Alina entered the bedroom, wiping her face with a towel. She stretched her arms and yawned, stopping in her tracks upon finding Meera in front of the mirror. She was fully focused on applying a glossy lip balm. Alina frowned, eyeing her from top to bottom realizing she was over-dressed to be at home.
Meera was dressed in plus-sized lacy dusky pink top and slim fit jeans. Also, she had done mild make-up.
She picked up her comb and began combing her curly locks. As she clipped strands of her hair, her gaze fell on Alina. Her friend was dressed in black sleeveless top and boxers, with her hair in a mess and was gaping at her.
'Hey!' Meera said cheerfully and grabbed a white hand purse. She turned around, - 'How am I looking?' She asked with a hopeful look in her eyes and a gleeful smile on her face.
'Good! But where are you going? It is eight pm.' Alina enquired as she sat on her bed, folding her legs. She frowned, - 'Are you going on a date with another random stranger like Ronnie?' She accused her.
Meera chuckled, waving a hand at her, - 'No, silly. I am not going on a date. I am going with Mikael for dinner.' She said casually. Alina's mouth dropped open and she mouthed,
- 'What?'
Meera touched her ear-studs and frowned, - 'Am I looking over?' She asked with sincerity. Alina was dumbstruck and hurt because the two supposedly good friends of her did not invite her for dinner.
She straightened, roughly tugging her hair behind her ears and shook her head, - 'Where was I when this dinner plan was being made?' She circled the air with her finger.
'I don't know, maybe in the loo.' Meera shrugged casually as she leaned against the mirror and checked on the loose strands falling over her face. Alina was even more shocked. She blinked her eyes rapidly, her mouth slightly open. Meera turned and adjusted the golden sling of her bag, her eyes glued to the screen of her mobile. A couple of minutes later, she looked up and passed a hurried good-bye.
'Meera!' Alina stopped her at the door, - 'Why didn't you guys get me on this?' She was very much offended now. Meera opened the door and turned to face her while firmly holding the door handle.
'Chill. I and Mikael have gone for plenty of lunch and dinners like this. This is also one of it. Anyway, if you want then, get ready. We shall go together.' She offered. Alina pressed her lips and folded her arms. She shook her head and turned around, walking gloomily towards the room. Meera shrugged and left the house.
Alina climbed on the bed and grabbed her pillow. She pressed it against her chest and crossed her legs. Why was she so bothered? Was it because her two best friends excluded her or because Meera was with Mikael and not her? Alina shook her head and leaned against the wall, placed her laptop on the pillow, and sighed. She tried distracting herself with something online. Then, her thought drifted to Mikael from earlier in the morning. He had avoided the question, - 'Do you still love me?'
Alina gulped and then brought her thumbnail in between teeth. A worrying thought crossed her mind, - What if Mikael has grown out of love with her?
Then, she frowned realizing why she was so bothered about Mikael's feelings for her. Why?
Haider was thrilled to meet Uncle Joy and go on a nostalgic trip together. He was reminded of the good old days. The days when he was carefree and a happy young lad. The days when his father, his only friend, and confidante was alive and with him. But he was also disturbed to find out that Uncle Joy was abandoned by his son and daughter who are now settled in South Africa. They refuse to take him along with them and have decided they will just pay the cost of his living here. Knowing Uncle Joy was in good hands, his respect for Noori and her work grew in his heart.
Haider was reminded of the day when his father had breathed his last. And he was in the hospital, besides his dying father. He was shattered with the loss, something he has not come out of yet. He felt bitter recollecting about his mother not being present with them. Clenched his fist, Haider slammed his fist on the cold railing of the balcony and let out a small frustrated cry.
'Hey, all okay.' He stilled upon hearing Amaal's voice. He straightened, fixing his expressions and running his palms through his hair. Amaal eyed him as she dropped her towel on the small velvet stool.
She casually marched towards him and stood next to him. She took a deep breath and stared front, - 'I know why you are upset. You were a decent Kajol, but I think,' – she held her chin, - 'you would have been better SRK.' She slapped her forehead. Haider scoffed, twisted a little to face her.
'You think.' He taunted her. Amaal flashed a guilty smile and raised her palms.
'Honestly,' – she played with her finger, - 'I wanted to play SRK. I am a big fan.' She gushed. Haider shook his head, thinking in his mind - This woman was a total mental case. Then he glanced at her and a random thought crossed his mind- but she was cute. He liked her innocence and carefreeness.
Amaal sighed again and looked at him, observing him, - 'Also, I think you are SRK from Kuch Kuch Hota hai.' She commented. Haider raised an eyebrow at her.
'Are you—just when I was thinking positive about you.' He lightly slammed his palm on the railing again and began to walk out of the balcony. Amaal's eyes widened, she rushed to him and stood in front of him. He almost dashed into her. She placed her arms behind her and leaned towards him.
'By the way, what positive were you thinking of me?' She looked cheekily at him. Haider looked at her and his stern expressions mellowed.
'Do you know, Miss. Amaal? I am joining you in the music classes.' He informed. Amaal folded her arms and nodded.
'I know and I am really excited.' She clapped her palms together and bit her smile. Haider smiled as well.
'When are you not excited?' He began to walk into the room. Amaal tagged around with him.
'When are you not being Khadus?' She sat on his bed before he could and knocked her ankles, - 'By the way, why are so mysterious and quiet type?' She gestured with her fingers. Haider sat beside her and shrugged.
'I don't know.' – He looked at her, - 'By the way, you play such beautiful music. From where you did you learn it?' He asked.
Amaal smiled to herself, - 'Only from the best.' – She chuckled, - 'my parents wanted me to have something to occupy with. Have a hobby. So, they send me to a music school that was nearby. It was set up by Zaroon. He was my college—' She abruptly stopped, and Haider noted her smile faded away. He frowned but before he could say something Amaal asked him about his music.
Haider smiled, - 'My father taught me. He was deeply passionate about music.'
Amaal held his hand and he looked sharply at her, - 'I want to listen to you play.' She expressed. Haider nodded.
'Tomorrow, at music class.' He said and stood up. But he stopped in his tracks when she held his hand again.
'No, I want to hear you now.' She stood up. Haider noticed a mischievous glint in her eyes. On the other hand, he looked stunned.
'Now?' – he glanced up at the wall clock, - 'it is 10. Everything is shut. Remember the rules?' He raised an eyebrow.
Amaal looked at him and laughed heartedly, - 'I didn't know you were so fatto.' – She held his hand and pulled him along with her. On the way, she kept reminded him that she has been here before him and knew the rules and how to cheat.
How was the Chapter, guys? Please drop your thoughts in the comments, my lovelies *smiles* and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*