Haunting for answers

Next morning...

Firdaus abruptly got up when the alarm went off. Grunting she got up and took up to the bathroom to get freshen up. Asad on the other hand was woken up by his mom for sehri (morning intake of food before we presume our fasting). He was used to get up at 6 am in morning but never as early as 3:30 am.

Once Firdaus was done she made her way out of her room only to see Elnaz, Jannat aunty and Sumaiya Aunty in the kitchen. She too joints them. Once they were done with the preparation Elnaz and Firdaus started setting the table for everyone. Zayn uncle, aunt where already sitting. After a while even Asad to came in the view sitting opposite of Firdaus.

Once in a while he would steal some glances of her on the other hand Firdaus was too engrossed in her food. After sehri was done everyone switched off to pray their Fajr salah (morning namaaz). Later all three women's even read some verses of Quran and trying to tell each other their meanings.

******

In the evening both Elnaz and Firdaus cooked Firni (sweet dish made by rice), samosa, fruit custard, Falooda and dishes full of fruits. By the time it was Maghrib everyone gathered in the dining area. Firdaus and Sumaiya Appi had already settled the table. Once Maghrib azaan was heard, all of them did read their dua (wishes) and later on ate the food.

"Jannat this Firni is awesome so is the samosa." Zayn praised as he took another spoon of firni.

"Mmm... yeah Ammi. Firni is awesome, I would like one more bowl of it." Asad requested looking at his Ammi.

"Ohh... I do agree Firni and samosa and everything is tasty over here but I didn't made it." Jannat told them.

"Firni was made by Firdaus Appi and the rest of the things where made by both of us." Elnaz said proudly, bumping her shoulders with Firdaus, to which she smiled shyly. On the other hand, Asad was stunned and regardless awkward that he praised the food made by her. Stunned not because he didn't know that Firdaus can cook but because she smiled shyly and he was oblivion to that what made her shy?

"Thanks, Firdaus beta for cooking such a delicious food and you too Elnaz." Jannat thanked them.

"It's our pleasure aunty." Firdaus smiled but her smile abruptly faltered when Asad jerked out of his seat excusing himself for work.

******

Later...

Firdaus and Elnaz where going through some food channel in search of new recipe's so that they can cook during Ramzan. Whenever some interesting and tempting recipe would be shown they would quickly jot it down.

After half an hour'

(Firdaus POV:)

"Kheer puri would be best for morning and we all love it." Elnaz suggested as I nodded.

"What about iftar then?" I questioned.

"We would make mutton kebab, pudding, a plate or two full of fruit's, and stuffed potatoes with cheese. What say??" She asked me.

"Don't you think that it would be unhealthy?" I asked her.

"Let's ask about it to Ammi. Come on." She told as we made our way towards the door.

As we made our way towards Jannat aunts' bedroom we stopped.

"What is it Asad? I am seeing that you are more than silent now-a-days, you don't even leave your room and yeah either you are busy with your laptop or your stupid phone. What is it that is bothering you?" Aunty asked Asad.

"Ammi nothing's wrong. You know that I am dealing with a lot of work pressure now so kind of got busy." He excused.

"Don't you lie to me Asad. You know lying is worst." She warned.

"Ammi why would I lie to you-" he was cutted in between by his her.

"Did anything happen in California? Is it about Firdaus?" She asked. Hearing my name my heart started beating faster. I raised my hand to my heart and rubbed my chest. I always had that habit from childhood. It somehow made me feel calm.

"Why do you think It's about her?" He questioned her in return.

"Asad don't turn this on me. I asked you something." She scolded demanding answers.

"Ammi I am not talking about it." With that he left the room only to come face to face with me.

Tears where staining my eyes as we stared at each other.

"You know...... I won't come here next time if it hurts you so much but do know ...that whatever I did was not done purposely." I breathed as I rushed out of the place and went towards my room.

Asad's POV:

I didn't know that She was standing out. When I opened the door, I was shocked to see her standing there with her head hanging low. Hearing me approach she snapped her head up only for me to know enough that she had heard the conversation between me and my mom. Her eyes were brimming with tears. I stood there contemplating whether I should say something or console her or move away from her because she had hurt me much more than I can describe, but her next words just brought me out of my dazed form.

'You know I won't come here next time if it hurts you so much but do know that whatever I did was not done purposely.'

I never thought that she would say that to me. No matter how much I ignore or am I angry with her, I never said that she should never come here or I hate her presence or that I don't want her near my presence. Sure, enough her presence hampers my thinking and thoughts and I always try to pry her out of my mind and my personal space but I never meant that she should not come here to our home.

And what did she meant by 'whatever I did was not done purposely.' What did she do? What she did that she said it was not done purposely?

Ohh Firdaus!! Why is our relation being like this that whenever we meet, you just leave my mind haunting for more question?? I am seriously tired now...

Should I go and ask her?

Or should I make it clear that It's not what she is thinking?

Damn! What do I do now?