"Dude, teach me how to kiss."

Sarfaraz looked sharply at her like she had just landed from an unknown far planet.

"What?"

"Insome creative way, not by actually kissing," Fareeha explained, slightly miffed.

Sarfaraz thought momentarily, then asked her to bring the chair close to him. She did. He leaned, placing an arm on the table.

"Now, imagine. This—" He brought his index and middle finger near her face, - "is my—I mean, Adil's lips."

Fareeha nodded, eyeing the fingers.

"You don't make the first move, okay? After you both have consented. Let him lean closer, then you come close." He gestured with his other hand. Fareeha leaned, pouting her lips.

Sarfaraz pushed her forehead with the free hand and her eyes snapped open.

"Focus." He tapped at the side of her forehead.

"Look into my eyes, that is Adil's eyes."

She nodded and stared into his eyes. Sarfaraz paused for a moment, as for the first time he noticed a glimmer of innocence in her brown eyes. She looked on without a single blink, her lips curved into a gentle smile, and her fair cheeks tinted.

Sarfaraz licked his lips, shaking his head slightly, - "So—you—once he brought—this is a lower lip, and this is upper lip. Okay. Now, tilt your head a little." He fixed her head position, - "Place your lips on this." He slightly parted his fingers, - "Take whichever lip and softly—" Sarfaraz stopped speaking as her soft lips touched his index finger.

Fareeha clasped her lips on his finger, making it involuntarily twitch. She kept her eyes closed and softly nibbled, then gently smooched and leaned back.

"How did I do?" She grinned, her cheeks flushed.

Sarfaraz gaped at her. Fareeha lowered her eyes, scratching her neck with her nails.

Two seconds later, he cleared his throat and straightened.

"Um, leave that. Let me teach you—"
"I was bad?" Panic on her face.

Sarfaraz shook his head and reached out to hold her hand, - "You were fine. No one becomes an expert in kissing like this. Anyway, Adil will teach you that." He pulled her up, and she followed him.

Sarfaraz took out his phone and played a slow, melodious tune.

"Come, I will teach you to dance. So, you don't become goofy there." He faked strictness.

Fareeha rolled her eyes, smiling.

Sarfaraz held her gaze strongly. Her round lips lined with a faint smile.

Focus, Sarfaraz! This monkey is your best friend, and she needs your help.

Fareeha placed her hand on his shoulder and gave her the other hand. Sarfaraz raised her left brow, and she winked at him.

"At least your stupid books came to some use." He teased her.

Fareeha raised her chin in triumph.  

Sarfaraz moved his arm behind her, and hesitated for a second, then rested his hand on her waist. He gripped her hand tightly. They shared a deep look and a smile.

Fareeha's nervousness was evident by the slight tremor of her body. Sarfaraz held her tighter. She flexed her palm in his hold and lowered her head.

"Thank God you wore heels. Now, don't step on my foot."

Fareeha wasn't in any mood to argue and ignored him.

"You step forward with your left foot and me with my right."

She nodded urgently, but did the opposite, stepping on his feet.

"Ouch!" Sarfaraz bit his lower lip.

Fareeha profusely apologized. He shook his head, blinking his tears back.

"Focus, Fareeha."

She nodded thoughtfully. Closing her eyes, she fervently moved her lips in prayer.

Sarfaraz pressed his smile, admiring his goofy friend. She was (over) excited, making her look silly. At least this mock date would ease her.

After practicing small forward steps, Sarfaraz taught her side-to-side steps.

"Keep your feet together, ankles touching. And look—" He pushed her chin up and gestured with his fingers to focus into his eyes.

Fareeha blinked a few times to focus, then stared into his eyes with a piercing gaze. Sarfaraz's grin evaporated in an instant. Instead, there was a fluttering in his chest. While she stared innocently, waiting for further instruction. Sarfaraz licked his lips. His eyes flickered from her eyes to her round lips. As his gaze darted back and forth, Fareeha blinked. Her senses shot suddenly and his intense oud fragrance caused this weird tingling sensation in her stomach. Fareeha blinked softly. The innocent sliding of his hand on her back made heat rise through her body.

"I am doing right?" She interrupted the silence to cut off the rising tension.

Sarfaraz, dazed, took a moment to reply, - "Yeah, yeah. Now—now, go back and come front. We will do that."

She nodded, lowering her eyes to the ground and watching their feet. Sarfaraz wanted to look at her face and not the top of her head.

"Um, dude, don't break the eye contact. Adil will think you are not interested."

Fareeha raised her head, and their eyes met. Sarfaraz froze, and once again a strange dilemma occupied his mind. They moved slowly to the melody. To distract himself, he asked her to hold his hand so he could twirl her.

"Don't be clumsy. And don't stamp on me, please."

"Yeah, yeah. I am confident now." She assured him. The first turn had a lag, but the second twirl was smooth.

"Great! Now, for the third time, turn around. Back against my chest, okay, and my arms around you, hands clasped. Okay?"

Fareeha nodded. Sarfaraz carefully twirled her, giving a slight push on her back. She fell against him. Fumbling with his fingers, finally she grabbed him firmly. Shutting her eyes tight, Fareeha was short of breath. The first time proximity wasn't awkward as she thought, but it was bringing feelings she never had. But had read about them. Was she experiencing those? It was all in her head. Right?

Sarfaraz seamlessly slipped his fingers into the gaps of her fingers. The feel of her chest rising and falling hinted to him that she was nervous. The floral and sweet vanilla scent of her bare skin arose an impatient desire in him to feel the smooth tantalizing—

Focus, Sarfaraz, are you nuts?

He brought their tangled arms up to her collarbone, his face inches away from her neck. Fareeha gulped softly as the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She turned her face to speak to him. Lost in her seductive feminine scent and the proximity, Sarfaraz opened his eyes. Before Fareeha could speak, he placed his lips over her mouth. He pecked her lips and leaned back.

"Haww!" Fareeha freed herself from his hold and turned to him, placing her hand over her mouth. Sarfaraz looked puzzled and horrified at her. To him, it felt like someone rudely awakened him from a dream, leaving him confused about reality.

"Idiot, you stole my first kiss. You Ass." Fareeha screeched at him. He was still dazed, looking around and trying to grasp the things of it. She turned in anger and grabbed her purse.

Sarfaraz shook his head and hurried behind her, calling her name. Fareeha stomped towards the door.

"Listen, dude." He was breathless by the time he stopped her. His hand was firmly on the door, while she held the golden handle.

"Move your hand, otherwise I will slash it."

"Fareeha, idiot. It wasn't a kiss." He huffed, straightening, - "Don't give yourself so much importance."

"You—Ass." Fareeha lifted her leg and pulled out her heels, - "I swear I will—"
Sarfaraz grabbed her hand, waved the heels, and tugged her closer to him.

"I was teaching you, monkey. Besides, it wasn't a kiss. And it doesn't mean anything, just like in the movies." He explained, slightly out of breath.

Fareeha jerked her hand from his grip, - "Good luck explaining that to your girlfriend. You just cheated on her."

Sarfaraz held his forehead, sighing loudly, - "Dude, it wasn't a kiss. You stupid girls and your stupid obsession with the first kiss and boring stuff—" He made a face.

Fareeha kept glaring at him.

Sarfaraz drooped his shoulders, then opened the door for her, - "Wear your heels, I will drop you—no, no, in fact, come to my home. Your dad will question—"

"No." She snapped, - "My driver is waiting for me. And, I got my abaya."

Sarfaraz opened his mouth, but she silenced him by slapping her palms.

"Thank you." Fareeha turned, and stumbling with her heels, she dashed out. Sarfaraz defiantly followed her and watched her get into the car. Then, he jumped into his car and drove behind her car. 

The car stopped by her apartment. and Fareeha got down wearing a black and loose abaya. She took out the keys from her purse and walked inside. Sarfaraz squinted his eyes, observing her. Then, got out of his car and tiptoed into her apartment. At four o'clock in the night, the watchmen were asleep and barely noticed anyone. Fareeha got into the elevator. Sarfaraz continued to eye the elevator's panel and relaxed once it stopped on the tenth floor.  

No matter how much she tried, sleep eluded her. Fareeha kept tossing in bed, hoping different positions could help her sleep. Finally giving up, she sat on the bed and held her forehead.

"Why can't I stop thinking about that ass—" She gritted her teeth and shot up from the bed. Mindlessly, Fareeha drifted into the kitchen. Placing her long tresses on her shoulder, she fished out a kettle. As she prepared her tea, her hand moved up to her mouth. Fareeha traced her finger over lips, the gentle touch of his warm soft lips brought goosebumps. She shivered and stared at her fingers. Everything seemed to happen in a flash, but the feeling of closeness was vivid and the only thing she could remember.

The loud whistle of the kettle made her jump in her place.

Almas walked in.

"Fareeha!" she drawled at her daughter, her eyes drooping with sleep. Fareeha turned her head and breathed a sigh of relief.

"What are you doing here, bacha?" She yawned, placing the back of her hand against her gaping mouth. Almas had a dupatta wrapped around her, making Fareeha realize it was about sunrise.

"I was—"
"Why are you making tea now? Acha, listen, make a cup of tea for me too, and then pray. Both mother and daughter will have tea together." Almas flaunted her cute, bright smile. Fareeha smiled back, nodding. The perfect distraction that she needed. 

Sarfaraz stood at the sky deck of his penthouse, watching the rosy hue of the rising sun. The reminiscent of the "fake- date" haunted him, making it difficult for him to sleep. The horror and the embarrassment were eating him from inside. For the first time, he embarrassed himself in front of Fareeha. The look on her face further escalated his troubles. How will he face her? Because no matter how much he convinces her, he can't convince himself that it wasn't a kiss. It was the dreaded truth that he lost control. Why? How? Even while being in a committed relationship with the woman he loves.

Thinking to himself, Sarfaraz placed his hands on the cold railing and flexed his fingers. The platinum band glistened on his middle finger. Why was he still wearing this?

Fareeha was his best friend. Since birth, they have always been together. It was an accident, right?

Right?

The thought disturbed him so badly, and the great tragedy was he had only Fareeha to discuss with.

Sarfaraz drew in a deep breath and turned around. Dragging his feet, he walked out of his room. As he descended the stairs, Adil dashed through the main door. He looked haphazard and sleepy.

Sarfaraz stood in the middle of the stairs, holding the railing, and passed him a confused look.

"Adil!"

He halted in his tracks and stared up at Sarfaraz.

"Dude, where have you been?" Adil looked distraught.

"What happened?"

Adil hastened to him, - "Dania was calling you a million times. Where were you?" He spoke whilst climbing the stairs.

"What? What happened?" Sarfaraz fanatically checked his pockets for his phone, only to realize he was wearing his night robe.

"Her mother's health worsened, and she was panicking. And you left your phone here."

"What nonsense, I—" Sarfaraz stopped, realizing he had taken his work phone with him.

Shit!

"I couldn't sleep, and was strolling and found your phone ringing," Adil explained how he rushed to help Dania in the middle of the night. He checked her and arranged an ambulance all the while coordinating with her doctor. Amidst all this, Dania was still asking for him.

Sarfaraz felt a pang of guilt.

"How—how is her mother now?"

Adil exhaled through his mouth, bunching his hair from the top, and nodded, - "She is admitted to ICU. Stable."

"Good, I am going—" Sarfaraz turned to go when Adil stopped him.

"Not right now. Dania is not in the right mental state. Her mother—" He hesitated, making Sarfaraz's heart drop, - "is making some—demands."

"What demands?"

Adil shook his head and climbed to the same level as him. He patted his younger step-brother's shoulder, - "Just don't disturb her, for today. She told me she was in no mood to be bothered." He informed him and then climbed up.

Sarfaraz frowned, mumblingto himself about demands Dania's mom might be making

Sarfaraz be like, if not stopped...

What demands could Dania's mother be making?

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