704 words.
~

My brother is a real pain. He waited 20 minutes lounging on my bed until I came out of the washroom. He had been trying to unlock my phone all this time. I snatched it from him."Are you crazy? you locked my phone for half an hour. Your soft skills won't work with my phone lock."

"Who is he?" He demanded. When it comes to boys, my brother becomes sherlock homes. I thinks it is the born talent of all brothers.

"Ayan, you remember, our neighbour. I met him in Bhuvaneshwar few months back." I said, satisfying his curiosity.

"Oh he. What he is doing there?" Little surprised by my quick reply.

"Serving his company. And no more questions please. I am hungry." I said throwing the towel on his face.

I guess he sensed something fishy between us. He let the matter rest for a while and twirled the towel round my neck and dragged me downstairs. Punch, kicks, slaps and teeth bite, i tried everything to rescue myself. We landed in the dining room right in front of dad sitting at the table. We both stood there like a culprit for shouting at the top of our voices. I greeted Dad and took a seat beside him. Bhaiya also creeped in. The splendid aroma of delicacies tickled my tastebuds. Mother came in with a glass of lassi made exclusively for me.

"She has become very hot tempered, Maa. I hope lassi makes her cool down." Bhaiya was envious.

"My daughter is never ill tempered and you stop harassing her all the time." My father said with a tinge of pride.

No one dared to contradict his statement. though bhaiya wanted to but his lips lost strength before dad. We said prayers and started eating. The best food after months. Each morsel was laden with love and tasted heavenly. Mom is heaven. I straightened my hand to reach for the chicken bowl but bhaiya picked it up before me.

"So where is Ayan's family living now?" Bhaiya asked. He leaves no chance to pull my leg in front of dad. I didn't want that topic to start on the day of my arrival.

My mother raised the next series question exitedly "Ayan? You met him? How is he? You met his family? How are they?"

"He is working there. His family lives in Mumbai. All are doing fine. Humaira appi has a daughter but..." i tried to find words complete the sentence.

"But what?" Bhaiya said chewing his food noisily.

" Rehan bhaijaan and humaira appi's husband died in a car accident." I lowered my voice and face.

I heard the spoons and fork clattering on plates in continuous rhythm of one, two and three. We all lost appetite. Bhaiya left his chair putting the chicken bowl back on the table.

"Finish your food." Father shouted from behind. He didn't stop. I felt sorry for disturbing the vibe of home with the sudden bad news. I didn't get up. I knew my father would also leave after me. I continued to force food inside. We began eating in silence. it was pricking. Dad never looked up to observe me. This made me hyperactive because I wanted his attention. Channelising the thoughts in other direction i said, "He came to drop me to station and has conveyed regards to you and mom."

"He is a nice boy. Why dont you ask him to come to our home?" Maa said enthusiastically. I coughed trying to sip water. Not so sudden but i will make sure that he comes to ask my hand in marriage. I have no reason to invite him now and he wont agree even if i do.
"Maa, he is busy with his company's project. Maybe sometimes later." I said and pulled my chair back to leave. Dad eyed me. I bet he noticed my deliberate pretence of being nonchalant.

"You better keep away from him. You are no more small children and i dont want to hear any rumours regarding both of you." My father's warning burned holes in my heart. I felt helpless but nodded in agreement. I got up to leave. Stomach and heart, both were heavy.
~
*Does Farha's father dislikes Ayan? If yes then how is Farha going to change that hatred?*
~
Hey readers, want an early update?