"How about I drop you in my car and then you can pick yours up tomorrow? " I hear Zain say as I start to walk towards my  Toyota Aqua.

"Honestly, it's completely fine,  I can go by myself. You don't have to get into trouble because of me. " I assure him with a smile.

"Are you sure? "

"Yeah."

"Okay. Drive safe then." he says with a smile as I get in the car.

The roads are neither noisy nor quiet. As I turn the music player on and listen to my favourite Ed Sheeran song, Give Me Love, I start to think about Zain. How much I admire this guy since childhood but we have never spoken frankly to each other. I've been to his house several times and he has also stopped by my house many times to pick up his sister, but we have never talked.

I've seen him playing basket ball, doing homework, driving cars and bikes, eating dinner but never had the courage to go and speak with him.

Neither did he try.

He's handsome, he will definitely have a girl friend. Out of all pretty girls in his family and university, why would Zain Hassan choose his sister's best friend to be his love of life? 

And out of all good guys I've met in college and other institutions, why should I just go for my best friend's brother ?

Leave him. There's no match between us. He doesn't even look at me that way. Even right now when Haya told him to drive me home, he almost acted like he's my elder brother. Ugh!

As I drive into our parking lot, I find the lights of the living room on. I take a deep breath and prepare myself to get ready for everything my mom is gonna say for coming home this late.

I walk inside the house and find her sitting on the couch with a mug of coffee in her hands. Her expression is pale and angry at the same time.

"Couldn't you stay there for more longer? " she asks angrily, taking a sip of her coffee.

"No, they kicked me out. " I laugh a bit but then get back to serious after looking at her red face.

"I called you more than eight times. Where the hell is your phone? " she almost shouts.

"Relax,  mom! I was at Haya's house and nowhere else. We got so busy in talking and all I didn't realize it got so late. I'm sorry, it wont happen again, I promise." I try to explain her.

"I'll see. " she replies and stands up to wash her cup in the kitchen while I make my way towards the bedroom.

"Good night, mom. " I say out loud and close the door behind.

                      *************

"Wake up sweetie. " I hear my mother's voice as I begin to rub my eyes with my palms and find her opening the window curtains. Sunlight lightening up the entire room. "Breakfast is ready,  I'm waiting downstairs. " she says with a smile and leaves.

I sigh and shrug my shoulders and then finally succeed in getting out of  bed and make my way towards the bathroom. God knows how hard it is to get out of bed in warm December mornings.

After ten minutes I am sitting on the dining table with my mother, eating corn flakes while she is having an omelet.
"My friend Lisa called this morning. " she says, pouring some tea in her and mine tea cups.

"The one from the gym right? " I ask. My mother eats whatever she likes but burns all her calories with a hard workout at gym. Lisa is mom's college friend and they also go to the gym together.

"yep that's the one. " she nods. "she has arranged a party for all her family and friends circle at her place today. She wants us to come."

"Oh. What did you say to her then? " I ask,  taking another spoon full of cornflakes in my mouth.

"well, I wanted to say yes but I thought I should ask you first. "

"Sure,  we'll go. After all,  it's been forever since you and I went to any family event. " my reply brings a bright smile on her face.

"I just love you! " she says while clapping her hands.

"same goes for you too, mom".

"I have to go to attend the freelancing seminar held in the Bahria Auditorium.  I'll pick you around at 7. Make sure you get ready by then. " she says while picking up her keys and making her way towards the door.

"Bye. " I say and she blows me a kiss and leaves.

After getting done with my breakfast, I make my way back towards my room and open my wardrobe. I swear if my mom wouldn't be so curious about everything being clean and kept in order, I would never know how to ever have a neat and tidy wardrobe with all my clothes hanging properly.  Formal one side while casual wear on the other side.
After looking back and forth to some formal party wears that I have,  I pick out one not-so-fancy light blue color top with multi color embroidery over it.
Also I take out small earrings and one heart shaped locket to put on for the party.

The rest of my day just goes by roaming around the house, sitting on one place and then the other. I send a few 'hi' messages to Haya but she's busy I guess.

Get used to it babe. She's getting married.  Now she won't be replying you everytime you text her.  I tell myself and then build up the courage to finally get ready for the party.

To my surprise, I'm ready before 7, just giving a one last glance at myself in the mirror. My hair all set up with loose curls, eyes looking a bit beautiful because of the mascara and eyeliner that I applied. Light pink lipstick and a little touch of blush on makes me look.... Beautiful. I think. I wait for my mom's call for 10 minutes and that's when I get it.

I reply her with an "okay I am coming" and quickly wear on my heels and get out of my house, making sure I've locked the door properly.

Tonight is gonna be cool.
I guess.
I hope actually.

                       **************