Ayesha's PoV

We spent half of our day outside the house. Shopping, movie, restaurant...it was a well spent day. Eveyone has enjoyed except me.

After that incident Zain didn't try to talk with me. He was enjoying his day with all my cousins but me.

Great Ayesha!

You were the one who made him mad at you.

But he did the same to me.

Eventhough his avoidance hurted me I didn't express that. I know he was right. I am just one among all the girls he has seen. Even if I don't talk with him, he has all my cousins to enjoy with. About me, it's the opposite.

Return journey was mostly silent. Most of us were sleeping. It's already 7 pm.

When we reached home back, I had to wake up everyone from their deep slumber. Taking our packets from the car, we slowly moved inside the house. Within a second I have been welcomed with a warm embrace. It was mama. I looked at her amazed. So as all my cousins.

"Congratulations my daughter. You made me proud again." She has wet eyes and glowing smile.

Is she thinking that I am getting married today?

"Mama...what..." before I complete Bapuji has also hugged me.

"Congratulations dear. You deserve this and we are very happy for you." Bapuji kissed my forehead.

"Would you care to tell me?" I asked unable to handle anymore surprise.

Bapuji has handed over a letter to me. I opened it and read it in an hurry. My eyes widened and hands started shivering.

This might be a dream.

I looked at the girls who are giving me confused look. My mama again hugged me.

"I can't believe this." I exclaimed.

"This is true Ayesha. All your hardwork got paid. Getting an internship offer followed by the post of junior doctor at AIIMS is really not everyone can achieve. You did it." Bapuji again kissed my head.

"AIIMS.....?" All my cousins were wondered.

Yes it is. Four months ago I had attended a written test followed by a practical one at our college which was supposed to be the selection of internship candidates at AIIMS. Only one would be selected from top colleges of India. And I can't believe that they have selected me. I can do internship at AIIMS, New Delhi for next 6 months, then if I am interested and based on my performance I can join as Junior Doctor there.

Before I relieve from the shock Reyza aunty embraced me.
"Congratulations dear."

Then everyone started appreciating me, one by one. I felt overwhelmed. I got a group hug from my cousins gang.

Asiya aunty came forward to hug me.
"Congratulations Ayesha. You are the pride of our family. I am glad that I could join you in this happiness."
At that moment all the indifferences between us faded away. She smiled at me sincerely so as me. Even Ali uncle wished me. But their son didn't. He stood there far away from us. I couldn't see any happiness in him. He suddenly felt like someone I don't know.

Exactly.  I don't know this Zain. The Zain I know was always happy about all the little things in my life.

"What is written in the letter Aapa? When should you join?" Hanah asked out of excitement.

"I have to join by 12th."I said.

"Isn't it too early? I mean it's next week." Reyza aunty commented.

"Yes. But that's the joining date. All the new batches would start next week."I replied.

"But how would we arrange your stay within this short time?" Mama was anxious.

"It is not a problem mama. There is hostel there."

"There is not enough time for preparations." Zeenath aunty said.

Am I going for a war?

"It's ok. She would manage. Shamz would accompany her to Delhi and he would arrange everything that is needed for her. " Bapuji declared.

Soon the discussions started about how would I go, when would I start, what should I take and everything. I slowly looked up to see him only to find him nowhere.
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This is one of the best day of my life Baba. I am half way into my dreams. If I can successfully complete this internship with a good record, then I can join AIIMS. It is a dream offer for every doctor. Not just the experience I am gonna get there, but working there for a few years would help me financially too. I can reach my goal faster than I expected.

Thank you Allah. Be with me in this new phase.

My phone rang and I excitedly attended it.
"Shamzzzzz...." my own echo filled my ears. Soon I have been showered with many congratulations from him. I am glad that he is genuinely happy for me. Atleast I earned one true friend whom I can rely on.

"Ah Shamz. Better you come back soon. I can't wait to see you." I turned back only to see Zain standing infront of me clueless.

"Ok Shamz. I would call you back. Good night" I hanged up the call while he stared at me with void filled eyes.

I didn't speak thinking that he might be angry at me.

"Congratulations Ayesha. You deserve this." This time I could see him sincere.

"Why are you so early?" I couldn't hide my disappointment. And ofcouse my eyes started watering. He didn't answer pushing me into a dilemma.

He is here just for formality? To appreciate me and then go back.

Atleast he haven't go back till now. He is still here.

My heart drenched remembering the old days we spent together. I tried my best to not cry. But it happened. I never have the strength to fight him.

I searched for words so that I can frame a sentence. But I failed.

Before I could decipher what is happening, I was taken into his arms. He hugged me tightly.

"Please Ayesha. Don't push me away this time."he said while I felt his tears on my shoulders.

Is he really crying?

"Zain, I didn't ignore you. But you treated me like I am noone to you. Why did you go to meet your friend without informing me?"I asked.

He didn't say anything.

"Zain, I want answers."

"Ayesha, that time...That time I felt to do like that. I don't even know the reason. But I was not trying to stay away from you. Believe me. When I came back, I tried to talk with you. But you behaved as if I don't exist."

"You were my best friend. Then you left without telling me. And what did you expect me to do then?" I shouted.

"Ayesha, I am sorry."

"No sorry. Tell me the reason Zain. Why did you treat me like a stranger? I need answers today." I shouted holding his shirt collar.

Suddenly we heard footsteps and he instantly pulled away from me.

"Hanah?" He called seeing his sister approaching us.

"Bapuji is asking for you Aapa."She informed before leaving.

"Come. Let's go." I asked him to follow.

Everyone was waiting for us downstairs. They gave me the look that made me suspicious. I was happy since I am gonna escape finally. But no, there is something still waiting for me.

"What's that Bapuji?"

"Your mother and mother-in-law are worried about sending you alone." He replied.

Mother-in-law?

"But Bapuji I can't take the entire family with me." I said in defence.

"Hey no Ayesha. We are not coming with you. We are thinking something else."Mama told me.
"I mean why can't we conduct the engagement before you leaves."

I was shocked. I looked at Zain who gave me same expression.

"Mama, haven't we told you already?" I gritted my teeth.

"No no. Actually it is my idea. Already the entire family is here. Before everyone return back we can atleast get you both engaged so that it would be another happy moment for all of us." Reyza aunty spoke.

I shook my head in disbelief. I wish Shamz was here today. But no, he is at Bangalore.

"Yes. In the presence of the whole family we can conduct the engagement. Then you can leave for Delhi. Atleast Shamz can visit you often." Mama said more like a request.

"No. We are not getting engaged. We need time mama."

"We are not asking you to get married today or tomorrow.  You can take the time you want. Two or three years later. But please say yes for engagement." Reyza aunty tried to convince me.

"Shamz may not agree." I said more to myself.

"If you agree, then he would also. I know him. He is my son."Aunty has no plans to leave me.

"Ayesha Aapa, please say yes. Atleast we can attend your engagement. And then we would go back next week." Both Hanah and Hiba insisted me.

"Ayesha, atleast agree for their happiness. I too want to see you getting engaged." Bapuji has demanded.

I gulped. Everything is going out of my hands. I looked for Zain for a defence. But he stood completely uninterested.

"Ayesha Aapa, please. Shamz bhai would agree. We know."Sana said confidently.

"Ayesha, even I am going with my husband to another country soon. Before that I want to attend my brother's engagement. Don't disappoint me." Zehra Aapa requested.

I don't know whether I really agreed for this engagement or did they anticipated from my confused state, the date of the engagement has been fixed. The next Sunday.
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"Shamz, believe me. I couldn't do anything. They just decided everything."I was saying truth.

"And you didn't say NO?" Shamz asked from the other end of the phone.

"I said. But ..." I paused.

"You were a lioness infront of Asiya aunty. Right? And where was that lioness when someone fixed your engagement without your consent?" Shamz was asking all the valid questions.

Unfortunately I don't have answer for any of them. I felt guilty for dragging him into this. He invited this onto himself only for helping me. I am the reason he got trapped into this.

"Ayesha, this is getting serious. Bapuji has asked me to come back by the earliest flight. What would I do now?" He asked doubtful.

"Shall we tell them the truth?" I have no other option.

"Are you mad? Then forget about going to AIIMS. Everyone would get one more reason to blame you. They would target you badly. I swear."

"Why can't we inform just Bapuji? I am sure he would help us."I said hopefully.

"I am coming back anyway. Let's discuss about this after I arrive. Don't worry till then. I am with you in this." He pacified me making me smile.

Allah, please help me get out of this !
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So,
Shamz - Ayesha
(Or)
Zain - Ayesha?