15-09-2024, 09:29 AM
Sohail pov:
Sohail stared at his phone, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. Afrah hadn’t picked up his call yesterday, and he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling growing in the pit of his stomach. He had tried calling her multiple times, but each attempt went straight to voicemail.
He knew she was busy with work, but this wasn’t like her. They usually made time for each other, even if just for a quick check-in. Thoughts raced through his mind as he wondered if he had done something wrong or if she was simply caught up in something urgent. He tried to push away the doubt creeping in, reminding himself that they were engaged, and she was committed to him.
Still, a part of him couldn’t help but feel a nagging worry. He sent her another message, hoping she’d respond soon, and anxiously watched his phone, waiting for her to call back.
Vishal pov:
Vishal leaned back in his office chair, his eyes following Afrah as she worked across the room. The tension between them had been simmering ever since the night at the club, and he couldn’t help but think about how she had pulled away, leaving him wanting more.
He tapped his fingers on the desk, a sly smile playing on his lips. Afrah was different from the other women—she was a challenge, and he enjoyed the thrill of teasing her, watching her struggle to keep her composure. The way she blushed, the way her breath quickened when he got close—it all fueled his desire to push her boundaries.
A plan began to form in his mind, one that would keep Afrah close and test just how far she was willing to go. He’d start with small things—more meetings, late-night work sessions, casual touches that lingered just a bit too long. He’d make it impossible for her to ignore the pull between them.
Vishal’s grin widened as he thought of ways to blur the lines of their professional relationship. He knew he had to tread carefully, but the idea of watching Afrah wrestle with her own desires was too tempting to resist. He decided he’d create situations where she couldn’t avoid him, couldn’t escape the tension that had been building.
“Let’s see how long you can resist, Afrah,” he murmured to himself, already envisioning the next time their paths would cross in the office.
Vishal had noticed Afrah avoiding him ever since that night at the club, but her attempts to keep her distance only fueled his determination. He began orchestrating “accidental” encounters around the office, timing his movements with hers. He’d be at the coffee machine just as she arrived, his eyes lingering on her as she poured her drink. He’d casually stroll through the hallway at the exact moment she stepped out of her office, their paths crossing so frequently that it felt almost fated.
Vishal’s gaze was unapologetically drawn to her voluptuous figure—her curves accentuated by her modest shalwar kameez that clung in all the right places. He couldn’t help but let his eyes roam, tracing the line of her waist that flared into her hips, the way her outfit subtly hinted at the softness beneath. Every time she walked past, his gaze followed the sway of her hips, the way her form moved with a natural, effortless allure that made his pulse quicken.
One morning, he timed it perfectly, catching her at the coffee machine alone. As she reached up to grab a cup, her dress pulled taut, accentuating the curve of her backside. Vishal’s breath hitched, his mind momentarily lost in the memory of their dance—the way her body had felt under his hands, the heat of her skin so close to his. He couldn’t resist stepping closer, just enough to feel the faint warmth radiating from her.
Morning, Afrah,” he greeted smoothly, his voice low and intimate, sending a shiver down her spine. He watched her tense slightly, her eyes flicking up to meet his with a mix of surprise and wariness.
“Morning,” she replied, her voice steady but her body language giving away her discomfort. She quickly turned back to her coffee, her movements quick and deliberate, as if trying to shield herself from his gaze.
But Vishal wasn’t one to be easily deterred. He leaned against the counter, his eyes shamelessly following every movement she made. “You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, his tone playful, but his eyes darkened with intent as they roamed over her curves, lingering on the dip of her waist and the generous swell of her chest.
Afrah stiffened, her cheeks flushing under his intense scrutiny. She took a step back, trying to create distance, but Vishal’s presence was magnetic, pulling her in despite her resolve to keep him at arm’s length.
“I’ve been busy,” she managed, her voice tight as she fought to keep her composure, but the way his gaze made her feel exposed and flustered was unmistakable.
Vishal smirked, his eyes never leaving her. “We all are,” he murmured, his tone laced with a suggestive edge. “But I think you’re worth the distraction.”
Afrah swallowed hard, her heart pounding as she hurriedly finished her coffee and walked away, aware of Vishal’s eyes following her every step, the heat of his gaze lingering on her like a touch.
Vishal leaned against the door of his office, his eyes fixed on Afrah as she busied herself with her work. He casually tossed the client file on her desk, his gaze lingering on her face. “I’ve got another client meeting tomorrow evening. Thought you might want to join,” he said, his voice smooth and inviting.
Afrah didn’t look up from her screen. “I can’t,” she replied curtly. “Ask someone else.”
Vishal arched an eyebrow, smirking at her refusal. “Why so cold, Afrah? It’s just a meeting.”
She finally looked up, her expression guarded. “I’m not going. And you shouldn’t ask me to these things. We have other employees, Vishal.”
He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing slightly. “But none of them are as interesting as you,” he teased, his voice dropping a notch, the flirtation clear in his tone.
Afrah shot him a warning look, her cheeks flushing with a mix of annoyance and something she didn’t want to acknowledge. “Stop it, Vishal. You shouldn’t flirt with me,” she said firmly, trying to keep her voice steady. “What happened the other night—it shouldn’t have happened.”
Vishal chuckled softly, his eyes darkening with a playful glint. He leaned in, just enough to invade her space without touching her. “I didn’t do anything wrong, Afrah,” he said, his voice dripping with feigned innocence. “We just danced. What’s the big deal?”
Afrah straightened in her seat, frustration bubbling to the surface. “You know it wasn’t just dancing. You crossed a line, and so did I,” she retorted, trying to sound resolute. “We can’t let that happen again.”
Vishal tilted his head, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Afrah, you’re reading too much into this,” he said dismissively. “You’re acting like something serious happened. We had fun, that’s all. No harm, no foul.” His eyes flicked to her lips, and then back to her eyes, the subtle gesture not lost on her.
Afrah crossed her arms, her irritation clear. “It wasn’t just fun, and you know it. You’re my boss, Vishal. This is inappropriate.”
Vishal shrugged nonchalantly, brushing off her concerns with an easy smile. “You’re overthinking it. It’s not like I dragged you onto the dance floor. You were there with me because you wanted to be,” he said, his tone challenging her to deny it. “And let’s be honest, Afrah, if you really wanted to stop it, you would have.”
Her eyes flashed, and she bit her lip, struggling to hold onto her resolve as Vishal’s words sank in. His confident gaze, the way he leaned in, and the casual arrogance in his tone—it all made her feel like she was the one overreacting, that maybe he was right.
Vishal watched her wrestle with her thoughts, enjoying the way she squirmed under his scrutiny. He leaned back slightly, giving her just enough space to breathe, but not enough to escape the tension between them. “Look, if you don’t want to come to the meeting, that’s fine,” he said with a dismissive wave. “But don’t turn this into something it’s not. We’re just two people enjoying each other’s company. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Afrah stared at him, feeling the familiar pull of his charisma, the way his words made her doubt herself. She knew she should stand her ground, but Vishal’s nonchalance and the way he downplayed everything left her second-guessing her own feelings.
Vishal’s strategy shifted subtly, playing on Afrah’s emotions in new ways. He made sure she saw him interacting with other female employees, especially the ones who were naturally flirty or more outgoing. Whether it was a shared laugh in the break room, a hand resting too long on a shoulder, or a private conversation that seemed a little too intimate, Vishal’s actions were deliberate, calculated to get under Afrah’s skin.
Afrah tried her best to ignore it, focusing on her work, but it was hard not to notice. Every time she glanced up, there he was, charming some other woman with that same confident smile, his eyes occasionally drifting over to her, gauging her reaction. It was infuriating, the way he seemed so at ease, while her mind kept spiraling with questions and a growing sense of jealousy she couldn’t quite shake.
One afternoon, as Afrah walked past Vishal’s office, she caught sight of him leaning close to a new intern. His hand brushed against the young woman’s arm as they laughed over something on his computer screen. Afrah’s heart sank, a pang of jealousy twisting in her stomach. She quickly looked away, trying to remind herself that she didn’t care, that she was engaged, and that Vishal’s antics were none of her concern.
But Vishal wasn’t done. He made a point of catching her in the hall later that day, his expression amused as if he’d won some unspoken game. “You look tense,” he noted, his voice dripping with mock concern as his eyes traveled over her, taking in the way her blouse clung to her curves, the fabric hintingat the shape beneath. “Everything alright?”
Afrah forced a tight smile, trying to keep her composure. “Just busy,” she replied curtly, avoiding his gaze.
He stepped closer, his fingers lightly grazing her elbow in a casual but deliberate touch that sent an unwanted shiver up her arm. “You know, you should take a break now and then. You work too hard,” he said softly, his voice taking on a more personal tone. His eyes wandered, lingering shamelessly on her figure. “It’s a shame to waste all that stress on work.”
Afrah pulled her arm back, her skin tingling where he’d touched her. “I’m fine,” she
said, her voice firmer this time, though she couldn’t ignore the heat rising to her cheeks.
Vishal smirked, enjoying her discomfort. “If you say so,” he murmured, letting his eyes drift down to her hips before meeting her gaze again. “But if you ever need to relax… you know where to find me.”
She turned away quickly, biting her lip as she walked back to her desk, feeling his eyes on her the entire way. She tried to shake off the encounter, but the image of Vishal with the other women lingered, fueling the jealousy that she hated to admit she felt. It was infuriating how he seemed to be everywhere, his presence a constant, nagging distraction that made her pulse quicken in ways she didn’t want to acknowledge.
Vishal’s plan was working perfectly. He reveled in the subtle power he held over her, the way her resolve seemed to waver under his gaze. And every time she tried to look away, he made sure to be there, watching her with that knowing grin, silently daring her to admit just how much she was affected by him.
A date night
Afrah sat nervously at the table in the cozy restaurant, her eyes scanning the entrance for Sohail. It had been a few days since their last meeting, and she’d been looking forward to their date, hoping it would help her forget the complicated feelings she had about Vishal.
When Sohail arrived, his smile was warm and reassuring. He greeted her with a gentle kiss on the cheek, and they settled into their seats, the dim lighting casting a soft glow on the table. They talked about everyday things—work, family, and future plans. Sohail’s excitement about their engagement was palpable, and he shared anecdotes about his work and his dreams for their future together.
Despite his genuine enthusiasm, Afrah found herself distracted. The recent encounters with Vishal kept intruding on her thoughts. She couldn't help but compare the ease of conversation with Sohail to the electric tension she felt whenever Vishal was near. She tried to focus on Sohail’s stories, to engage with his enthusiasm, but the nagging feeling of Vishal’s gaze and their last encounter lingered in the back of her mind.
As the evening wore on, they moved to a nearby café for dessert. Sohail’s hand occasionally brushed against hers, a gesture she found comforting but lacked the spark
she knew she should feel. She was polite, attentive, but her mind wandered, caught between her commitment to Sohail and the unresolved tension with Vishal.
Sohail, ever perceptive, noticed her distraction. “Is everything okay?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
Afrah forced a smile, nodding. “Yes, just a bit tired. Work’s been a little overwhelming lately,” she replied, trying to dismiss the thoughts of Vishal.
Afrah and Sohail continued their date at the cozy café, and as they sipped their coffee, Afrah's attention began to drift. She was trying to stay present, to enjoy the evening with Sohail, but the lingering thoughts of Vishal made it difficult.
Just as she was about to take another sip, her eyes caught sight of Vishal across the room. He was with a woman who wasn’t the one she had seen him kissing before. This woman was dressed elegantly, and the way Vishal was leaning in and laughing with her made a pang of jealousy twist in Afrah’s stomach.
The sight of Vishal’s hand resting lightly on the woman’s arm, his gaze intense and focused on her, stirred something uncomfortable in Afrah. It was as if Vishal was flaunting his new company just to provoke her. She found herself unable to look away, the scene before her only adding to her inner turmoil.
Sohail noticed her distraction and followed her gaze. “Is something wrong?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Afrah quickly looked back at Sohail, forcing a smile. “No, it’s nothing,” she said, trying to mask her discomfort. “Just got lost in thought.” She tried to refocus on Sohail, but the image of Vishal and the other woman lingered in her mind, making it hard to fully engage in the conversation. The rest of the date felt like it was happening in a haze, with Afrah struggling to push aside her jealousy and frustration.
Afrah excused herself to the restroom, needing a moment to gather her thoughts. As she returned to the café, she spotted Vishal near the entrance, his gaze fixed on her with a knowing smirk. He intercepted her, subtly blocking her path.
"Afrah," Vishal said, his tone light yet insistent, "whom are you here with tonight?"
She hesitated, then replied, “I’m with Sohail, my fiancé.”
Vishal’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “Your fiancé, huh? And who’s the woman I saw you looking at? How many girlfriends do you have, Vishal?”
He chuckled softly, not missing the hint of jealousy in her voice. “Oh, that’s just someone I’m meeting for business. Nothing serious,” he said, his voice smooth and dismissive. “But it seems like you're rather intrigued by my social life.”
Afrah’s cheeks flushed slightly, a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance. “It’s none of my business,” she said curtly, trying to regain her composure.
Vishal leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “You know, I could introduce myself to Sohail if you’d like,” he suggested, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
She said no.Vishal eyes twinkling with mischief. “But why do you seem so eager to keep me away from him? Afraid of what he might think?”
Afrah’s heart raced at the thought of Vishal meeting Sohail. “Please don’t,” she said quickly, her voice tinged with urgency. “I’d rather you didn’t.”
Vishal’s smile widened, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Alright, I’ll respect your wishes,” he said smoothly. “But how about this: if you agree to come with me to meet a client next Saturday, I’ll keep my distance from Sohail. What do you say?”
Afrah’s mind spun with uncertainty. The idea of being with Vishal for another engagement made her uneasy, but the thought of him mingling with Sohail was even worse. She glanced back at Sohail, who was waiting patiently, then back at Vishal.
Reluctantly, she nodded. “Fine, I’ll come with you.”
Vishal’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Excellent,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of triumph. “I’ll make sure the client meeting is worth your while.” He gave her a lingering, suggestive look before stepping back, allowing her to return to Sohail.
As Afrah walked back to the table, she felt a mix of relief and anxiety. She had agreed to Vishal’s condition, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was playing with fire. She forced a smile as she resumed her seat, hoping the rest of the evening would be smooth and free of further complications.
As Afrah sat back down at the table, Sohail looked at her with a concerned expression. “What took you so long?” he asked.
Afrah forced a smile, trying to sound casual. “Oh, I just needed a bit of fresh air,” she said, hoping it would suffice. “Nothing major.”
Sohail nodded, accepting her explanation without further questions. “I’m glad you’re feeling better,” he said with a warm smile. “Let’s enjoy the rest o
f the evening.”
Afrah’s relief was evident as she refocused on Sohail, determined to keep the conversation and mood positive for the remainder of their date.
Sohail stared at his phone, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. Afrah hadn’t picked up his call yesterday, and he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling growing in the pit of his stomach. He had tried calling her multiple times, but each attempt went straight to voicemail.
He knew she was busy with work, but this wasn’t like her. They usually made time for each other, even if just for a quick check-in. Thoughts raced through his mind as he wondered if he had done something wrong or if she was simply caught up in something urgent. He tried to push away the doubt creeping in, reminding himself that they were engaged, and she was committed to him.
Still, a part of him couldn’t help but feel a nagging worry. He sent her another message, hoping she’d respond soon, and anxiously watched his phone, waiting for her to call back.
Vishal pov:
Vishal leaned back in his office chair, his eyes following Afrah as she worked across the room. The tension between them had been simmering ever since the night at the club, and he couldn’t help but think about how she had pulled away, leaving him wanting more.
He tapped his fingers on the desk, a sly smile playing on his lips. Afrah was different from the other women—she was a challenge, and he enjoyed the thrill of teasing her, watching her struggle to keep her composure. The way she blushed, the way her breath quickened when he got close—it all fueled his desire to push her boundaries.
A plan began to form in his mind, one that would keep Afrah close and test just how far she was willing to go. He’d start with small things—more meetings, late-night work sessions, casual touches that lingered just a bit too long. He’d make it impossible for her to ignore the pull between them.
Vishal’s grin widened as he thought of ways to blur the lines of their professional relationship. He knew he had to tread carefully, but the idea of watching Afrah wrestle with her own desires was too tempting to resist. He decided he’d create situations where she couldn’t avoid him, couldn’t escape the tension that had been building.
“Let’s see how long you can resist, Afrah,” he murmured to himself, already envisioning the next time their paths would cross in the office.
Vishal had noticed Afrah avoiding him ever since that night at the club, but her attempts to keep her distance only fueled his determination. He began orchestrating “accidental” encounters around the office, timing his movements with hers. He’d be at the coffee machine just as she arrived, his eyes lingering on her as she poured her drink. He’d casually stroll through the hallway at the exact moment she stepped out of her office, their paths crossing so frequently that it felt almost fated.
Vishal’s gaze was unapologetically drawn to her voluptuous figure—her curves accentuated by her modest shalwar kameez that clung in all the right places. He couldn’t help but let his eyes roam, tracing the line of her waist that flared into her hips, the way her outfit subtly hinted at the softness beneath. Every time she walked past, his gaze followed the sway of her hips, the way her form moved with a natural, effortless allure that made his pulse quicken.
One morning, he timed it perfectly, catching her at the coffee machine alone. As she reached up to grab a cup, her dress pulled taut, accentuating the curve of her backside. Vishal’s breath hitched, his mind momentarily lost in the memory of their dance—the way her body had felt under his hands, the heat of her skin so close to his. He couldn’t resist stepping closer, just enough to feel the faint warmth radiating from her.
Morning, Afrah,” he greeted smoothly, his voice low and intimate, sending a shiver down her spine. He watched her tense slightly, her eyes flicking up to meet his with a mix of surprise and wariness.
“Morning,” she replied, her voice steady but her body language giving away her discomfort. She quickly turned back to her coffee, her movements quick and deliberate, as if trying to shield herself from his gaze.
But Vishal wasn’t one to be easily deterred. He leaned against the counter, his eyes shamelessly following every movement she made. “You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, his tone playful, but his eyes darkened with intent as they roamed over her curves, lingering on the dip of her waist and the generous swell of her chest.
Afrah stiffened, her cheeks flushing under his intense scrutiny. She took a step back, trying to create distance, but Vishal’s presence was magnetic, pulling her in despite her resolve to keep him at arm’s length.
“I’ve been busy,” she managed, her voice tight as she fought to keep her composure, but the way his gaze made her feel exposed and flustered was unmistakable.
Vishal smirked, his eyes never leaving her. “We all are,” he murmured, his tone laced with a suggestive edge. “But I think you’re worth the distraction.”
Afrah swallowed hard, her heart pounding as she hurriedly finished her coffee and walked away, aware of Vishal’s eyes following her every step, the heat of his gaze lingering on her like a touch.
Vishal leaned against the door of his office, his eyes fixed on Afrah as she busied herself with her work. He casually tossed the client file on her desk, his gaze lingering on her face. “I’ve got another client meeting tomorrow evening. Thought you might want to join,” he said, his voice smooth and inviting.
Afrah didn’t look up from her screen. “I can’t,” she replied curtly. “Ask someone else.”
Vishal arched an eyebrow, smirking at her refusal. “Why so cold, Afrah? It’s just a meeting.”
She finally looked up, her expression guarded. “I’m not going. And you shouldn’t ask me to these things. We have other employees, Vishal.”
He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing slightly. “But none of them are as interesting as you,” he teased, his voice dropping a notch, the flirtation clear in his tone.
Afrah shot him a warning look, her cheeks flushing with a mix of annoyance and something she didn’t want to acknowledge. “Stop it, Vishal. You shouldn’t flirt with me,” she said firmly, trying to keep her voice steady. “What happened the other night—it shouldn’t have happened.”
Vishal chuckled softly, his eyes darkening with a playful glint. He leaned in, just enough to invade her space without touching her. “I didn’t do anything wrong, Afrah,” he said, his voice dripping with feigned innocence. “We just danced. What’s the big deal?”
Afrah straightened in her seat, frustration bubbling to the surface. “You know it wasn’t just dancing. You crossed a line, and so did I,” she retorted, trying to sound resolute. “We can’t let that happen again.”
Vishal tilted his head, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Afrah, you’re reading too much into this,” he said dismissively. “You’re acting like something serious happened. We had fun, that’s all. No harm, no foul.” His eyes flicked to her lips, and then back to her eyes, the subtle gesture not lost on her.
Afrah crossed her arms, her irritation clear. “It wasn’t just fun, and you know it. You’re my boss, Vishal. This is inappropriate.”
Vishal shrugged nonchalantly, brushing off her concerns with an easy smile. “You’re overthinking it. It’s not like I dragged you onto the dance floor. You were there with me because you wanted to be,” he said, his tone challenging her to deny it. “And let’s be honest, Afrah, if you really wanted to stop it, you would have.”
Her eyes flashed, and she bit her lip, struggling to hold onto her resolve as Vishal’s words sank in. His confident gaze, the way he leaned in, and the casual arrogance in his tone—it all made her feel like she was the one overreacting, that maybe he was right.
Vishal watched her wrestle with her thoughts, enjoying the way she squirmed under his scrutiny. He leaned back slightly, giving her just enough space to breathe, but not enough to escape the tension between them. “Look, if you don’t want to come to the meeting, that’s fine,” he said with a dismissive wave. “But don’t turn this into something it’s not. We’re just two people enjoying each other’s company. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Afrah stared at him, feeling the familiar pull of his charisma, the way his words made her doubt herself. She knew she should stand her ground, but Vishal’s nonchalance and the way he downplayed everything left her second-guessing her own feelings.
Vishal’s strategy shifted subtly, playing on Afrah’s emotions in new ways. He made sure she saw him interacting with other female employees, especially the ones who were naturally flirty or more outgoing. Whether it was a shared laugh in the break room, a hand resting too long on a shoulder, or a private conversation that seemed a little too intimate, Vishal’s actions were deliberate, calculated to get under Afrah’s skin.
Afrah tried her best to ignore it, focusing on her work, but it was hard not to notice. Every time she glanced up, there he was, charming some other woman with that same confident smile, his eyes occasionally drifting over to her, gauging her reaction. It was infuriating, the way he seemed so at ease, while her mind kept spiraling with questions and a growing sense of jealousy she couldn’t quite shake.
One afternoon, as Afrah walked past Vishal’s office, she caught sight of him leaning close to a new intern. His hand brushed against the young woman’s arm as they laughed over something on his computer screen. Afrah’s heart sank, a pang of jealousy twisting in her stomach. She quickly looked away, trying to remind herself that she didn’t care, that she was engaged, and that Vishal’s antics were none of her concern.
But Vishal wasn’t done. He made a point of catching her in the hall later that day, his expression amused as if he’d won some unspoken game. “You look tense,” he noted, his voice dripping with mock concern as his eyes traveled over her, taking in the way her blouse clung to her curves, the fabric hintingat the shape beneath. “Everything alright?”
Afrah forced a tight smile, trying to keep her composure. “Just busy,” she replied curtly, avoiding his gaze.
He stepped closer, his fingers lightly grazing her elbow in a casual but deliberate touch that sent an unwanted shiver up her arm. “You know, you should take a break now and then. You work too hard,” he said softly, his voice taking on a more personal tone. His eyes wandered, lingering shamelessly on her figure. “It’s a shame to waste all that stress on work.”
Afrah pulled her arm back, her skin tingling where he’d touched her. “I’m fine,” she
said, her voice firmer this time, though she couldn’t ignore the heat rising to her cheeks.
Vishal smirked, enjoying her discomfort. “If you say so,” he murmured, letting his eyes drift down to her hips before meeting her gaze again. “But if you ever need to relax… you know where to find me.”
She turned away quickly, biting her lip as she walked back to her desk, feeling his eyes on her the entire way. She tried to shake off the encounter, but the image of Vishal with the other women lingered, fueling the jealousy that she hated to admit she felt. It was infuriating how he seemed to be everywhere, his presence a constant, nagging distraction that made her pulse quicken in ways she didn’t want to acknowledge.
Vishal’s plan was working perfectly. He reveled in the subtle power he held over her, the way her resolve seemed to waver under his gaze. And every time she tried to look away, he made sure to be there, watching her with that knowing grin, silently daring her to admit just how much she was affected by him.
A date night
Afrah sat nervously at the table in the cozy restaurant, her eyes scanning the entrance for Sohail. It had been a few days since their last meeting, and she’d been looking forward to their date, hoping it would help her forget the complicated feelings she had about Vishal.
When Sohail arrived, his smile was warm and reassuring. He greeted her with a gentle kiss on the cheek, and they settled into their seats, the dim lighting casting a soft glow on the table. They talked about everyday things—work, family, and future plans. Sohail’s excitement about their engagement was palpable, and he shared anecdotes about his work and his dreams for their future together.
Despite his genuine enthusiasm, Afrah found herself distracted. The recent encounters with Vishal kept intruding on her thoughts. She couldn't help but compare the ease of conversation with Sohail to the electric tension she felt whenever Vishal was near. She tried to focus on Sohail’s stories, to engage with his enthusiasm, but the nagging feeling of Vishal’s gaze and their last encounter lingered in the back of her mind.
As the evening wore on, they moved to a nearby café for dessert. Sohail’s hand occasionally brushed against hers, a gesture she found comforting but lacked the spark
she knew she should feel. She was polite, attentive, but her mind wandered, caught between her commitment to Sohail and the unresolved tension with Vishal.
Sohail, ever perceptive, noticed her distraction. “Is everything okay?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
Afrah forced a smile, nodding. “Yes, just a bit tired. Work’s been a little overwhelming lately,” she replied, trying to dismiss the thoughts of Vishal.
Afrah and Sohail continued their date at the cozy café, and as they sipped their coffee, Afrah's attention began to drift. She was trying to stay present, to enjoy the evening with Sohail, but the lingering thoughts of Vishal made it difficult.
Just as she was about to take another sip, her eyes caught sight of Vishal across the room. He was with a woman who wasn’t the one she had seen him kissing before. This woman was dressed elegantly, and the way Vishal was leaning in and laughing with her made a pang of jealousy twist in Afrah’s stomach.
The sight of Vishal’s hand resting lightly on the woman’s arm, his gaze intense and focused on her, stirred something uncomfortable in Afrah. It was as if Vishal was flaunting his new company just to provoke her. She found herself unable to look away, the scene before her only adding to her inner turmoil.
Sohail noticed her distraction and followed her gaze. “Is something wrong?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Afrah quickly looked back at Sohail, forcing a smile. “No, it’s nothing,” she said, trying to mask her discomfort. “Just got lost in thought.” She tried to refocus on Sohail, but the image of Vishal and the other woman lingered in her mind, making it hard to fully engage in the conversation. The rest of the date felt like it was happening in a haze, with Afrah struggling to push aside her jealousy and frustration.
Afrah excused herself to the restroom, needing a moment to gather her thoughts. As she returned to the café, she spotted Vishal near the entrance, his gaze fixed on her with a knowing smirk. He intercepted her, subtly blocking her path.
"Afrah," Vishal said, his tone light yet insistent, "whom are you here with tonight?"
She hesitated, then replied, “I’m with Sohail, my fiancé.”
Vishal’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “Your fiancé, huh? And who’s the woman I saw you looking at? How many girlfriends do you have, Vishal?”
He chuckled softly, not missing the hint of jealousy in her voice. “Oh, that’s just someone I’m meeting for business. Nothing serious,” he said, his voice smooth and dismissive. “But it seems like you're rather intrigued by my social life.”
Afrah’s cheeks flushed slightly, a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance. “It’s none of my business,” she said curtly, trying to regain her composure.
Vishal leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “You know, I could introduce myself to Sohail if you’d like,” he suggested, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
She said no.Vishal eyes twinkling with mischief. “But why do you seem so eager to keep me away from him? Afraid of what he might think?”
Afrah’s heart raced at the thought of Vishal meeting Sohail. “Please don’t,” she said quickly, her voice tinged with urgency. “I’d rather you didn’t.”
Vishal’s smile widened, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Alright, I’ll respect your wishes,” he said smoothly. “But how about this: if you agree to come with me to meet a client next Saturday, I’ll keep my distance from Sohail. What do you say?”
Afrah’s mind spun with uncertainty. The idea of being with Vishal for another engagement made her uneasy, but the thought of him mingling with Sohail was even worse. She glanced back at Sohail, who was waiting patiently, then back at Vishal.
Reluctantly, she nodded. “Fine, I’ll come with you.”
Vishal’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Excellent,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of triumph. “I’ll make sure the client meeting is worth your while.” He gave her a lingering, suggestive look before stepping back, allowing her to return to Sohail.
As Afrah walked back to the table, she felt a mix of relief and anxiety. She had agreed to Vishal’s condition, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was playing with fire. She forced a smile as she resumed her seat, hoping the rest of the evening would be smooth and free of further complications.
As Afrah sat back down at the table, Sohail looked at her with a concerned expression. “What took you so long?” he asked.
Afrah forced a smile, trying to sound casual. “Oh, I just needed a bit of fresh air,” she said, hoping it would suffice. “Nothing major.”
Sohail nodded, accepting her explanation without further questions. “I’m glad you’re feeling better,” he said with a warm smile. “Let’s enjoy the rest o
f the evening.”
Afrah’s relief was evident as she refocused on Sohail, determined to keep the conversation and mood positive for the remainder of their date.
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