Third Person POV
Jauhar took a deep breath as she closes her eyes. This is all a nightmare that will be over once she open her eye. That's what she has been convincing herself since she felt Mujaheed's hand on hers.
Her eyes was still close when she heard him close his side and drove out of their street. She rested her head on the head rest with her hand under her chin while she gaze through the window intensely. If you will asked her right now what she I thinking, she can't answers that cause she herself, doesn't know what she is thinking and she doesn't know what thinking. Her mind is just blank.
Mujaheed turn and gaze at her then took his gaze back to the road. She seems a little dazzle but at least she seems better than when he saw her standing there with Najib, that's before her brother interrupt. She might act tough and what not, but for some reason he can see right through her. Her physical feature scream help when he march his leg inside their house, but she was desperately trying to conceal it.
He thinks that's exactly what Aminu sense that's why he came to help her. And in his opinion, Najib is been such a jerk, how can he come to his girlfriend house and shout at her just because he is engage to her. That didn't give him any right on her.
That was just so very disrespectful of him, he didn't even think about her family. That just show how much of a complete idiot he is. How can you do that to your fiance and someone like Jauhar for that matter.
He took a quick glance at her. She is still staring outside intensely. He sighed when he realize she is not even wearing her seat beat. "Jauhar" he called. But no answer, that didn't stop him, he just continue with "I think you might want to put on your seat beat" while tapping on the wheel calmly.
Still, she didn't even flinch rather, her eyes in still focus outside. Mujaheed gaze at her then scoff in disbelief. Is she seriously thinking of the jerk?
He continue driving without uttering another words to her. He simply thought he did the right thing, but right now staring at her face made him think maybe he had cross the line. But what was he supposed to do when he saw that idiot mistreating her.
He continue driving without any destination in mind. Right now the way she looks he knows that even if he where to ask her she wouldn't have an answer for him. He didn't think that he will meet her at home knowing everyone is so busy preparing for his so call wedding, his friends are also looking for him for some last minute preparation, so he ditched them.
Bappa already made the company to grand him leave and forbid him from ever going near the company or the site. And their house is already full with guess. So what better way to spend his time than going to visit his new found family especially after seeing Mama at his parents house, where she told him Aminu Zainab and Bashir are at home.
"Why are we here?" Jauhar asked for the first when she saw him parking the car.
"You're back" Mujaheed said without looking at her as he remove his seat belt then open the car door.
Jauhar adjusted her shoulder bag before she sighed then open her own side of the door. She has been so lost in her thoughts that she forgot to ask him why he even come to the house and where he is taking her.
"Why are we here?" She asked again as the started walking towards the entrance.
Mujaheed gaze at her, he wanted to cheer her up cause he knows definitely what Najib did wasn't right, and he didn't know where to take her so when he saw the sigh of Atican beach and here they're.
"The sun is bright, is such a shame to stay indoor" Mujaheed murmured not having a concrete good reason to tell her.
Jauhar just gaze at the clear sky, is indeed looking nice but what she doesn't understand is how Mujaheed is trying to force himself into the their life especially now when his wedding is just in few days with Maryam. His presence in her life is making her confused and a little bit crazy. The other day after she had that fight with Najib she couldn't help but think what would her relationship will be if she was having it with him.
She had to seriously scold herself for thinking like that, he is going to be her best friend husband, he is literary just like a brother to her now cause to her, Maryam is just like Zainab.
Whenever he is around she is oddly comfortable around him and always can't wait and be eager for their next meeting even due she told herself that she is trying to avoid him. And all this happen in just around three times they have meet.
"Thank you" Jauhar said as she gaze at the waiter that kept her chocolate strawberry milkshake. They pass by the restaurant and made an order before they walk to the shore and sat side by side on the sand. The sun is not that high so just perfect to enjoy it.
"Isn't it to sweet" Mujaheed asked while playing with his strou, holding the plastic cup of his cold coffee.
Jauhar turn her gaze to him as she flutter her eyes at him while taking a sip of her drink.
Mujaheed's breath caught in his throat as he gaze at her not even blinking his eyes, she caught him off guard by the way she flutter her eyes and rap her lips around the strau. His eyes became dark as some thoughts started running into his head. His lips curve to a smile as he continue gazing at her in awe. This girl, right here, beside him will be the ruination of him.
Jauhar tilted her head then clap her hands in front of his face, she saw his smiling face that always manage to melt her heart. She clap her hands again, this melodrama that's happening between them had to stop for the betterment of them, including their families.
Mujaheed quickly snap out of his thought as he divert his eyes towards the sea, he didn't want to be caught staring at her especially with all the misunderstanding between them, cause he is trying to piece together the reason why Maryam lie to him about Jauhar.
"Your drink" he finally said with his eyes still on the tides. Atican beach is one of the quiet beach around here and it happens to be quiet even now, just few people around. He is glad he came here with her, but he knows that from now on, he will never enjoy going to the beach without her, and not just this beach but any beach.
Jauhar roll her eyes as she gaze at her drink then took her eyes to the sea and said "Isn't that too bitter" with a pout.
Mujaheed chuckles softly, then continue with his drink without saying a word. Just sitting here side by side with her is enough for him even if she still doesn't know his intention.
"Beside" Jauhar said as she turn her whole body and face him "Aren't you supposed to be home".
"What do you mean".He asked non chantantly.
"I mean tomorrow is your wedding photo...." Mujaheed burst out the drink that he just drank as he started coughing instantly. This is one of the part he is running and thinking how to escape it tomorrow.
Some part of him use to forget that they're so called best friend with his soon to be wife. Speaking of wife, he knows that she meet with Usman about what he is wearing for the photoshoot, that's if he didn't manage to ruin it one way or the other.
"Don't you need to go and have some sleep with some beauty therapy to look your best tomorrow" Jauhar asked with her eyes still on his.
Mujaheed scoff, how he wish he can tell her how much he loves her instead of sitting here and talking about "You know who". and what baffles him the most is how much trust Jauhar have for her friend, cause that's exactly what's stopping him from getting the two girls together and taking all this shit out.
"Is that what your friend is doing?" He asked as he also turn and stares at her directly.
Jauhar swallow a lump in her throat, knowing Maryam, she just have to guess, she is not sure but she knows how much she wants this wedding to be perfect. Event of the century as she said.
She is sure Maryam didn't invite her to the beauty therapy cause she will be hanging out with her friends, the queen bees. They don't get along, so whenever she had something to do with them, Jauhar is not normally invited which by the way she appreciate so much.
"Jauhar?" A voice called which made both of them to raised the head towards the voice.
"Simon" Jauhar said getting a little bit excited seeing the familia face.
"Jauhar..." The guy called again as he squeal pointing at Jauhar.
Jauhar stood up leaving her shoulder bag as the guys approach them. Mujaheed watch the in counter with a blank expression on his face.
"What are you doing here" the guy asked then continue with "Wait, are you like back to work".
Jauhar just shook her head then said "No Simon, I just drop by for a while" pointing behind her with her index finger. "I was actually thinking of going to see everyone once am done..."
"I can call them, I know everyone will be delighted to see you..." Simon offers.
"No..no.." Jauhar interrupt him, cause that wasn't her intention at all she doesn't even know that she will end up in this beach today. "I had to get going now, but I will visit you guys so".
"That has to be a promise" Simon said as he nods his head.
Jauhar also nods her head at him cause she is not even sure when she will be back here after today.
Simon wave his hand at Mujaheed since he is still seated on the sand. Giving Jauhar a suspicious look his grin increases as he said "Is that..."
"No" Jauhar denies it flat while shaking her head which made Mujaheed to froze on his place. How can she deny him like this even before she got to hear what the guy will ask.
"You don't have to lie to me Jauhar, cause trust me THAT is a hunk" Simon retro.
Jauhar smile as she gives Mujaheed side glances while feeling blush raise on her cheeks, she knows Simon will not stop this if she didn't try to stop him. "Am serious, MY hunk is better than that". Even to her ear the lie sounds too good to be true.
"Fine" Simon said then went on his way. Jauhar turn and gaze at Mujaheed with a smile, then her smile die down when she saw the look on his face. His face is blank except for what seems to be pains in his eyes.
"Are you OK?" she asked, scared that something might have happen to him.
Mujaheed quickly mask it then took last sip from his drink. He stood up and march to where she is standing, standing close to her, maybe to close cause Jauhar can feel his breath on her forehead.
Mujaheed bend down a little to her ear then whisper. "Be careful, next time you said something like that, you might land yourself in trouble".
He move his head and gaze at her scared looking eyes. He smile seeing her all flustered and confuse. Gazing at his wrist watch, he put his hands on his pocket then said "I think is time to go, since you're feeling much better already".
He didn't wait for her as he walk, smiling to himself. Jauhar let go of the breath that she didn't even know she is holding. "What just happen" she whisper to herself as she place her hand on her chest. The last thing she remember was him standing close to her, which throw her whole head in mess that she didn't even hear what he said.
She turn and found him walking majestically. Jauhar quickly pick up her bag and follow him.
They drove in silent with different thoughts running through their mind.
Mujaheed gaze at her from the conner of his eyes, she seems much more better than when they left the house, he smile at himself. He is glad that he decided to come to the house today.
Right now, his whole mind is in jeopardy, he doesn't know how to stop his marriage, in fact he is afraid that he can't stop it. But what he knows is that he will never allow Jauhar to marry someone else and most especially not Najib of all people. He will stop her relationship with Najib whatever the hell it take.
He took a quick glance at her and found her smiling. He quickly divert his gaze from her, knowing that something terrible might happen if he keep gazing at her smiling face.
"Why are you smiling" he asked breaking the silence.
Jauhar chuckles as she roll her eyes, she suddenly feel so happy for no reason in particular. But right now what's making her smiling is meeting Simon. "Simon" she answers casually.
"Simon?" Mujaheed asked his voice a little bit irritated. He was expecting her to tell him is because he took her out, how can she mention the name of that stranger that he doesn't even want to remember about.
"We had so much fun working together" Jauhar said softly as she remises about the pass.
"You worked together?" Mujaheed asked as he felt his anger raising.
"Yeah" Jauhar answer while staring outside. "In the beach".
"In the beach" Mujaheed's voice turn to surprised. Maryam did told him that her friend Jauhar took different job in order to help her family cause her Father died when she was just young, but in all his imagination,he just thought that she worked as a nanny and tutor that's all.
"I worked there for about 6months" She sighed while shaking her head. "That was the longest I have worked without Mama finding out".
"What do you mean?" Mujaheed asked getting more confused.
"Mama doesn't like me working in a place like that, but I" She stress the word while pointing to herself. "In the other hand preferred working there cause they pay more than house jobs"
"But why" Mujaheed asked his voice full of curiosity.
Jauhar smile and said "Mama believes that not all people have good intentions, and especially when they see you working in a place like that..."
"I completely agree with her" Mujaheed said cutting her off "Especially a girl like you" he murmured the last part. Making sure she didn't hear him.
The more the thinks he knows Jauhar, the least he realize that he does. "Why did you do it anyway" he asked as he parked the car in from of the house.
"Someone had to" Jauhar reply but he didn't miss the pains that comes with it.
"Am the elders" she continue while staring deep into the distance. Mujaheed gaze at her seeing the pure raw pain on her face.
"That's not your job" Mujaheed try to reason.
Jauhar scoff then turn to look at him with a fake smile on her face. They lock eyes for a few minute. Whenever she looks at his eyes she feels safe and protected. Something she never feel with anyone apart from her family and even Najib that is ready to marry her.
But with Mujaheed it felt different, ever since she meet him, she always feels safe around him, it is as if there us something that is drowning her towards him, something that is whispering to her that she is safe and protected around him.
She broke her gaze from him then took her bag and murmured "I didn't expect you to understand".
Mujaheed watch her in dismay while thinking what is he missing here. He doesn't want to ask her knowing that it will hurt her to remember the pass, but he seriously need to know what he is missing here.
Jauhar thought of just walking home, but something pulled her towards his window. At the very least she needs to thank him for what he did, he did cheer her up to say the least, and most importantly, he didn't ask her anything about Najib.
"Thank you" She said a little bit hesitant. "I really appreciate what you did today".
A sly grin appear on Mujaheed face as he place his hand on the window then said "If you're thankful, then give me your number".
Jauhar roll her eyes as she pout and said "Keep dreaming".
She then turn and left a baffled Mujaheed smiling to himself. He pick up his phone and dial a number, on the first ring, the call was answered.
"Am sending you a picture now, I need you to find everything, I mean absolutely everything about the girl and her family".
****
Jauhar sat across from Maryam nervously while the make up artist apply make up on Maryam.
A week ago, Maryam told Jauhar she will be coming to the photoshoot with her cousin,but then yesterday night she called Jauhar to asked her to please come with her. Jauhar wanted to refuse especially cause you know who but then she thought if she refuse it will be as if she is hiding something from her, so here she is, nervous as hell cause she doesn't want her friend to misunderstand the friendly relationship she has with her soon to be husband.
She was so glad when she return home yesterday, no one asked her a question and no one tells Mama about it either, but part of her still guilty especially knowing that they don't keep any secret from each other.
"Ya Najib will be here to talk to you..." Maryam inform Jauhar while gazing to see her reaction from underneath her lashes. Yesterday she almost flip when Ya Najib told her what happened, in fact she drove out of the house crying, and in search of them.
But when she came to her senses, she realize fighting with Jauhar now will not do her any good, beside she will be married to Mujaheed in four days now, all she needs to do is keep her cool until after her wedding Fatiha with Mujaheed then she will make Jauhar regret ever knowing her.
"I don't want to..." Jauhar stated in irritation when Maryam quickly place her hand on Jauhar as a fake smile appear on her face.
"Jauhar" she called with a soft voice. "You're my best friend, and trust me when I said this, Ya Najib really regret what he did to you yesterday".
Jauhar shook her head, finding it extremely uncomfortable to discuss about this with Maryam, who is Najib sister. Cause she knows no matter what, Maryam will choose her brother over her.
She close her eyes then open it and gaze at Maryam "Can we please not drop this" her voice sounded desperate as well as her voice as she fix her gaze on Maryam.
Maryam smirk, seeing how desperate Jauhar is, this is what she wanted, she wanted to show Jauhar that Mujaheed is her's and her's alone.
"Beside" she continue with a cunning smile. "Mujaheed told me he cheer you up..."
The magazine that Jauhar was holding suddenly fall down from her hands as she turn in disbelief and gaze at Maryam.
"Of course" Maryam continue with a content smile gazing at shocked Jauhar thought the mirror. "He told me you where devastated when he saw you, So I begged him to help cheer you up".
She turn and gaze at Jauhar, content that she put her right where she wants her to. She needs to know just how worthless she is.
She tilted her head with another devil smile and continue with "Am glad he did."
Jauhar manage to stretch her lips into a fake smile as she felt the whole room crumbling down on her. She felt so suffocate as if the air is been snuffed from the room.
"Let's get you dress up" The stylish said with a smile as she gaze at Maryam.
Maryam return the smile as she stood up. She stop and give Jauhar one last look, at the same time Jauhar stood up without giving Maryam a glance she murmured. "I need to get some fresh air" she didn't wait for Maryam as she storm out of the room.
Maryam let another cunning grin then move to get ready in her dress. This is just the beginning, she will break Jauhar and put her back in her place before the end of today. Especially after she snap those pictures with Mujaheed.
Jauhar try to fan herself with her hands as she felt waves of reality crashing down on her. What was she thinking? How can she be so stupid? In just four days he will be Maryam husband, and that aside just because Mama and his mother are long lost friends, what gave her the right to think she can befriend him. Her thoughts of yesterday came back to her which made her to feel so ashamed of herself, how can she even think of something like that
This mid summer night dream has to come to an end. She needs to wake up from it before she gets hurt.
She took a deep breath, then turn towards the door to the dressing room, the door beside it suddenly turn open which immediately made her breathe hitch on her throat. She gaze at him in dismay, what was she thinking? She most have lost her mind, how can she ever think that she can lend on someone like him.
Mujaheed gaze at her in surprise, and speechless, but nonetheless, a smile immediately found their way to his lips. It still surprises him how happy he gets whenever he sees or even though of her.
He didn't know that she is coming, in fact the reason he even agree to do this was because Umma promise him that Maryam will not be here, and Bappa threaten him. But here she is looking so mesmerizing in her black Abaya with the veil wrapped around her head. He tilted his head and gaze at her closely, something is off, she looks sad.
Jauhar raised her gaze and fixed her eyes directly on his. That same comforting look, that soft gaze that make her wants to crawl and stay beside him. But was he deceiving her? What was in end games? 3years ago and even now?
Mujaheed gaze at her with curiosity. As his smile suddenly disappear. Something is wrong. He can fell it.
Her eyes is showing doubt and distrust, something most have happened to make her look at him like this and he is sure he knows who might have had a hand in that.
He took a step closer when Jauhar quickly took one back with their eyes still lock on each other. "I think you should seriously consider using...."
A voice behind him interrupt, but that didn't stop them from gazing at each other.
Usman stop midway when he saw the intense gaze in front of him. Jauhar was the first to broke the eye contact as she turn and gaze at Usman with a frown.
Usman smile waving his hand excitedly and said "Hi am Usman, Mujaheed's friend".
Jauhar tilted her head and gaze at the two men with a blank expression. She blink her eyes then stretch her lips to a fake smile, giving them both a single nod with her head, she took her way to Maryam's dressing room.
Mujaheed quickly move and stop in front of her which made Jauhar to stop dead on her track and refuse to either talk, move or meet his gaze, just gazing blackly at the floor.
Mujaheed sighed putting his hands in his pocket's. He inhale deeply then bend a little trying to caught her gaze and asked "How do I look?".
Jauhar raised her eyes annoyed as his giving him a deadly glare before she turn her gaze and look directly ahead while saying. "I think you're mistaking" transferring her cold gaze back to him, they lock eyes as she mumbles. "Cause I really don't give a damn about how you look."
"Ouch..." The words escape Mujaheed's lips with a sly smirk on his face as he shrugs.
Then chuckles while thinking of the possible thing that Maryam told Jauhar to make her react like this. "But am sure I look better than a certain somebody"
Mujaheed blurt out with a smile deciding to tease her maybe it will make her ease up a bit. But it only sounds to Jauhar as a mockery which end up making her blood boils.
"Really" Jauhar said folding her hands to her chest while staring at him in the eyes. "Then you most be delusional. Cause he is far much more better than than you ever be".
Mujaheed stood thunder struck. Then scoffed as he turn his blank gaze to Usman whom just shrugs nonchalant as Mujaheed roll his eyes then set them back on Jauhar.
Jauhar gave Mujaheed one last glare intending to walk pass him while telling herself that she is done with Mujaheed and anything that is related to him, she will act like a friend to Maryam that she is.
She took just a step when she felt her whole body twirl around as her hands went flaying but luckily for her it landed on something firm and hard, somewhat masculine.
It was the smell of the perfume which Jauhar recognize and refuse to accept that she is getting accustomed is what made her to snap her eyes open and a gasps immediately escape her lips.
What just happened? The first thing that ran through her mind when she saw Mujaheed's face looking right at her with that same frown.
That's when it occur to her. It was Mujaheed that twirl her which made her to land right at his arms with her tow hands rested perfectly on her chest and that's when she felt something soft and warm on her waist, which immediately send shivers down her spine.
She quickly raise her furious gaze to him, but the moment they lock eyes it seems as if she also lost her voice.
Which made her to completely forgot about what just happened until she saw a smirk on Mujaheed's face.
Not just any smirk, but a dangerously evil one at the same time his lips moves as he counts. "Three...Two...One.....".
As soon as he said the last number, his face widen to a grin and the door in front of them was thrown open.
Maryam appear before it, holding the front of her expensive gown to help her walk. Her smile immediately die down as she let go of her gown seeing the scene in front of her.
"Ohhh ooohh" Usman mumbled with a soft chuckles. This just made his day, he know he would regret it forever if he miss this show.
****
As-salaam Alaikum beautiful people. Am so so so so sorry guys, I have NO excuse, but In Shaa Allah, I will try my best to be updating regularly.
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Xoxo_Fatimazahra.