Chapter-13 Not So Impressive

Zuby's POV

I woke up and checked the time; it was almost 10 at night. I can't believe I was so tired that I slept instantly after coming back from the mall around 7 in the evening. I turned and saw Sagarika was still asleep so without disturbing her I got out of bed and headed to her washroom to freshen up and change into my PJs. I still had to offer my night prayers so after I changed I picked up my prayer mat and prayer scarf and finished my prayers. It was now 11 and I was not feeling sleepy anymore so I decided to go out in the garden for a walk. I was sure Sulekha aunty would also be asleep by now so I directly went outside. The weather tonight was pleasant and I started walking thinking about life in general. I was aware that sometime soon there is going to be another twist in my life. Now I just wonder if it will be a nice twist or my already messed up situation will become worst. After all marrying a guy you have not even seen in person forget about meeting him is something to worry about. I am sure if this guy was selected by my own parents then I would not be worried as I am sure they would have selected the best boy to be my husband. But now the situation is different, this boy is actually my uncle and aunt's choice. And as a matter of fact I don't trust them to look for the best boy as my husband, then again I know I have agreed to this wedding solely because of my faith in my Almighty Allah. I am sure whatever happens will be the best for me.

I try to distract myself from this complicated topic and think about the Alumni Meet in my college which is to be held next week on Thursday. I am really excited about it like every year; the color code is black/red/navy blue or pink. Today at the food court Sagu and I have decided to wear black, I will wear my black anarkali (Traditional Indian costume) and Sagu said she will wear Sulekha Aunty's black saree (Traditional Indian costume). Though I have not seen that saree but Sagu is really hyper at the fact that her mum will give that saree to Sagu for a day. Probably it is one of her favorite and also very special as she recently got that one as a gift from Uncle on their 25th wedding anniversary. I on the other hand love my black anarkali, it has got very fine silver embroidery and a net dupatta (stole). I bought it few months back from Biba. And the fact that I also have matching silver and black heels is making me all giddy. I just can't wait till Thursday. I remember last year also we had a blast; the best part about the parties in our college is that it's a girls college and for every party the best DJ of the city is invited. Both me and Sagarika love to dance and what could be a better platform than an ONLY girls party. Each time both of us choose a corner in the College Auditorium where the parties are usually held and we dance our heart out. I can't stop the smile from gracing my lips by just thinking about all the parties we had attended at our college. Thinking about the Alumni Meet and walking around I did not notice the time, I have been walking for more than an hour now. It's almost 12.15 midnight and I get a little scared on hearing a car stop outside and the main gate being opened. I am not sure who could it be as I thought everyone is home and sleeping already but then Sagar enters. I was taken aback seeing him come back home so late at night, I don't know why but his expressions are not really good. The moment he noticed me in the garden he paused for a second then smiled. I could easily make out it was not his actual smile rather was a forced one. I wonder where was he and why does he seem so pissed off. I smile back at him and walk to him, once we are close enough I ask him…

"Where are you coming from so late at night?" he looked here and there then answered back…

"I was out to meet a friend." I don't know why but I am having a feeling he was hiding something and is really tensed so I ask him again as we start walking inside the house…

"But when did you go? I thought you are also asleep by now. Are you fine Sagar? Why does it look like something is bothering you?" he looked at me with sadness and concern in his eyes and simply ditched my question by questioning me instead…

"What are you doing out at this hour? And where is Sagarika?" I got it that he was not in a mood to open up right now so I decided to drop the topic here and talk to him later when he is willing to share. Sagar is like this only; he never discusses his problems and worries with anyone till he can't handle the burdens anymore. And what bothers me is that he keeps things to himself for really long, my chain of thoughts is broken when Sagar speaks again…

"Where are you lost Zuby? I asked you something" I looked at him for a second then recalled his question from before and answered him….

"Well actually I and Sagarika immediately fell asleep when we came back from the mall. I woke up around 10 and since I had not offered my night prayers so I did that first and thought of taking a walk outside."

"OK….but why are you still in your prayer scarf?" Sagar asked and I just looked down shyly and answered him…

"Well…I actually already changed into my PJs and was in no mood to change back to come out so I just kept it on." My prayer scarf was a big one and it covered me from head to toe, since I did not go in front of anyone in my PJs so I just didn't take it off. Sagar smiled and shook his head then said…

"Anyway I am going to my room; I am very tired and need some sleep. You should also sleep now otherwise you might miss your morning prayer." I smiled at his concern, wished him good night and walked back to Sagarika's room, my besty was still asleep and very quietly I closed the door behind me and kept my prayer scarf at its place then I also lay on the bed. It didn't take me much time to fall asleep again.

Ayaan's POV

When Sagar reached Abdul's place he gave a call and I and Abdul walked out. We decided to go in one car so both of us settled in Sagar's car. Abdul sat on the passenger seat while I sat at the back. Abdul sent the location to Sagar who turned on his GPS and with that we were on our way towards Sahil's diner 'yum food'. Throughout the way I was not sure what I was going to witness and how is Sagar going to react after meeting Sahil in person. I still had this fear of Sahil being the perfect guy and Sagar taking his side. After all I knew he wanted the best groom and life partner for his best friend who is like a sister to him. I tried to calm myself and asked Sagar what he has planned for this meeting...

"Well I have thought about this a lot and decided that today I will only observe Sahil by being just another customer." He spoke in a not so sure manner so I again tried to convince him to let me also come inside with him and Abdul and said...

"If you are going to pretend like normal customers today then also let me come along. We will not disclose that we are related to Zuby in anyway....in fact you sit on one table while I will take another. Let's see how this guy is with strangers. And Abdul can just sneak in and try to have a chat with his employees. I am sure this way we can have a rough idea of what kind of a person he actually is." Sagar didn't say anything for a few seconds then spoke...

"You are anyhow not related to Zuby"... I got a little frustrated at his statement and replied...

"Out of all that I spoke this is the only thing registered in your mind...seriously man stop hating me for no reason" Sagar sighed loudly and said...

"I am sorry Ayaan...I don't really hate you champ it's just that I am really worried for Zuby. But I guess your idea is good and we will stick to it." I just hummed in response; it felt nice to see that my Zuby has such a concerned friend. Just as her name came in my mind so did her face flash in front of my eyes. Her beautiful, big brown eyes are something I want to drown into. How I wish all this would just end in a split of second and I get to marry her and make her mine for eternity. I wonder when I will get to meet her again, I hope she will come to my office this week and we will discuss about her new boutique. If it's her dream then I will leave no stone unturned to make her dream come true in the most beautiful way God willing. I will do anything to make her happy. I was brought out of my trance when Sagar parked the car and turned off the engine. We decided to walk in separately as we were going to pretend as strangers. Abdul went in first followed by me after almost 5 minutes. Sagar decided to walk in last as he will lock his car and come, he did warn me to stick to our plan and I assured him that I will. It was almost 9 when we reached and I took a seat on a table which was luckily in front of the cashier. And since I had seen a pic of Sahil I was immediately able to make out it was him behind the cashier. I must admit he was a handsome guy and to be honest I did not like it. I have no shame in admitting that I was jealous. Anyway I looked around for a waiter and raised my hand; he came and took my order. I decided to order stuff that will take time to be served and so I opted for a grill platter. The waiter left and I looked around to see Sagar already settled on a nearby table. His eyes were trained on Sahil.

When my order arrived I noticed Sahil get up from behind the cashier and walk towards the entrance. There was a girl standing right at the entrance and both of them hugged each other. I didn't mind the hugging thing but the way they were in each other's embrace looked like they were in a relationship. Then they pulled apart after what felt like ages to me and Sahil looked around as if trying to make sure no one is looking in their direction and gave a quick peck on the girl's lips to which she blushed profusely and playfully hit his arm. I looked in Sagar's direction and noticed that he also saw the little lovey dovey scene. Then we saw that Sahil escorted the girl behind the cashier with him and called a waiter to get a strawberry milkshake for the lady. Of course I couldn't hear a word of what they were talking but I could surely see the look in their eyes. On one hand I was happy to see that this guy is involved with someone else so it might be easy to ask him to back off and disagree to marry Zuby; but on the other hand I did not like the fact that even after his marriage is fixed he is in a relationship with another girl. This prick definitely did not deserve someone like my angel. I just hope Sagar also agrees with me.

I started eating my food but I kept on discreetly looking in Sahil and that girl's direction. There was a lot of touching here and there going on. Mostly I noticed Sahil touching the girl and he also kept on whispering in her ears to which she just replied with a smile and blush. I don't even want to guess what he has been telling her but his expressions made it clear he was horny as hell. I decided I have had enough and asked for the bill, I paid the bill and immediately walked out. Sagar and Abdul soon joined me; Sagar seemed more pissed than me. Without saying a word he got in the car and so did I and Abdul. Abdul was the first one to speak…

"From what I understood he is not very good towards his workers. I got to speak with three of them; none of them said anything directly bad about him but their tone while talking about their boss was dripping with sarcasm and hatred." I was not at all surprised to hear this and before I could speak Sagar spoke, and man he was really angry….

"I saw his little episode with that girl and I am sure I need to find out the truth about his relationship with that girl before I warn Zuby and ask her to decline this proposal." We were all silent for a moment then Sagar spoke again…

"I will go again in a day or two, just to observe this guy. I must say I am not really impressed with him." I thought the same so I agreed with Sagar. He dropped us at Abdul's place and I took my car and immediately drove back home. By the time I reached home it was past 12 and I headed straight to my room. I needed a bath and after that I just lay in my bed thinking about what I saw at Sahil's place some time back. I am still not sure about my next step towards marrying Zuby but I am confident about one thing, and that is Sagar will support me now. I smiled at the fact that my girl's best friend seems to be on my side and thinking about her once again I fell asleep.