"Don't flatter yourself too much. It's only because you bought me these," I took a bite of another mochi.
"Right," she giggled, and I watched her ocean-like orbs. Her hand reached out and cradled my cheek as her thumb brushed away some of the flour from the corner of my mouth. And it created the craziest urge to dust more of the flour on my face.
"Salaar?" Ami's voice grew closer.
Heer's eyes widened as did mine. We looked around for where she could hide. There wasn't any room in my closet and she wouldn't be able to leave through the window in time.
I quickly went to my bed and lifted the blanket. She nodded and laid under it. I covered her with it just as the door handle began to turn. I'd told Ami that I was going to bed after dinner, but in reality, I couldn't sleep. How would I explain what I was doing, just standing here, with what looked like a bunch of pillows lined up under the comforter?
Sh*t.
I quickly placed myself next to Heer and wrapped an arm around her to make it seem as though she was a cuddle pillow, closing my eyes and pretending to sleep.
The door opened, revealing Ami as she attempted to blink the sleep away from her eyes, "Salaar? Kis se baat kar-" she clicked her tongue, walking towards my bed and caressing my cheek, "Mera bacha. Padh padh ke kitna thak gaya hai. Light on kar ke soh gaya hai."
(Salaar? Who were you talking- My child. He's become so tired from studying. He fell asleep with the light on.)
Her footsteps grew distant and I heard the click of my lamp before the door closed. I opened my eyes to find black consuming the room except for the small ghost of light near the window. It was enough for me to see Heer's sparkling blue eyes. The sensitivity, the vulnerability—something tugged at my heart.
Her sweet perfume would linger in the sheets after she's gone.
She removed the comforter and sat up, whispering, "Oh my gosh, she almost saw me," she stood up, "I should go now, but," her eyes grew tender, "Salaar, let's do something. It'll make you feel better. I hate seeing you stressed."
"Breakfast at Ruby's tomorrow morning before we pick up Anne and Uncle from the airport?"
"You got it," she grinned.
She began walking towards the window when I gripped her hand, "Heer?"
She turned around.
I engulfed her in a hug, closing my eyes.
Her increasing absence these last few weeks were bearing heavier on me unexpectedly. The chaotic, rustling loud world suddenly fell silent as I took in her soft small frame; she was comfort and a piece of home.
When we pulled back, she gave me a gentle smile and left through the window.
Heer's P.O.V.
After a nice breakfast with Salaar, Anne and Baba returned safe and sound. I spent the next two days hearing stories about how they'd spent the last three weeks. Chachi had been doing a lot better too by the time they came back. My grandparents were also super elated that they'd visited and were adamant they go back soon. My parents brought back a few Pakistani snacks and outfits for Salaar's family and I, so they came over and we all chatted up a storm.
Now it was Sunday evening. I entered the restaurant Kamran sent the address to, donning a formal red dress and beige coat with matching heels. I then followed the directions the receptionist gave me after I mentioned the name of the booking.
Kamran light brown eyes immediately fell on me and he stood up from a table that sat 12. Everyone's gaze followed as he approached me.
"You're here, babe. You look stunning," he leaned in and pressed a kiss to my cheek, his hand stroking past my waist as it skimmed to settle on the small of my back, feeling as though a trace of fire sparks followed his light touch.
I smiled up at him, "Thank you. You look smart as well."
He was wearing a dark dress shirt with matching trousers.
He returned the smile before intertwining our hands and leading me to the table, "Everyone, this is Heer, my good friend. Heer, these are," he pointed at them individually, "Dan, Christopher, Matt, Valerie, Ronald, Emmett, Adnan, Amira, and the honorary couple of the night, Greg and Nathalia."
A wave of 'Hello's came my way and I waved at them before taking a seat next to Kamran, "Hi."
The boys were Kamran's friends, while Valerie was Matt's girlfriend and Amira was Adnan's wife. He'd told me about them while he was cooking that night at his flat.
"Thank you so much for coming. We were all really excited when we heard Kamran was bringing a friend," Nathalia leaned over the table to address me.
"Of course. I'm happy to be here and meet all of you."
Although, I was nervous. I didn't know them while they all knew each other; there were so many new faces and I was the odd one out.
As if sensing my anxiety, Kamran squeezed my hand and rested our locked hands on his thigh.
"We already went ahead and ordered for the table, but what would you like to drink?" Greg asked me.
A few of them had tall skinny glasses of drinks I wasn't familiar with.
"I don't drink."
Ronald snickered, "Explains why Kamran's chosen to join the temperance movement tonight."
There was something about his tone that didn't sit right with me, but what did I know? Maybe this was the type of sarcasm they used to joke around with each other.
Kamran laughed quietly, but it was slightly strained.
"Kamran's made a smart choice. I think I'll stick to just this one," Dan chuckled, clutching his glass, "I've got to drive back to Sheffield after."
"It means a lot you came, mate," Greg responded.
"How's law school going?" Kamran asked Ronald casually.
Ronald's eyes narrowed, "The same."
Adnan and Amira, who were sitting at our end of the table, engaged us in conversation while everybody else spoke in small groups. They were Indian and had been married for about a year.
I could feel someone watching me, and as I turned my head, Ronald flashed a smile. I returned it politely before resuming my conversation.
"Oh, Ms. Reese was the sweetest! You don't find women like her nowadays," Christopher reminisced dramatically.
"She was one of our teachers at our boarding school," Kamran clarified in my ear.
Emmett snorted, "You're only saying that because she let you take the final exam even though you overslept and were 35 minutes late."
"Exactly! The model teacher!"
I laughed as did Kamran and the rest of the table except for Ronald. His fingers were tapping against his second drink of the night.
"Kamran?" he called.
"Yeah?"
His eyes traveled down my face until it reached the level of the table, "How the f*ck did you land her?"
Excuse me?
Kamran let go of my hand and gripped my knee, eyebrows furrowed, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Matt began reaching for his glass, "Sorry, Heer. I think Ron's just had a bit too much. Don't mind."
"It was just a question, bruv," Ronald snatched it away and held it closer to himself then laughed, "And a wrong question at that. You said she's your good friend, not your girlfriend. Good on you, Heer. Keep away for as long as you can."
Kamran's jaw tightened, "Ronald-"
"Just taking the piss out of ya. Can't handle it, can you?" he looked at me, "More the reason to not be with this clown."
Everyone else at the table silently gawked at what was happening.
He scanned me once more, "She's out of your league anyway, mate."
Kamran's eyes flashed with anger, "How about you keep your eyes to yourself, yeah?"
"And why don't you keep your bloody concern to yourself? Asking how law school's going when you f*cking know I've yet to pass after all these years," he spat, "Only way you were able to afford going to our boarding school was through your pity story, isn't it, Kamran? The administration must've felt bad seeing a poor kid with a background like yours. Maybe if you had a dad, you would've had some proper manners and known when to keep your mouth shut."
"Ron!" Greg scolded just as Kamran stood up and grabbed Ronald by the collars.
"Don't talk about my father," Kamran glared.
I stood up with a silent gasp.
"Kamran," I whispered, placing my hand on his shoulder.
The two men stared into each other's eyes with fury until Kamran suddenly let go and grabbed my hand along with my purse, leading me out of the restaurant.
We walked a couple of blocks in silence, tension radiating off of him as though it were steam.
When we reached a popular taco truck preceding a bridge over a stream, he stopped and turned towards me, letting go of my hand.
"I'm sorry I made you leave like that. You didn't get to eat dinner because of me. More importantly, I apologize you had to endure his remarks and witness what happened. Let me buy you some ta-"
"Kamran, I don't care about the food. I care that he made you upset. And I don't like it," I took his hand again, speaking more softly, "If you want to share, I'm here to listen."
He stared at me for a moment before guiding me to the food truck.
He wrapped an arm around me, "What would you like to eat?"
"What will you have?" I smiled, noticing how his voice was losing the traces of frustration.
"The carne asada tacos are good. They come with a special sauce that's spicy and really nice."
"Then I will get those as well."
He ordered four for himself and four for me. We decided to make use of the bridge, so we sat down with our legs dangling over the thin flowing body of water below, eating our tacos.
After we'd eaten to our fill, his eyes grew a bit sullen, "I-" he took a deep breath, "I lost my dad when I was really young. He, uh, committed suicide."
"I'm so sorry."
He sighed quietly, "He started a business with his best friend in Pakistan. As the business grew, so did the finances and costs. His friend ended up stealing the business and became quite well off, leaving my dad to bear hefty expenses and humiliation. My mum sold off a bit of her things and got money from her family to send me to boarding school in London. She funded my education and living costs. She would come to visit me here and there," his voice grew quieter, "but then I didn't want to see her anymore. When she sent me to visit my chachas during school holidays one winter, so I can keep in touch with my dad's side of the family, they told me she used to meet my dad's best friend often after his death, implying they were having an affair. It raised several questions in my mind, that why hadn't she helped my dad out if she had enough money to pay for my schooling, how could she associate with my dad's 'best friend' when he took everything away from him?... I think they already had something going on before he died. I remember seeing her talk on the phone secretly when my dad would be out of the house... So, when she came to visit me after I heard everything from my uncles, I refused to meet her. I stopped taking her calls and answering her letters too."
My eyebrows bowed as I curled my lips inward, offering him my condolences silently.
"In a way, it felt like my childhood and family were stolen from me, all because of my dad's best friend," he frowned with contempt, "He's out there living some lavish life with his own family after robbing him of the business and me of everything," he turned his head towards me, "It didn't feel fair. After everything that happened to my dad, I wanted justice. Justice for him. Justice for myself. And justice for others. So, I became a corporate lawyer. I wanted to ensure that something like what happened to my dad doesn't happen to others," he searched my eyes for judgement towards him before carefully asking, "Does that make sense?"
I laced my fingers with his, resting our hands in my lap, "It does. And I commend you for it." I leaned closer and kissed his cheek gently, "Thank you for sharing and for trusting me enough to tell me."
His eyes grew softer as he gazed at me, "I normally don't share this story with anyone, but you're different, Heer... You're special."
I smiled before reassuring him, "I won't tell anyone."
"Thank you."
We began heading back to our cars when I told him, "Your dad would be proud of you. You made your struggle your strength."
"I hope he would be."
We made small talk until we found ourselves at the restaurant parking lot.
"I just want to say I'm sorry again about toni-"
"No need. I really liked that food truck," I responded playfully to further lighten the mood.
He chuckled softly before stating, "As much of an a*s Ron was tonight, there's something he said that I want to correct him on."
I looked at him in question.
He took my hands, "Will you be my girlfriend, Heer?"