Some days passed, and Inaya was trying her best not to fall for him. She knew her father would not agree to a love marriage. He was very strict about these matters, but somewhere in her heart, she held onto a hope that he would agree; after all, she was his daughter.

Inaya and Malik began talking about their lives outside the library, sometimes at a café. The library was where their love blossomed. Malik was the first to fall for her, but Inaya fell harder.

Malik respected her; he never touched her, and they didn't even hold hands. Their love was pure, filled with admiration and excitement. They adored each other so much that they would do anything to protect one another.

One day, Inaya was sitting in the passenger seat while Malik drove. He was taking her to his house for the first time. He parked the car in the lot, and after taking the lift, they reached his apartment. Inaya was a bit taken aback; there was no feminine touch in his home.

There were three rooms, a unique and classic kitchen, paintings on the walls, and traditional cutlery. As Inaya wandered around to take in the view, Malik followed her like a lost puppy.

"Your house is beautiful," she said, looking up at him.

"It's not mine; it's yours too," he replied, making her blush.

"Come, I'll make something for you," he said as he led her to the kitchen. He rolled up his sleeves and put on an apron. His long, veiny hands were in her view, and she smiled, admiring how handsome he looked as he moved around like a chef.

When he noticed her staring at him, he winked at her, causing her to blush even more. He was busy cooking while she watched him, trying to help, but he insisted her to relax and enjoy.

"Ready" he said, placing the food on a plate.

They sat by the counter; he served her, and as they ate, their eyes remained locked on each other. After finishing lunch, she insisted on washing the dishes, but Malik wouldn’t let her.

They moved to the couch, where he began sharing stories about his childhood, recounting how clumsy he used to be. Inaya laughed at his antics.

"I'm going to leave this house soon," he said, moving a little closer to her.

"Why?" she asked, intrigued.

"I don't think two rooms will be enough for our childrens" he said, leaning in closer.

"Huh?" she responded, wondering what was happening.

He moved even closer, yet their bodies didn't touch.

"W-we can't do anything before marriage" she stammered, trying to calm her racing heart.

"I'm not doing anything... I'm not even touching you, love" he reassured her, causing her face to redden in embarrassment.

He sat beside her, smiling. "You're reading too many novels," he teased, playfully tapping her nose.

"Shut up... you're making me embarrassed" she replied, and he laughed at her cuteness.

They spent the afternoon chatting and laughing, and when he dropped her off at home, she decided she would talk to her dad that day.

Meanwhile, Zain discovered that Malik and Inaya were in love. He felt angry because his best friend, who had been with him for 11 years, was no longer giving him time. They started to argue because of Inaya.

Zain's father suggested him to  marry her, as Inaya's mother had wanted that. Zain agreed to the marriage, even though he knew his best friend loved her.

She thought to tell everything to her father today, but little did she knew something big was waiting for her.

-----

𝑽𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕.
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉💖