I stared outside the window, my distrait mind failing to focus on anything, except the claustrophobic comfort of the car. The idle hum of the engine and the soundless changing of gears offered a welcome distraction from the serene silence of the journey. It was a long drive and the blurring scenery was my only companion.

The warm summer sky washed away the greys of the previous night. The white clouds puffed up in radiant joy, slowly sailing with the wind, ready to explore the world. The heaven bound birds glided against the brilliant blue skies, celebrating the birth of a new day, relishing their freedom.

When nature hasn't caged its creations, why has man caged himself?

Shortly after reading Yaar's letter, whatever doubt I had in my mind slowly petered out. I knew Yaar cared too deeply for his family to go against them, but I had to take one last chance before tomorrow's event.

Tomorrow was Dada Jaan's birthday. Tomorrow was the day they'd announce my engagement in front of the world. Tomorrow my fate would be sealed.

I had called Yaar after reading the letter.

"I want to meet your brother," I said.

"Now?"

"Yes. Can he come home? I don't have his number so I thought I'd call you."

There was a pause for a moment. "It's Sunday, We're at our farmhouse. In fact, why don't you come over. Spend the day with us."

"That won't be possible. Dada Jaan would not allow it." I said shaking my head.

"Get ready, I'll have the car sent over shortly."

I sighed. "I told you I won't be allowed. Plus I don't want five body guards prying upon our conversation."

He laughed, "I'll have Aliyaar Bhai call him. He wouldn't refuse. Just get ready. I'll meet you here." I had my doubts, but I decided to get ready.

Surprisingly, moments later Huda came in to inform me the car was waiting for me downstairs and Dada Jaan had agreed to let me go. Alone.

It was at that moment, I realised if anyone had any power in this dynamic, it was Aliyaar.

The car seamlessly glided off the highway towards a smaller, more reclusive road. And I realised we were nearing our destination. An old winding stone wall appeared, it's crevices filled with ivy and ferns, announcing the arrival of our destination. The doors flung open, and the car rounded along the driveway, slowly halting at the main door.

I stepped out of the car, and looked around silently marvelling at the expansive estate. My eyes stilled at the grand marble fountain in the middle of the driveway. The soft gurgling sound of the water melodically resonated in the surrounding. I couldn't help, but splash my hands in the cold water, throwing some on my face. Water fascinated me, bringing out my inner child.

"There is a pool inside, you know," I jumped at the sudden voice. Yaar stood by the entrance, smiling softly at my child like antics.

I clutched my chest, trying to calm my erratic heartbeat. "You and your brother seem to make a habit of scaring me." I said, but my cheeks flushed as the memories of Aliyaar and me on the balcony came flooding back. Yaar laughed.

"I can't every imagine the fierce Shanzae scared of anyone, let alone me or my brother. Why don't you come inside."

I flip my hair haughtily, walking up to him, "Oh I'm not. You of all should know that."

Yaar laughed. "Oh, but I do. I pity my poor brother." He pushed the doors open, standing besides it asking me to step in. Always a gentleman. "Since you're here, you should meet Chocolate. I'm sure you'll love her."

"Chocolate?" I looked at him confused.

"My girlfriend. The love of my life. My baby."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Are you talking about your horse."

Yaar beamed joyfully. Nodding gleefully. I let out a low laugh. "I'd love to meet her, but I need to see your brother."

Yaar's face stilled, all amusement gone. "He must be by the pool. I've to check up the stables, Asfand here will take you to the poolside." He said, pointing to the man standing near the entrance. I nodded, silently following the man.

The pool wasn't far from the main villa, but the heat was enough to work a small sweat. I rubbed my hands together, suddenly feeling uneasy. I wasn't sure, what I was about to do was right, or what the consequences of my actions would be, but I had to try.

The soft yelping of the water broke my thought. We turned around the wall and a large swimming pool came into view. The surrounding walls were covered with leafy vegetation, while a few sun beds lined the pool. The pungent smell of chlorinated water hung heavy in the air.

The cacophony of voices and water splashing greeted me and I saw Aliyaar swim fluidly, his strokes perfected to mechanical precision. My gaze wavered, fixated on his broad, square shoulders which glistened under the unforgiving rays of the afternoon sun. I bit down on my lips, trying to look away.

But I couldn't. My eyes unwavering from his form.

He turned suddenly, his stormy eyes catching mine. A small smirk made its way on his face.

He caught me staring. Again. My throat constricted. I looked away embarrassed.

I heard light footsteps tread towards me. My cheeks warmed, aware of the ineluctable presence behind me. I took a step forward, giving myself some room before turning back to meet him.

"I want..." my words died an early death at the sight of his bare upper torso. His chest was board, all hard plain muscle, while his waist narrowed and tapered. The generous dusting of chest hair glistened under the sun, small droplets of water rivulet down the contours of his body. My eyes darted to his strong arms settling upon the tattoo inscribed on his right bicep. A sudden urge to touch it erupted from within me.

"I got it when I was in college." I heard his deep voice. I looked up to meet his impassioned gaze, a slight quiver of hilarity edging his lips.

"Huh?" I looked at him confused.

"The tattoo. I got it in college." My eyes widened as realisation dawned upon me. He had caught me, again. "I take you're not a very good listener." His eyes gleamed with amusement. "Or do you not like listening to me?"

I opened my mouth to protest, but all conscious thought left my mind when he suddenly stepped closer, and his arm went around my waist, yanking me into his warm embrace.

A low shriek escaped my lips at the sudden action, my eyes widening in affright. I looked at him in sheer astonishment. This was too wrong. Yet it felt right.

He let out a chuckle, his lips twisting into an arrogant scoundrel's half smile. The golden specks of his eyes danced at his beguilement.

I glared at him, annoyance pulsating through me. He was enjoying my reaction. He did this on purpose. His smile widen at my reaction.

I was about to push him away when I realised I had, subconsciously, placed my hands on his chest when he had pulled me to him. A secret smile outlined my mouth, as a damnable thought crossed my mind. I would probably regret this later, but the urge was too strong to resist.

He wanted to play with me, then I'd show him I was a challenging adversary and not a victim of prey.

Giddy with the sudden desire coursing through me, I slowly trailed my hands up his brawny frame. My fingers gently caressing the planes of his chest, travelling up to the sinews of his neck. I felt him shudder beneath my touch, a low rumble escaped his lips, and I felt myself set ablaze by the fire I had ignited.

This was a dangerous game.

I brusquely looked up to meet his hardened gaze, all signs of amusement long gone from his face. His eyes had darkened with an incomprehensible expression, and if it was even possible, he tugged me closer, his grip tightening around my waist. His enraptured gaze slowly travelled down, lingering upon my exposed collarbone. I felt a knot in my stomach tightening.

I closed my eyes as his fingers lightly brushed the base of my neck. He sucked in a harsh breath, I knew he was trying to restrain himself. I felt myself arch into him, as his fingers caressed the side of my neck, slowly fleeting down the curve towards my shoulder. His touch left a trail of fire on my skin. I looked up slowly, his searing gaze burning me. I felt I would combust. A shiver coasted through my spine and I clutched onto his shoulders for support. A deep groan sounded from within him and I gasped, unable to breathe.

This was madness. Absolute madness.

I squeezed my eyes shut giving into this delirious madness. I could feel him inching closer, the short spiky hair of his stubble scratchy against my cheek. His warm breath fanned my ears and I felt myself explode.
"Don't start something you can't finish." He murmured lowly.

My eyes jerked opened, reality knocking some sense into my brain. "I wasn't the one to start it."

He smiled in agreement, slowly moving away. "You're right." I shrugged at his words. "Have you had anything to eat? It's almost lunch time?"

I shook my head.

"I'll go change and then we can have lunch. Is there anything specific you'd like to have?"

"No, it's alright. I'll have lunch on my way back home. I just came here to talk to you."

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Weren't you going to spend the day here? Shehryar wanted to show you around."

I sighed, "I'd want to, but my family wouldn't appreciate me travelling back home alone at night."

His face hardened momentarily, "Don't worry about them."

"But..."

"I'll drop you home. Now stop arguing." He said, offering me a comforting smile. "Wait for us inside. We'll be there shortly." He twirled the lone strand of hair, dangling on face, around his finger and tucked it behind my ear.

I wheezed, staring at his retreating form. This man was slowing crumbling the walls I had so carefully erected.

My placid facade failed to conceal the tumult raging through my mind. Suddenly I wasn't too sure of my actions.

➰➰➰

"Did you like the food?" Yaar asked passing me the plate of grilled chicken.

"No, thank you. I'm quite full." I shook my head, placing the dish back. Hunger seemed to have deserted me today, my stomach filled with anxiety and unease.

"You've barely eaten." Aliyaar whispered besides me. I hazardously looked at him from my peripheral view, too scared to meet his imperious stare. "We can have something else prepared if you want." His hand came to rest on my knee underneath the table.

My body stiffened, but I forced out a smile, "No- No, it's alright."

"Could you pass me the drink?" Yaar asked as he moved back in his seat. "Do you want to do anything in particular today?"

I glanced at him unsure. "I don't know. I didn't think I'd stay here this long. Do you guys come here often?"

Yaar nodded, looking at Aliyaar, "It's our favourite place. We come quite often actually. In fact, Bhai comes almost every week to train."

"Train?" I asked looking up at Aliyaar.

"He is a trained shooter. He has quite the precision." Yaar offered. "Why don't you show her the shooting range?" Aliyaar merely nodded.

"When did you learn how to shoot?" I asked suddenly curious about to know more about this man. I shifted on my knees, turning my attention to him. But Aliyaar visibly stiffened, his lips pursed.

A smothering silence dominated the room. Yaar darted his eyes between the two of us, almost nervous. Had I done something wrong?

"He has been training for while. You should know self defence when you're in this field. Would you want to meet Chocolate?" Yaar quipped, swiftly changing the topic. For a moment, I was almost thankful. I glanced at Aliyaar, his eyes still without an ounce of emotion.

"I'd love to. I can't ride though." I grinned, trying to ease the tension.

➰➰➰

"This is Chocolate, my pride and joy." Yaar said proudly patting the coat of his gorgeous chestnut horse. Chocolate rolled her head, her flowing mane unfurled and whipping with the soft breeze.

"She is beautiful." I said, gingerly brushing her mane with my fingers. Yaar held on to the saddle, settling on with a sudden a jump.
He pulled at the bridle and Chocolate majestically pranced forward, cantering into the tussocked fields.

Yaar was an accomplished rider and his perfectly aligned posture on the galloping horse was proof.

"Do you want to ride as well?" I heard Aliyaar behind me. He walked up to stand beside me, leaning on the wood fence.

"I don't know how to." I replied dejectedly.

He nodded. "You can ride with me." He said after a while. "If you want to, that is."

"Yaar is already riding."

"We have other horses as well." He said turning around, waving his hand at the stable keeper. The man quickly came out with another white beauty. Aliyaar walked up to the horse. Taking the lead line, he patted the back before quickly settling on top of the saddle. He reeled the horse around, frolicking towards me. He stopped in front of me and held his hand out, inviting me to climb up.

"Are you alright?" He asked as I settled behind him.

"A little scared but alright." I offered nervously.

Aliyaar held on the lead, slowly trotting through the open field, allowing me to get used to the pace. Slowly I felt myself melt, enjoying the new experience.

"Hold on tight." I heard him say, before he suddenly jerked at the bridle. The horse let out a loud neigh before prancing forward with a jerk. I let out an anguished scream holding on to Aliyaar and he bellowed a laugh.

"What are you doing?" I screamed, clutching on him for dear life, my face buried in his back.

"Open your eyes." He laughed. "Feel the air."

I reluctantly opened my eyes, slowly loosening my grip.

Wind whizzed passed me, adrenaline rushes through my veins and I suddenly felt liberated.

This felt incredible.

➰➰➰

It was almost evening by the time we came back. Silence prevailed in the main room. It was almost time to head back and I still hadn't done what I came here for.

This day had a therapeutic effect on my nerves. Away from the all the mistrust, lies and deceit, I felt a certain scene of liberation envelop me.

Aliyaar was a complete stranger to me. Cold yet warm. Distant yet very close. But could I trust him?

I had come here with a different motive, but right now I wasn't too sure.

Yaar had completely given up on us, on me. And Aliyaar seemed to have accepted us, accepted me.

Was what Yaar and I had even worth fighting for?

I glanced up, Aliyaar's eyes trained on me with the same simmering intensity I had now gotten used to of.

Confusion and indecisiveness burnt through me.

"You wanted to talk." I heard him say. "Come."

I looked at him, before quickly sprinting a glance at Yaar, who was still busy with on his phone. I stood up, following his lead.

We entered a neatly decorated room and Aliyaar went and sat on the edge of the bed, patting the space beside him. I sat next to him, unsure what I wanted to say.

When I did not speak, I felt his hand envelop mine. I looked up and for once I saw honesty in his eyes.

"What is it you wanted to talk about?"

"I'm not sure if I should any more, but you deserve the truth."

He laughed moving closer. His hand brushed the few stands of hair away from my face. I quivered.

"There is no such thing as truth in our world." I trembled at the proximity. "Do you not want this marriage, is this what you want to talk about?" He asked, pulling me closer.

I gulped, trying to speak past the lump in my throat, "I did. But..."

"You did? So you don't want to talk about it now?"

I shook my head, shutting my eyes close. "But you deserve the truth. I can't start a relationship based on a lie."

He smiled, his lips dangerously close to mine. My breath hitched. "I'm listening."

"I... I was.. I like Shehryar."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Oops. 🤭

Thoughts?

How important is honesty in a relationship?

Leave your comments and VOTES.

Instagram: @sssaltynothings