Zara's POV

Okay. I need to know what's going on. Everyone is acting so weirdly around me. It seems like everyone knows something which I don't. Yes. They're definitely hiding something from me.

I'm glad that Mum and Dad are very happy, but why are they suddenly so happy? They have constant smiles on their faces, and they keep exchanging secretive looks. Maryam, too! What are they not telling me?

It is now Sunday, the following day, and I am sitting in my room, lost in my thoughts and trying to figure out what's up with everyone. Mum barges into my room, holding a hanger with a beautiful Pakistani dress.

'Here, wear this. And quickly get ready, we need to go soon,' she says, handing me the dress.

My eyes widen. "Mum, you can't expect me to wear this! This is..too much! And, I haven't seen this dress before. When did you buy it?"

She grins. 'It's new, and...I bought it recently. You have to wear this, you'll look beautiful!' She says, pouting.

I laugh, shaking my head. "Mum, we're only going to Hafsa's house! We're not going to a party or something, that I need to dress up so much!"

She chuckles. 'Get changed, and dress up nicely. Apply some makeup, I won't say anything today. Just hurry up, and don't argue about it. Please?'

I roll my eyes and nod. "Fine, Mum. I'll do it." I actually want to dress up today. I want to look nice in front of Zaid. I blush at the thought.

I change into the beautiful, light pink anarkali dress and look at my reflection in the mirror. It fits perfectly, and it is an absolutely stunning dress. It has light embroidery, it is simple yet elegant. Just as I like it. Mum knows me and my style too well.

I love this dress. It has become my new favourite. I don't wear Pakistani clothes too often, but I have to say that they suit me. I feel so good wearing this dress, I feel beautiful.

I get started on my makeup, keeping it simple and I match my lipstick with the dress. Perfect. My base is flawless, as is my simple eye makeup. I have applied light gold and brown eyeshadow to my eyelids, mascara, and eyeliner. I add kohl to my inner waterline; it makes my eyes pop. Honestly, kohl does wonders to any makeup look. My favourite facial feature is my eyes, and I especially love how they look when I apply kohl.

After a few minutes of debating what to do with my hair, I decide to straighten it. My hair is naturally wavy, but I like how it looks when I straighten it, which is not very often.

I glance at my reflection in the mirror, pursing my lips. Yes. I take out my diamond studs which Dad had gifted to me on my last birthday, from my jewellery box, and put them on. Nice. I love my simple, yet elegant look today. I hope someone else likes it, too.

I slip on my favourite pair of silver sandals, and head downstairs.

Mum grins when she sees me. 'Zara, you look beautiful. Absolutely beautiful,' she says, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I smile. "Really? Thanks, Mum!"

She nods. Dad stands up, and comes over to me. He is also smiling. 'Yes, Zara. Your mother is right. You look beautiful.'

I grin, hugging my father. "Thanks, Dad!" I break the hug, looking up at him. He smiles.

Maryam comes running down the stairs, and into the living room. I can't help but chuckle. 'Can we go now?! I can't wait!' She says, excited.

Crazy girl. Maryam reminds me of Hafsa, in many ways. They have many of the same characteristics, the main one being craziness.

Dad nods. "Yes, it's over 6pm. Let's go."

********

"Come in!" Aunty says, smiling widely at us. She looks so happy, too. Then she adds, "Zara, you look beautiful, beta."

I smile, thanking her. 'Thank you, Aunty. You're too kind.' We walk into Zaid's apartment. I can't ever get used to how beautiful his apartment is. It's modern and stylish, yet simple and beautiful. This is one of the most expensive and luxurious apartments in the city, but of course it would be. After all, it belongs to Zaid Malik.

Aunty leads us through the corridor, through the huge hall, and into the living room. The crazy things me and Hafsa have done here are limitless. As extravagant and rich this apartment is, it has always been my second home. I've stayed here many days and nights, with my best friend. When Zaid was in the US, me and Hafsa always used to have sleepovers either at my house, or here. We used to have the best time ever.

"Sit down, Zara dear. What are you thinking?" Aunty asks me, smiling.

I shake my head, grinning. 'I was just thinking of all the crazy things me and Hafsa have been up to here, in this living room.'

Everyone chuckles at that. They know very well how crazy me and Hafsa get sometimes, they know how amazing and close our friendship is.

"This dress suits you a lot, Zara," she says, a few minutes later.

I nod, smiling. 'I know, Aunty. I love it. It's so stunning, right?!'

She grins, looking over at Uncle for a moment. They share a secretive smile. What's going on with everyone today? What are they keeping from me?

"Yes, dear. It's lovely!"

Just then, Hafsa enters the room. She sees me and grins, running to me and enveloping me in a huge hug. I laugh. 'Hafsa, can't breathe-' I mutter, making her laugh.

She breaks the hug and gives me an apologetic look. "Sorry, I missed you like crazy!"

I roll my eyes, smiling. 'Hafsa, we went shopping together just last night! You're crazy!'

"I can't live without you for even one second, Zara!" She says, dramatically. I burst out laughing. I love her so much, but she's mental. Even more than I am.

And that says something.

Hafsa takes a seat on the sofa, in between me and Maryam. Uncle and Dad are on the sofa beside ours, and they are engaged in their own conversation. Mum and Aunty are looking at something on Aunty's phone. Probably clothes, or something like that. Looks like they're planning something excitedly.

Where's Zaid?

As soon as Mum asks Aunty where Zaid is, he enters the room in all his glory. He's just come out of the shower. His hair is wet and messy, and he looks gorgeous. He looks like a freaking model, it's not fair! Zaid is wearing a light blue button-up t-shirt, with the top two buttons open. He has paired the shirt with dark blue denim jeans. I like it. He looks very handsome.

Maryam elbows me, smirking. I realise that I have been staring shamelessly at him. I blush, hard. The things Zaid Malik does to me.

"Zaid bhai!" Maryam says, waving at him with a huge grin on her face. Zaid bhai?! She hasn't ever called him that before! That's weird, but why do I like it so much? That my sister is calling him Bhai?

He smiles at Maryam. 'Hi, Maryam! How are you?'

"Good! Amazing, actually?" She raises her eyebrows and winks at Zaid, who grins back at her. Huh? Weird. Everyone's weird today.

'Zaid, how are you, son?' Dad asks, standing up and greeting Zaid with a manly hug. Imagine if I greeted him with a hug like that. I chuckle at the thought.

All eyes turn to me, and I see that everyone has a mischievous look on their faces. What's going on?! I cough, looking down at the ground. Don't embarrass yourself today, Zara, like you always do.

"I'm fine, Uncle. How are you? I hope you've been well?" Zaid asks Dad.

Dad gives him a smile. 'Yes, son. I've been well. Busy with work, but apart from that, I've been well.'

I laugh again, at something I'm thinking about. I'm acting crazy today. Zaid looks at me and smiles. "Hi, Zara. How are you?" I love the way he says my name. Damn.

'Oh, hi. I'm fine, and you?' I look down again, so that he can't see the blush which has creeped onto my cheeks.

"I'm good, Zara," he replies, giving me a smile again. He's confusing me today. Zaid Malik never smiles so much. What's wrong with him?

Mum greets him next. 'Zaid, how are you, beta?' Mum asks, hugging him gently and then pressing a kiss to his forehead. I frown. What was that for? Not fair. She doesn't kiss me randomly like that. And I'm her own daughter.

"Aunty, I'm fine thank you. How are you?" He asks, smiling widely. Even he's happy today. Zaid Malik has a huge smile on his face. Why isn't he smirking yet? I'm scared for him. Is he feeling okay today? I hope so.

'I'm great, beta! Come, sit! I bought something for you,' Mum tells him happily.

My frown deepens. Mum bought something for Zaid? That's really weird. I give my sister a questioning look, which she responds to by just shrugging.

"For me, Aunty? Why? There was no need for anything!" He says, smiling.

Damn you, Zaid. Why are you smiling like this and making me stare at you like crazy?

Zaid really should smile more often, though. Because he looks so handsome when he smiles. It really suits him.

Mum laughs, shaking her head. 'It's not much, Zaid. I hope you like it.' She hands him a bag of a designer shop which I've heard of. I think it's a men's clothing store.

"Can I look at it now?" Zaid asks, with a light chuckle. Aww! Why does he have to be so damn cute?! I always knew he was broody, annoying and had a massive ego, but when did he turn cute?

Mum laughs, nodding. 'I didn't know your choice, so I was stuck on what to buy. I liked this, though.'

Zaid smiles, taking out the contents of the bag. He pulls out some type of clothing from the bag. A white designer kurta. I start blushing, imagining Zaid wearing it. It would suit him a lot. His smile brightens even more.

Mum has also gifted him a watch. My eyes widen. Why has she given him gifts? His birthday is next month, not now!

"Aunty, I love it. Honestly, the clothes and the watch are amazing. Thank you so much," he says, smiling at Mum.

Mum smiles back. 'Don't thank me, beta. It's nothing.'

He grins. "I really like it, a lot. You know what, I'll go and get changed into this outfit, and then tell me how I look. Okay?"

Mum chuckles. 'Really? You're going to wear it?' I'm more shocked than she is. Maryam and Hafsa are whispering something to each other, but I have no idea what they're saying because of Zaid. This guy is gonna be the death of me one day.

He nods. "Yes, I'll go and get changed now!" He seems so excited, it's adorable. He gives me a small smile, before leaving the room, taking the bag with him.

********

'Hafsa, let me help you!' I say, for the tenth time. Hafsa is taking out some plates from the drawer, and she isn't letting me help with anything.

"It's fine, Zara! Go and sit down, I'm fine. You look so hot today, babe. I've told you that already, haven't I?" She asks, looking at me with a grin.

I laugh and nod. 'Only like five times, Hafsa. Are you sure you don't need any help? I don't mind at all!'

She rolls her eyes. "I don't need any help, but you can stay here and give me company if you want. I don't mind that."

I laugh, nodding. 'Okay!'

"So, what have you been up to today?" She asks me, glancing over at me from the other side of the kitchen.

'Not much. Hafsa, why aren't you letting me help you? It's as if I'm a stranger, not your best friend!' I joke.

She smiles. "I'm not letting you help, because you always do too much! And I don't want you to ruin your dress, it looks hot."

I laugh loudly. 'You crazy girl! Hafsa, can I ask you something?' I ask her a few seconds later.

She turns to me with a smile, nodding. "Of course, Zara. Anything."

I stand closer to her and whisper, 'Don't you think everyone is acting weirdly today? I mean, why is everyone so happy? They all keep sharing secretive looks and smiles. I feel like everyone knows something that I don't.'

She smirks for a second. "Babe, it's nothing like that. Everyone is just really happy. I'm glad!"

I smile. 'Me too.' I still think something is up, though. I need to find out what.

********

I walk back into the living room with Hafsa. We will be having dinner in twenty minutes, and it smells amazing in the kitchen. Aunty is an incredible cook. I wonder if Zaid made the biryani today. Probably not. I'm sure he must have had many other things to do, which are more important. Like work.

I walk through the door of the living room, and halt when I see someone. My eyes widen in surprise, and I start blushing like crazy. My heartbeat is going at god knows what rate right now, because of the person I see in front of me. Zaid.

He looks so handsome, wearing a white kurta and pajama. The outfit is great, but it looks perfect on him. I haven't seen Zaid wear Pakistani clothes in years, and I definitely forgot how amazing he looks. If looks could kill, I would definitely be dead right now. Actually, I would be dead years ago. I can't take my eyes off him.

It fits him perfectly, showing off his muscular arms and body. He is so damn hot and adorable at the same time and just perfect. I can't stop staring at him like a weirdo.

'Zara?' Hafsa mutters, elbowing me in my side.

"Huh?" I reply, still staring at Zaid.

'Earth to Zara?!' Hafsa says, slightly louder this time.

I break out of my trance. It's as if Zaid has cast a spell on me. "I'm sorry. I just remembered something," I mutter, looking down towards the ground, my cheeks reddening. I hastily walk over to the sofa, sitting in between Mum and Aunty. I pour myself a large glass of water from the jug on the table in front of me, and I drink it all in one go.

It should be a crime to look this gorgeous.

'Look at Zaid! Doesn't he look amazing?!' Mum asks me, grinning. Seriously?!

I give her a look. I don't want to look at Zaid, because I know I'll just start blushing again. It's crazy, how he has this effect on me.

My life was perfectly normal until Zaid returned. Well, not normal, but... My feelings were perfectly normal until he returned. It feels like once he returned, my whole life changed.

"Yeah," I mutter. Maryam starts coughing loudly. I look at her, to see her winking at me. Everyone's turned crazy.

'Aunty, I love this kurta. Thank you so much,' Zaid says, happily. I can't help but smile.

"You know, Zaid never wore Pakistani clothes. Never. Not even on Eid. No matter how many times I begged him to wear them, he didn't listen. And now here he is. See, Zaid? I told you that you'd look handsome wearing Pakistani clothes! They really suit you!" Aunty says to him.

I glance at him through under my lashes. He's grinning. I can't stop staring at him today. He's gonna think I'm going crazy. I am. I'm totally crazy.

********

Dinner is amazing, as I knew it would be. Aunty has prepared so many lovely dishes, all of which are my favourites. I love everything she has prepared, especially the biryani.

'How's the biryani, Zara?' Aunty asks me, smiling.

"It's amazing, Aunty. You need to teach me the recipe!" I say, laughing.

She grins, a mischievous glint in her eyes. 'If you want to learn this recipe, you'll have to ask Zaid to teach it to you. I'm sure he'll teach you, won't you Zaid?' I blush. So Zaid made the biryani today, too. I love it.

Zaid glances at me, smiling. "Sure, I'll teach you."

I laugh. 'I'll teach you how to make my world famous chocolate cake, and you teach me how to make this amazing biryani. Deal?' I joke.

He grins. "Deal."

He's perfect. Zaid is the nicest guy I know, he's caring, kind, protective, fun. He's also the handsomest guy I know. Hands down. No one else even compares to him. Yes, he's still wearing the kurta, and I'm still secretly going crazy about that. I'm behaving like a real fan girl today. Crazy.

********

After dinner, we all sit in the living room and talk. Aunty shows me a large photo album, which contains photos of Hafsa and Zaid when they were younger.

"Aww, look at you, Hafsa! You were the most adorable baby! I just want to pull your cheeks!" I say, chuckling. Hafsa was such a cute baby! She looked just like Aunty. Beautiful.

She laughs. 'Mum, that picture is so embarrassing!' She groans, making me laugh. I remember a few months ago, when we had invited Hafsa, Zaid and their parents for dinner, and Mum showed everyone photos of me and Maryam when we were younger. Including my most embarrassing photos.

"Shut up, it's adorable!" I say, smiling.

'And look at Zaid, he was such a naughty child! I would run after him all day, making sure that he ate properly, that he slept on time. Hafsa was innocent, Zaid was naughty,' Aunty tells me, laughing.

"This is Zaid?! He was so cute as a baby, too! No wonder he has grown to be such a handsome young man!" Mum says, smiling.

I look at the picture everyone is looking at. Aww! 'Zaid, you were so cute! What's happened now?!' I tease.

He glances at me, smirking. "What do you mean? Are you asking how I've turned so handsome?" Aunty and Mum burst out laughing as I blush.

'No! I mean, how were you such a cute kid, and now you're...you're just alright. Average.' That's the biggest lie I've ever told. Zaid is anything but average. He's the most handsome guy I've seen. I wouldn't tell him that, though. It would inflate his already huge ego.

He laughs. "Zara, you know that you can't lie? You start playing with your hands whenever you're lying."

My head shoots up to meet his gaze. 'What?! No.' How does he know that?!

We're talking in front of Mum, Aunty, Hafsa and Maryam right now. Looks like I should stay quiet. Thankfully, Uncle and Dad have gone on a small drive.

"That's not the only thing you do when you're lying. You also play with your shirt," he says. How does he know?! I didn't even realise that, but now that he's said it, I realise that he's right. I do those things when I'm lying.

'I..have a bit of a headache. I'm gonna go and get some fresh air,' I say to everyone but Zaid. I'm lying, I don't have a headache at all. I feel perfectly fine. I just need some fresh air, away from Zaid.

Mum and Aunty turn to me with worried expressions on their faces. "Why do you have a headache, dear?" Aunty asks me, smiling worriedly.

I shake my head. 'It's not really a headache. I don't know what it is. I'll be back in five minutes or so,' I say, standing up.

"Zaid, go with Zara please," Aunty says to him, making my eyes widen with shock.

No. I'm trying to leave this room so that I can collect myself and calm down. The reason why I'm feeling this way can't go outside with me.

'Sure,' he says, standing up. I look back at him and groan. Why does he have to look so damn good right now? I know I sound stupid, but even I don't know what's going on with me right now.

********

'So, are you enjoying yourself?' Zaid asks me, a small smile on his face.

I look up at him, my breath catching in my throat. "Yes, I am," I reply quietly, nodding.

He looks at me for a few seconds, in thought. 'Zara, you look beautiful today.'

I blush instantly, looking down towards the ground and biting my lip discreetly. "Thank you, Zaid. You don't look too bad yourself." He grins, showing off his sparkling pearly whites.

I think for a second, thoughtfully, before frowning at him. 'Wait, you said I look beautiful today,' I say.

He laughs. "You don't miss anything, do you, Zara?"

I shake my head. 'I look beautiful today? Only today? I don't usually look beautiful?' I ask, joking.

He chuckles, taking a step closer to me, causing my breath to hitch. "You always look beautiful, Zara. Everything about you is beautiful. The way you play with your hands when you're not telling the truth, or when you're nervous. The way you laugh. The way you try to hide your thoughts and feelings, but you're actually like an open book." I gasp, my eyes widening. What does he mean I'm like an open book?

"The way you're shocked right now that I know what you're thinking. The way you try to hide your feelings, lying to yourself and also to others. I can see through that, though. I can see the way you look at me, Zara."

Saying that I'm shocked would be an understatement. 'H-how do I look at you?' I whisper, not shifting my gaze from the ground.

He chuckles lightly. "Zara, you know the answer to that. You, too, know that you feel something for me. You can lie to everyone else, but you can't lie to me."

I'm shell-shocked. I'm lost for words. What am I meant to say in reply to that?

I laugh, forcefully. 'What do I feel for you, Zaid? Tell me, if you know.'

He takes another step closer to me, making me tense. I look up at him and meet his eyes, and find myself getting lost in them. "You tell me. What do you feel for me?" He murmurs, a small smile playing on his lips.

'I...I don't know. Nothing. I don't feel....anything,' I lie.

I hear him laugh. "Zara, Zara, Zara. What am I meant to do with you? Hmm?"

'I'm not lying,' I mutter, causing him to laugh once more.

"You don't feel anything for me? Nothing at all?" He asks, murmuring huskily into my ear. I feel his breath on my earlobe, making me sigh. Why am I liking this?

I shake my head. I'm lying again.

"Then look at me. Look into my eyes and tell me that you don't feel anything for me. That you don't feel anything when I'm standing so close to you.. That you don't feel anything when I come even closer." He takes another step closer to me. He is no more than 2-3 inches away from me. I can feel his proximity. I can feel his closeness, his warm breath, everything.

Why do I want him to come even closer?

I don't look up to meet his eyes. I can't, because I'm lying. If I look up at his face, I'm going to lose myself again. I'm in love with him, and I can't hide it any longer. I can't keep lying to him. To everyone.

"Zara, look at me," he breathes.

'Zaid, if someone comes outside, they'll get the wrong idea,' I whisper. We are standing outside, in the back garden.

"Zara, look at me," he whispers once more. I keep my gaze lingering on the floor, not daring to look up to meet his eyes.

A few seconds later, I feel him lift up my chin with his fingers. Just his mere touch sends a strong current through my entire body. I've never felt this way before. I look at his handsome face, and smile gently. Without knowing what I'm doing, I take my hand up to his face. I feel the light stubble on his chin and I chuckle lightly. I caress his face and look into his eyes, which are filled with various emotions at this moment.

I seem to have taken him by surprise. I take my hand up to his forehead, moving back a strand of hair on his forehead. He groans, closing his eyes. 'You will be the death of me, Zara Ahmed,' he breathes, opening his eyes and staring into my own.

Just then, I realise what I'm doing and I quickly step back. What was I doing just now? Am I crazy? This is Zaid, and I was touching his face like... 'I'm sorry,' I whisper, blushing.

He smiles gently. "Don't be."

'Shall we go inside now?' I ask, looking over his shoulder to the barn behind the apartment.

"We'll go in a few minutes. I needed to ask you something," he says, looking into my eyes.

I give him a small smile. 'Oh, what is it?' I ask.

He pauses for a few seconds, before speaking. "What would you say if I told you that I've decided to get married soon?" My eyes widen with shock as soon as the words have left his mouth.

It feels like all the air has been knocked out of my lungs. Zaid has decided to get married? That, too, soon? How is this possible? The same Zaid Malik who used to be opposed to the idea of marriage, has decided that he wants to get married? If he gets married, that means he will leave me. Not that we are together, or anything, but then he will have a wife. He will forget all about me. I would mean nothing to him at all. Zaid wants to get married soon, and I know that he will. Who would not want to marry Zaid? As soon as the news of his decision to marry is out in the public, he will get many girls who are wanting to marry him. And he will choose someone. Will it be an arranged marriage? Or will he choose a girl for himself? Whatever the case, it will mean that I am out of his life. I can't believe this. I don't want to believe it.

I feel my heart crumble into a million pieces.

********

Hello, my beautiful people! How are you all? I hope you're doing well! How did you find this chapter?! I hope you liked it!

What was your favourite moment in this chapter?

Zara is hurt, after Zaid tells her that he's made up his mind to get married soon. She has no idea what's happening behind her back, what everyone's planning! What do you think will happen next?

Thank you so much, guys, for all your love and support! You're all amazing and I love you guys more than you can imagine! Bye, guys! ❤️ x