Two days passed, and Malik felt restless. Inaya’s face haunted his thoughts, making it impossible for him to focus on work. He realized she wasn’t just an attraction; she was everything to him. Despite his attempts to push thoughts of her aside, he couldn’t help it.

Listening to his heart, he left the office, got into his car, and drove somewhere without a plan.

On the other hand, Inaya walked on the footpath toward the library near her house, which took her ten minutes to reach.

Letting out a sigh of relief, she took a book from the shelf and, finding a seat, began to read. She was completely absorbed in her book, unaware that someone was watching her from afar.

After an hour, she checked her watch, then glanced at the book—there were still some pages left. Deciding to borrow it, she was happy she could finally finish the novel at home.

But as she read, a line caught her attention. She resolved to read one more page before leaving, but soon felt someone’s gaze on her.

Looking in that direction, she vaguely recognized someone familiar. She quickly averted her gaze and tried to focus on her book, but the feeling of being watched made it difficult.

Again, she looked over and saw his face. She remembered who he was. He gave her a warm smile, prompting her to get up and head toward the reception.

He followed her like a lost puppy. Just as she borrowed the book and was about to leave, she heard a voice behind her.

“Excuse me,” he said. Inaya turned to face him.

He smiled, but she didn’t return the gesture. Instead, she gave him a questioning look, her eyes lingering on his face. She felt an impulse to admire him, but her heart raced.

“Can we talk for a moment?” he asked, breaking through her thoughts.

“I’m getting late. What do you want to talk about? We don’t even know each other,” Inaya replied, walking outside the library.

“I’m Malik... We met at the mar—” he began but was quickly cut off by Inaya.

“Yes, Mr. Malik, but I really can’t talk right now,” she said, heading in the direction of her home.

“I’ve really fallen for you... I just wanted to say this... I love you so much, Inaya ji. Please marry me,” he declared, causing her to stop in her tracks.

She turned to look at him, smiling, which made him hope for a positive response.

“Look, Mr. Malik... We just met at the wedding. We don’t know each other well, and you’re asking me to marry you. What do you think I’ll say?” she replied, chuckling lightly as she resumed walking.

“I understand, but please look at me... I’m not lying. Trust me, Inaya ji. I truly love you. I can’t sleep, I can’t eat... You’re on my mind and in my heart... you’re everywhere,” he said, following her like a lovesick teenager.

"Oh, Mister, my father must be waiting for me. I have no time for this. Maybe it's just an attraction. Give yourself some time to think; everything will be fine," she said as she ran along the footpath to reach her house.

“Bye... Good night... Take care!” he shouted as he headed to his car.

Inaya was walking but her mind was still on the conversation they had just had. Her heart was racing; she was feeling this way for the first time. She remembered the poetry he recited at the wedding.

She smiled unknowingly, lost in thoughts of him, not realizing she had already reached her house. Just then, she heard her father's voice, which snapped her back to reality.

"Where have you been? It's late," her father asked.

"I was reading a book. I didn't realize how much time had passed," she replied, smiling at him.

"Okay, let's eat dinner," her father said. She nodded and ran to her room.

After freshening up, she went to the dining table to eat with her father. Although she felt hungry on her way home, she didn’t feel like eating.

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𝑽𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕. 
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉💖