Author's Note: I am so glad so many of you are enjoying this story! Here's the next part, Part 5 should be up in a day or two as well! Enjoy!

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Murtasim Khan

Echo Valley High School, USA

Tuesday

She was acting normal again, he had been worried he said something wrong the previous week because she was really quiet. He couldn't quite put his finger on why but the way she looked at him made him feel like closing the distance between them and kissing her. Maybe it was the way she kept biting on her lip.

"Murtasim! The identity is equal to sec x, not cos x!" She said whacking his arm.

He had noticed that she liked to do that when he didn't understand something after she explained it a couple of times, he now made mistakes on purposes, just because he liked how her hand lingered, the touch sending little electric shocks up his spine.

"Oh, I forgot." He said while erasing his writing as her phone pinged.

She picked it up and sighed when she read whatever was on the lock screen. "What happened?" He asked while looking at her, she was chewing on her bottom lip.

"I forgot my keys at home and my mom is visiting family today so I can't go home until she gets back." She pouted. "And now I have nothing to do because Ajiya is also busy."

Come home with me.

"Homework?" he suggested, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Please, I finished it at lunch," she said and then blushed. "I sound like a total nerd, don't I?" she mumbled, looking embarrassed.

"Only if you think I am a nerd for finishing my homework at lunchtime too," he replied, smiling. He knew she always headed to the library at lunch sometimes and sat at the same table. He could easily sit on the second floor and see her as she worked frantically, and it had become his favorite part of the day.

She arched her eyebrow at him but nodded. "Then what do you do after school?" She asked.

"I offer my company to my tutor who happens to be locked out of her house," he said, trying his hand at flirting. He was pretty sure he wasn't doing it right though. It always worked rather well for his friends; they just casually said things like that and had girls giggling, but she didn't seem to react.

"Uh, you don't have to," she said, biting on that bottom lip again.

Stop doing that.

"It's not like I have anything better to do," he shrugged, because there was nothing better than spending time with her, especially without the presence of books. "Plus, there is a new coffee shop around the corner that I really want to try," he said, smiling. He knew she loved coffee; she practically inhaled it.

"I can't say no to coffee," she pouted cutely and then nodded. He tried to hold back the huge smile that threatened to overtake his face. He packed up his bag and threw it on his back. He was about to offer to hold hers but decided that it would be too much. He did, however, grab the huge Calculus textbook from her bag before she closed it.

"That's mine," she said, sounding confused.

"I know, your bag looks really heavy and since I am making you walk more, it's only fair that I help you out," he smiled down at her, his heart doing cartwheels.

Her lips pulled up at the sides at his words and she nodded. He wondered if that was what people referred to as a shy smile. She was utterly gorgeous. And he really wanted to lean down and just kiss her but he resisted, reminding himself that he couldn't do that until he was absolutely certain she had some sort of feelings for him.

The 14-year-old boy in him that had wanted to walk down the hallway with her by his side was dancing happily as they walked through the empty halls, their hands brushing between them as she continued their game of 20 questions. She had randomly walked in one day and asked him what his favorite color was, he had jokingly asked if they were playing 20 questions and she had just shrugged and said why not. He didn't even know what question they were on anymore but he loved learning things about her.

"So, what's your favorite movie?" she asked, looking up at him with those big, curious eyes. God, how could someone eyes be so pretty?

"Jurassic Park," he said without hesitation, grinning when she gave him a surprised look.

"Dinosaurs, huh? I wouldn't have pegged you for a dinosaur guy," she teased, and he felt his heart swell at the sound of her laughter.

"Well, I like the idea of a T-Rex being outsmarted by a bunch of kids. Gives me hope," he joked, and she laughed again, a beautiful, musical sound that made him feel like he was on top of the world. Each laugh felt like a victory, a little confirmation that he was doing something right.

She smiled up at him when he held a door open for her, and he didn't miss the way she bit her lip when he switched sides so he was the one walking closer to the road. In his head, he wondered if he would ever be able to sling his arm across her shoulders and tuck her into his side as they walked down the street, protecting her from everything and anything.

"Did you love dinosaurs as a kid? You did, didn't you?! Had dino pajamas and all?" She giggled, the prettiest sound in the world, and he wanted to swallow it with his lips.

"No comment." He grinned, savoring the way her eyes lit up. "Your question."

"If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?" She asked when it was her turn. Her questions were always so thoughtful, just like her. They made him think, made him see the depth in her that he adored.

"Although retaining the body of a 30-year-old would be nice, I think I would choose my mind because it makes more sense."

"You'd get a lot of female attention if you chose body." She teased, waggling her eyebrows and then bursting out into laughter.

He felt his heart jump in his chest, she was so adorable. He just wanted to wrap himself around her and kiss her forehead.

"Doesn't matter, I'd probably only care about the attention of one woman." He shrugged, and even though he was only 18 a part of him hoped it was her.

"Awwwwww." She gushed. "That is cute!"

"What about you?" He asked, he didn't know how to deal with her cuteness.

"Definitely mind, I've worked with a lot of older patients at the hospital I volunteer at and I think the dementia and memory loss is the worst thing about growing old. You can get mobility aids but not brain aids."

"And she volunteers at the hospital in her free time, how are you so perfect?" He teased, laughing when she whacked his arm as they turned down the street towards the cafe.

"Your turn, pick an interesting question," she said as she jumped over a crack in the sidewalk, everything she did utterly adorable. She was like a breath of fresh air, and he couldn't get enough of her.

"Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time?" He asked. He watched, intrigued, as her eyes widened, and she cleared her throat and shook her head. She mumbled something, but he didn't hear it. He was about to ask her to repeat herself, but then she turned around to look at him.

"It's going to sound really cliché, but traveling. I want to go on trips around the world." She smiled, her eyes shining with dreams and hopes.

"Where's the first place you want to go?" He asked, genuinely curious. He wanted to know everything about her.

"Rome. I just want to get lost in the streets and the history," she said, her voice filled with longing. His brain stored that information in a special drawer of things to remember about her. Maybe one day, he could make that dream come true for her.

"Sound nice." He smiled as they stepped into the coffee shop.

"Ooooh, I want a vanilla latte," she said, looking up at the menu, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Done, go find us a table," he said.

"You don't have to-"

"Shhh, you're tutoring me, I can buy you a coffee at the least." He said, she smiled and nodded while grabbing her textbook from his hand and walking over to the side with the tables. He watched as she found a quiet corner and sat down. He turned back towards the counter and smiled, she was having coffee with him, alone, like a date.

He got her a vanilla latte and a cappuccino for himself. He also decided to get her a brownie—he knew she loved chocolate; she always bought sweets at bake sales. As an added touch, he decided they needed sandwiches since she was going home late today. He had to feed her, after all.

She looked up from her phone and gave him a huge smile as he approached the table, his heart melted and he hoped he would always be at the receiving end of that smile.

"Vanilla latte, sandwich, and a brownie for you," he said, putting the tray down on the table, trying to sound nonchalant despite the flutter in his chest.

"You didn't have to buy all this!" She said, her eyes wide in shock.

She deserved the world.

"It's more for me than you. I am always hungry," he said with a grin. It was partially true, anyway.

For you mostly.

"Okay then." She said as she picked up half of one sandwich and took a bite, humming in appreciation. "This is good!" She said while dancing a little as she chewed, he didn't know how one person could be so cute.

It was like all the cuteness in the world was wrapped up inside her. She was made of sunshine, rainbows, and all things adorable. If there was an Olympic event for cuteness, she'd win gold every time.

He grabbed the other half of the sandwich, leaving the second sandwich untouched, and took a bite. It was all right, but he would eat these sandwiches for the rest of his life if it meant he could watch her do that happy dance every single day. Her joy was infectious, and he found himself grinning like an idiot, completely smitten.

Every little thing she did, from the way she hummed in appreciation to the cute wiggle of her shoulders as she chewed, made him fall harder. How could someone be this perfect? It was like she was crafted specifically to make his heart race and his cheeks hurt from smiling.

"You didn't answer the question. What about you? What dream haunts your sleep?" she asked as she took a sip of her latte, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Her lips were so pouty.

He sighed, wondering how much he should tell her. If it was anyone else, he would have said something casual, but he found himself wanting to tell her everything, the truth, words he didn't really tell anyone.

"I want to be successful, by myself, not with anyone's help." He admitted.

"But your family—" she started, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Is filthy rich, I know. We're really dysfunctional as a family. My brother hates me, my dad thinks I'm useless, and my mom... doesn't say much. I barely see them. I feel like I live alone with the servants. It's not what I want. I want a more normal life, and I need to be successful for it," he said, realizing he had never phrased it like that before. To everyone else, he usually bragged about having the whole mansion to himself and the freedom that came with wealth.

Her eyes softened considerably, and her hand reached out to cover his on the table. "I'm sorry. That must be difficult for you," she said quietly, gently squeezing his hand. Her skin was so soft and warm.

"You get used to it." He shrugged.

He wanted to crack a joke to lighten the mood but found himself just looking at her, lost in her kindness and her touch.

When she lifted her hand, he missed it immediately.

"I for one think you're going to make a great architect and be super successful, as long as you remember to use the right formulas in calculus," she teased with a smile, causing him to laugh and nod.

Her words made him feel like he could conquer anything. He wanted to lean across the table and kiss her, to show her just how much her belief in him meant. But he held back, instead opting for a playful grin.

"Does that mean I get a gold star for today?" he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

She laughed, the sound like music to his ears. "Maybe even two," she replied, winking at him.

She's so cute! he thought, trying to keep his composure as his heart did somersaults. How was she so effortlessly charming?

"My turn! Something about you that no one knows," she said, a challenging smile on her face.

"That's not fair," he protested, though he was secretly thrilled she wanted to know more about him.

"Answer it!" she insisted, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

He sighed dramatically, leaning in closer as if to share a deep, dark secret. "I am scared of ducks," he said quietly, and she burst out into laughter, the tinkling sound filling the air around him and making him feel warm all over.

"Why? They're so cute! Traumatic experience?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"They are not cute at all! I was a toddler and my nanny took me to the park, and we were feeding the ducks. They just wouldn't stop following me and pecking at my feet. I cried and have hated them since. I take the long way around if I ever come across them. If you tell anyone I'll kill you," he threatened playfully, watching as she bit her bottom lip to hold back the laughter.

"Your secret is safe with me. Even though they're not that scary," she smiled, her eyes dancing with amusement.

"One thing about you that no one knows," he prompted, wanting to move on from his trauma.

"I am not good at keeping secrets," she teased, making him groan dramatically.

"I'm kidding, I'll take yours to the grave. I promise," she said, holding her hand over her heart.

He couldn't help but chuckle at her antics. She was so endearing, so genuine. He found himself leaning in, hanging on her every word, completely captivated by her presence. Her smile, her laugh, the way she looked at him—it all made him feel like the luckiest guy in the world.

As their conversation continued, he couldn't help but be in awe of her. He loved learning little things about her, like how she was terrified of spiders but would never kill one. Every detail made him fall deeper for her.

When it was time to leave, he felt a pang of disappointment. He didn't want this moment to end.

"Thanks for the coffee and the company," she said when they reached her house, her eyes meeting his with a warmth that made his heart race.

"Anytime," he replied, meaning it with all his heart. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

She nodded, she was about to say something but then the door swung open, and she appeared – the nice nurse from the hospital - leaning against the frame, her eyes flickering between Meerab and him, a knowing smile on her face.

Oh no. Of all the times for the universe to conspire against me...

"Mom," Meerab said, her voice a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

Murtasim felt his heart plummet to his stomach.

Oh no. That's her mom? HER mom?

He tried to keep his cool, but inside, he was freaking out. His brain was going into overdrive, screaming at him to stay calm and not blow his cover.

"You, here?" Nurse Nazia, Meerab's mom, asked him, looking a little confused but clearly amused.

She knew. She knew. She knew. Shit.

Murtasim nodded, trying to appear calm. "Hi again, ma'am," he said, his voice betraying only a fraction of his inner turmoil.

Please don't say anything, please don't say anything...

Meerab looked between them, adorably confused. "You know each other?" she asked, arching an eyebrow at her mom.

Yes, and I am not sure I made the best first impression.

Murtasim shook his head subtly at Nazia, looking between Meerab and her mom, hoping to telepathically communicate his plea for silence.

If Meerab's mother opened her mouth, Meerab would know everything.

Her mother looked between the two of them, and then winked at him, and said, "Hm, just by face. He helped bring some people to the ER."

So that's where Meerab gets her wittiness from.

Meerab turned to him, her curiosity evident. "Really?" she asked, arching her eyebrow even higher.

Murtasim shrugged, trying to play it off. "Yeah, I guess," he said, feeling like his heart was about to burst out of his chest.

Please, just let it end here. His inner voice was practically screaming.

"Aw, that's so nice of you!" Meerab smiled at him.

It wasn't like that, but you don't need to know.

"Mom, this is Murtasim!" She introduced.

"Hi," her mother smiled, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Would you like to come in, Murtasim?" she asked, her tone far too innocent.

Abort mission, abort mission!

"Uh... no, ma'am, I should... go," he stammered, freaking out a little. The idea of sitting in Meerab's living room, with her mom knowing everything, was too much.

Meerab nodded, "thank you for keeping me company and walking me home again."

"Yeah, thank you, Murtasim." Her mother said, her tone and the look in her eyes knowing, as she looked at him and then her daughter, a small smile on her face.

"See you," he replied, giving her a quick wave before practically sprinting away from the house. As soon as he was out of sight, he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

He could still feel the knowing gaze on his back. He was sure she knew, and he was desperate for her not to reveal anything more.

His mind flashed back to that day, his fists bloody and throbbing as he stood in the ER, the smell of antiseptic and the harsh lights making everything surreal. The nurse who had tended to his fists while the police took statements had looked at him with a mix of curiosity and concern.

He had been so angry, his knuckles raw from the fight. He could still hear the taunts of those guys, the ones that had followed Meerab once, their jeering faces. He might have beat them up. The police might have gotten involved. They might have ended up in the hospital as well.

And then, in the ER, the nurse had asked, "Why'd you beat them up?"

"They were following and harassing someone," he had replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Your girlfriend?" she had asked, and he had sighed, "Not yet."

She had snickered, "Does she know you beat them up for her? She'd be your girlfriend then."

"I don't want her to know... I just don't want them to bother her... or anyone else, I guess," he had said, feeling a mix of frustration and longing.

The nurse had hummed, looking at him pointedly, and he had known then that she understood his point of view.

But that was her mom.

Her mom knew. She put two and two together.

He felt like he had just narrowly escaped a disaster. His mind raced as he walked back home, his heart still pounding. He had been so close to his crush finding out about his secret heroics. And while a part of him thrilled at the idea of Meerab knowing he had beaten up those guys for her, another part of him worried she would think he was a violent thug.

Maybe she wouldn't think that – maybe she would correctly deduce that he liked her and did it for her...but he didn't want her to find out like that, he wanted to tell her himself.

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Meerab Ahmed

Tuesday Night

Meerab and her mother were watching TV, but her mind was still on Murtasim. She lay in her mother's lap, her mother's fingers gently moving through her hair, the soothing rhythm doing little to distract her from her thoughts.

"I can hear you thinking, Meeru," her mother teased, giving her hair a playful tug.

Meerab sighed, turning in her mother's lap so she was looking up at her rather than the TV. The soft glow of the television cast a warm light on her mother's face, making her look almost angelic.

"Do you like him? Murtasim?" her mother asked, her tone casual but her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Meerab's eyes widened – her first urge was to deny it – but she found herself nodding. Her face felt hot, and she was sure her cheeks were turning a lovely shade of crimson.

"Since?" Her mother's eyebrows arched.

"Grade 9," Meerab muttered sheepishly, feeling like she was confessing to a crime.

"Are you two dating?" her mother asked, her voice gentle, as if she was probing a delicate subject.

Meerab shook her head, her curls bouncing slightly with the movement. "Are you... mad?" she asked, her voice small, almost afraid of the answer.

"Why would I be mad?" her mother replied, genuinely puzzled.

"Desi parents don't allow their kids to date... or have crushes," Meerab muttered, feeling the weight of countless Bollywood dramas bearing down on her. "They all date in secret, get in trouble with their parents if they find out, it's just...not allowed it seems."

Her mom sighed, "I thought I was the cool mom."

"You're still strict when you want to be," Meerab shrugged, thinking of all the times her mother had put her foot down about curfews and social media.

"I trust you," her mom said, playing with her hair again, shocking Meerab.

"So...you're not mad that I like someone?" Meerab asked, her voice tinged with hope and disbelief.

Her mother shook her head, "I was your age when I met your dad." She shrugged as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"And Nana and Nani didn't agree..." Meerab trailed off, her curiosity piqued.

"Hm, they practically disowned me for it. They were always strict, so I kept secrets, I dated a man that was probably all wrong for me, and I didn't have anyone to talk to that could talk me out of it. I wanted freedom, so I made stupid decisions. I don't regret them, because I got you from it. But if my parents hadn't been so strict, maybe I wouldn't have been stupid and gotten knocked up as a high school senior," she spoke quietly, her voice tinged with a mixture of regret and fondness. "I don't want you to have to go through the same thing."

Meerab nodded, absorbing her mother's words. "So... if I wanted to date him... could I?" she asked tentatively.

Her mother nodded, much to Meerab's surprise.

"Really?" Meerab gasped, feeling like she had just won the lottery.

Her mother laughed, "You would date him even if I said no."

Meerab couldn't deny that. She knew herself well enough to know that her heart would always win over her head.

"I want you to do what you want, Meerab. You're smarter than I ever was. I trust your decisions," her mother smiled, her eyes filled with pride.

Meerab felt tears prick her eyes. "You're really not mad?"

"No, Meeru, I'm not mad. I know how these things go. I was young once, too. I don't want you to feel like you have to hide things from me. I want you to come to me with your problems, your joys, everything," her mother said, her voice gentle and reassuring.

"But... you always agree with Ajiya's mom when she talks about how important studies are, and how distractions can ruin everything," Meerab said, remembering countless lectures.

Her mother nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, studies are important, but I never needed to tell you that, Meerab. I need to force you to not study, to not do so much. I don't want you to miss out on life because of fear or strict rules and just focusing on one thing. I trust you to find the balance. I know my daughter, and I know she won't let anything jeopardize her future."

Meerab felt a tear escape, rolling down her cheek. "You're really not mad?" she asked again, just to be sure.

"No, Meeru. I trust you because you've always been responsible. You were born middle-aged, my little old soul," her mother teased, wiping away the tear.

Meerab let out a shaky laugh, feeling a mixture of relief and overwhelming love for her mother. "So...I can have a boyfriend?"

Her mother nodded, "Yes, Meeru."

Meerab sniffled, smiling through her tears. "He hangs out with idiots, though."

Her mother laughed, "He has a good heart."

"Who did he bring to the hospital?" Meerab asked, intrigued.

"You know I can't tell you, HIPAA." She tapped her nose playfully. "Ask him."

Meerab sighed, "My brain forgets stuff around him."

Her mother laughed, "You really like him, huh?"

Meerab nodded, "He's perfect, but the question is does he like me?" she pouted, feeling a pang of insecurity.

Her mother laughed again. "You don't think he likes you?"

Meerab shook her head, feeling silly but unable to help herself.

"Meeru, beta, how often does he walk you home?" her mother asked.

"Every Wednesday since the year started... but we barely talked then. He just walked the same way... but now I tutor him in Calculus, so he walks me home on other days as well."

Her mother hummed, "And you think he just walks you home for no reason?"

"It's on his way..." Meerab trailed off, wasn't it?

Her mother laughed, "I shouldn't," she muttered under her breath.

"Shouldn't what?" Meerab asked, sitting up a little, her curiosity piqued.

"Nothing," her mother said, trying to stifle a laugh.

"Maaaaaaaa," Meerab whined, her tone almost childlike.

"Jhalli," her mother laughed, playing with her hair endearingly.

Meerab couldn't help but giggle, feeling the warmth of her mother's affection. As they sat there, the TV forgotten, she realized how lucky she was to have such a supportive and understanding mom – Ajiya was going to be so jealous when she heard about it. Her parents were the exact opposite.

"Mom, do you like him? I know you've only met him twice now but..." Meerab asked hesitantly.

Her mother smiled, "From what I've seen, he seems like a good boy. Respectful, kind. And he clearly cares about you. So yes, Meeru, I like him."

Meerab felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling a fresh wave of tears.

Her mother hugged her tightly. "Just promise me you'll always talk to me, Meeru. I want to be there for you."

"I promise," Meerab said, her voice muffled against her mother's shoulder.

After a moment of silence, Meerab spoke up again, her voice tentative, her mind whirling. "But in our religion... you know dating isn't really allowed."

Her mother sighed, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "You know I'm not very religious, Meeru, I stopped a long time ago. But if you want to follow that, you can. Religion is a personal journey, and I trust you to make the right decisions for yourself."

Meerab nodded, her mind spinning with thoughts and emotions. "Do you think love can be wrong? Just because two people are not married?"

Her mother's expression softened. "No. Love is not wrong. Society has its ways of doing things, but that doesn't mean it's the only way. We're here, not back home, life is different here. You can make your own choices. If you want to get married, do it because you want to, not because you feel you have to. And if you don't want to, that's okay too."

"I'd be married off if I was back home, huh?" She asked, her mother rarely spoke about it, but her grandparents had tried to marry her off as soon as she was 17.

"To a much older man at that." Her mother sighed. "It's why I ran away, no daughter of mine is going to be forced to do anything she doesn't want to do."

Meerab felt tears prick her eyes again, as it always did when she heard of all her mother had gone through—at such a young age. Her mother had been younger than her when she ran away from home with her then-boyfriend, Meerab's father. It was something she was ostracized for, but something she had done for herself, to escape the fate planned for her. Even in the South Asian community around them, her mother was a bit of an outlier, a single mother, one who admitted that she had never been married, and that she had run away from home.

Her mother had been raised in a strict, conservative household where religion and societal norms dictated every aspect of life. Her parents had been devoutly religious – or at least they labelled their ideas as religious - adhering to traditions without question. They had tried to marry her off at sixteen to a man much older than her, a match that would ensure the family's standing in the community. No one had stood up for her, no one had helped her. She was expected to accept her fate quietly.

But her mother had always been different. When she met Meerab's father, a man who shared her desire for freedom, she saw a way out. They ran away together, leaving behind a world that sought to control her. They moved to the States, a land of new opportunities and the promise of a different life.

Yet, not long after they arrived, Meerab's father, the man she had trusted and run away with, abandoned her. Her mother had found herself alone in a foreign country, pregnant, and with no support system. But she didn't let that break her. She worked tirelessly, taking on multiple jobs to ensure she could provide for Meerab. Her determination and strength were unparalleled, and she managed to give Meerab a comfortable life despite the odds.

Meerab felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. Her mother had given her more than just a comfortable life; she had given her the strength to stand up for herself, to dream big, and to defy the norms when necessary.

Her mother smiled, brushing a stray hair from Meerab's face. "I want you to live your life on your terms, Meeru. I worked very hard for that, to give you the freedom I never had."

Meerab nodded, wrapping her arms around her and hugging her tight.

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Meerab Ahmed

Wednesday Night

"This better be an emergency, I was about to sleep." Ajiya groaned as she picked up the phone.

"HE JUST TEXTED ME!" She said without even saying anything else.

She heard her best friend move in her bed followed by the sound of something hitting the floor.

"Open your window, I am coming over." Ajiya said before she hung up.

Meerab got up and ran to the window, popping it open and looking out at the house right beside hers, she had never been gladder that her best friend lived down the street. She watched as Ajiya ran across the street in her pajamas, she reached down when she reached the window and the two of them struggled to get her inside.

"What did he say?!" Ajiya asked as she collapsed onto the bed.

"He sent me a video of a cute dog with huge eyes with a laughing emoji and said this is what you look like when you pout." She said, holding the phone out to her friend.

Ajiya squealed. "He just called you cute!"

"Or said that I look like a dog." Meerab pouted.

"When you pout like that your puppy dog eyes are the cutest thing ever, trust me he called you cute." Ajiya said while pulling her cheeks.

"How do I even respond to that?" She whined.

"With a you're cuter, come sneak into my bedroom and a winky face."

"Stop!" She whined while whacking her friend. "Be serious."

"Act like you're offended that he called you a dog and see what he says." The smile on her face was awfully mischievous.

She sighed and nodded, typing out did you just call me a dog?

"Use a pouting emoji not an angry one!" Ajiya hissed.

She screamed a little and sent the message, putting the phone face down.

"My heart is trying to beat out of my pericardial cavity." She said to Ajiya who snorted as her phone dinged.

"I can't look! You look!" Meerab said while pushing her phone towards her friend.

She watched as Ajiya picked up her phone, her legs shaking in her nervousness.

Ajiya squealed as she held the phone out towards her.

Meerab's heart stopped when she read the words I was trying to say that you have cute puppy dog eyes.

They both looked at each other and screamed loudly.

"He thinks you're cute! Ah, please just have his babies." Ajiya cried and then let out a groan when she hit her arm again.

She was about to say something when a knock sounded on her door. "Meerab, are you okay?" Her mother's voice came from the other side before the door opened.

"Yes mom, sorry for waking you." She said as her mother walked into the room.

Ajiya waved at her and smiled as she said hi.

"You know we have a front door, Ajiya?" Her mother laughed as she looked towards the window.

"The window is more fun." Ajiya smiled.

"Hm, I should think about moving you upstairs, one day I am going to walk in here and there will be a boy in your room." Her mother teased knowingly, her heart stopped in her chest at her words and her mind filled with thoughts of Murtasim in her room, sneaking in through the window with a smile on his face but Ajiya laughed.

"It's okay, I'll catch him and holler for you if anyone tries to sneak in her window." Her best friend said to her mother who laughed.

"I am sure you'd be the one helping sneak Murtasim in, don't stay up too late." Her mother said as she closed the door.

"WHAT THE FUCK?! DID SHE JUST SAY MURTASIM?!" Ajiya whisper-yelled.

Meerab nodded, "I told you she approved!"

Meerab had given Ajiya a play by play of her conversation with her mother, Ajiya had just squealed and whacked her, lamenting that she had ended up with strict parents, but also not believing her fully.

"You have her permission! Now text him back!" Ajiya reminded her.

"I am going to ask him why he's awake." Meerab smiled.

She typed it out: why are you awake? because of nightmares? She giggled and added a few duck emojis.

"What with the emoji?" Ajiya asked as she peered over her shoulder.

"It's a secret."

"But I am your best friend." She whined.

"I can't tell you, not this time."

"Fine. I see how it is, now that he's flirting with you, you're keeping secrets from me."

"Is it flirting?" She asked confused.

"What other boy has texted you at 11pm to tell you you're cute?" Ajiya arched her eyebrow at her.

"You can tell friends that they're cute." Meerab pointed out.

"He bought you food and kept you company for hours yesterday and he walked you home again today."

"You would do that too." Meerab muttered.

"Meerab! I swear-"

"What about Mahnoor?" She asked, biting her lip.

"They're not together! Stop feeling sorry for her, you even gave up the last juice for her on Monday even though you were in line in front of her!"

"Because I am having sexual dreams about her maybe boyfriend and it makes me feel guilty." She whined while grabbing a pillow and hugging it to her.

"They're not dating." Ajiya sighed. "Even though he hangs out with assholes, he's not one, he's nice and I am sure he likes you. Or he wouldn't be texting you at night, he's thinking about you."

She nodded and rested her head on her friend's shoulder, waiting for him to text back.

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Author's Note: Sooooooooo, what do you think? What was your favourite part? Whatever shall happen next? Hehehehe.