Chapter 3

For so many months, everything was going according to Mahmood's plan as he was constantly succeeding in diverting Hoorain’s attention. The last semester of Hoorain was going on and only after reaching the end of this last semester, he could do everything he had planned but then all of a sudden everything turned upside down ...!

An agreement was reached between Rafiq Sahib and Akbar Shah on a very important business project and the work started. Mahmood did not get the news of this project in time and that is why his whole plan was thwarted.

He wished to keep Akbar away from Hoorain, but his wish was immediately downed. Rafiq was immensely impressed by Shah Akbar's work, his intelligence and his personality and Mahmood could not allow this to happen at all.

Ever since the project began, Mahmood has been staying at Hoorain's house under the pretext of sadness. He tried his best to make Akbar’s reputation down in front of Rafiq Shah but he was not ready to hear anything bad against him. But Mahmood wasn’t one to give up that easily. He had decided that he would soon make everything fall in his favor. But now the penny seemed to be turning.

It was in connection with this project that Rafiq Shah invited Akbar to his house for dinner. When Akbar Shah reached the majestic house of Hoorain at night, he was not at all surprised to see Mahmood at the reception because he was more observant of Mahmood's deeds than himself. He even knew that Mahmood had feelings for Hoorain.

During the meal, Rafiq Sahib and Akbar were talking about the project while Mahmood was teasing and provoking Hoorain to act casually and talk to him so that Akbar didn’t feel the awkwardness. But the extraordinary silence of Hoorain was felt by all, except Akbar.

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After the meal, the coffee was served. Akbar did not want to stay there that much longer after dinner but then at the insistence of Rafiq Sahib he stayed, but he sat there quietly while sipping coffee, listening to the conversation of Mahmood and Rafiq Sahib. Hoorain was also sitting there while Mrs. Rafiq Shah went to make coffee in the kitchen.

While talking, Mahmood suddenly looked at Akbar and smiled and then addressed Rafiq Sahib.

"Hey! Uncle, did you know that Akbar and I have a very deep form of ‘friendship’... we often hang out together ..." Mahmood had emphasized the word friendship. Akbar found this nonsense very unpleasant, but he just smiled in return. Rafiq Shah Sahib looked at Akbar on Mahmood's words.

"Okay ... but Akbar didn't mention you and still doesn't give the impression that I can think of such a thing ..."

"No, he actually ..." Akbar wanted to say something but Mahmood interrupted him.

"Hey hey! Don't make excuses now, uncle I tell you that in fact Akbar is very quiet person and a little shy by nature, he doesn't know how to express emotions properly, he just acted tough from the above only. Now I have told you this, but later alone he will grab my neck, but let's not talk about the later ...! " Rafiq Shah Sahib laughed at Mahmood's speech while Akbar had to smile forcefully. However, Hoorain’s face remained expressionless as she did not even break a smile.

"Oh no, Akbar, don't say anything to him, but scold me on his behalf, but don't hold his innocent neck at all ..." Rafiq Sahib had laughed and addressed Akbar. Akbar nodded his head with a slight smile on his lips while Mehmood was enjoying his discomfort very much.

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