Hasan picked up the garbage bag, he walked avoiding Mahajabeen and as he was about to open the main door, he heard sniffled sound. Alerted he cautiously opened the door a little and peeked outside.

"Anaisha!" He was stunned to find her sitting at the foot of the main door to her apartment and looking haphazard. Her hair was messed up, mascara, kajal, and lipstick smudged. Hasan dropped the garbage bag and hurried to her. Mahajabeen meowed as she stood at the doorstep, having a grumpy expression.

Hasan noticed a bottle of alcohol in her hand, - "Are you—"

"Remember the time, when you were crying because you were feeling helpless, as your Bhabhi was hospitalized."- She slurred, shaking her head slowly. Hasan's expressions relaxed as that incident flashed before his eyes. He was upset and crying, then Anaisha had sat with him. Hasan nodded. Anaisha moved the bottle, shifting a little to give him a place. Without speaking, he sat down.

There was silence between them, Hasan scrunched his nose because of the strong smell of alcohol. Anaisha shifted a little to her side.

Hasan hesitated, - "Um, is there anything you want to talk about?"

Anaisha gulped, - "No."- she shook her head and passed him her phone, - "Please call, Priyank." Her eyelids fluttered as she spoke indistinctly and then, closed her eyes. Hasan stiffened as her head fell over his shoulder. He tried to concentrate on her phone, but he didn't know the password, nor his face was recognized. He checked around in the hope to find someone to help him. Mahajabeen hissed at the doorstep and Hasan shushed her. Then, he reluctantly went through her purse and fished out her house keys.

Cautiously, he pulled her up and made a face whilst moving the bottle of alcohol from her grasp.

Astaghfirullah- He thought in his head but tried to keep his intention clear. Hasan held her waist over her saree pallu, ensuring no skin-to-skin contact, and rested her arm around his shoulder, and gently dragged her inside the apartment.

After making her rest on the bed, he covered her with a duvet and then disposed of the bottle. He left the house, thought for a while, and then returned with his beddings. 

At dawn, Anaisha slowly opened her eyes and shifted on her bed. The hammering pain in her head made her feel terrible. She groaned, grasping her forehead as she sat up. Then she recollected passing out in the lobby. Now, she was confused. Priyank must have dropped her in. She adjusted the pallu of her saree and climbed down. She stumbled as the saree unfolded.

"Shoot!" She muttered.

Wasting no more time, Anaisha discarded her saree and lingerie. She took a quick head bath and wore her red and white animal printed shorts PJ. Deciding to make herself some lemon juice she dragged her feet out of the room.

Anaisha flipped her damp tresses to her shoulder as she stepped out. She gasped upon seeing a man kneeling on the floor, on a mat. It took her few seconds to register that the person was Hasan. Cautiously, she tiptoed towards him. He was busy whispering something and staring at the mat. Anaisha realized she has to cross him to walk to the kitchen. After a small internal debate, she took a step but stopped in her tracks when Hasan cleared his throat. She frowned. He wasn't looking at her, was he communicating with her? A second later, she moved her leg then he raised a finger, and she retracted her feet. Was he talking to her? She was losing patience; her headache was making her agitated. Some seconds later, Hasan moved his head to the right then to the left. He read something more and then looked up at her. Before she could say something, he gestured her to cross.

"Thank you very much," Anaisha spoke annoyed, and strode towards the kitchen. Swiftly, she made lemonade and took a sip. She sighed, leaning her hip against the kitchen slab. As she closed her eyes, she recollected her confrontation with Abhinav.

"I am sorry, Anaisha. I couldn't help it. It was a moment of weakness. But after that moment, I realized I am not just attracted to Tahira. I love her and I am not sorry for that."

"You promised, Abhinav. You promised you won't be like Aryaman Singhaniya."

Anaisha held her glass tightly. The memories made her tear up again. How can Abhinav cheat on Minal? He has experienced what becomes of the woman whose husband cheated on her. He has seen his mother Babita suffer, yet? She kept clenching the glass with such force that it would have crackled if there wasn't an interruption.

"Good morning."

Anaisha straightened and quickly blinked her tears back. She turned around to avoid Hasan looking at her and then gulped the rest of the lemonade.

"Um,"- Hasan stood behind her, - "I am sorry. Actually, last night I went to my apartment and then realized how can I lock you in your apartment nor can I leave it open the whole night. I wanted to call Priyank but—"

"No need to explain."- Anaisha sounded hoarse but that was the least of her concern. He had seen her broken and vulnerable last night, she doesn't want him to see her helpless side again.

Hasan noticed that she was avoiding eye contact, but he couldn't help admiring how pretty she looked with her natural face. He wanted to comfort her but knew there were many restrictions. Then, why was he so much concerned for her? Perhaps for that day when she had lent him an ear. He exhaled deeply, placing his hands on the slab.

"Last night you reminded me of the day, I was so vulnerable and shared my feelings with you."- He paused as she inhaled deeply, - "You know, it is easy to share with a stranger than someone known."- He tilted his head and looked at her, but she doesn't spare him a glance, - "That way, there is no fear of being judged."

Slowly, Anaisha turned her head and looked at him. He doesn't fail to notice tears glistening in her eyes. He has never seen her so upset, there must be something very serious. She bit her lips, - "You think I am afraid of being judged?"- She raised her eyebrows and Hasan stilled. A pang of guilt struck him. He lowered his head.

She let out a shaky breath and turned, - "Thanks for the night." She took a step back.

Hasan interrupted her, - "There is something I want to share with you."

Anaisha turned to look at him, she furrowed her brows, - "Why?"

"Because it concerns you as well. Just be ready by 10." He said simply and walked ahead of her. Anaisha was confused but she doesn't reply. She watched Hasan walk out of the kitchen. A moment later, while she simply stood there, she heard the door open and shut.

I am sorry, guys for so late update. To make up, I am going to post two chapters today. So, enjoy and Stay Tuned for the next update *smiles* *hugs and kisses*

Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *Smiles*