༻✺༺

0 9 . f i r e w o r k s  o f  a  d i f f e r e n t  k i n d

be my girl, i'll be your man, i see my future in your eyes

༻✺༺

𝐴𝑧𝑎𝑎𝑛

FOUR nights. Four fucking sleepless night.

The past few days have been a tumultuous whirlwind, a storm raging within me. When I showed up unannounced at her office with dinner on Tuesday night, little did I know that it would be the last time I would see her. The last time I would speak to her.

The woman was fucking gorgeous, yet so maddeningly aloof and guarded it could drive the sanest man insane. She had built a gilded cage around herself, a fortress of protection that kept the world at bay. And yet, I had misjudged her initial tenacity. This woman was stubborn in the most frustrating of ways.

Notorious as the outgoing, wayward political heiress, she was the wild child of the family, a rebel without a cause. But regardless of what had been written about her, in the short time I had known her, I discovered how strong-willed, opinionated and acutely intelligent she was, her strength of will and acuity of mind were both impressive and beguiling. Her shrewd spirit was untameable, but there was a glimmer of honesty that sparkled in her glacial eyes. Behind the facade of a fierce unforgiving woman, was a soul, thoughtful and seductive.

And the mere thought of her made me absolutely feral with need. The woman was like wine. The taste of her seeped through my blood, slowly intoxicating me with her sweet bitterness. The feeling was addictive. I wanted to taste her. To drink every last shard of her mind, body and soul.

Alcohol makes you desire the forbidden, but every forbidden thing has a secret charm, and she was the ultimate forbidden fruit. The danger and allure of it all stirred something deep within me, something primitive and raw. My blood pumped vigorously with frustration and the infatuation that ravaged through me like a beast, deranged and ferocious. But I couldn't help myself. For the first time in a long time, I was alive with the thrill of desire.

The need to see her consumed me, driving me to the brink of insanity. But I knew that seeing her now would only deepen the confusion and uncertainty that already plagued my heart. So, in a desperate attempt to regain some sense of clarity, I had purposefully created distance between us.

As the days passed, the ache of her absence grew more acute. I found myself consumed by thoughts of her, haunted by the memory of her smile and the way she made me feel alive. But I couldn't let my longing cloud my judgement. We both needed time to sort through our emotions, to push away the feelings that seemed to have crawled under our skins and threatened to consume us entirely.

I had hoped that this space would offer us both the chance to reassess our feelings, to gain the perspective we needed to move forward. But now, as I struggled to make sense of my own heart, I couldn't help but wonder if I had made a mistake in pushing her away.

The bleak possibility that Layla wouldn't show up at tonight's dinner loomed large in my mind. I had vowed to step away, to walk away without any questions, but the mere thought lit a fire within me. I couldn't bear the idea of losing her, of never experiencing the magic she brought to my life.

I wanted the stars in her eyes, the way they sparkled with mischief and wonder. I wanted the smoke of her lips, the way they curled into a smile that set my heart racing. I wanted the scars of her heart, the wounds that had shaped her into the stunning woman she was today. And I wanted the dreams of her brain, the visions that inspired her to reach for the impossible.

I wanted her darkness and her light, the full spectrum of her being. I wanted her spirit and her storms, the passion and intensity that made her so unforgettable. For as long as I could remember, I had been drawn to her like a moth to a flame, and I knew that no matter what happened, I would always crave the magic of her presence in my life.

Everything about her called out to me every fibre, every nerve ending of my being felt alive under her presence. I wanted nothing more but to sweep her away into the darkness of the night, and hold her close and dance with her in a room ablaze with desire.

An image began to weave itself in my mind, her face a tantalizing haze that refused to dissipate. I could almost see her before me, wrapped in the rich shades of red wine, her thick dark hair tumbling down her back in a cascade of silk.

But it was her lips that captured my attention, those perennially pink curves that begged to be kissed, to be savored like the finest wine. With every breath, I could feel myself falling deeper under her spell, consumed by the hypnotic beauty of this ice queen.

And yet, even as I admired her from afar, I knew that to approach her would be to risk everything. For she was not just any woman; she was a force of nature, a tempest of passion and desire that could sweep me away in an instant.

Still, the allure of her beauty was too powerful to resist. I knew that I would always hunger for her, always be drawn to the magic that surrounded her like a cloak. And yet I stood there, lost in a haze of longing and desire, unable to shake away the vision of the wicked temptress who had stolen my thoughts.

Unable to distract myself, I walked into the gym and readied myself for a boxing match. Haris, my childhood friend, was waiting for me, his gloves already on.

"Are you sure we have time for this?" He asked, adjusting his glove.

I shrugged off his question and stepped into the ring, bracing myself for the fight to come. Haris wasted no time in striking out, his fist connecting with my jaw and sending me reeling. "You're so fucking lost these days." He laughed, as I pulled myself together and readied myself for the fight.

This time I didn't spare him a moment, swinging an impressive blow against his jaw, sending him staggering back. The muscles of my arms flexed, as I pursued him with a flurry of swift punches. We circled each other warily, feinting right and left, both of us determined to emerge victorious. The game continued, blow after blow exchanged, the sound of gloves hitting flesh echoing through the empty gym. For a brief moment, I forgot about everything else.

"What the fuck is wrong with you today?" Haris huffed with exertion, the cocky smirk wiped off his face when I swung a solid punch into his gut. I moved around the ring, like I had been untouched, the sinews of my arms bulged and flexed, my chest glistening with sweat. Haris gave me a hardened look, before pulling out of the ring and throwing his gloves to the ground. "Did you lose a case? Why are you out of yourself?"

"Stop acting like a sour loser." I retorted with a half smirk.

"Stop acting like a fucking retard." he shot back, grabbing a nearby towel to wipe the sweat off his face. "I'm not attending your dinner with a broken nose."

"Doubt anyone would care about the shape of your nose." I quipped, emptying a bottle of water over my head, my eyes sparkling with a humorous glint. "The girls especially. Is your girlfriend coming tonight?"

"Which one?" Haris smirked seeing me shake my head in disapproval. "Safa and I broke up. I'm a single pringle, although my mother is trying hard to set me up these days."

"I always knew you were doomed to an arranged marriage. Who is the unlucky girl?"

"Layla Malik. The granddaughter of Jalaluddin Malik. Dad too thinks it'll strengthen our position in the party but —"

I saw red.

The mere mention of her name sent my blood boiling. His words ricochet like bullets spraying against me, echoing in my mind like a hail of gunfire. Pure unadulterated fury spiralled through me, bubbling like a raging storm ready to strike him down with a flash of lightning. My cheeks burned as I fixed him with a controlled stare, struggling to contain the raw emotions that threatened to spill out.

"Stay the fuck away from her."

Each word came out in a low and menacing growl, dragged from my lips with deliberate force. My fists clenched as I fought to control the raging fury within me, determined to keep a lid on the potent mix of jealousy, anger, and possessiveness that threatened to consume me. The room fell silent as I battled to rein in my emotions, my mind filled with a vivid image of her with another man. A string of curses slipped from my lips, muttered under my breath as I struggled to regain my composure.

The thought of Layla being a mere pawn in a political game made my insides churn with jealousy and possessiveness. The possessiveness inside me was a living, breathing thing, coiled tight around my heart like a snake.

When I looked up, Haris stared back, his face unreadable and his eyes narrowed in inspection. "What?" The word came out in a snarl.

I could feel the tension in the room, the silence deafening as my eyes bore into Haris. "Are you seeing her?" he asked, his voice cutting through the stillness.

"No."

"Then what's with the cavemannish attitude?"

"Just— just fuck off!"

"Explains why you've been behaving like an ass." He laughed. He raised an eyebrow, a knowing expression dawning on his face. "Trust me, you have no competition when it comes to her except the girl herself. She pushes away everyone before they can even think of coming near."

With a knowing smirk, I tilt my head towards him, "And that's what I love about her."

Haris shook the sweat off his hair, taking in my parting glare, the silent warning in my eyes well received.

༻✺༺

I gazed up wistfully at the darkened sky, my heart aching for her presence. I was hoping that the stars would align, the universe would spin and the magic would spill, bringing her to me.

But unlike the previous few days, I had received no message or call from her acknowledging the present I had sent her today. For once, I was completely uncertain if she'd show up for tonight's celebration. "I had no clue what was going on in her mind. There seemed to be no way to unravel the shroud of darkness and mystery that covered her like a black velvet cloak

The ballroom was spacious, tastefully decorated in shades of gold and burgundy, the colours symbolic of our law firm. The entire lobby drowned in a sea of elaborate flower and candle arrangements with the curtains and fabrics adding to the granduer of the decor. The place looked grand, glittering mercilessly under the dependable sea of incandescent lights and obscenely ornate chandeliers. Ostentatious and glitzy, tonight was yet another show of Mughal grandeur.

Polite chatter echoed off the soaring ceiling and walls of the hall. The soft murmurs floated beneath the soft notes of music playing in the background. Even the efforts of the musicians failed to drown the constant feeling of unease that had settled over me like thick fog.

Tonight was a big night.

The sprawling property had been decked up to get the temperatures soaring within Lahore's social circuits. As the night sprawled its wings, the crowd fell into a rhythmic cadence. The finest gentry of the city had descended tonight, decked in their best attire they milled about indulging in the hors d'oeuvres being served.

As I saw my mother enter the room, my heart swelled a little. Her tall, lean figure towered over most of the other guests, and her perfectly coiffed hair and expensive designer dress made it clear that she was the epitome of high society. Her piercing eyes scanned the room, as if she was sizing up the other guests and assessing their worthiness to be in her presence.

As I approached my mother, I couldn't help but notice a change in her. The lines on her face had softened, and there was a brightness in her eyes that I hadn't seen in a long time. She was glowing with a newfound energy, and I could sense that she was at peace with herself.

"Mom!" She turned to face me, and for a moment I was struck by the resemblance between us. We both had sharp features and piercing eyes, and I knew that many people saw us as cut from the same cloth. "You look amazing," I said, embracing her in a warm hug.

"Thank you, Azaan," she replied with a smile. "Life is too short to waste on anything that doesn't make you happy."

I couldn't agree more. My mother had always been a force to be reckoned with, a woman of immense strength and determination. But seeing her so carefree and relaxed was a welcome change.

"Azaan," she said coolly. "You look good."

I tried not to let her curt tone bother me. "Thank you, Mother. I'm so glad you could make it tonight."

Her lips turned up in a small smile. "Of course, dear. I wouldn't miss one of your events for the world."

We chatted for a while, catching up on each other's lives, and she regaled me with tales of her travels with my nieces and nephews. It was heartening to see her enjoying life to the fullest, unencumbered by the shackles of a failed marriage. My mother was not just a haughty socialite, but a woman who had faced adversity with grace and come out stronger on the other side.

As the night wore on, I mingled with the guests, making small talk and exchanging pleasantries. The crowd was a mix of old and new faces, some of whom I knew from previous events while others were new acquaintances. I enjoyed socializing, knowing that networking was just as important as celebrating the success of my firm. Despite the festive atmosphere, my thoughts kept drifting to Layla and the uncertainty of her attendance. I hoped she would show up but still, the fear lingered, a nagging presence at the edge of my consciousness.

As I had almost given up hope, my eyes suddenly caught sight of Layla as she drifted into the hall. Just like the day she unexpectedly walked into my life, she now stood at the entrance, her gaze scanning the room with her midnight black orbs. Wild and unpredictable like a midsummer night's storm.  Despite the hesitation in her eyes, they still burned bright like shining stars on a darkened night. The radiance of her presence was enough to light up the entire space around her. It was impossible not to feel her power and charisma. As she made her way inside, guests stopped their conversations to turn and admire her beauty, giving her their undivided attention.

I took a sip of my drink, mesmerized by her presence. With every breath, my world seemed to shrink, as though she was the only thing that mattered. Her one-shoulder Bordeaux dress, cinched at the waist by a black belt, clung to her curves in a way that made my heart race. Her caramel skin glowed under the lights, and her long tresses cascaded over her bare shoulder like a waterfall of silk. A pale pink lipstick adorned her lips, which had haunted my dreams every night. When she saw her sister, a faint smile graced her features.
Transfixed, I watched her bask in the warmth of the room, her smile radiating like a beacon of light. She greeted everyone with such ease and charm, making them feel at home. Nia and Daania joined her, and soon they formed a small, tight-knit group. She chatted amicably, her laughter contagious, while I brooded in the background, struggling to keep my emotions in check. Every so often, she turned around and scanned the room, her eyes flickering with a hint of something that made my heart ache. Was she looking for me? The pain inside me tightened with each passing moment.

This girl could walk over to me and I'd willingly let her.

I had asked her to accompany me to tonight's dinner, but despite her initial refusal here she was. I couldn't tell if the entire thing was her attempt to make me grovel at her feet or if fate had intervened to bring us together.The past few days had been a blur of missed opportunities and ignored messages. My heart was a tangled web of emotions, my mind racing with thoughts of her. I tried to push her out of my mind, but every time I tried, her sweet voice and intoxicating scent would fill my senses. And yet, none of her messages had given any hint of her intention to attend the dinner, especially not with me. It was like trying to read the wind, impossible to predict and impossible to control. This game of cat and mouse that we had been playing was dangerous. No rules. No boundaries. The dynamic between us was as brittle as glass and we both knew we were threading on thin ice

Suddenly she looked up and our eyes met from across the hall, shaking off my thoughts. Noting my presence she nodded, her eyes molten and warm, taking in the satisfaction of winning on my face.

She was here. I had won.

Her brow arched up in a silent challenge, and I couldn't help but smile. Our game had begun again.

She was here, but on her own terms.

Sensing her sister turn towards her, she quickly averted her gaze, her face slightly flush with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. When she dared another glance, she still found my glowing gaze on her. Unwavering. Unflinching. Excusing herself from the group, she navigated through the crowd, and I followed, slipping in and out of the throng like a shadow.

I made no move to close the distance between us, and neither did she. It was as if a magnetic force was holding us apart, a force stronger than our desire to be together. And yet, every time we looked up, our eyes would meet, locking us in a never-ending game of stares. It was like a dance, with each glance and every step bringing us closer to each other. Our eyes spoke volumes, saying things that our lips dared not. It was a silent conversation, a conversation of the heart, and we were both speaking the same language.

As we continued our wordless dance, I was stopped by a group of old family friends who offered their good wishes. Quickly excusing myself, I turned to look around, but this time she was nowhere to be seen. The fox had disappeared, and I was left searching the hall with restless feet, the rhythm of the music driving me on. My heart beat faster with every step, hoping to catch a glimpse of her again and continue our dangerous game.

Had she left already? Fuck!

A waiter dressed in a black and white suit appeared, his tray of drinks like a glimmer of hope in the dark abyss of my frustration. I longed for a drink, something to calm the storm raging inside me, but instead of offering me one, he extended his hand and pressed a napkin into my palm. I looked at him with a mixture of confusion and irritation, my mind already frayed at the edges. And yet, as I unfolded the napkin, I noticed something scribbled on the inside, like a secret message passed between two lovers. It was a note, simple and yet so powerful, written in the delicate strokes of a pen, that it took my breath away.

Waiting for you in the gardens. x
-L

Folding the napkin into my pocket, I followed her outside into the neatly pruned gardens. There was no one there, except the soft hum of the crickets and the charred smoke from the kitchens flavouring the still air of the night. I looked around, trying to spot her in the darkness. The stars above were like diamonds strewn across the vast expanse of the sky, their shimmering light casting a dreamy glow over the night. The soft music from the hall was like a serenade, weaving its way through the air like a gentle breeze, stirring something deep within me. I felt as if I were lost in a dream, a dream that was as delicate as the petals of a flower and as fleeting as a shooting star. And yet, in this moment, with the stars above and the music playing, I felt like anything was possible, like the world was mine for the taking.

It took me a fleeting moment to sense her presence behind me. I didn't have to turn around to know that she was there. The air around me seemed to shift, charged with an electric energy that could only come from her. I closed my eyes with a soft smile, relishing in the way her essence seemed to fill every inch of the space around me. It was like a warm, crackling fire that consumed me, drawing me in closer to the flame. And in that moment, with her so close, I felt like I was enveloped in a cocoon of light, safe and secure in her embrace.

"Someone seems to be on the edge tonight."

I smiled hearing her silky whisper, her voice caressing me like a feather. "And someone seems to be enjoying keeping me on the edge." I replied without turning around to meet her.

"Objection. Calls for speculation."

"That's a little argumentative?"

I turned around, catching her gaze fixed intently on me. The faint smile on her lips deepened imperceptibly, as if she knew something I didn't. I couldn't help but feel a jolt of electricity run through my veins at the sight of her, my heart beating faster in my chest. My eyes wandered over the curves of her face, taking in the ruddy hue of her cheeks and the delectable pout of her lips. The temptation to touch them, to feel their softness, crawled under my skin, the desire coming back with a raw, animalistic hunger.
But even as my thoughts turned carnal, she took an innocent step forward, the hem of her dress brushing against my shoes, and I felt a sudden shift in the air. It was as if a magnet had drawn us together, forcing away the distance between us. And in that moment, with her so close, I felt like I was standing at the edge of a precipice, ready to fall headlong into the abyss. But I didn't care. For in her eyes, I saw a reflection of my own desire, and I knew that I was not alone in my hunger.

"Hardly. When it's you, Mr. Mughal, who hasn't been returning my calls or texts. Some would say you're the one enjoying keeping me on the edge." Her voice rang with accusation, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"I plead guilty."

"Some would call it duress."

I chuckled at her response, "Now that's defamation, Ms Malik."

"So you didn't purposefully ignore me to cause undue influence on my decision to come here tonight?

"Not that it was my intention, no. But it seems to have worked." I shrugged, "You won't hear me complaining."

"You wouldn't dare, Mr. Mughal." she said, her arms crossed over her chest. As she closed the gap between us, the scent of her perfume enveloped me like a warm embrace, and my heart quickened. I longed to wrap my arms around her and pull her close, to feel the softness of her curves against my body. But before my thoughts could run wild, she spoke again, her voice soft but firm, "Next time, please give me fair warning of the colour of your tie," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. Her eyes darted down to my tie and pocket square, a shade almost the exact same as her dress. As she stepped closer, her slender fingers reached up to adjust my tie, her touch feather-light on my chest. I was lost in her, drowning in her beauty, and for a moment, the world around us faded away.

There was something magnetic between us, like a charged current passing through the air. It was as if the world around us had disappeared and we were the only two people left in the room. And I was certain she felt it too, because when our eyes met again her face illuminated with a knowing glint, her innocent doe like eyes falling upon my parted lips. She knew what I was feeling, what I wanted. I was certain of it.

Was she thinking what I was? The uncertainty had me unraveling, and suddenly I couldn't be sure. She stole yet another wistful glance at me, freezing the moment between us. I could not tell what was going on in her mind, but my hands moved of their own accord, rising up to meet hers on my chest. With a sudden burst of courage, I pulled her closer, our bodies almost touching. I could feel the heat radiating off her skin, the scent of her perfume filling my senses.

In the small intimate space, the air between us was thick with tension and desire. We were so close that I could feel the heat radiating from her body, but there was still a small sliver of space between us that seemed to pulse with a fiery intensity. Every breath we took seemed to be laced with a dangerous allure, drawing us closer and closer to the edge. I could sense her body responding to my touch, her breath hitching and her muscles tightening, but she remained still, watching me with a mixture of curiosity and caution. Her face was so close that I could feel the warmth of her breath on my skin, and I was overcome with a powerful urge to close the gap between us and lose myself in her completely.

"Careful there," my words prickled across her skin, sending her body into an unexplained frenzy. Her breath unevened, yet the challenge and ferocity in her eyes overshadowed any fear she might have had. "Are you promising there will be a next time?"

A mischievous smirk widened across her face, "Promises are meant to be broken, Mr. Mughal."

The woman had a knack for manipulating words and had a history of turning mine against me. She enjoyed weaving words into powerful webs, sweet and deceptive, ready to ensnare. She watched me with a knowing glint, her eyes burning with curiosity as they wanted for a response. But as moments pressed into one another, words began to leave me and I found myself unable to look away from her.

Wanting her. Desiring her. All of her.

As I held her close, I couldn't help but notice the way her dress flowed like a river, the fabric soft as the petals of a rose. Her hair was an ocean of dark waves cascading down her shoulders, glinting in the dim light like stars in the night sky. Her eyes were like emeralds, sparkling with mischief and joy, inviting me to dive into them and lose myself in their depths.
She leaned into me, her breath hot against my neck, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. It was as if I was standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to fall, yet feeling safe in her embrace.
"You look like a dream tonight."  My dream

The words that had swirled in my head like a tempestuous storm, waiting to be unleashed, spilled out effortlessly in that moment, like a gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of blooming flowers.
I couldn't help but notice the way her eyes lit up and her cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink in response to his compliment, "Aren't you slow? Took you a while to appreciate."

Her voice was a melody, sweet and enchanting, and I found myself lost in it, unable to resist her spell. "A while?I am a man of words, but I am at a loss for them when I look at you. You looked breathtaking. I couldn't fucking breathe, Lee Lee."

With a quickening heartbeat, I couldn't resist pulling her closer, so close I could the icy heat of her body thickening my blood. We were indecently close, yet she made no attempt to pull away or push me off. The seductive smile on her lips betrayed the innocence twinkling in her eyes. Yet her cheeks flushed when I loosened my hold around her slightly. "Even this beautiful night pales in comparison to you tonight." I whispered softly.

"Thank you."

"No. Thank you for coming. You have no idea how much it means."

"You left me with no option. The flowers were gorgeous."

"The flowers did it, huh?" I teased, pulling back slightly to look at her face.

She shook her head, her hands coming to rest on my arms, "And the chocolates, the chessboard, the earrings," she pulled her hair back up to reveal the diamond studs she was wearing. "The bag, the dinner. Everything Azaan. Everything. But no one has ever sent me a handmade bouquet before."

"It wasn't the prettiest one—"

Her finger softly pressed against my lips, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. The blush on her face only added to her radiance, and I couldn't help but stare at her in awe. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, as if the universe had conspired to make this moment perfect. But she suddenly pulled back, the intimacy of the action dawning upon her. However her eyes never left mine, and her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, "It was perfect. Thank you for making me feel so special. I haven't felt this way in a very long time."

The words escaped her lips in a hushed tone, barely audible. I felt a pang in my chest as I witnessed the sadness etched across her features. It was as if she was holding back a tidal wave of emotions, but a part of her couldn't contain it any longer. Despite her attempt to regain her composure, her vulnerability was palpable.

An errant lock of hair fell over her face, caressing her cheeks. Smiling down at her, I gently tucked it behind her ear. She didn't need my sympathy or reassurance but I knew whatever that had happened in her past, still affected her to this day. Whatever it was, I'd find out. But right now, there was only one thing she needed to know.

"You're special, Lee Lee. Very special."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

"Are you flirting with me, Mr. Mughal?" She narrowed her eyes in playful mischief, her smile dancing on the edge of sprightly seduction.

Pretending to be amazed, I looked at her wondrously "Damn. I thought I was being subtle."

"As subtle as a raging bull." My brow rose in offence and she let out a small chuckle, "Enough about me. It's your big night."

"It is. And I have to be up there in a few minutes." I gestured towards the stage, my eyes gleaming with anticipation, and shoved my hands into my pockets.

Noticing the slight movement, she said knowingly, "You're nervous."

"A little overwhelmed perhaps." I admit to her truthfully. "I've worked very hard for this day. And for once in my life, this is something I truly own, it's mine. It hasn't been given to me. It hasn't been bought for me. It hasn't been handed down to me. Life was served to me on a silver platter and sometimes I feel that made me lose direction. When you're born with a silver spoon you often tend to take things for granted. I know I did. My siblings were always engaged in an unspoken game, an unending war, always running to get to the finish line. The need to win was what kept them running. The power, the control, the competition. They thrived on it. And I hated it. Especially since that seemed to be the only logical explanation to explain the dysfunctional family dynamics of my family. I hated it. I hated it so much. I wanted nothing to do with my family, their name or their fame. After my old man passed away, I almost drank my life away. Had Taimoor Bhai not stepped in, I probably would have dropped out of Harvard as well. Can you believe that?"

She was silent for a while and I worried I hadn't given away a little too much, a little too soon. I hadn't meant to scare her, but the years of pent up feelings seemed to have found a way out. I dreaded the pity and judgement that would inevitably follow, but as I looked into her eyes, there was no trace of either. Her face remained stoic, giving nothing away.

And then, all of a sudden, she let out a soft laugh. The sound was like a balm to my soul, easing the tension that had been building inside me. "Relatable as fuck," she said with a playful glint in her eye. I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. "You know," she continued, "there was a time when all I did was travel the world and party."

"You sure you still don't do that." I chimed in, only to receive a playful shove against my shoulder. "Tonight marks the first milestone of my journey. Mughal & Co will be the biggest firm in the world."

"It's the first step, Azaan. And I know one day you'll make Mughal & Co Law one of the biggest law firms in the world. I know you will do that, I believe in you. You're not the biggest bullshitter for nothing."

"I'm a charmer, ma'am."

As we stood there, the energy around us shifted, and a buzz of excitement filled the air. The commotion behind us grew louder, and we knew it was time to take the stage. The crowd had started to shift and gather, eager to hear what we had to say..

"Go. You've got this."

"Aren't you going to wish me good luck?"

"You don't need it. You're a charmer, go work your magic."

"Wait! I have something for you." As I opened my mouth to speak, a sudden burst of light erupted in the sky behind us, illuminating the darkness with a shower of sparks. "Thank you for coming." I whispered, as another firework exploded in the distance, filling the air with a kaleidoscope of colours. The look of surprise and wonder on her face made this entire night worth it.

As the fireworks exploded in the sky, I couldn't help but wrap my arms around Layla's waist, pulling her closer to me. Her back pressed against my chest and I felt her body relax against mine. It was as if we were the only two people in the world, the sound of the fireworks fading away and leaving us in our own little bubble. I rested my chin on her shoulder, taking in the sight before us.

As we moved together in the flickering light, sparks flew and ashes became fire, the heat of our bodies melding into a single entity. I lost myself in her, consumed by the intensity of our connection.

In that moment, nothing else mattered but the feeling of her in my arms, the way her body fit against mine in perfect harmony. I knew then that I would always hunger for her, always crave the magic of our shared desire

She turned her head to look at me, her eyes filled with wonder, "For me?"

I nodded, "For you."

She smiled, "Thank you. This was beautiful."

As the last burst of colorful sparks fizzled out in the sky, Layla turned around in my arms and looked up at me with a smile that illuminated her face in the dim light. The remnants of the fireworks smoke still lingered in the air, adding to the mystique of the moment. We stood there for a while, just holding each other, lost in our own thoughts, as if nothing else existed in the world except the two of us. But the distant sounds of music and chatter from the party reminded us it was time to head inside.

I extended my hand towards her, hoping she would take it. "Come with me?" I asked softly. Her gaze lingered on my hand for a moment before shifting to meet my eyes. I could see the conflict etched on her face, her thoughts in turmoil. Part of her wanted to take my hand and go with me, while the other was holding her back. I could sense her dilemma, the hesitation that was holding her back. But I didn't want to pressure her, so I stood there quietly, waiting for her to make her decision.

"You know I'm here for you. But I can't be seen with you. Not yet at least. Shanzae and Aliyaar Bhai are outside. Zeenia, Daania, your entire family is there. I don't want to give them the wrong impression."

"I doubt they'd care."

"I care. And now is not the time."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded, pushing her shoulders back with decisive confidence, "Go."She nudged me towards the door, but as I turned to leave, I could feel her gaze on my back, a silent call for me to stay. And then something flickered in her eyes and called out, "Azaan."

Halting in my tracks, I watched as she walked towards me, once again closing the distance between us. Every step she took sent a jolt of anticipation through my body, making my heart race faster than ever. She stopped right in front of me, and I could feel the air around us grow thick with tension. The intensity of the moment was almost palpable, and I found myself holding my breath as I waited to see what she would do next.

As the night breeze whispered through the trees, Layla leaned in towards me, her warm breath caressing my cheek. I could feel my heart racing in anticipation as she drew closer, her hands on my chest, her eyes locked onto mine. Her lips gently brushed against my cheek, leaving a trail of sweet warmth in their wake. It was a simple gesture, yet it filled me with a rush of emotions I couldn't begin to describe.
The intensity of the moment was palpable, and I could feel the electricity flowing between us. I wanted to pull her close, to hold her tight and never let go. But before I could act on my desires, she stepped back, her eyes never leaving mine.

The taste of her lips lingered on my skin, sweet and intoxicating.

The world around us faded away as we stood there, lost in each other's embrace. The stars above us seemed to twinkle with delight as Layla smiled

As I gazed into her eyes, I braced myself for the possibility of seeing regret, but instead, I was met with a look of pure satisfaction and something deeper that pierced through all the playful teasing and flirtation between us. For a fleeting moment, her gaze drifted down to my lips, sending a jolt of electricity through my entire body. I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest as I struggled to maintain my composure.

I grinned, running my hand through my hair. This girl was messing with my entire existence. And I was gladly letting her. My instinct was to pull her into my arms and kiss the teasing smile away, but instead I stepped closer and cradled her face between my palms. Slow and gentle.

She looked up expectantly, when I heard someone announce my name. My mind was still reeling from the kiss on the cheek, the warmth of her lips still lingering on my skin. But I had a speech to deliver, and I couldn't let this distract me.I cursed under my breath and she let out a giggle. With a deep breath, I reluctantly released her face from my palms.

Our eyes met again, This time, there was a look of pride and admiration on her face. The fireworks may have ended, but at that moment, there were fireworks of a different kind exploding with me.

"Good luck, Azaan!"

༻✺༺

She kisses him. 🥳
Thoughts?

Follow me on Instagram @sssournothings

༻✺༺