I sat with Zara and excitedly giggled, yes giggled, as I waited for Shanaira's shift to begin.
It was once again the same timing before our curfew lockdown begins, and this time, I'd dragged Zara along to witness my master plan.
It being a friday, Shanaira was to come in late.
And when she finally came in, I almost squeeled in glee before Zara's hand caught mine to calm me the heck down.
Shanaira took her time in turning to us,before she wiped her hands on her apron and glanced at Zara,
"Shanaira, this is Zara. Zara, Shanaira."
Zara grinned, "Good to know our names almost rhyme."
Shanaira gave her a shy smile, "What would you both like?"
"Strawberry cheesecake!" Zara exclaimed at the same time I said,
"Information!"
Shanaira blinked,before a sly smile spread across her lips,
"I'll go get your orders first."
I impatiently pouted and looked around the cafè, it was a Friday, he must be here.
"If you're looking for him," Shanaira started as she handed me my cup of hot chocolate,
"He left a few minutes back."
I groaned, "Why didn't you stop him?!"
She shot me a look as Zara shook her head, "He's my boss."
I muttered an oh and let it pass as she shuffled in her pocket and handed me a piece of paper back.
Zara's eyed widened and she nearly toppled over in excitement as I took my time unfolding the square piece of paper.
In it, written in a slanting handwriting akin to old literature manuscripts was,
Hey. I accept your apology, for whatever it was. I also request you to not write to me like this, it's highly not appreciated.
Regards,
Omar Bakhtawar.
I scrunched my nose and made a face,
"What does he think this is? A contract? Zara look, he even wrote 'regards'. What is this guy?"
Zara chuckled and took the paper from me, straightening it,
"Well, this atleast shows he isn't bad boy."
I frowned, "How?"
Shanaira shrugged, "Simple, he didn't give in to your request."
I rolled my eyes at them as Zara finished the last of my pineapple pastry. I glared at her,
"So what do you guys suggest I do?"
They answered differently in unison,
"Give the heck up."
"Talk to him like a normal human."
I shook my head, "Nonsense. Give me another tissue."
Shanaira sighed as Zara banged her head on the counter,
"May Allah guide you, Naysha."
I spared her a glance, "Ameen, Zara."
A minute later, I shoved the tissue in Shanaira's hands, before Zara snatched it,
"Let me proof read whatever nonsense you've written."
I fixed my scarf and motioned for he rto go on as she read it aloud so that Shanaira can hear,
"I don't care whether you reply or not, but I'll tell you about myself until you ask me to meet you. Many more regards, N.A. Oh my goodnes, Naysha, have you lost it?"
I shot her a look, "What? I'm just shooting my shot."
Shanaira piped in, "And probably gonna hit your own heart and miss your target. Trust me, this is no use."
I looked her in the eye, "What if it does?"
Both she and Zara rolled their eyes, "We'll give you whatever you want."
I grinned at them, "Well, it's settled then. If I make him...whatever you guys are thinking, I'll get free pastries and hot chocolate for life!"
Zara laughed,"Girl, you don't even live here."
A small smile graced my lips as I looked at the spot I had last seen him seated,
"Maybe. But it's still worth it."
Later that evening, me, Zara, Arisha and Wareesha sat in a circle in Zara's room after praying Maghrib as I filled Gina up on the day's incidents.
The girls all knew what was up with me, they thought I was just joking around, but it was only Gina who warned me,
"Listen, Naysha. Just...be careful, okay? Just be careful."
I waved my hand about, "Yeah, yeah. I will be. Tell me, how's the currency of Dubai without me?"
She sipped on her juice and adjusted her camera before saying,
"Oh Naysha the currency is dropping, the economy is destroyed now that you're not here."
I solemnly nodded as my sisters chuckled around me.
After catching up with her, just as I placed my laptop back in its place, we heard a knock on Zara's balcony.
All of stilled.
I motioned for them to be quite as the slow, low knocking continued and I quietly made my way to the glass door that seperated the room from the balcony.
The curtains were drawn and I hastily peeped from the corner of the curtains, to see a vague figure standing.
A male figure.
A sly grin made its way to my face as I realised who it could be.
"Uh, Zara. You might want to open the balcony doors."
Zara shot me an 'are you crazy' look and motioned for me to come back,
"Get away from there, Naysha. What if it's some kidnapper or some shit? Let me go call Ahad."
I chuckled, "No, you fool! Don't call that prick, you'll only be disappointed."
Here, Arisha rolled her eyes, "He's elder than you, Nasha. Giv him some respect and cut him some slack."
My jaw dropped open and made a 'wow-did-I-hear-you-right' face,
"Woah, woah. Am I thinking right in assuming that-"
"Shut up and focus."
I smirked and turned away from the glass door,
"Cover up girls, I know who this is. Zara, come here."
When she shook her head, I dragged her while covering my hair up.
Excited, I pushe dthe curtains aside and practically threw the glass doors open in my enthusiasm before pushing Zara.
Zara's jaw dropped open as the guy in front of us panted,
"Do you...have any idea...how difficult it...is to climb the pipe till here?"
I chuckled, "Aye haye jeeju, this is the reason I'd told you to go to gym!"
He glared at me as Zara wiped his forehead,
"Zayaan! Why did you come here?"
He shot me a dumb look before turning to look at Zara,
"To check if your balcony still exists. What do you mean, Zara? Of course I'm here for you!"
"Awwwww" Both Arisha and Wareesha squeeled with me as I fanned my face,
"MashaAllah, goals but haraam astaghfirullah!"
Wareesha hushed me, "Oh shush, Naysha! They only talk anyway. So cute!"
Arisha shook her head, "Okay, girls come inside. Let's give them space."
As we turned to get back in, I shot them a warning look,
"Don't try anything! We can see you."
Zayaan Saeed chuckled and nodded my way before I shot Zara a smile and wiggled my eyebrows all the way until I was inside.
As I watched them converse in the moonlight, I leaned my head against the wall, closing my eyes as unknowingly, for some mad reason, I smiled.