Alina wasn't surprised when Meera made an excuse for not coming with her. Even though, she did not feel too good as she was awake almost all night yesterday and very much disturbed after seeing the stranger in a hoodie. She had gotten up from the little sleep that she had and drank a large cup of strong black coffee. Now, she was better.

With Meera opting out even Alina thought of backing out when she had not had her dose of caffeine, but Mikael was really expectant and enthusiastic. And she didn't have the heart to turn him down.

The auto stopped in front of a café and Alina stepped down. She paid him money and fished out sunglasses from her golden embroidered maroon clutch handbag. Alina opened the café door and sudden hustle and bustle of people and clicking clanking of cups and cutlery gushed into her ear. She removed her sunglasses and looked around. The café had wooden flooring with a chocolate brown colored pillar that too mimicked wood. There were few TV screens playing a music channel in very low volume. Alina looked around and within seconds spotted a man in pink and white thin checked slim fit shirt waving at her. His pearly whites on clear display that showed off his eagerness. Alina smiled tugging her sunglasses back into her purse. She pulled on her floral long shrug which covered the blue sleeveless top and beige dhoti pants. As she approached the table, Mikael stood up to greet her. She greeted him back with a warm friendly smile. They sat opposite each other. He passed her the menu and she thanked him.

Alina rested some of her hair on her shoulder and looked down at the menu. She placed her fingernail in between her teeth as her eyes scanned the menu. A few moments later, she looked up and noted Mikael was simply sitting and looking around.

'You decided your order, already?' Alina enquired and he nodded in response. She was surprised that he had been waiting for her since long. She hesitated to ask about his sister and dropped the idea. She looked down into the menu, then quickly lifted her gaze to look at him from over the Menu card.

They sat right next to the life-size glasses that overlooked the busy pavement and street. The afternoon sun shone over them. In sunlight, Mikael's brownish-black had more of brownish golden natural streaks than black. Alina noted he was a different type of handsome; she wondered if he was Anglo- Indian? His features were sharp with a slightly long nose, pinkish lips with perfect cupid bow and rosy pale complexation, and best of all his beautiful green eyes. Another reason how Alina spotted him was for his height, he was six feet for sure. Her gaze fell to his hands, he tapped one of his long fingers on his knuckles whilst looking at the street. Realizing, she was staring at him, like a pervert, for long Alina straightened, clearing her throat and announced that she has decided her order. Mikael smiled at her and nodded. Then, a waiter came, noted down their orders and left.

'Mikael, May I ask you something?' Alina hesitated. He gave a cheery response and she felt little encouraged.

'Are you from here? I mean—' she stopped speaking when he chuckled. He shook his head still having a smile plastered on his face.

'I am from Kashmir, Alina.'

'Oh! A Kashmiri.' Alina smiled in her head.

'Have you heard of Hashim Jaffery?' – He asked and she gave a thoughtful nod. Mikael's smile dropped for a second before he smiled again and explained about his dad being a famous name in export and import business especially in Kashmir, but he has branches everywhere in India and abroad.

Alina's eyes widened, - 'Wow, you guys must be filthy rich.' She felt excited.

'Then, why don't you join his business? Instead, you are living a middle-class life?' She was genuinely curious. She noticed his clenched jaw. He quickly changed his expressions and smiled again. He slid a glass of water towards her,

'Are you planning to know everything today.' Alina didn't fail to notice his stern tone, but he had kept a friendly smile.

She hesitated for a moment before picking up the glass of water. Mikael leaned in his chair and sighed.

'I am from Kashmir, but I have traced my ancestors.' – He flashed a proud smile, Alina looked impressed, - 'My dad's side is from Persia, they came around 16-17th century and mom's side is from Afghanistan and they had come earlier like 11th century.' He explained while taking pauses to remember.

Alina chuckled, - 'Wow! Must be so tedious tracking your ancestry.' She commented.

'Yup,' – Mikael nodded, - 'but I was determined. I guess, I am a—' he shrugged, - 'nerd.' He said.

And a cute one – Alina thought but quickly brushed it away. Her cheeks turned red hue. She was thankful that the waiter arrived with their order.

At first, Alina was unsure, but she enjoyed talking with Mikael and now she was genuinely excited to meet his sister. Mikael got them auto and she was impressed as well curious to know why even being so rich he was living a life of a simpleton. He had an interesting personality. Alina kept looking outside whilst enjoying the ride. Soon, they reached their destination. They stood in front of an ancestral bungalow turned into an orphanage. Alina looked at Mikael with wide eyes and a smiling open mouth.

'Come!' Mikael gestured with his head and Alina eagerly nodded. Together they climbed small fleets of stairs and walked into the bungalow.

There was a security guard at the entrance who stood up and saluted Mikael. He nodded formally. Through the door, there was a reception desk with a young woman in a ponytail and black suit. She worked on her computer but stopped to greet Mikael and Alina. They walked through a corridor and walked into an open courtyard in the middle of the bungalow. The inner courtyard was bustling with kids of all ages including few teens. Some grownups were there supervising the kids. Alina felt strangely happy seeing ecstatic eager faces of kids and their laughter rang like a melody in her ears. The place was very alive.

Something that stood apart was kids surrounding many, many white and pink balloons. There were excited glees and loud cheers of kids but loudest was a young woman seated in the middle. She had a bunch of balloons in her hand and children were trying to grab as many as possible. Alina watched her with awe.

'She is my twin sister, Amaal.' Mikael said, excitement oozing from his voice. Alina looked at him and nodded. Then, he looked at the girl and waved his arm, - 'Amaal!' He shouted out to her. The woman looked at their direction. Her smile widened and she waved back at him. Then, she handed the bunch of balloons to the kids and they jumped with joy. She stood up, patted her torn at knees jeans and walked, hopped, towards them.

'Hey, bro!' She gushed. The siblings hugged. After they parted, Mikael introduced Alina and Amaal to each other. They shook hands. Alina noted that Amaal stood among everyone. She wasn't only a loud colorful person but seemed to be of a different personality. She had a chic pixie cut with long side bangs that went behind her ear. She had worn a small ear stud and had a piercing in the middle of her nose, septum piercing, a small thin silver hoop ring.

An oversized black-rimmed rectangular glass went very well with her rosy-pale complexion. Even if Mikael had not mentioned, anyone would tell they are twins. The same complexion, similar green eyes, and hair color. Also, their facial features were the same. Parring the gender and height they were ditto same.

Alina noted that she wasn't dressed in, what people call, feminine dress. She had worn long-sleeved light pink crop top and worn out, torn at the knee's jeans matched with white sneakers. She was slim, more to the thin side, and gave a very tomboyish vibe.

Amaal showed Alina around the bungalow and told her about this orphanage which was one of the many branches of orphanage and old homes that her paternal aunt owns. The main one being a combined orphanage and old home in Mussoorie.

'I have just completed my MBA and will be joining Phoupo. I will manage finance.' Amaal explained with a tinge of pride. Alina was very impressed by the brother-sister duo. She enjoyed their company. Together they had lunch in the canteen of the orphanage among the kids. At that moment, Alina forgot all the stress that she had. She also a video called her parents and introduced the twins to them. They were equally delighted and much relaxed to see their daughter happy and safe.

In the evening, Mikael dropped Alina outside the locality. She stepped down and tugged her hair behind an ear, - 'Thanks, Mikael. Honestly,' – she pressed her lips, - 'I wasn't very—anyway, I enjoyed every minute of my day.' She accidentally brushed her hand against his hand and froze. She was about to retract her hand, but Mikael held her hand for a second longer before letting her go. Alina swallowed softly and looked at him.

'Bye, Alina.' He said with a smile. She flushed in response and nodded avoiding his gaze.

'Bye!' She replied and turned around. She clenched the sling of her hand purse tightly while she walked into the locality with a shy smile lingering on her face.

Mikael and Alina are Awww, arent the *_*

The hand touch *_*

How was the Chapter, guys? And what do you think of Mikael and Alina? And how is our new character, Amaal? What role will she play in the story, I wonder *thinking* What do you, my lovelies think?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, please. And Stay tuned for the next update *lots of love* *muaaah* *muaaah*

Guys, as you know Ramadan has started. I will try my best to update daily but someday I might be tired or just too lazy to update. Sorry in advance for the inconvenience. I hope you all understand *nervous smile*