Ayesha's Pov

"Mama. Please calm down. The train will soon reach the station and within hours I will be right infront of you. And ask Bapuji to not call me again. I am almost there."

"And dont forget to tell him to send someone to pick me. I am too tired to take an auto or bus."

"Ok then let's meet soon. Please be ready with my favorite dishes. I am craving for mama's food. Your hands are magic."

I ended the call after talking with mama for what felt like hours. I have given the best for my final examination. After having a great time at Bangalore I finally bid good bye to my college, hostel and then the dream city itself. Yes, for most of the youngsters. But even after spending 5 years of my life there, there is nothing that roots me there.

Bapuji and mama was calling me alternately since the moment I took the train. I cant wait to see them.

I looked into my watch and realized that the train will reach my station anytime soon. It was a long night yesterday at hostel. My friends decided to celebrate our last day at Bangalore. I couldn't get a single minute of sleep. But I enjoyed it a lot. Now I am really tired.

When I was about to close my eyes for a slight nap, I heard the whistle. I stood up taking my bags and slowly got out of the train with a sleepy face. I stood at the platform looking for the person whom Bapu ji has sent to pick me. But I didn't see any familiar faces. I was about to call Bapu ji when a shining pair of eyes got my attention.

Zain!!!

Oh not again. Dont tell me that he is the one whom Bapuji sent for me.

I suddenly became nervous unlike last time in the store room. After the dream where I saw that prince in him, I am confused. I wish the prince didn't show his face ever. But he did throwing me into a dilemma.

I saw Zain trying to figure out me in the large crowd. Ya Allah. He is now coming towards me.
I can never behave the same with him again. Sometimes I am too naive.

I looked here and there. But he has already reached me.

"Ayesha. Bapu ji asked me to pick you from the station. You are lucky that I was sitting idle."he took the bags from my hand.

I smiled.

"Come on."he told while walking ahead and I followed him. He stopped infront of a bike.

"What??"I shouted forgetting where I am.

He stared at me as if I am an alien.

"You didn't bring a car. Instead this bike. I am not coming ok?"I already stated before he can argue.

"Please dont tell that Ayesha. My heart will break. I am very crazy for bikes. You know what. I used to participate in some races without my parents knowledge. I thought you will be comfortable with a bike more than a car. Actually most girls are."he stopped realizing that I wont fit into that category of most girls are.

"First of all I am gonna take a taxi from here. Secondly I need to inform Asiya aunty and Ali uncle about your crazy races."I said and he frowned. Immediately it changed into a smile in an attempt to get me in his way.

"Please Ayesha. I know you are a soft hearted girl. You cant push your cousin into trouble."he tried his best to change my mind.

Unknowingly I smiled. I can't hold this for a long time. After all he is right. I am just soft hearted.

"So aren't you coming with me?"he asked with a smile.

"Only this time" I nodded my head and he became happy.

He occupied his seat on the bike and started it. I hesitated to occupy the back seat. He looked at me.

"Come on Ayesha. I promise I won't let you fall."

Without having another option I sat beside him. I placed my one hand on his shoulder and the other on the handle of the bike.

Soon he started the bike and I must say Michael Schumacher is nothing infront of the Schumacher beside me. I closed my eyes literally experiencing the feeling of flying in air.

Did he actually think that this is a race? Why did I even agree to travel with him?

"Ayesha, if you are afraid let me know."he told.

I wanted to push him out of the bike and take an auto to reach home. But I didn't say anything. Getting no response from me he increased the speed further.

Dont he want to live anymore?

I took out my hand from the handle and wrapped both arms across his hip. I didn't stop with that. Questioning my own guts I leaned more close towards him and rested my head on his shoulder. I shut my eyes tight. I was so embarrassed to do all this but this time fear win over me. I heard him groaning but I didn't open my eyes to see his face.

Home....Why I am not reaching?

Surprising me he suddenly decreased the speed. I opened my eyes in shock.

"Ayesha you could have tell me if you are afraid of speed instead of doing all this circus behind me."he told making me widen my eyes.

Circus? Hello I am a doctor. I can't be afraid of anything. Even if I am afraid I shouldn't admit it.

He stopped the bike. I was confused.

"Are you angry with me for not telling that I am afraid?"

"Not at all. I have a friend to meet here. If you dont mind. I know we are already late."he told.

I immediately got out of the bike followed by him.

"Thank you Ayesha."

"Where is your friend?"

"Actually my friend is waiting there. Please wait here. I will be back in 10 minutes. Are you okay with it?" He asked doubtful.

Great. Should I stand here for 10 minutes? Bapuji, only if you were wise enough to send someone else....

I nodded my head. He crossed the road and reached the other end where a car was waiting for him. From his face it is visible how excited he is to meet his friend. Surprising me a girl came out of the car. She is wearing a saree and she smiled widely seeing Zain. The next moment they both hugged together. I gulped.

What kinda friend is she? This is a public road and what they are doing? How shamelessly?

Should I even bother? If she dont have any problem, why should I?

I turned my face away and concentrated on a boutique infront of me.

I impatiently waited for his so called 10 minutes to get over. But even after 20 minutes, that 10 minutes didn't end. My legs already started aching when I leaned back to the bike.

For my relief, I saw him coming towards me crossing the road. But she is along with him. Seems like he is very happy. While walking they didn't stop talking for once.

"Ayesha, sorry for making you wait. Actually we are meeting after 2 months. So...."

"It's ok."I said before he completes.

I looked at her face. She is very beautiful. She smiled at me.

"Hai Ayesha. I am Darshana. We are best friends and brought up together at London. 2 months ago I came back to India to fulfill my dream career." She spoke.

Wait. Did she just say 2 months? May be this is why Zain came back to India. Only to see her. Its evident from his face how much he missed her.

"Hey Ayesha. You didn't ask me what's my dream career?"Darshana asked with a bit of disappointment in her voice.

"Actually she won't talk a lot. That's why" Zain spoke for me even before I can reply.

"I am working at Bhavan's Vidyamandir School. As Student's Counsellor. Wonderful. Isnt it?" She asked.

I smiled.

I must say how much happy she is. For achieving her dream. Mutual feelings. I can understand.

"Ok Darshu. Bapu ji will soon come searching for us. We have to go."Zain said.

"Meet you soon."she hugged him again infront of me. I became pale.

"Missed you Darshu."he hugged back and they bid good bye to each other.

Soon we restarted the journey back home. Unlike first time he is driving slowly and carefully. I kept my hands away from him. I didn't want to touch him after seeing his Darshu.

What if she is his girlfriend? But she is a Hindu. So what? He is grown up in London. He can marry her too if he could hug her publicly.

"Ayesha I am the same one with whom you spent almost 3 hours in the store room last day."he told making me come out of my thoughts.

"So what?"

"Nothing. Today you behaves like I have grown an horn. Atleast you can talk with me."he reminded.

Suddenly I felt nervous.

What should I talk with him?
Or should I even talk?
It will be weird if I ask about Darshana.
Why should I?

"That...I...I am too tired to speak."I stuttered.

"Atleast ask me what I was doing yesterday without you."

"What you were doing?"I asked what he wanted me to ask.

"We went for an outing. We means me and your stupid cousins. We purchased some kitchen appliances which aunties wanted. Also we had icecream together. Do you like icecream?"he asked.

"Yes"

"Look how weird. I am asking questions and answering it."he laughed.

"How was your exam?"he asked.

"Easy."I replied.

He let out a small chuckle.

"What?"I was confused seeing him laughing.

"I just remembered about a crying baby whom I had to handle last day. Because she thought that she wont be able to attend her exam next day"

I pouted.

"Seriously Ayesha. If I was in your place, I would have chosen to spend the rest of the day inside that store room so that I can happily miss my exam" he said funnily and I giggled.

With that I came back to that Ayesha with whom he spent time in the store room. We talked a lot. Mostly about my college days, friends and his London life.

"How do you know Darshana?"I suddenly asked and immediately regretted for asking it.

"I know her from my school days itself. She was my classmate that time. But after studies only we became best friends."he said.

I waited to hear more from him.

"To be frank I didn't want her to come to India. But her dream was more important to her. She wanted to work in India. Her mother land."

I could feel a bit of sorrow in his words.

Does he love her?

Why should I bother?

"Doctor Ayesha is again quiet."he commented.

"Nothing just tired."I said.

Within minutes we reached our home. He handed me my bag and with that I turned to leave. I was about to go when he suddenly held my wrist from back. I was shocked and shivered feeling his touch. I stared at him totally out of my mind.

"Darshana is not my girlfriend. My best friend with whom I can share anything. And for your knowledge, she is already engaged to my another friend who happens to be her boy friend too. Actually he is the connection between us. She will return back to London next year and will settled down there permanently after marrying him."he smiled.

In my entire life I didn't get embarrassed like this.

Did he actually hear me?

Or may be he knows to read mind.

I smiled at him with a pale face and he chuckled.

"Dont worry. I can imagine what a girl thinks on seeing a boy and girl together for the first time."He said and left his grip on my wrist.

I didn't wait anymore. I literally ran away from him.

I entered inside to meet Bapu ji and mama. They became happy seeing me back. Everyone asked me about my exam and I replied for the sake of replying. I rushed to the kitchen and had some biscuits and snacks to control my hungry stomach. I didn't even bother that a marriage is about to happen here. Usually I sit on the kitchen slab and eat as much as I can. That's what I am doing now.

After that I went to the playing area to check my cousins. They were so happy to be together and hugged me. But they didn't ask me about my exam. Good. I am too tired to repeat the replies. After chit chatting with them for some time and meeting Zahra Aapa, I went back to my room and fall on the bed to have the much awaited sleep.
.
.
.

"Ayesha, how long will you sleep?"

"Just five more minutes mama. Please."I said still not opening my eyes.

"Five more minutes ah? You are sleeping for more than 15 hours now."she said and I opened my eyes in shock.

I got up from the bed and looked at the clock to see it's 10 am.

ALLAH...

Didn't I wake up yesterday?

Didn't I eat the dinner?

And no one woke me up.

How many namaz did I miss?

What the hell?

"Seems like you were waiting for your exams to finish so that you can have all the missed sleeps together."Mama said and I glared at her.

"Ok now get up and come for breakfast. Everyone else already had it."she said leaving the room.

I went to washroom and did my morning activities. I came back and stopped at the door biting my nails.

How will I face aunties?

I am sure. They might be ready to roast me. Already they are waiting for a reason to tease me. Rest of the day will be filled with advices on how being a girl cant sleep like this. These people are good only for this. Noone ever appreciated me for waking up at 5 am regularly. Today I slept too much and I am sure that will become a big issue.

I bother least about them.

I am hungry. I will go downstairs and eat my breakfast.

I was about to go when I heard a loud scream from the next room. It's Zain's room. What happened? I immediately rushed to his room and I was shocked seeing him standing on the bed with a pillow in his hand.

"Dont come near me..Go away..I said you to get out."he said pretending to throw the pillow. He was staring at the floor horrified.

"Mew.."that's when I noticed noisy on the floor ready to lick anyone's feet.

I couldn't hold my laugh. I went towards noisy and picked him in my arms while brushing my cheek on his head. Zain stared at me in wonder.

"Is this creature yours?"Zain asked and I glared at him.

"It's not a creature. He have a name. Noisy. Call him that."

"Noisy or susy...Ask him to not come near me. Better for him."he warned and I again bursted into laugh.

"I can't believe that you are scared of a tiny cat. That too my cute noisy. How can someone not love him?"I said caressing my noisy's head with love.

"Why only love? Marry him too. You both are made for each other."he said throwing the pillow at me.

I escaped cleverly and with that my laughter increased.

"What's there to laugh like a mad girl?"he asked seriously.

"Zain do you remember when one day you scared me with a cat during our childhood? That cat was a big one. But see how you are scaring for a small friendly cat now. You made your bed a mess."I laughed again.

"You don't know. I used to play with crocodiles in my friend's house. But this cat...I hate it."he exaggerated making me chuckle.

"Hey come down Zain. He won't do anything. He is such a cutie."I said playing with noisy.

"And dont dare to tell one more word about my Noisy. Noone should hate him. Only love"

"I am warning you Ayesha. Cats are dangerous. He will bite you and you have to take injection then. You don't know how painful injections are."he said like a kid.

"Oh that doesnt mean you are scared of injections too?"I widened my eyes and he looked away.

"Allah. I cant laugh anymore. He will kill me today "I exclaimed.

"Oh what a cute cat."
I saw Hanah coming into the room while her eyes fixed on noisy.

"Here comes another cat lover. Why can't you all go to some jungle? So that this house will be left for humans." Zain frowned.

I must say he is very cute while frowning. I should make this an habit. Irritating him.

"Wow... Ayesha Aapa can I take him? What's his name?" Hanah asked caressing my noisy's head.

Usually I dont like handling him to anyone else. But I can't refuse her wish. I nodded with a smile. She took him and kissed him. I smiled in relief. Seems like Noisy too liked her. She was so excited and started playing with him.

"Noisy that's his name."I said.

"Noisy such a nice name."she commented.

"By the way ask your brother to come down from bed."I said looking at Zain who is now glaring at noisy.

"He won't. I am keeping two cats in our home only to scare him."she said making me giggle.

"She is lying. I am not scared. It's just that I hate these creatures."

"It's noisy" We both yelled together.

"Aapa, can I take him out and give him milk?"she asked and I nodded. She left with Noisy.

"Zain now come down. He is gone."I said and he jumped down from the bed.

"Zain, I didn't know that you are so innocent. I even warned Noisy that my cousin is someone who will eat him if he is hungry. I warned him to stay away from you."I said shaking my head in disappointment.

"Didn't I tell you I hate them?"he shouted.

"Not scared ah?"I chuckled.

"Anyway I am going to have my breakfast. There is no use talking with a mad girl like you."he was about to go.

"Wait I am also coming. I didn't eat anything since I woke up so early today."I said following him.

"Bad girl. Be like me. I am an early riser everyday. I wakes up at exactly 10 am. Too early."he said and we both laughed together.

I am happy that I don't need to eat alone and I can escape from aunty team's long lecture too. We went to the dining area. He kept on talking while I listened to him without missing a single word. I was enjoying his talks. But I don't know whether he enjoys my silent company. Who will? I can never be a good company for anyone. Never Ever!!!
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Here is the Next Chapter.

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