In the café, Dania sat with her gang at their usual spot. Kriti was complimenting her friend, and boasting about meeting Sarfaraz in his room. The girls were jealous of Dania's intimate accident with him. Poonam pretended to be least interested, but she was. Dania loved the attention, it made her feel like a star. Then there were the random questions.

"How does he smell?"

"Does he look the same as on screen?"

"Did you see his wardrobe?"

"You should have taken strands of his hair, I have heard of a technique to control someone through black magic."

"OMG! Adwitiya?"

She smiled nervously, shrugging her shoulder.

Dania shook her head, as the girls continued to chat dreamily about Sarfaraz. She picked up her mug with both her hands and took a sip. Just then, her eyes fell on a young woman who had just walked past her.

Fareeha in a yellow sweater tugged in waist jeans, stood at the counter, and placed an arm on the slab. She looked up the menu and mentally selected her breakfast.

Dania got up, pulled up the sleeve of her white sweater top, and confidently walked to the counter.

"Hi, Fareeha." She tilted her body against the counter.

Fareeha looked up from her mobile and let out a breath, - "Hi." She rolled her eyes away, and slid to the waiting queue, letting another person take the stand. Dania shifted next to her and folded her arms.

"We didn't even get to spend time properly. You seem to be very busy."

"Yes," Fareeha straightened, taking the tray of her breakfast, - "Being the manager of India's superstar isn't easy."

She was about to move when Dania continued, - "He doesn't mind?"

"Who he?"

Dania snapped her fingers trying to remember the name, - "Arey, that boyfriend of yours."

Fareeha frowned, shaking her head, - "I never had any boyfriend."

"Obviously." She passed a judging look.

Fareeha found a seat in the opposite corner of where Dania's girl gang was seated. Dania pulled a chair across her and placed both her hands on the white round table.

"That chomu friend of yours who had proposed to me."

Fareeha stopped mid-way from biting the egg burger. Slowly, she placed it on the ceramic plate, - "What about him?" She shifted in her place, - "And, you remember him?"

"Of course." Dania leaned back, tugging in wild strands coming loose from her high bun. "He was the only loser who had the guts to propose to me. I noticed him then. Sad, he got beaten to a pulp afterwards." With that Dania laughed, covering her mouth with both her hands. Leaning against the chair, her legs pulled up a little.

Fareeha raised her eyebrow, placing her finger in between the handle of the white ceramic coffee cup.

"Really? You are laughing about it. So insensitive. Hadi was hospi—"

"Hadi!" Dania clicked her fingers as though she got a bulb enlightened on top of her head.

Fareeha shook her head and raised the cup to her lips. It was a waste of time to explain anything to her.

Dania sighed, tapping her fingernails on the wooden surface. "I scolded Shahzain for that gundagardi. He got suspended for a few months. Thankfully, his father had a strong influence, else he would have been kicked out."

Fareeha rolled her eyes, - "Great job!" She mocked her. Dania leaned forward, resting her chin on her knuckles.

"I thought you both got married. Isn't he some chomu banker or engineer type someone?" Dania scrunched her nose.

"I don't know."

Dania gasped, - "You guys broke up?"

"No!" Fareeha casually munched on the burger, - "But I don't deem it necessary to tell you."

The look in her eyes gave her final words. Dania smirked and shrugged. Then, rose from her seat, - "And, I don't care. Okay, bye." She said haughtily and left. Fareeha sighed in relief.

Sarfaraz walked out of the bathroom, combing his wet hair with his fingers, whistling a happy tune. At the mirror, he combed his hair, admiring his face and checked his freshly trimmed stubbles. There was a knock at the door. He removed the towel from around his neck and tossed it on the bed.

"Come in." He turned and picked up his olive sweater.

"Hadi!" Fareeha dashed into the room, closing the door behind him.

"Fareeha." He wore the sweater over his head, and flexed his arms.

"Dude, you won't believe who I met."

"Who?" Sarfaraz tugged up his black trousers and slid the belt.

"Dania."

He stilled for a second, then resumed to buckling the belt.

"So?"
"She remembers you?"

"Really." He turned his head, whilst pulling up the turtle neck collar of the sweater.

"Yeah. She remembers you as the loser who proposed to her." She grinned towards the end.

"Hmm!" Sarfaraz combed his hair resting on his nape, acting casual, - "I don't care."

"Really?" Fareeha squeaked looking suspiciously at him.

He turned to her, smiling as usual. "Really!" He playfully touched her forehead with his fingers. "Now, come we have meeting with Chandan. I want to return to Mumbai, but he is insisting to complete the shoot here."

"Yeah, but—" Fareeha had hard time digesting that Sarfaraz didn't care. He placed his arm around her neck and pulled her seamlessly with him out of the room.

In her cosy boutique, Dania worked on lavender tulle dress's rough design. Her employees were busy with showing dresses to the buyers and discussing new designs with clients.

"What is this non-sense?" A loud booming feminine voice echoed in the tiny boutique.

Dania flinched, looking up from the design. The others quietened.

"I want to meet the designer. Now!" The middle-aged British woman screamed.

Dania hurriedly wiped her palms over her knitted hot-pink short skirt, pulled down the long sleeve of her over-sized white sweater.

"Yes, yes—" She scurried to her. The woman huffed and threw the packaged dress on her face. Dania blinked, wincing.

"I said specifically for satin material and this is such a cheap quality, and the neckline is so high, it strangulates me. And, don't start me on the fitting. Disastrous. I want refund."

Dania gulped, fidgeting with her half rings and nails. "But Ma'am, this was the one that—I have—" She turned to move towards her cabin, - "the designs we discussed."

"Shut up! You mean to say I am lying?" The lady fumed more.

"No, Mrs. Wilson."

"Don't forget, girl." She pointed an angry finger at her, - "I am not only your customer but I was going to be an investor as well. But now—I think I am withdrawing the deal."

"No, no, no—" Dania panicked and requested, following the woman as she marched towards the exit. But Mrs. Wilson exited the shop slamming the door behind her. Dania stood speechless and stared teary eyes at the door. After a second of silence, few customers made excuse and walked out. Dania looked around, embarrassed to the core.

"Dania, are you alright?" One of the employee asked kindly.

Dania clenched her fists and walked outside without any word. Walking aggressively for some time, she kept angrily wiping her flowing tears. She can't accept that she was insulted in front of her staff. On her way, she got a packet of cigarette and lighter. Then, she sat on the bench and lit a cigarette. Mrs. Wilson gave her another headache, now she will have to find another investor. And soon, else she would come out as a loser in front Mrs. Kaif and her husband. Though, she was venting out her frustration, more tears escaped from her eyes. This time emotional. And, she hated that too. She hated being vulnerable. Even alone.

After gathering herself, and finishing two cigarettes, Dania got up and was about to leave when Kriti found her. First, she was surprised to find her friend's cheek stained with dry tears. She hugged her and caressed her back, - "What happened, love? Why are you upset?"

Dania parted from the hug, sniffed and shook her head. Kriti encouraged her to speak to her, and finally she opened up. The girls embraced once again. It soothed Dania after she expressed her anger and sadness to her friend. Kriti consoled her. Then, she took her to her home.

Kriti doesn't mention but she was exasperated that Sarfaraz had suddenly stopped replying to her texts. In fact, when she called him few times there was no response. Then, she stopped because she didn't want him to block her. Now, that Dania was in her room chatting and having tea. Kriti decided to text about Dania, with a secret photo of her. Then, she hid her phone from her friend.

Later, that night Kriti received Sarfaraz's message. She grinned to herself and squeaked in happiness. She twirled around and almost fell over Dania. Stunning her.

"What happened are you okay?"

Kriti forced herself to not smile and casually spoke, - "Wanna go clubbing?"

"With you?" Dania gasped in shock.

Her friend smirked, then shook her head, - "Not me. You." She pointed at her, - "Without Tabish. It will help ease you. Spend some time with yourself. Grab some sexy dude and—"

"Shut up!" Dania said playfully. Kriti hit her shoulder lightly and winked at her. Dania blushed, - "I have a boyfriend, why will I look for someone else."

Kriti winked again, - "Just one night stand. Tabish needn't know."

"Have you gone bonkers, Kriti. You know I am not like that."

"Oooh, you are saving yourself for marriage?"

Dania rolled her eyes, now blushing harder. Kriti teased her some more.

After Dania was convinced, Kriti texted Sarfaraz. Next minute, she received the address of the club. So, she suggested her friend that club's name. Dania looked suspiciously at her. Squinting her eyes, she placed her hand on her chin and leaned away from her, - "I thought you were sati-Savitri. How did you know about clubs?"

Kriti smiled, shaking her head, - "Well, you being a virgin is a surprise for me. So, let this be a surprise to you."

Dania chuckled, then side hugged her friend, whispering, - "Thanks!"

Sarfaraz and Fareeha's friendship is so natural. No awkwardness, so comfortable with each other.

Hmm, What is Sarfaraz upto? He is being sus.

𝒫𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓅:

Later in the evening, Sarfaraz walked through the carpeted lobby towards the her room. He dipped his hands into his pocket, and clenched the key-card. He thought for a moment, gripping the surprise he brought behind his back. Sarfaraz cleared his throat knocking at the door.

Fareeha chilled on bed, lying on her stomach rocking her locked ankles and intensely reading the romance novel. A shy smile on her lips, her thumbnail between her teeth. Just then knocking at the door spoiled her mood. She blinked, frowned and dropped the book. Clicking her tongue, she got down the bed and grabbed her dupatta. At the door, she was stunned to find Sarfaraz grinning at her. Fareeha rolled her eyes, and was about to slam the door at him.

"Hey!" He stopped the door with his hand, and winced. She turned around and walked in.

"Why did you disturb me?" She ranted, then turned and gasped.

Sarfaraz brought forward the large boutique of yellow tulips. Fareeha clasped her open mouth with both her hands, her doe shaped eyes widened in amazement.

"For my sweet monkey." He forwarded it to her.

Fareeha smiled and took the boutique.

"Your favourite." He smiled. 

...............

"I don't need your sympathy." She tried to leave again, but Sarfaraz clutched her hand.

"Why do you care? Whether I live or die. No one wants me anyway."

"No! Dania. I want you." He blurted, pulling her by her arms. Dania stilled. He too. This time, unlike years ago, his heart didn't pound in his chest. But confidence surge through him and crazy rush of adrenaline encouraged him.

"What rubbish!"

"No, Dania." He lowered his voice, - "I love you." He moved wet strands of hair stuck to her face. She blinked.

Sarfaraz smiled, feeling a weight lift off him.

Please guys, drop your thoughts in the comments *_* and Stay Tuned ;)