Zinat struggled to fulfil her responsibilities and role as Aayat's best friend and sister-in-law, but it was agonising to witness her friend drowning in pain. The negative energy surrounding Aayat was taking a toll on Zinat's mental and physical well-being as well. As much as she wanted to be there for Aayat, she knew that the burning fire of revenge and betrayal would not subside anytime soon. For now, she had to step back and let Aayat find her own way. Above all, Zinat needed some time alone to process everything.
With a sad smile, Zinat glanced at her engagement picture. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she made no effort to wipe them away. She missed him terribly and wished she could relive all the beautiful memories they had shared. However, she knew that nothing could bring him back to her. As she sat lost in her thoughts, Aditya joined her.
"I remember when you two used to sneak into the backyard at night when everyone was sleeping. He loved you," Aditya reminisced, breaking the silence.
Zinat remained silent, listening intently to Aditya's words.
"You know, before he died, he asked me to take care of both Aayat and you. It's been difficult for me to be there for Aayat as she's always been like a sister to me, but with you, it was different. I couldn't face you, especially after feeling like I let him down," Aditya continued, guilt evident in his voice.
Zinat looked up, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You're not at fault, Zubbu. It was meant to happen. He's still with me, you know. In every memory, every dream, and every breath I take," she reassured Aditya.
Overwhelmed by emotions, Zinat rested her head on Aditya's shoulder, allowing her tears to flow freely. She let herself get lost in the pool of memories she had with the love of her life.
*Flashback*
As the weekend drew to a close, it was time for Zinat to bid farewell to Aayat and her family. Aayat insisted that her brother, Zubair, drive Zinat back home. Nervous yet excited, Zinat sat beside him in the car, feeling a flutter in her heart. The drive was silent, but being in Zubair's presence brought her a sense of peace and belonging.
"How was your day?" Zubair finally broke the silence, his eyes still fixed on the road.
"Alhamdulillah, it was good. How was yours?" Zinat replied softly.
"It was good as well," Zubair responded, maintaining his focus on driving.
Though the drive was short, it felt like a lifetime for Zinat. As they reached her doorstep, she got out of the car, and Zubair bid her farewell. Their eyes met, and in that moment, a spark ignited between them.
Lost in thoughts about the enigmatic Zubair, Zinat went inside her home. She couldn't stop thinking about him and wanted to unravel the secrets that seemed to surround him.
Throughout the week, Zinat couldn't help but reminisce about the small yet meaningful moments she shared with Zubair during that weekend. It felt like she was living in a K-drama or a Wattpad book, with emotions swirling within her heart.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a call from Aayat, inviting her to a gathering at her place on Saturday. Zinat hesitated, not being accustomed to attending family gatherings. However, she didn't want to disappoint her friend.
"I don't mind, but wouldn't that be too much trouble for you guys?" Zinat asked, feeling a hint of guilt.
"Not at all. I already asked permission from my dad, and he agreed. By the way, you need to dress traditionally on that day," Aayat explained.
Traditionally dressed gatherings were something Zinat hadn't experienced in a while. She had a few dresses in her closet, reserved for special occasions like Ramadan or Eid.
"I'll drop by tomorrow after class to help you select one," Aayat suggested before ending the call.
Nervously, Zinat paced around her apartment, her thoughts lingering on Zubair. Ever since she first saw him, Aayat's elder brother had captivated her heart. She tried to dismiss her feelings, reminding herself of the appropriateness of a Muslim girl's approach to relationships. However, the butterflies in her stomach whenever she thought of him made it hard to ignore her emotions.
The next day, Aayat visited Zinat's apartment, and they spent the afternoon trying on various traditional dresses. Zinat wanted to look her best, secretly hoping that Zubair would take notice of her. As they playfully twirled in different outfits, Zinat couldn't help but ask Aayat about her brother.
Aayat coyly smiled, giving Zinat a knowing look, but she didn't divulge much about him. She teased Zinat, stoking her curiosity even further.
"I can see the way you look at him," Aayat said with a grin, "But let's see if he can figure it out himself.”
Zinat was at the gathering, feeling somewhat out of place among the strangers and uncomfortable in the traditional clothes she wore. Being used to more casual attire, the elegant yet unfamiliar ensemble made her fidget nervously. Sensing her discomfort, Zubair decided to approach her and offer his company, knowing that his sister, Aayat, was busy catching up with her cousins.
"Hey, Zinat," Zubair greeted her with a warm smile, "I hope you're enjoying the gathering.”
Zinat looked up, relieved to see a familiar face. "Hey, Zubair," she replied, "It's nice to see everyone so happy, but I feel a bit lost in all this traditional setup.”
He chuckled softly, understanding her predicament. "I can relate. These gatherings can be overwhelming, especially if you're not used to them. But you look lovely in that outfit, by the way.”
Her cheeks flushed with a tinge of pink, and she looked down, trying to hide her smile. "Thank you," she said shyly, "You don't look too bad yourself.”
Zubair grinned, feeling a flutter of excitement at her compliment. They continued chatting, and as the evening progressed, their conversation became more lighthearted and playful. They found themselves laughing at some of Aayat's childhood antics and discussing their favorite desserts.
"Oh, speaking of desserts, you should try the baklava," Zubair suggested, "It's one of the best things they serve at these gatherings.”
Zinat's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Baklava? I've never had it before. Is it that good?”
"Trust me, you'll love it," Zubair assured her, "Let's go get some.”
As they made their way to the dessert table, their arms brushed against each other lightly, sending a tingling sensation through Zinat. The two of them served themselves some baklava and found a quiet corner to sit and savour the delicacy.
With a mouthful of baklava, Zinat's eyes widened in delight. "Wow, this is amazing! Thank you for the recommendation.”
Zubair smiled, enjoying her enthusiasm. "You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it.”
As the night wore on, the gathering became even livelier, and the room filled with people and chatter. Feeling a bit overwhelmed again, Zinat looked at Zubair with a hint of hesitation in her eyes.
"It's getting a bit crowded in there," she said, "Do you want to go somewhere quieter?”
Zubair's heart raced at the opportunity to spend more time with her alone. "I know a place. Follow me.”
He extended his hand, almost instinctively, to offer it to her. She looked at it for a moment, a mixture of surprise and delight in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she reached out and placed her hand in his, feeling a jolt of excitement at the touch.
They discreetly slipped away from the crowded room, escaping to the serene garden outside. The soft glow of fairy lights illuminated the surroundings as they found a bench under a tree, away from prying eyes.
As they sat side by side, Zinat felt a warmth in her heart, grateful for this moment of peace and privacy with Zubair. The air around them was filled with a hint of romance, and she couldn't help but feel an unspoken connection between them.
"It's so much better out here," Zinat said, breaking the silence, "Thank you for bringing me here.”
Zubair smiled, feeling a sense of contentment. "I'm happy you're enjoying it. I have to admit, it's nice to escape from the chaos for a while.”
They continued to talk, sharing stories and dreams, as the night wore on. With each passing moment, the bond between them grew stronger, and subtle flirting found its way into their conversation. Zubair found himself playfully teasing her, and Zinat's laughter was music to his ears.
As the evening drew to a close, Zinat couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and excitement she hadn't experienced in a long time. Their time together had been magical, and she realised that she was falling for Zubair.
As they walked back to rejoin the gathering, Zubair hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. Before he could overthink it, he decided to take a chance.
"Zinat, I had a wonderful time tonight," he said, his voice tinged with nervousness, "And I'd love to spend more time with you if you're open to it.”
A blush spread across her cheeks, but she looked up at him with a smile, "I'd like that too, Zubair.”
*Flashback end*
Aayat sat on the bed, savouring the naan and butter chicken that Aditya had brought for her. "Aadi, you know exactly how to get me to eat! Thank you!" she chirped with delight. Aditya smiled warmly and patted her head.
"Psycho, you know I missed you and Zubbu every day. Tell me something about him," requested a drowsy Aayat.
"Well, he was your brother. Shouldn't you be the one to have more stories to tell?" he teased, knowing that Aayat was often unaware of things around her, and her brother kept many things from her. Aayat pouted and looked away.
"Okay, fine, but close your eyes," he said, settling himself near the bed. Impulsively, Aayat closed her eyes and turned to him.
"Now start!" she said childishly, prompting Aditya to laugh.
"Do you know who gave you the name Kayra? It was Zubbu who decided to name you that. He said that this identity was for your kind and princess-like nature. The princess who was calm and composed, who would spread love around her but at the same time wouldn't let anyone step on her. He refused to let anyone call you Kayra because he said that only when you reached that status, then only you could acquire that name," he narrated.
Aayat listened intently, knowing there was more to the story.
"But then, though you do spread some love around you, you were always impulsive and fragile. That's why he never called you Kayra. But now, I want to accomplish his wish and turn you from Aayat to Kayra! And until you reach this step, you will still be Aayat," Aditya whispered the last part, realising that Aayat had fallen asleep. He sighed and went to meet Zinat, finding her crying silently and playing with her engagement ring.
"He would not want you to cry like this. It's been two months now; you need to move ahead in life. Take a break from everything, find yourself again because this is not the Zinat I know," he said, gently wiping her tears away.
"But Aayat? How will she manage? She is still weak," protested Zinat.
"Before you say you'll handle her, there is no way I am leaving her, not until she is strong and healthy again," reassured Aditya.
"Fine, but when she is back on her feet and ready to fight, you'll be training to take Zubbu's place in the company. I know this was not your plan, but as his fiancée, what was his is now yours. He asked me to do that before he left, and I waited for you to recover, but it seems like you stopped living too," he instructed.
Zinat sighed and nodded. She had promised Zubair to take care of his sister, and she felt like she had failed somewhere in her mission.
As if reading her thoughts, Aditya said, "You have not failed, you are the reason why she is willing to fight. You always were." Zinat smiled and replied, "And this is why Zubbu loved me. I was turning Aayat into his Kayra."