Alina and her parents came home along with Haider. Asmat insisted she made snacks for him, but Haider surprised everyone by suggesting that he would make tea for everyone, - 'and coffee for you, Miss. Alina.'

Alina looked flushed and she shook her head, - 'I will have tea as well.' Haider smiled at her. Asmat profusely refused to let him make tea for them but he was adamant. Finally, upon Khalid's words, she gave up. Haider looked at Alina and began to unbutton sleeves of sky blue slim fit shirt, pulling up till his elbows. He winked at her and she gasped; red-faced.

Sometime later, Haider walked in carrying a tray of three cups. Alina leaped from the sofa's armrest and took the tray from him, - 'You made tea for us, Haider. You needn't serve us.' She said, gratefully. Haider doesn't argue.

'Yes, you are our guests.' Asmat added and glared at her daughter. Alina shrugged at her mother not knowing why she was being reprimanded.  Then, Asmat gasped wondering out loud- where was Haider's cup. He revealed he had made black tea for himself. Only then, Mrs. Hooda was relieved.

After half an hour of having snacks and tea, everyone seemed tired. Alina held her forehead, - 'My head is hurting.' She commented rubbing her temple. Haider straightened in his chair; a small smile crept on his lips.

Khalid sighed holding the armrest of the sofa, - 'I guess it's been hectic.' Asmat also complained of sleepiness. Mr. Hooda suggested them to rest. While Alina and her mother would stay in Alina's room. Khalid suggested he would rest on the sofa and Haider could take the master bedroom.

Haider refused, - 'I have some office work, so I am good here. Sir, you rest in your room.' He said politely. Khalid smiled at him and then glanced at Alina. He had a knowing glint in his eyes.

Soon, everyone left for their room. Haider relaxed as the doors closed. Five minutes later, he got up from the sofa and walked towards Alina's room. Cautiously, he opened the door and peeped inside. Alina and her mother were fast asleep. While watching them, Haider removed his shoes and stealthily walked in.

He kneeled beside Alina and watched her sleep peacefully. Hesitantly, he touched her cheek with his fingertip.

'I am sorry, love. I just want to spend some time with you.' He whispered gripping her hand in between his palms. Alina stirred in her sleep and slept on her back. Haider leaned against the bed still kneeling on one knee. Her mouth opened slightly as she took steady breaths.

He watched her sleep for a long time then got up and walked towards her cupboard. He rummaged through her cupboard looking for something that he could take with himself, a token till she comes into his life. As he searched, he found an album. It was photos of her as a child, teen to adulthood.

He picked out few college photos and hurriedly stuffed them in his trouser pocket. Then, he searched more and took out her scarf. He brought to his nose and inhaled sharply. Her perfume and fragrance of her body still lingered on the fabric. He grinned at it and glanced back at her as he carefully closed the cupboard door.

Alina woke up with a sharp pain in her head. She clenched her forehead as she sat on the bed.

'Ma!' She called but there was no response. Slowly, she opened her eyes and found the bed was empty. She felt her head spinning as she removed the blanket and her legs trembled as she placed her feet on the floor. She wore her flip-flops and straightened. Then, she dragged her feet out of the room.

As she stepped out and looked around the empty living and dining room. Where was Haider? – she wondered. Just then, she was startled by the sound of oil crackling in the kitchen.

'Ma!' She called. Asmat who was busy with frying fish looked back at the door.

'Where is Haider?' Alina asked.

'I don't know, beta. I slept like a log.' Asmat informed and then massaged the side of her forehead. Alina frowned. She turned around and noticed her father walking into the living room. Khalid requested for pain medicine as his head was hurting. Alina got medicine and water for her father and herself. She too gulped a medicine and had some water.

In the night, the family members were back to normal. Asmat and Alina got busy preparing dinner whilst Khalid watched the nine pm news debate. They were interrupted by a doorbell. Khalid got up, adjusted his cream-white Kurtha, and got to the door. Haider stood on the other side dressed in casual olive Tee, long sleeves folded till his elbows and his palms buried into the pockets of his brown skinny jeans.

'Hello, sir.' – He greeted, - 'I am sorry,' – he placed a palm over his heart then moved his hand away, - 'I had to hurry back to my hotel room because of work.' He apologized with a smile. Khalid smiled accepting his apologies and stepped aside letting him in.

Alina walked into the living room and stood rooted on the spot upon seeing Haider enter the room.

'Hi!' He waved a hand.

Alina gulped, - 'Hi—hi.' She composed herself. Haider then looked at Khalid and requested for Asmat to be present with them. Asmat readily obliged. Haider walked towards Alina and stood some distance from her. He glanced at Mr. and Mrs. Hooda as they stood beside their daughter.

Haider exhaled deeply, - 'Sir, Ma'am. I know this is awkward and sudden. But the truth is, that I haven't come to Bangalore just for work. I came here for.' – he paused, and his gaze darted to Alina, - 'I have come here for Miss. Alina.' 

Asmat bit her grin while Khalid looked perplexed. Haider looked back at the parents.

'Alina is a very hard-working and focused intern at my office. Truly, an asset.' – Haider lowered his head, fidgeting with his finger. He looked up again, - 'Elders should be the one discussing all this, but I don't have any. So, I am going to start the conversation myself.' He sighed. Alina crossed her fingers behind her back. Her heart pounding in her throat, she swallowed softly.

'By now, you must have gotten a hint about what I am about to say.'- he paused, - 'I am in love with your daughter and I want to marry her.'- he looked at Alina, - 'This is not to pressurize you, Miss. Alina. I just want to prove to you that I am really serious about you.' – he paused to lick his dry lips, - 'Also, if you remember how I avoided paparazzi the first time I had come to your locality.' – he gave a thoughtful pause, - 'But this time I didn't take any cover. This time I want them to see us together. I don't want to hide us.'

Haider lowered his gaze and pulled out a box from the pocket. He snapped the box open, revealing a princess cut halo diamond ring. Alina inhaled sharply and her eyes widened. He kneeled in front of her. Asmat grabbed the sleeves of Khalid's Kurtha and watched with bright eyes. Khalid was expressionless and silently looked on with his breath hitched in his chest.

'Miss. Alina Hooda, will you be my girlfriend?' Haider popped the question. Alina stood numb and stared stupidly at him. She was speechless. But Haider remained patient. After a few moments, Asmat urged her daughter.

Khalid interrupted her, - 'It is okay, Alina. Take your time. No pressure.' He said, softly. Haider passed a quick glare at him and then looked back at Alina.

Alina hadn't imagined someone like Haider will be kneeling in front of her with a ring in his hand. It was supposed to be romantic; she was to be living a fantasy now. Yet she was dressed in her pajamas, with her hair all over her face, puffy eyes when the man of her fantasy was proposing her.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, she looked at him. He was still kneeling in the same posture. She licked her lips and nodded, - 'Yes, Haider.' She looked up at her parents. Asmat clapped in delight and Khalid smiled warmly at his daughter. Alina was relieved that her parents gave a nod to him.

Haider smiled to himself. When Alina looked at him, he adjusted his smile. Then, he plucked out the ring and forwarded it to her. Asmat clicked photos with zeal in the background as Haider brought the ring to Alina's ring finger.

'May I?' He looked at her.

She nodded, - 'Yes.' She breathed. Alina could barely keep herself from not smiling. Asmat looked at her husband and frowned upon seeing him wipe tears from the corner of his eyes.

'Happy tears, silly.' He chuckled.

After dinner, Haider and Alina walked along the pavement leading to the main gate. Alina folded her arms and kept smiling to herself. Haider looked at her, - 'What happened, Miss. Alina?' She looked back and recollected out loud about the night he had come to her apartment and she had been overly dressed. This time, she was dressed like a duffer.

Haider stopped walking and she paused as well. He held her shoulder and gazed into her eyes, - 'No matter how you are dressed or not.' – he winked at her and her mouth slightly hung open, - 'you will always look ravishing.'

He hooked his fingers under her chin and raised her face. Alina looked down as he leaned towards her. He admired her from close and softly kissed her forehead. She gasped inaudibly and closed her eyes tightly. She felt her breathing quickening upon feeling him so close to her. She could feel the warmth of his body and his musky cologne tantalize her.

Alina was relieved when she felt him move back. Slowly, she opened her eyes and her gaze met Haider's gaze. Keeping eye contact, he slid his palm through the length of her arm and held her palm in a gentle yet authoritative grip.

'I love you, Miss. Alina.' – He pushed a strand of hair from her face, - 'Very much.' He sighed. She smiled, lowering her gaze.

With her hand in his, Haider leaned and kissed her forehead again. Alina smiled at his gesture. Then, they parted and silently, hand in hand, walked towards the main gate.

Haider didn't want to let go of her but unwillingly did. The hotel cab had come for him. They bid good-bye as he got into the cab. As Haider's car drove away, Alina let out a deep breath. She was unsure if she had hurriedly accepted his proposal. His proposal was more enticing than Mikael. But she feels differently about Mikael than Haider. Honestly, she doesn't have romantic feelings for either of them. So, her heart can't decide which man she should select. She looked at her ring. The conflicting feeling rising in her heart and she could feel her chest getting heavy.

Oh, Haider!!! You don't drug your lover and her family, dude. It is just so wrong *facepalm*

And I know what you did there, proposing her in front of her parents so that out of embarrassment she doesn't give much thought and accept your proposal. You are cunning, dude *winks*

So, my lovelies how was the Chapter? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please*Muaaah* and Stay tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*

Precap: Same, last one