Zawad's P.O.V.

It's been a week since we returned to our country. And ever since then, mom is celebrating her one and only child's win. She has framed the certificate and hung it on the wall of her bedroom. And beside it, on another nail, swings my silver medal. I knew that she was mentally not normal but it was proved right again when she called all my relatives informing this and delivered sweets to each of their houses. I mean why??? Why do you have to announce everywhere how great your son is??

After returning, I conveyed her the gift that Shayba gave. She took it from me and gave a suspicious look,"Why? Does she want to impress me?"

"No mom!! Why would that be? She even gave gifts to Rafsan's younger sister and Medha. There's nothing to doubt!"

"Oh okay fine then."she smiled and opened the package,"Oh that's so beautiful! Tell her that I loved it! Oh no no no no! Give her a call now! I'll talk."

"No you won't. I'll tell her by myself."

"How dare you disobey me boy? I said Call her now!"she yelled.

"Okay fine! I'm calling, crazy woman!"

The phone was received in two beeps. I switched the loudspeaker button on at my mom's nagging.

"Assalamu Alaikum Zawad bhai."she joyously said.

"Walaikumus Salam. Here. Talk with my mom."I handed over the phone immediately before she could protest.

"Assalamu Alaikum dear!!"mom said beaming with a hundred watt smile.

She was silent for some moments for not being ready with what I did. "Ahh Walaikum salaam aunty. How are you?"

"Alhumdulillah! How you doing?"

"Alhumdulillah fine."

"You know, Zawad just gave me the purse that you gifted. Oh that's so pretty SubhanAllah! Thank you so much dear. I really appreciated it. Jazakillahu Khair."

"It's really not a big deal aunty. Wa Anti Fa Jazakumullahu Khair."

"No no. It IS a big deal darling. I never thought someone will bring gifts for me."she said eyeing slantwise at me,
"How is your family?"

"Alhumdulillah good."

"What about your studies?"

"Yeah aunty, going fine Alhumdulillah."

"Okay then. If you come to Chittagong anytime,come over to our home, okay? Anytime! Just give me a call."

I heard her awkwardly chuckling,"Okay aunty. I sure will."

Then bidding goodbye to each other, they hung up the call. "She is a nice girl."mom commented.

"Hmm? Yeah.... right."I smiled.

"Oyee look at you! Blushing at the thought of a girl!"

"Mom! Guys don't blush!"I uttered with irritation.

"But you just did!"she giggled.

Ignoring her sneer, I extended my hand with the silver parcel from my luggage which carried the navy blue Rolex watch.

"What's this?"

"See it for yourself."

She suspiciously took the parcel and untied the ribbon. Then tearing up the wrapping paper, she slowly opened the box. And the next moment, her disposition changed with utter surprise as she got lost in her thoughts for some time. She took it out of the box and tears instantly filled her eyes, "Oh Abir!"saying this she took me in her embrace.

"You liked it ma?"

"Are you kidding me? I loved it!"she exclaimed caressing my back, "I'm so glad you remembered..... Your dad always used to bring me watches."she was still sniffing.

"I know."I hugged her tight too. It's been a long time we had an intimate time like this....

Thank you Shayba...

Shayba's P.O.V.

"Wooowwwww!!! It's so beautiful!! Why didn't you bring pendants like this for you sis?"Annaba exclaimed standing in front of the mirror, trialing the pendant.

"Because I didn't buy it. It's a gift for you from Zawad bhai."I calmly replied folding my laundry.

"Zah..!? Whatttttt!?!?!"she turned around to me.

"I said Zawad bhai gifted you this thing! What's there to be so surprised about?"

"WHAT THE F***!!"

"Mind your language Anu!"

"Oh ok sorry. But why would he gift ME?!????"

"I don't know. Maybe for paying his loan."I shrugged my shoulder.

"What loan?!"her eyes dilated.

"I bought her mom a purse, that's why. I even gifted Rafsan bhai's sister too. Is there anything wrong with that?"

"Oh! No. Not at all! I just thought.... he had finally fallen for you...."

"What do you mean fallen for me?? And that too finally?!"I yelled.

"Nay nothing. By the way, mom asked you to get ready."she quickly changed the topic.

"Why?"I narrowed my eyes.

"Have you talked to Rahat bhai ever since you met him?"

Not again! What the heck did this idiot do again?

"No why would I? Who is Rahat? I don't know any Rahat!"I spat in vexation.

"Geez girl! Whatever, he has been completely crazy calling for you, you know. Everytime he called mom, she replied that you were in France and would think about the proposal after you come back but he just couldn't believe it. He wanted answers. Immediately. And directly from you."

"I already said no to mom. Didn't I? Then why does he have to know that from me? Has he thought I have agreed to his proposal without my parents' consent? What does he think himself to be? A Shahrukh Khan?"

"Yeah probably. Because he just called mom and wanted to go on a date with you."

"What the heck!! Why?"

"I said it already. He wants answers."

"There's no way I'm going out with him! Did mom agree?"

"Yes. Mom already spoke in affirmative on behalf of you. He is on the way to pick you up."

I couldn't believe my own ears hearing her. Whatttt???? I stammered as I tried to speak being completely molested,"I really don't get it! Who is mom to take decisions for me?? Has she ever asked me once if I'll go out or not?!?"my voice raised.

"You know how she is."she huffed and shrugged off her shoulders.

I tried to calm down and control my anger,"Look. I totally am not in the mood to quarrel now. Tell her I am not going."

"O....kay! Sis listen...."she turned around on the way of going downstairs.

"What now???"

"Please don't say yes to this proposal. Even if mom kills you! I'll murder you too if you bring such a horrible brother in law to our family! Argh! He is soooo backdated! Oh and have you seen his new looks? Eeewwww! You'll commit suicide seeing his hairstyle, I guarantee!"

I chuckled softly hearing her. "Don't worry. I won't."

"Ummmah!"she bounced forward and hugged my breath out.

"Shayba!!"at once mom called me from the ground floor.

"What?"

"Have you got ready or what? Rahat's car just reached below I saw!"saying this, she climbed upstairs instantly and opened the door, "You aren't ready yet?!? Since when have I informed you? Didn't Annaba tell you anything?" She glared at her.

"Sorry I forgot."she immediately admitted her guilt putting her hands up.

"Go get ready!!!"she yelled as if she would have a heartattack if I don't go out now.

I just sighed, the melodrama that is going on in my life, without asking for my own will, is pissing me off. Everytime I am the last one in the family to get informed about my own marriage topics and proposals. I really don't understand, is it even my life or my parents'?

Suddenly the calling bell from downstairs brought me back to the reality.

"What are you thinking about now? Just go get ready! Rahat is here."mom shouted.

"Yeah."I mumbled to myself in lieu of yelling out my annoyance on her. What's the benefit of trying to convince her? Whatever the case is, the decision is always hers.

Then taking out the one and only pressed white salwar kameez from my cupboard, I entered the washroom gloomily. This is only the first one. Be prepared for all the other 999 ones your mom is going to bring for you Shayba.

After wearing the dress, I put a bit foundation on my face so that I don't look tanned in this white kameez. Then wearing the black eyeliner and my all-time favourite lipstick, I wore my hijab. After that I took my purse and watch and headed out. Let's go on a haram date for the first time in my life.

I don't understand, how does mom always find a time when my brother is not here in the country to support and save me from her grip?

Stepping out of the last stair case, I found Rahat sitting on the sofa. He stood up as soon as he saw me and came forward. "Shayba, you're looking absolutely gorgeous today!" He stared directly at me after his eyes had travelled my whole figure making me creep out a little. He is totally vile!

"Assalamu Alaikum."I grumpily replied.

"Oh! Yeah. Walaikum Salam. You know you really don't need to give me Salam everytime you see me! We are now going to be close to each other, right?"he grinned.

I couldn't believe my ears at his words. Oh Allah, please give me patience!

"Let's go."he indicated outside expanding his hand towards me. What? You think I'll hold it?

"Look Mr. Rahat. You don't understand. You can't expect to touch me when we are in no way connected to each other!"I spat trying my hardest to keep calm to save mom and Sadia aunty's friendship.

"Huh? Oh...okay then."he murmured taking his hand back towards his pocket,"Let's go."

Better!

I walked out of the house wearing my high heels while he followed me from back looking two inches shorter than me. I couldn't help but chuckle in my head seeing his condition. How can you expect me to marry you Mr. Rahat?

And to be honest his choice really sucks. A yellow polka dotted full sleeved shirt with formal brown pants below, with a funky looking hairstyle on the top? I mean where does he get such inspiration to put on a formal wear with teenage boys' hairstyle? You think you look good in that?

Coming out, he showed me the way to his car and unlocked the door for me. I reluctantly got inside and sat beside him while he drove.

"So? Where shall we go?"

"Anywhere you want." I don't care the least bit. I spoke in my mind.

"Okay. Let me take you to my favourite ice cream parlor. I've been there a thousand times."he excitingly answered.

With your thousand suitors? I again spat, not sooth to say.

"Are you somewhat angry on me Shayba?"he asked when there was no reply from my side.

Oh yes I am!!! Just look at meee!! My mom compelled me to go out on a date with you! How can you anticipate to find me in a good mood?

"No."I kept my answer short.

"But you seem so..... Don't you like me at all?"

"Can we talk about it later when we reach?"

"Yeah sure!"he stopped.

In no time we were outside of his so called ice cream parlor. I got out instantly and breathed out. Gosh! It feels sick to be alone with a non mahram!

When we got inside, I saw some singers singing and playing guitar on one of my favorite old songs. As I had no mood to focus on that now, we took our seats on a table. And he immediately asked, "Why are you acting so strange Shayba? You don't like me?"

Huh! As if you were Mr. Darcy in my life!

"Look, Mr Rahat. Let me be straight. I've given your proposal a thought. But you know I just couldn't find any similarities between us. Look, we really don't match with each other......."

"Ssshhh don't say that!.."he spoke with a hurt face before I was finished. I let out a sigh in disbelief as he continued ignoring my speech,"We are perfect for each other! See! Everyone here thinks we are a couple! You want proof? Let me call a waiter!"he abruptly turned to do as he told when I almost screamed,"Are you crazy?! Stop it!!!!! I don't need people to think us a couple, you got that?"

"Then what do you want? Just think how much fun it will be when our moms become relatives! Because of us!"his eyes glistened.

I swear I have never seen as stupid and dumb headed a guy as him before. I replied gritting my teeth, "Look I'm saying this for the last time. You and I don't match. I'm completely religious and introvert type where you want to show off everything you have. We just don't click. I can't marry you!"

Thankfully he didn't interrupt me this time and listened to me looking like even more idiotic in his polka dot shirt. Oh, why didn't you put on a red ball on your nose? It would have been a complete package of jest then!

"Oh!"he thought seriously for a while by the grace of the Almighty. "Watch me."he suddenly got up and walked to the dais. What is he up to?

My confusion turned into eyebrows' contortion and then soon into horror at once when he took the microphone from the singer and spoke,"Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the love of my life, Shayba Ahmed!" He pointed his hand towards me when everyone looked my way finding something really interesting going on here. WTH!

My heart stopped beating as I forgot to breathe in embarrassment. It seemed like my eyes would bounce out of their places as anger raised in my head.

"Since the day I met you, I'm living in dreams Shayba. Please don't ruin it by rejecting me. I love you. Will you please marry me?" The worst proposal ever!

The sound of claps around me made me feel even worse. I looked here and there anxiously endeavoring hard to cope with the situation.

"Hey! Shayba! Why don't you give him some romantic reply too?"a voice came from my left and turning to it, I found Tanveer bhai grinning at me. WHAT THE....! What is he doing here?

"I definitely gotta tell this to everyone in the varsity hahaha!"he burst into laughter.

Wow! My reputation is completely and officially ruined.

"Shayba what are you thinking about? Tell me. Will you please marry me?" that asshole again said in mic.

Enough! I got up and headed out trying to inhale deeply and slowly slowly get it out. If you get angry, you lose. Keep calm Shayba, keep calm. Consoling myself again and again, I got on a rickshaw with no destination planned. "Where will you go ma?"the old rickshaw puller endearingly asked.

"Take me wherever you want."I was now gritting hard. I promise I will kill this Rahat one day. But thank goodness that he didn't follow me here. If he wanted, he could have caught me with his car but I guess he didn't have the courage to do so.

After roaming around the city for half an hour and giving some time to organize myself, my anger was diminished. As I reached home, I went directly to mom's room,"Make it clear to your friend very well that it's a no from me. And don't you ever think of arranging any date for me again."saying this,I headed to my own room giving her no chance to talk. I'm sick of her nonsensical interference in my life!

"What happened sis?"Annaba surprisingly enquired as I entered the room but without giving her a single reply,I went to my washroom. This is the only place I can be my true self.

Zawad's P.O.V.

I had to spend a whole week of biz and bustle for my business in Chittagong and complete all the important tasks that were being incommodious for mom to do. Even I had to attend three meetings a day with other business dealers and my company workers to make it easy for mom. Finally instructing Mahmud bhai about the next to-dos I returned to Dhaka.

"And she was like! I don't even know you! Who are you? Hahhahaha!!!!" Tanveer exploded in hysterics describing the drama in our group chat in the campus tea stall that he had just witnessed when he went on his new date a while ago.

"Are you sure that these two don't have any serious kind of relationship?"I asked while looking at the picture he took of a dumb looking guy talking in a microphone.

"Heh? No way! Oh if you had just seen her expression! She looked so pathetic when she hopped off! As if she would cry!!!"he again started laughing hysterically and this time with others too while I kept silent.

"What happened? Why aren't you laughing?"he awkwardly asked.

"A girl like Shayba almost cried out of humiliation. What's there to laugh about?" Irritation was clear in my voice, let alone laugh jointly with him.

He exchanged a weird glance with Rashed and asked,"You don't find it funny?"finally being a bit serious for the first time.

"No."

"Why? Can you imagine? He was wearing a yellow shirt with black polka dots! Ahhahahha!! And the proposal?? God kill me!!"he cracked up.

Not again!

Ignoring him, I got up to go to my room to study. This must be the guy who her sister was talking about.

"Oyeee!"Tanveer called from behind.

"What??"I found each of them smirking at me.

"I think I'm smelling something. Is it true or what?"

His hint was obvious. My finding no pleasure at Shayba's wedding proposal indicated that suspection even more. "It's nothing. I didn't find it funny because I know her character too well. She must have cried because of that." I said and went upstairs ignoring their suspicion.

Will she say yes? It can't be. Her marrying such a stupid guy? No way!But what if she agrees? Should I ask her anything about it? Or not?

I sat to study as the exam was nearing.

And then. Twing! My messenger notification rang. I took up my phone and found a message request from a girl, Annaba Ahmed. Not again! I don't understand, don't girls have any work except chatting with boys? Being vexed, I was going to keep my phone back on the desk when suddenly the name electrified me.

Annaba Ahmed!!!!!! You mean Shayba Ahmed's sister????

I instantly picked it up again and accepted the request. And then typed, "Hey little one."

"Assalamu Alaikum brother."

Woah! Same attitude.

"Walaikumus Salam."

"I wanted to thank you for the pendant. That's why I texted. JazakAllahu Khair for the beeeeautiful gift."

I chuckled seeing her message. "I see! Welcome."

"Don't know it's answer huh? You can just say BarakAllah Feek instead."

I laughed again. "Yeah you caught me. Your sis tried a thousand times to make me learn it. But I just couldn't."

"Like seriously? Why did she?"then immediately texted again,"You know what? Sometimes I really doubt you two."

I couldn't help but laugh again. "Chill. Your sis won't ever go out for a date."

"Good! It's important to know one's limits."

"I know very well but hey, ummm I don't know if I should ask you or what but..."

"WHAT?"

"Why did Shayba go out with that guy today? Are they really going to get married?" I regretted immediately after sending the text as her reply followed.

"How do you know what happened today?"

"I already know about the drama. Now tell me what I asked."

"What the...! What drama?? I don't know anything!!! Tell meeee! Sis isn't talking to me since afternoon! :O"

"Like seriously? You need info from me?"

"And why do you need to know who my sis is getting married to? Who are you huh?"

"-_- Forget it. I thought you knew more than me."

"No I don't!!!! Just tell me what happened!! Otherwise I'll kill you I'm warning!"

"Gosh! Ok. But promise me you won't tell your sis anything about this. It'll only stay between the two of us."

"Done."her instant response came.

"Wait a minute. Why should I trust you?;)"I couldn't help but take the chance of teasing her.

"Uggghhhh!! I don't understand how does my sister tolerate you??? And how come she praises you?"

"Really? She praised me? I'm flattered! :D"

"I never said that. But trust me for once brother. Pleeease. I won't tell sis anything you say. :'("

"Ummm ok fine. In short, that guy, whatever his name is, proposed to Shayba."

"He did that a month ago. What's new?-_-"

"Well definitely not in front of the people in a restaurant, right?"

She didn't text anything for a minute, probably was screaming hearing me or I guessed so. Then finally replied, "Are you serious brother?"

"Yes I am."

"No wonder sis is in a terrible mood. I swear I'll mince him when we meet next time! What exactly did he say?"

"Look Annaba, just answer to my question. What does this Rahat do actually?"

"Nothing. He'll maintain his dad's business soon."

"Then why the heck is Shayba seeing him? Is she really going to accept the proposal or what?"

And bam! She burst into laughter as she ceaselessly sent haha reaction and stickers to me. Ugghhh!!

"Oh gosh I'm dying!! XD Why are you so worried brother? Pray tell me."

"Forget it then. -_-"my reply went.

"Chill. I don't think so. She has no interest in that guy."

That's a relief I must say.

"Relieved huh? ;)"she again texted.

"You know your sister deserves a great deal better than this one."

"Oh yeah? I know that too. But why are you telling me this? ^_~"

"Nothing. Just like that."

"Yeah I see. Okay I'll pass sis your great compliment then."

What the..! "Don't you dare do that! I don't want her to have any misunderstanding regarding me, you got that?"

"Lol. Ok, I won't. But I'm warning you too. Don't even dare to mess with my sister."

"I won't. Trust me."

"I trust no one. But thanks. :) Allah Hafez."

"-_- Bye!"

"-_- Is it that hard to say Allah Hafez?"

"Oh sorry. Allah Hafez."I chuckled, "You are completely the opposite of your sis but sometimes you terribly resemble her character."

"I know. :)"

And the conversation was finished. I don't know why but it made me an immense deal agitated to think about Shayba's suitor. I wanted to slap his two cheeks so hard that he never again dares to bother her. I mean you don't even have her equal qualifications! Then how dare you propose to her?

Is this called jealousy?

Yes. Perhaps.....