Zara's POV

I wake up the next morning with a silly grin on my face. I sit up and stretch, rubbing my eyes. I'm surprised as to how well I slept last night. Usually, I can't sleep properly anywhere except in my own bed at home. I can't even get to sleep in Maryam's room. It was about 2am when I finally fell asleep last night, but I got all the sleep I needed. When I realise where I am, I feel a faint blush creep onto my cheeks. I look to my side. Hafsa is fast asleep. I slowly creep out of bed and make sure to be careful and not fall onto anything, or anyone, again.

I look towards the sofa and I can't help but smile. Zaid is also fast asleep, and he has a small smile playing on his lips. He looks so innocent when he's sleeping, it's funny. And cute. He looks adorable right now, like an angel. I can't ever get used to how handsome he is. He takes my breath away every time I see him, as silly as that sounds.

I tiptoe into the bathroom and freshen up, and change my clothes. I'll shower when I get home. I change into a light blue maxi dress, which is fitted from the top and flowy from the bottom. It looks like a summer dress, but it is actually so warm. Mum bought me this dress a few weeks ago, and I actually really love it. I can't be bothered to apply any makeup this morning, so I quickly brush through my hair. Yes. Using Zaid's hairbrush. I hope he doesn't mind.

When I'm ready, I exit the bathroom. Zaid and Hafsa are still fast asleep. I'm surprised that Zaid is still asleep, as he usually wakes up pretty early. I grab my phone from the bedside table. 7am. I slept for less than five hours, but I'm feeling wide awake.

Thankfully, the power has returned. I can finally charge my phone and make myself some coffee. Suddenly, an idea enters my mind. I smile. I'm gonna go and get breakfast started downstairs. I'm actually not too bad at cooking, but I just don't do it much. Mum is usually the one who does all the cooking at home, because she loves cooking. I want to make breakfast for Zaid and Hafsa this morning, though. Hopefully, it won't turn out too badly.

So, I leave Zaid's bedroom and head downstairs. When I'm in the kitchen, I take out everything I need and get started. Zaid's kitchen is fully stocked with everything I can think of. It's amazing. I make sure to be very careful, though, because I don't want to break or ruin anything. There's a possibility, seeing how clumsy I am.

I'm going to make some pancakes, eggs, hash browns, toast, coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. I choose these things as I've made them several times before, and I probably won't mess these up. If I tried making anything else, I would probably ruin it.

First, I get started making the pancake batter. I love pancakes, and they are so simple to make. Hafsa loves the pancakes which I make, so that's a good thing. I hope Zaid likes them, too. I put on some light music and get started with the cooking.

I don't realise that I start singing along to the music. I hear footsteps behind me, and I jump. I turn around to see Zaid sitting at the kitchen counter, with a small smile on his face. When he sees me looking at him, he smirks.

'I didn't see you there,' I say, pausing the music. Then I let out a small laugh.

He smiles. "You're up early and energetic this morning. Did you have a good sleep?" He asks me.

I nod, blushing. 'Yeah, I did. Did you?'

"Oh, I slept very well," he says, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I nod.

"What are you making?" He asks me, interested.

'Breakfast. You and Hafsa were asleep, so I decided to get started with breakfast. Are you hungry?' I ask him.

My question seems to amuse him. He looks into my eyes, an unreadable expression in his own. "Very hungry."

His answer makes me blush harder. I nod. 'Breakfast will be ready shortly. I can't cook with you sitting there, staring like that, though. Do you want to make yourself useful and help?' I ask him.

He chuckles. "Sure, Zara. What do you want me to do?"

'Hmm... You can start grating these potatoes for the hash browns if you want?'

He nods and gets started. He makes the hash browns and then gets started frying the eggs. I can't help but feel shocked. What is this guy not good at?! He's perfect at everything! I feel embarrassed next to him.

He looks so handsome this morning. He's wearing a white t-shirt and black sweatpants. He looks droolworthy. I can't believe how hot he is.

"Ouch!" I screech, placing my finger into my mouth. I was too busy checking out Zaid, and I burnt my finger in the process. How stupid and clumsy am I?! It's not my fault, though. Why did he have to come here with his handsomeness and hotness?

'Zara! Are you okay?' He rushes to me, taking my finger out of my mouth. Yep, I've definitely burned it. My finger is red from where it touched the frying pan. How did I get it into the frying pan?! Zaid doesn't let me concentrate on anything. It's his fault.

He pulls me over to the sink and holds my finger under the cold water. It helps, but it still stings.

"I'm okay, Zaid. It's nothing," I say, staring at him. He's so good-looking that it hurts. It's not fair.

'It's nothing? You burned your finger, Zara! Look how red it is! Where were you lost?!'

I don't answer him, but I just start blushing. Like always. How can I tell him where I was lost? I was lost staring at him and how hot he is. That's where I was lost.

He pulls me over to the counter, and goes to grab his first-aid kit. While he applies some cream to my finger, I'm staring at him the entire time. He's hot, beautiful, handsome, he's physically extremely attractive, but he also has the best personality. I'm one of the only girls who knows how caring and kind Zaid is. He's perfect.

He's concentrating so much on my finger right now, I can't help but smile. He has the longest eyelashes. "How are your eyelashes so long?" I can't believe I just said this out loud.

He looks up at me and chuckles. 'I know, right?!' His tone is humorous, but he has the longest eyelashes I've ever seen.

I nod. He has beautiful eyes. And everything else, too.

He smiles. "Stay here now, please. I'll get breakfast ready. There isn't much left to do now, anyway."

I shake my head. 'Zaid, this is nothing. It doesn't even hurt anymore, thanks to you. I'm helping with breakfast. I'll tell you what, you make the toast. I'll make coffee.'

"Your finger will hurt, Zara," he says, worried.

I smile, hitting him playfully on the arm. 'It won't. And anyway, I'm a big girl now, Zaid! Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Now get up, Hafsa must be awake now, and she's gonna be hungry. So am I.'

He chuckles and nods. "Okay, fine. But listen, I'll make the toast and the coffee. You're not going near heat again. You make the orange juice."

I frown at him but nod. 'Okay, Mr CEO. I'll do that. Thanks for giving me the easy job.'

He smiles and we get started with breakfast again. Cooking with Zaid is so much fun.

********

Ten minutes later, breakfast is ready and we have laid everything out on the dining table.

'We make a pretty good team, right?' I ask him, winking.

He chuckles and nods. "We make the best team." His expression seems serious, though. I blush again. What am I supposed to do to control my damn blush?! Zaid probably thinks I'm crazy!

We eat breakfast together. Me and Zaid talk, whereas Hafsa sits and eats her breakfast in silence. She's embarrassed about our last night's conversation, because Zaid overheard everything. I nudge her with my elbow.

'I'm going home right now if you're planning on just sitting there in silence,' I say to my best friend, pouting.

"No, you can't go! I was just busy thinking something, that's why I've been sitting and eating in silence," she says to me.

I laugh. 'You don't need to feel-' I start, but she breaks me off.

"I really want a nephew or niece, you know." My eyes widen with shock as I stare at her, not believing it. I thought she was silent because she feels embarrassed for last night, but she's busy thinking about my future kids!

Zaid smirks. I look over at him and glare. She frowns at her brother.

"Why are you smirking, Zaid bhai? I mean it, I want a nephew or niece. For that, you will have to get married soon," she says to her brother, with no shame whatsoever.

My mouth falls open. Zaid, too, looks shocked. She's talking about Zaid! I thought she was talking about my future kids. I can't believe this girl!

'You're seriously saying this to your brother, Hafsa?!' I mutter, frowning at her.

She smirks. "Yeah, so what do you say, bhai?"

'What am I supposed to say to that, Hafsa? You're absolutely crazy!' He says, trying to look annoyed but failing.

"I agree. You're completely crazy," I say, drinking a sip of coffee. I love coffee. It's my favourite.

Hafsa turns to me with a frown on her face. 'Zara? Babe?' She pouts.

I turn to her. "Yes, baby?" Zaid chuckles at our nicknames for each other.

'You're gonna forget me when you get married. You're gonna forget your best friend, because you're going to be busy with your husband all the time. You'll love your husband only, and you'll forget all about me!' She looks at me sadly, again pouting.

I laugh. "You're definitely crazy, Hafsa! Zaid, what's wrong with your sister?! Hafsa, how would I forget you? That's not even possible, baby! Of course, I'll love my husband, sure, but I'll love you more. Always. I promise."

She grins. 'Good! Because if you forget me, then I'll hunt down your husband and threaten to ruin his life! But I won't ruin his life...'

I laugh at her. She's so crazy, but she's such a cutie. "You're crazy! But I love you."

She kisses me hard on the cheek, making me (and Zaid) laugh. 'I love you more! Zaid bhai, don't worry. I'll kiss you too.' She goes to her brother next, who makes a face.

"No, Hafsa. It's okay. I don't want a kiss."

'Bhai! Stop being such a spoilsport!' She stands on her tiptoes and places a kiss onto her brother's cheek, making me smile. I love their relationship. They're always joking with each other, Zaid tells her off too (but she deserves the telling off each time), they argue, but I know that he would do anything in the world to protect his sister. And she loves him more than anyone.

She then positions her cheek in front of her brother's face. I laugh. They're so cute, I just hope their relationship always stays this strong. Zaid makes a face, but gently kisses his sister on the cheek. Aww. Zaid and Hafsa are two of the most important people in my life. They've done so much for me, supported me so much and helped me through everything. I don't know what I would do without them.

********

After breakfast, I sit with Hafsa in the living room, and we talk while watching TV. Zaid is doing some exercise in his personal gym, which he has equipped with everything he needs. He exercises daily, which is how he has maintained such an amazing body. Zaid is lean but muscular, and extremely handsome. I think I've mentioned this before, though. Several times.

Me and Hafsa watch an episode of Pretty Little Liars. We both have all the seasons on DVD, and it's our favourite show. Nothing will ever beat it. We watch an episode from Season 1, which of course is amazing. The episode has nearly finished, when Zaid returns. He has now changed into a navy button-up shirt and black jeans. His hair is wet as he has just taken a shower. He looks amazing.

He smiles at me, and comes and sits next to his sister. 'What were you girls up to?' He asks, drinking from his water bottle.

"We were just watching TV. Zara keeps saying that she wants to go home, though," she says sadly.

'Why? It's only 11am. Stay sometime longer, Zara,' he says, giving me a small smile.

"I just remembered that I need to clean out my closet. It's such a mess. It's gonna take all day," I tell him. He chuckles in response.

'You can do that later. Stay.'

I nod. "Fine. Only for a short while, though."

He nods.

********

'So, Zara, where do you want to do your wedding shopping from?' Hafsa suddenly asks me.

I roll my eyes. "Hafsa, you're crazy! My engagement hasn't happened, there is no guy yet! And you're asking me about my wedding shopping?"

Zaid also gives her a weird look.

'No, tell me. Honestly, where do you want to do your wedding shopping from?' She asks again. At least she's not asking anything like what she asked me last night. I still can't believe that.

"I'm gonna buy my wedding lehenga from here. There's a lovely boutique on the other side of the city. My mehndi dress, too, I want to buy from here. I want to do some of my wedding shopping from Pakistan, though. I love the clothes there, you know the casual kurtas and dresses. The bangles and jewellery are amazing too, there. So yeah, looks like I will be visiting Pakistan before my wedding," I tell her.

She smiles. 'That's great! You haven't been in a few years, have you?'

I shrug. "I visited two years ago, like a month or so after Zaid left for the US. Remember? I'm really close to some of my cousins from there, though. I'm much closer to them than I am to my so-called cousins who live here, in England."

She nods. 'I know, your family in Pakistan is awesome. You know, this is actually a great idea! You should do some of your wedding shopping from there!'

I smile, agreeing with her. "Yeah, I really want to. I told Mum, too. She seemed happy about the idea."

Hafsa's expression turns excited. 'I'm gonna go with you. Okay?'

Zaid frowns at her. "Are you?" He asks her. Hafsa nods.

'You too, bhai! I mean, tell me. Don't you want to....do wedding shopping with Zara?' She shares a secretive look with her brother, who glares at her in return.

"I haven't been since I was a small child," Zaid says.

I laugh. And laugh some more. That would be so crazy, but so much fun, too, if Zaid and Hafsa went to Pakistan with us. This needs to happen! Like now!

'Zaid, you have to! That would be so crazy, and Hafsa, you know, we should take Zaid to Pakistan in the summer! He hates the summer here, what will happen to him there?!' I joke.

Zaid smiles. "Maybe I will." Hafsa again shoots him a secretive look. What's going on with these two that I don't know of? They're definitely up to something.

I feel so excited now, though. I will definitely go to Pakistan to do my wedding shopping there, whenever my engagement is fixed. I will have so much fun with my cousins in Pakistan, and even more fun if Hafsa and Zaid go, too! I can't imagine Zaid going, because he hasn't been in so long, but it would be fun. It would be so much fun. It needs to happen!

Zaid drops me off at home after 1pm, after my insisting. I told him that I need to clean my closet out badly, and also sort my makeup drawers out. That's gonna take forever to do. I can't help but feel peaceful when I'm with him. Honestly, I feel completely at ease when I'm with Zaid. I feel like no harm can come to me as long as he is with me.

After a very long time, I feel content. I feel hopeful for the future. I don't know where this positivity is coming from, but I feel that something good will happen soon. For me. Something that will change my life.

********

1 week later

Zaid's POV

It has been a week. A whole week has passed, since that day of the power cut. Since the day that Zara stayed over. I've made my decision. I have thought for this for so long, I've waited more than enough. I feel like I've waited forever for this day. Never before have I felt so nervous. I didn't even know it was possible for me to feel this nervous.

Last week, when Zara stayed over, I didn't want her to leave. I didn't want her to return home, as crazy as that sounds. That night, when she was sleeping in my room with Hafsa, she fell asleep quickly after we came back upstairs. I couldn't fall asleep, though. I was wide awake until 4am. I don't know when I finally fell asleep, and I hardly got a couple hours of sleep. When I woke up in the morning, though, I felt wide awake. I realised that Zara was awake, that she had left my room, so I hurried and showered, and went downstairs to see her.

When I saw her cooking in my kitchen, I couldn't help but smile. Zara is perfect in every way. She's the most beautiful girl in the world, she's selfless, caring, kind and she's funny. I love teasing her, annoying her, I love making her angry. Her angry expressions are too adorable. She's beautiful.

If someone had told me a year ago, that a year from then I would be deeply in love, I would have laughed in their face. A year ago, I was a completely different guy. I'm ashamed of who I was in the past, but I have changed. All due to Zara. She has changed me completely. She has made me become a better person. I didn't believe in love, after Layla hurt me. I used to think that I had been in love with Layla. That was not love. Thinking back now, that wasn't even like. Love is what I feel towards Zara. I can admit it to the whole world, that I am madly and deeply in love with Zara Ahmed.

I didn't think I had it in me to love someone. But I love her, a hell of a lot. I smile, thinking about how many sleepless nights I have had. These sleepless nights first started off with me staying awake, confused as hell. Confused as to why I can't stop thinking about Zara. Confused as to why she has taken over my mind. Then, she took over my heart and soul. When I realised that I have fallen for her, I couldn't think of anything else. I stayed awake several nights, thinking of ways I can make her smile, thinking of ways I can tease her or make her angry just because I love the angry expression on her face. The way her brows crease and she frowns, pouting. I chuckle, looking out of my bedroom window. Zara, you crazy, crazy girl. What have you done to me?

Two days ago, I told my best friend, Aaron, about Zara. At first, he told me that I had gone crazy. But then, he told me that I was right. That I was in love with her. Aaron told me that he started to notice my changed behaviour several months ago. I told him everything. I told him how this is the best feeling in the world. I told him how I could do anything in the world just to make Zara smile.

I can. Zara's smile is what's most important to me. Her happiness. I can do anything to see her smile. She has been hurt enough in the past. From now on, I will make sure that she gets the happiness she deserves.

If it meant that I had to stay unhappy for the rest of my life just to see her happy, I would choose to stay unhappy to see her smile in a heartbeat.

Do you guys know something? Love does exist. It does, and it is the strongest feeling in the whole world. Whenever I see Zara smile or laugh, it makes me smile. I forget the rest of the world when she is in front of me. Like only she exists, and nothing else. I probably sound super cheesy right now, I know. I don't sound at all like my usual self. But it's true. I want to tell the whole world what Zara means to me, how important she is to me.

I haven't told her yet, I know. I will tell her how I feel. Sooner than you think.

Tomorrow morning, I will talk to my parents. I will tell them everything. I'll tell them that I have fallen for Zara, and that I want to marry her. I will marry no one else. I can't wait any longer now. I will marry Zara and make her mine, very soon. Well, I guess that'll be up to our parents. I just hope that her parents are also happy with this.

I'm nervous. More nervous than I've ever been before. How will my parents react tomorrow? I know that they will be happy, very happy, but what will they say? What will they do? When will they talk to her parents about it?

Another thing. I want my parents to talk to her parents, privately. Without her knowing.

Why? I'll tell you why. I want to propose to Zara myself after her parents and my parents have agreed to our marriage. I will take her by surprise. I grin. I have already planned the proposal. Crazy, right? It will be perfect.

And it may or may not include her favourite song. 'Hero' by Enrique Iglesias. She did say that she would say yes to any guy who proposes to her with that song, didn't she?

********

Hi, guys! How are you all? I hope you're all doing great! How did you find this chapter? I hope you liked it? Let me know!

So, FINALLY! Zaid is going to talk to his parents the next morning, he is going to finally tell them everything! He will tell them that he wants to marry Zara! Were you guys expecting this? I sure as hell wasn't! Lol!

What do you think is going to happen in the next chapter? Show me some love, guys, for this ending! Okay?! I wrote this out without thinking about it, but it's a good thing! Otherwise, you know me guys! I wouldn't have written this for the next twenty chapters! Haha!

Do you want the plot of this story to go slower? Faster? Please tell me! I love all your suggestions, and I do act on them!

You guys must have been shocked, though! You were, right?! I was! I shocked myself!

Don't forget to vote and comment if you liked this chapter! Thank you for all your support! I love writing this book for you guys, you're the best!

I really want some ice cream now. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Yum.What's your favourite ice cream flavour?! Okay, I'm gonna go and eat my icecream now. Bye! ❤️ x