Ayesha's PoV

After sharing everything with Zain, I felt a burden gone away from my heart.

Ayesha, you should have done this earlier.

On the other hand he was all happy for me. The party is about to end and I must admit that I had an awesome night today along with my cousins. We enjoyed the maximum by cracking jokes around, playing pranks, singing songs and whatever we can do to make this one a memorable night. The guests are all leaving one by one since it's getting late night. We were having our dinner together along with the whole family members.

It was then Zain slightly bumped his elbow on my hand. I gestured him to talk what's the matter.

"Tomorrow is Zahra Aapa's marriage. Day after tomorrow we are going for your check up."he informed me or more precisely it was a statement.

"What?"

"What? Are you hearing the word check up for the first time?"he rolled his eyes.

"No.....but...I heard that my results will be out soon. I was thinking about doing the check up when I go back to Bangalore to collect my certificates and TC."I was not sure whether he will agree.

"It will be too late Ayesha. We have good hospitals here. I was thinking about taking an appointment with one of the famous doctor here at Apollo hospital. I enquired about him. He is nice."

Seriously? Did he fix everything?

I didn't respond.

"And I want to accompany you. I want to talk with the doctor and confirm that you are fine now."he added.

"Dont you believe me? I am okay now."I said with a little bit of disappointment.

"It's not like that Ayesha. I know you are strong enough such that a leg fracture can't stop you from anything that you want to achieve."he said and I smiled.

"But I just want to do atleast this for you. I was not there whenever you needed someone by your side. Since I came to know about this very late, I want to make sure that I do my part better. Out of concern for you."he said while eating.

"If that's the case, you can accompany me to Bangalore once I am ready to go."

"But it will take atleast one week for your results to come out. Isn't it?"

I nodded my head.

"I don't have that much time. After the marriage function ends tomorrow, the next moment my parents will start pressurizing me to book tickets for our return trip."

He said and the little morsel of food that I was carrying in my hand fell down on the plate. I lost all glow on my face.

"Are you going?"

"Yes ofcourse. I have a company there in partnership dear. London is not a better place to leave our assets on the basis of trust."

My face fell down.

He is going back.

It took time for me to register that in my mind.

He finished his dinner and came back after washing his hands. I was still playing with my fingers on the plate without eating.

"Ayesha, so can I book an appointment for day after tomorrow?"he asked.

"Hm..."I simply nodded and he walked away with the excitement of finally getting a chance to do something for me.

No matter how much I tries to be unaffected, the fact that he is returning back to London within a few days totally destroyed all the happiness I was having till now. Within the next few days, my cousins too will leave me one by one. I am once again going to be alone like I used to be. But a change. This time the loneliness that I loved a lot in the past is now scaring me. The coming days will be a test for me. Why am I getting attached with people unnecessarily? Especially with him. When I know that he will go away one day. When I clearly knows that for him, I am just one among all those girls he have seen in his life.
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At Night

Sleep was far away from me. I got out of the bed safely placing Hanah and Sana inside the comforter.

I reached the balcony and stood there looking at the moon while holding the railing.

Did he ever feel anything that I could feel for him?

Each time he cared for me, I tried to teach my mind that he is just a cousin.

But I dont know when did I lose that control over my own heart.

Am I confessing my feelings which I was not sure till now?

Did it happen?

And did I took all this while to finally understand it? Till the moment he is about to leave.

Why?

When did I actually fall for him?

Fall in love with him when I was sure that he deserves a girl of his nature and not me.

Why did my heart deceive me?

Why couldn't I stop myself from falling for him?

May be because he is the first man who showed me such kinda affection.

And why did I take it as love?

It was my mistake.

Now he is going back after doing all this to me.

I didn't want to sleep. I want to do something to divert my mind at this time. So I took my phone and dialled Darshana's number. I dont know why I called her even before checking the time. I realized it when she attended the call with a loud yawn.

Oops...Its 11:25 pm!!!

"I am sorry Darshu. Sorry for disturbing you."I spoke with regret.

"Why sorry? Even if you directly come to my flat and wake me up by pouring water on me, I won't complaint. First rule of friendship."

I let out a small chuckle.

"How was the function?"

"Good."

"Tomorrow I will be also there for the evening reception. Zain had invited me. And I have something for you. Something special."

"What's that?"I asked doubtful.

"Nothing. A special gift to give you confidence."

I smiled. Even at this hour she is speaking so energetic.

"Believe me. You will be the star of tomorrow's function."she said in an assuring tone and I only felt to laugh.

"Are you kidding me?"I asked.

"Not at all."

"Let's see."

"Why are you not sleeping?"she asked making me go back to my thoughts. My face fell down.

"Are you ok Ayesha?"she asked loudly.

"Yes, very much."

"But I am not feeling that from your voice. Anything disturbing you?"she asked.

"I am just low. After the function everyone will disperse soon. I will be alone again."I said partially hiding the truth.

"Everyone have their own life Ayesha. You too have one. Your results will be out this month. After that you are a doctor and move on with your own world of patients, hospital etc. You can't expect everyone on your side always."

"I know. I am little nervous too. I will start practising soon. Under one of the famous doctors in our city. Getting adjusted to a new place and their schedules, it's one of my worst fear."

"Actually everyone's. Even mine too. If you are afraid on your first day at your new place, keep calm and think about the second week you are working there. Try to imagine the day when you are standing there as a familiar face. Tell to your mind that you are now standing at your comfort zone. It will help you."she said and it helped me.

"Thank you Darshu."

"I know this is outdated. But still I am saying. No sorry and thanks between friends. Second rule of friendship."

"This is outdated I agree. But there were no such close friends for me to tell this. So it's new for me."

"Oh I am honored"she laughed.

"You made me relax a lot Darshu. Talking with you helped me to get my sleep back."

"Oh was I boring to that extent?"she said sadly.

"No rey...."I laughed.

"By the way is there any particular reason for losing sleep apart from this?"she asked in a naughty way.

"I think I need to sleep."I said to escape from her question.

"Ok remember one thing. Those who want to go, let them. Dont worry thinking too much about it. Those who meant to be in your life will come back at the right time. Good night Ayesha" she hang up the phone.

I was mesmerized with her words.

She is right, its not like Zain is going away from me forever. He is still my cousin and he will be always. There is always a chance for him to come back. And I too have a chance to express my feelings one day if I get the courage for that. Only if I get.
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Next Morning

Everyone wake up early morning and we started our works to get ourselves ready and also the bride to get ready. I wore a grey color floor length salwar with golden embroidery on the border. I did minimum make up and wrapped my shawl around my neck.

When I came out of Zahra Aapa's room after helping her, I saw Shamz and Zain chit chatting. They smirked seeing me.

"Ayesha, get us something to drink."Shamz told like an order with a grin.

"Why can't you go and take it yourself?"I asked faking anger.

"We are boys. We are only allowed to sit at the front area like kings."Zain said placing his one leg over the other while leaning back on the sofa.

"Yeah..."Shamz supported.

I went towards the kitchen and took two glasses of orange juice. I came back and gave it to them. They both looked at it carefully before staring at me.

"I don't want orange juice. I need grape juice."Shamz said.

"I want mango juice"Zain said.

I glared at them in wonder.

"I am not your maid. Go and prepare yourself."I folded my arms across my chest.

"If that's the case let me call Bapu ji and complain about you."Shamz threatened me.

"I dont care."I replied with a smirk.

"Not Bapu ji. I think we need to call her mama. Let her see how obedient and disciplined her daughter is. A proud moment for her."Zain said making me scare.

"No please...."I pleaded. I dont want a lecture from my mama at this time.

They both bursted into laughter.
"Hey relax we were just teasing you."Shamz said making me furious.

They drunk the juice.
"Leave that Ayesha. It was just for fun."Zain said.

"Ok are you coming with us to the auditorium? We are about to go."Shamz asked.

"No I am not coming with two useless fellows. I will get into Bapu Ji's car."I said walking out but I clearly heard them laughing from my back once again.
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We reached the hall and soon the rituals started. The groom came along with his family after the nikah already done at masjid. Bride and groom were seated at the well decorated stage. As close family members, we all stood behind them and indulged in teasing the couple. It was then Zain came to stand beside me. He smiled to melt my anger. I didn't mind him and I cleverly shifted my position to the other side. Now Hiba is between us. She started talking with him continously and it was evident from his face that he is getting annoyed. I chuckled making him pout.

The rituals are almost over and the photographer started taking photos of us. We all stood together and it was then he wisely got into the middle of me and Hiba. The picture clicked and it has me and him standing close to each other. I was happy inside. But outside I faked anger.

"What was that for?"he whispered into my ears while we tried to come out of the stage leaving the couple alone for the other guests.

"My way of revenge."I said proudly.

"Oh so doctor Saab also knows to take revenge."he exclaimed.

I didn't reply and sat on one of the chair. He sat beside me.

"Ok I am sorry for teasing you along with Shamz. Actually he started it. Not me"

"So what? You too joined him."I said glaring.

"Sorry again."

"No mention."

"Will you talk to me please?"he asked like a kid pleading for his toy. I felt funny but didn't show it.

"Is that matter to you whether I am talking with you or not?"I asked watching his reaction.

"Yes ofcourse. You are not just a cousin. One of my best friend. I dont care about others. But it matters to me whether you are talking with me or not. It affects me when you are giving me silent treatment. When you are angry at me, when you are sad. Everything Ayesha." he said and I felt unlimited happiness.

It was enough for me. My heart fluttered and face brightened.

"So you are no more angry?"he asked hopefully.

"I am not."I smiled and he became damn happy.

"Thank you sweet Ayesha."

I chuckled.

"But Zain it's better you start used with my silent treatment. Because after you return back to London, then I am not in your daily life."

I watched his face and it was evident that he is not at all happy with that discovery. His face fell down. He kept on thinking. A mood that I haven't seen in him till now.

"Will you call me after you are back at London? Atleast an e-mail once in a week? Can I expect a WhatsApp message from you occasionally? Or will you move on with your busy life forgetting this cousin completely?"I asked carefully watching him to know his reaction.

He raised his head and smiled at me.

"Would you mind coming with me to London? Then you won't miss me and I won't miss you."he said funnily and with that he stood up leaving.

Wow Zain. You are successful in once again confusing me. Congratz!!!
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What left you was never meant to be yours and what came to you was deserved for you.

So Ayesha almost realized her feelings?

What about her prince?

Stay Tuned for Next.