04-10-2024, 10:51 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-10-2024, 10:57 PM by Zoz34. Edited 1 time in total. Edited 1 time in total.)
The Next Morning at the Office
Afrah stood outside Vishal’s office door, her heart pounding in her chest. She had barely slept the night before, her mind spinning with thoughts of her mother, Sohail, and most of all, Vishal. But now it was morning, and she had made a decision. It was time to take control of her life, to set boundaries.
*You can do this. Just go in there, say what you need to say. Stay calm, stay in control.* She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"Come in," came his smooth, familiar voice from inside.
Her hand tightened on the doorknob as she pushed it open. There he was, sitting behind his desk, his eyes lifting to meet hers with that same devilish smirk. That look. It was like he could see right through her, see her inner turmoil, and he was amused by it.
*Bastard. Attractive, infuriating bastard.* Her pulse quickened, but she kept her face composed. *Control. You have to control this.*
Vishal leaned back in his chair, watching her with that teasing gleam in his eyes. "Afrah," he said, his voice low, almost purring. "What can I do for you this fine morning?"
She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, but she clenched her fists at her sides, grounding herself. *Don’t let him get to you. Just say what you came to say.*
"I’ll take the promotion," she said, her voice steady but firm. "But from now on, you have to be respectful towards me and be professional." She raised her chin slightly, meeting his gaze head-on. "I’m serious, Vishal."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, that smirk of his widened. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. "Of course," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "I will be very professional, Miss Fatima."
Her heart skipped a beat. *Miss Fatima.* He had never called her by her surname before, and the way he said it now was almost mocking, like a taunt. Like he was playing a game she wasn’t fully prepared for. Her stomach twisted, anger and something else—something darker—welling up inside her.
*God, why does he have to be like this? Why does he have to make everything a power play?* She wanted to scream at him, to tell him to stop being so infuriating, but she swallowed the words down. *No, don’t let him see that he’s getting to you.*
She turned on her heel, keeping her back straight as she walked towards the door. She could feel his eyes on her the entire time, and it made her skin prickle with an uncomfortable heat. *Bastard. Attractive bastard. Why does he have to be so... so...*
Her hand was on the door, but her mind was already swirling. *Why did he say it like that? Miss Fatima. Like I’m some prim and proper collegeteacher. Like he’s mocking me for trying to stand up to him.* And the way he smiled, as if he knew exactly how to get under her skin.
She paused for a moment, her hand frozen on the doorknob. *What is it about him?* He was arrogant, manipulative, and yet... *Why does he make me feel like this? Why does it feel like there’s electricity in the air every time I’m around him?*
It made no sense. She was angry—angry at him, angry at the situation—but beneath that anger, there was something else. Something she didn’t want to admit, even to herself. *He’s dangerous. Not just because of the way he acts, but because of the way he makes me feel.*
Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel that familiar, infuriating pull towards him. *Stop it. He’s your boss. He’s a playboy. You’ve seen him with those women.* The memory of him kissing that woman in the parking lot flashed in her mind, and for a moment, jealousy flared up, hot and sharp. *You’re just another game to him. Another conquest.*
With a deep breath, she turned the doorknob and stepped out of the office, closing the door behind her. But as she walked away, her thoughts continued to race. *Attractive bastard. Why can’t I just hate him like I should?*
Even now, even after everything, part of her couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to have him touch her again. To feel that fire, that dangerous thrill that had ignited between them before.
But no. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog of her thoughts. *No. This is business. This is about the promotion. About my career, my independence. Don’t let him distract you. Don’t let him win.*
Still, as she walked away, her pulse refused to slow, and she knew that no matter how much she tried to push it down, that tension—between them, within herself—wasn’t going away anytime soon.
Next day :
**Scene: Afternoon Coffee
Afrah walked into the cozy café where Sumaira and Hina were already seated, chatting excitedly. She smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in the familiar environment. This was their little escape—an afternoon of shopping, coffee, and gossip, away from all the pressures of family, work, and relationships.
As she sat down, Sumaira gave her a hug, adjusting her dress neatly afterward. "Afrah, it's been so long! How's life? Wedding planning must be crazy, huh?" Sumaira asked with a warm smile.
Hina, who was sipping her cappuccino, chimed in, "Don't even get me started on weddings! You know how it was for me; my saas was all over the place, always complaining about something. Afrah, I hope you're ready!"
Afrah laughed nervously, trying to keep her mind off the tension with her family and Sohail. "It's... fine," she said, but both her friends could sense the hesitation.
Sumaira leaned in, whispering, "Are you sure? I mean, we all know how things can change after marriage, especially when you're living with the in-laws. It's not easy, believe me." She glanced at Hina, who gave a knowing nod.
"I still can't get over how much my mother-in-law complains about everything," Hina added. "But enough about that, Afrah! What's new with you? Tell us everything!" Hina’s mischievous smile made it clear she was ready for some juicy updates.
Afrah took a deep breath, unsure how much to share. "Well, I’ve been offered a promotion at work," she said carefully.
Sumaira’s eyes widened. "A promotion? That's amazing! Are you going to take it?"
Afrah shrugged, hesitating. "I don’t know yet. Sohail’s not thrilled about it, and my family isn’t exactly supportive either."
"Typical," Hina muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. "Men just want us at home, don’t they? Like we can’t have a career and be a wife at the same time."
Sumaira nodded, .
Afrah laughed softly, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit envious. Both Sumaira and Hina were settled, managing their homes, kids, and marriages in ways that seemed so distant from her own chaotic life.
They jokes talks about college days etc.
The laughter from earlier faded into a comfortable silence, the trio sipping their coffees, their thoughts mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed beans. Hina glanced at Afrah, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
**Hina:** “You know, I was in Dubai, and let me tell you, those housewives are something else! I mean, they put our little our gossip to shame.”
**Sumaira:** *Leaning in eagerly* “Oh, do tell! What kind of scandalous antics are we talking about?”
Hina smirked, her eyes dancing as she recalled the stories. “Well, there was this one woman who was flaunting her extravagant lifestyle, throwing parties that could rival any Bollywood wedding. But the real kicker? I heard her husband has no clue she’s been sneaking out to meet her old college flame!”
Afrah raised her eyebrows, intrigued. “No way! How does she manage that?”
Hina: “She plays the perfect little housewife during the day, and at night? She’s out painting the town red! I swear, if her husband knew, he’d have a heart attack!” *She laughed, leaning back as if enjoying the chaos in her imagination.*
Sumaira:Teasingly nudging Hina “And here you are, acting all prim and proper in your hïj@b. Remember when you were with Shekhar? You were a total wild child! I still can’t believe you used to sneak out of classroom for....”
Hina chuckled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Hey! I’ve matured since then. A little modesty goes a long way! Besides, I am changed now I don't give into temptation, and now I know better.”
**Sumaira:** “Oh, we all know you’re still the same wild one at heart! Just with a cute little bitch now.” *She winked, causing Afrah to giggle.*
**Hina:** *Pretending to be offended* “You two are just jealous! But honestly, it’s so unfair. Men can have their fun without any judgment, yet we’re labeled the minute we step outside the ‘perfect wife’ mold.”
Afrah leaned in, a serious note creeping into her voice. “It’s true. If they knew about our pasts, they’d freak out. But they think it’s their right to judge us, like we’re supposed to be these angels.”
Hina:“Exactly! Like anything we do even if it not harmful , suddenly we’re scandalous. It’s ridiculous!Don’t even get me started!”
Sumaira: “Men are so insecure about our pasts, it’s laughable. I mean, who do they think they are? You remember that guy from my college Juned who couldn’t handle it when he found out I had male friends? He was practically shaking in his boots!”
Hina: “Right? And let’s not forget the one who thought it was okay to flirt with all the bridesmaids at the wedding while being jealous of your old friends! Hypocrisy at its finest!”
They shared a laugh, the tension in the air lifting. Afrah felt the warmth of camaraderie, realizing how much she cherished these moments with her friends. But then a thought struck her, something she couldn’t shake off.
Afrah: “Sometimes, I wonder if they even think about how insecure they sound. Like, if they’re so worried about us, what does that say about them?”
Hina: “True! If they could handle a strong woman, they’d realize we’re not just defined by who we were. We’re still us, just better versions. But I guess they want us to be strong, only if it fits their idea of what strong means!”
Afrah: “Honestly, who cares what they think? We’re living for ourselves, not to boost their egos. They should be proud to be with women who have lived a little, who have experiences to share!”
Sumaira: “And if they can’t handle it? Well, that’s their problem, not ours! Besides, if they ever find out about the real ‘Hina’—they’ll be lucky if they don’t have a heart attack!”
They all burst into laughter again, the sound echoing around them. Afrah felt lighter, reassured by her friends’ camaraderie and their shared experiences.
Hina:
Laughing“So true! My husband is great, don’t get me wrong, but every now and then, you see that insecurity slip through. It’s like they can’t help it. "
As Sumaira and Hina continued to chat and laugh, Afrah remained thoughtful. The more she listened, the more she wondered just how secure Sohail really was—and what that meant for their future.
The café was alive with chatter, the clinking of cups, and the occasional burst of laughter. Afrah sat back, trying to shake off the conversation’s effect, when suddenly, the air shifted. A deep, smooth voice cut through the noise like a warm breeze.
Vishal:Hi Afrah ,
Afrah’s breath hitched as she turned. *Vishal .* He stood there, impeccably dressed as always, his presence commanding attention even in the casual café setting. He smiled—a smile that had haunted her thoughts more than once, though she’d never admit it.
**Sumaira:** *Smirking* “Afrah… You didn’t tell us you had such interesting friend.”
Afrah glanced at Sumaira, whose teasing tone only irritated her further. She could feel the jealousy prickling at her skin, even though she tried to ignore it. *Why did he have to show up now?*
Afrah:guys ,he is my boss.
Hina, seated beside her, was clearly flustered. She adjusted her veil nervously, her face turning an unmistakable shade of pink. She glanced briefly at Vishal before looking away, but not before her eyes betrayed a glimmer of interest.
Vishal introduced himself.
Vishal:Charming as ever, to Hina* “You must be one of Afrah’s friends. Pleasure to meet you.”
Hina fumbled slightly, trying to regain her composure. She managed a small, shy smile, clearly flattered but doing her best to hide it.
Hina:Softly* “Uh… yes, nice to meet you too.”
Vishal’s gaze shifted between the three women, but it lingered on Afrah just long enough to make her uncomfortable. He always had a way of doing that—making her feel exposed under his steady, knowing eyes.
Sumaira: “So, Vishal, do you always crash girls’ coffee dates, or is this a special occasion?”
She leaned forward slightly, her voice dripping with flirtation. Afrah’s irritation grew. Sumaira and her boldness. Of course she’s enjoying this.
Vishal chuckled, his deep voice sending a ripple through the group.
Vishal:“Only when I’m lucky enough to run into colleagues outside the office.” His gaze flicked back to Afrah, his smile widening as if he could read the frustration in her eyes. “Afrah’s been hiding you two from me.”
Sumaira:Laughing“Well, she doesn’t usually introduce us to such… fascinating people. You’ll have to excuse her. I am Sumaira.
Afrah shot her a look, silently warning her to cut it out. But Sumaira wasn’t one to back down easily.
Afrah:Trying to remain composed “I didn’t think you’d be out in this area, Vishal.”
Vishal:Casually “I had a meeting nearby. Thought I’d grab a coffee. Lucky me, I bumped into you ladies.”
Hina, who had been trying her best to stay quiet, couldn’t help but smile again, though she quickly ducked her head, pretending to check her phone. But Afrah could see the way her fingers fidgeted—Hina was clearly affected by Vishal’s presence. *Not so modest now, are you?* Afrah thought, amused despite herself.
Sumaira, on the other hand, was all in.
Sumaira:“Well, I hope we’re not keeping you from anything too important.”
Vishal:“Not at all. In fact, I’m happy to be here. Much more interesting than my usual meetings.”
Afrah shot him a sharp look, her irritation mounting. *Why did he always have to make everything sound like a game?*
Afrah:Clearing her throat, trying to steer the conversation away* “Well, we wouldn’t want to take up your time. I’m sure you’ve got work to get back to.”
Vishal’s eyes sparkled with amusement. He wasn’t leaving yet—not without having a bit more fun.
Vishal:“You’re right. I should get back. But it was nice meeting your friends, Afrah.” He turned to Sumaira and Hina, his smile broadening. “I hope I’ll be seeing you around more often.”
Sumaira didn’t miss a beat, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Sumaira: *Grinning* “Oh, I’m sure you will. Anytime you want to crash our coffee dates again, feel free.”
Afrah’s jaw tightened. She hated the way Sumaira flirted so openly with him, and even more so, she hated how much it bothered her. She had no reason to care, yet here she was, fuming on the inside.
Vishal:*With a sly smile to Afrah* “I’ll hold you to that. Afrah, see you in the office.”
He gave her one last glance—a glance that lingered, making her heart race before he finally walked away, leaving the café with the same quiet confidence that he always carried.
The moment the door swung shut behind him, Sumaira burst out laughing.
Sumaira: “Afrah! You never told us you had a boss like that! My God! How are you even concentrating at work? If Sohail knew what you were dealing with every day, he’d be sweating bullets!”
Hina:Blushing “He’s… um… very charming.”
Sumaira turned to Hina, her grin widening.
Sumaira: “Charming? Charming doesn’t even begin to cover it! Did you hear that voice? And those hands? Ugh, if I weren’t married—”
She stopped herself mid-sentence, catching Afrah’s annoyed expression, but quickly recovered with a laugh.
Sumaira:Winking at Afrah “Don’t worry, Afrah. I’m not going to steal your boss. But seriously, how do you even manage? I mean, just look at him. Sohail might want to keep an eye out.”
Afrah forced a tight smile, but her mind was racing. She had felt an unsettling mix of emotions when Vishal had shown up—irritation, jealousy, and something she didn’t want to acknowledge. Why did Sumaira’s comments about Sohail bother her so much? Vishal was her boss, nothing more. And yet…
Hina:Still flusteredl “He’s definitely… something.”
Sumaira:Grinning “Something? That man is everything! Did you see how he looked at Afrah before he left? If I didn’t know better, I’d say there’s something going on there.”
Afrah shook her head, trying to laugh it off, but inside, she was fuming. Why did they have to make it sound like more than it was?
Afrah:Flatly “There’s nothing going on. He’s just my boss. You know how he is—he flirts with everyone.”
Sumaira:Laughing“Uh-huh, sure. I’m just saying, if I had a boss like that… let’s just say, work would be a lot more interesting!”
Scene: After Sumaira and Hina Have Left – Mall
Afrah watched as Sumaira waved goodbye, her teasing smirk still lingering in the air, followed by Hina who left with a shy smile. Afrah exhaled, feeling relieved that the two of them were gone, though their words still echoed in her mind.
She still had one more item to pick up before leaving, so she wandered into a quieter section of the store, focused on finding what she needed. But as she browsed the shelves, she felt it—that familiar looming presence behind her.
Vishal:Low and teasing* “Quite interesting friends you’ve got, Miss Fatima.”
Afrah’s back stiffened. Of course, it was him. She didn’t need to turn around to know that Vishal was standing too close, speaking in that annoyingly smooth voice of his. And again with the “Miss Fatima.” He knew exactly what he was doing.
Afrah:Whirling around, her eyes flashing“Yeah, well, you couldn’t stop gawking and flirting with them like a monkey, could you?”
Vishal chuckled, completely unfazed by her sharp tone. He stepped closer, leaning against the shelf casually, that infuriating smirk plastered across his face.
Vishal:Amused “Oh, someone’s jealous.”
Afrah folded her arms, trying to hide the flush creeping up her neck. Her heart raced, but she wasn’t about to let him see that.
Afrah: *Scoffing* “Why would I be jealous?”
Vishal: *Arching an eyebrow* “Then why not give me your friends’ Instagram handles or their numbers? That way I can ‘properly’ stay in touch.”
Afrah glared at him, her annoyance flaring up. *The nerve of this man!*
Afrah:"Snapping" “They’re married, you idiot.”
Vishal’s eyes gleamed with mischief. He leaned in a bit closer, just enough to make her uncomfortable, but also enough to keep her rooted to the spot.
Vishal:*With a grin, “And what does that have to do with anything?”
Afrah rolled her eyes, fighting the urge to shove him away. How did he always manage to get under her skin like this?
Afrah: “You’re *irredeemable*, you know that?”
**Vishal:** *Smirking* “Oh really? Tell me more.”
Afrah took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady, though the heat rising in her chest made it difficult. This was exactly why she needed to set boundaries with him—before he took his teasing too far, like he always did.
Afrah:*Firmly* “Vishal, to talked about being professional .
Vishal chuckled again, leaning in just a fraction closer, his gaze unwavering.
Vishal:*Teasingly* “Professional, huh? You keep saying that, Miss Fatima, but I think you secretly enjoy these little exchanges.”
Afrah shot him a warning look, but her heart betrayed her, beating faster than ever. She wasn’t about to let him win this round.
Afrah:Through gritted teeth “You’re delusional. I don’t ‘enjoy’ anything. This ends today .”
Vishal’s smile didn’t fade as he stepped back, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
Vishal: “Alright, alright. I’ll behave, boss. See you at the office tomorrow, *Miss Fatima*.”
He winked before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving Afrah standing there, fuming. Her breath came in short bursts as she watched him disappear down the aisle.
*Infuriating, insufferable…* Afrah muttered to herself, trying to calm her racing heart. But deep down, she knew that this banter, these infuriating little games, were stirring something within her—something she wasn’t ready to confront.
Scene: Mall – Somewhere Near the Corner of a Shop
As Afrah and Vishal’s heated exchange ended, a young girl, maybe around nineteen, was casually strolling through the aisles. She wore a smirk on her face, her eyes sharp as she scanned the crowd. It wasn’t the first time she had come to this mall, and she often passed the time people-watching. But today, her eyes landed on something far more interesting.
From her position, half-hidden behind a display of scarves, the young girl saw a stunning woman standing close to a tall, handsome man. There was a tension in the air between them that immediately caught her attention. Something in the way they moved, the sharp looks the woman gave, and the confident smirk on the man’s face told her that this was no ordinary interaction.
Young Girl (in her thoughts): “Isn’t that… her?”
She pulled out her phone, quickly swiping through Instagram until she found the profile she was looking for—**Afrah Fatima**. It was her. The same poised, beautiful woman she had seen in pictures, often with a modest smile, always the perfect bride-to-be. But here, she looked different—edgy, flustered, and standing far too close to that man who wasn’t her fiancé.
The young girl’s eyes narrowed. The wheels in her mind started turning, a wicked smile spreading across her lips. This was gold.
This was Afrah, the girl who was going to marry her cousin Sohail. The same cousin whose mother had humiliated her and her family during a family event a year back. The memory still burned in her mind—Sohail’s mother had made a scene, criticizing her family for their 'lack of values,' leaving a stain on their reputation.
But now, seeing Sohail’s perfect fiancée, wrapped up in some tension-filled moment with a man who was *definitely* not Sohail, gave her the perfect opportunity for revenge.
Rida: "Oh, this is too good. Too perfect. Sohail’s pious little bride, getting all cozy with her boss? This is just the ammunition I need."
Her fingers twitched with excitement as she quickly snapped a few photos, capturing Afrah and Vishal from different angles. She was careful not to be seen, lurking in the shadows, a wicked glint in her eye.
RIDA (smirking to herself):** "Let’s see how Sohail’s mother handles this little scandal. Maybe she won’t be so high and mighty when her son’s future wife is caught in a compromising position."
She tucked her phone away, already plotting the next step. She knew exactly how to twist this situation in her favor, how to spin the narrative just right to create the maximum amount of chaos for Sohail and his family. She relished the thought of their faces—Sohail’s embarrassment, his mother’s humiliation, the shame that would ripple through their 'perfect' family.
Her plan was in motion. And she would make sure it hit where it hurt the most.
With one last look at Afrah, who seemed too wrapped up in her own emotions to notice anything around her, the young girl slipped away, a satisfied smirk on her face.
.
Afrah stood outside Vishal’s office door, her heart pounding in her chest. She had barely slept the night before, her mind spinning with thoughts of her mother, Sohail, and most of all, Vishal. But now it was morning, and she had made a decision. It was time to take control of her life, to set boundaries.
*You can do this. Just go in there, say what you need to say. Stay calm, stay in control.* She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"Come in," came his smooth, familiar voice from inside.
Her hand tightened on the doorknob as she pushed it open. There he was, sitting behind his desk, his eyes lifting to meet hers with that same devilish smirk. That look. It was like he could see right through her, see her inner turmoil, and he was amused by it.
*Bastard. Attractive, infuriating bastard.* Her pulse quickened, but she kept her face composed. *Control. You have to control this.*
Vishal leaned back in his chair, watching her with that teasing gleam in his eyes. "Afrah," he said, his voice low, almost purring. "What can I do for you this fine morning?"
She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, but she clenched her fists at her sides, grounding herself. *Don’t let him get to you. Just say what you came to say.*
"I’ll take the promotion," she said, her voice steady but firm. "But from now on, you have to be respectful towards me and be professional." She raised her chin slightly, meeting his gaze head-on. "I’m serious, Vishal."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, that smirk of his widened. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. "Of course," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "I will be very professional, Miss Fatima."
Her heart skipped a beat. *Miss Fatima.* He had never called her by her surname before, and the way he said it now was almost mocking, like a taunt. Like he was playing a game she wasn’t fully prepared for. Her stomach twisted, anger and something else—something darker—welling up inside her.
*God, why does he have to be like this? Why does he have to make everything a power play?* She wanted to scream at him, to tell him to stop being so infuriating, but she swallowed the words down. *No, don’t let him see that he’s getting to you.*
She turned on her heel, keeping her back straight as she walked towards the door. She could feel his eyes on her the entire time, and it made her skin prickle with an uncomfortable heat. *Bastard. Attractive bastard. Why does he have to be so... so...*
Her hand was on the door, but her mind was already swirling. *Why did he say it like that? Miss Fatima. Like I’m some prim and proper collegeteacher. Like he’s mocking me for trying to stand up to him.* And the way he smiled, as if he knew exactly how to get under her skin.
She paused for a moment, her hand frozen on the doorknob. *What is it about him?* He was arrogant, manipulative, and yet... *Why does he make me feel like this? Why does it feel like there’s electricity in the air every time I’m around him?*
It made no sense. She was angry—angry at him, angry at the situation—but beneath that anger, there was something else. Something she didn’t want to admit, even to herself. *He’s dangerous. Not just because of the way he acts, but because of the way he makes me feel.*
Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel that familiar, infuriating pull towards him. *Stop it. He’s your boss. He’s a playboy. You’ve seen him with those women.* The memory of him kissing that woman in the parking lot flashed in her mind, and for a moment, jealousy flared up, hot and sharp. *You’re just another game to him. Another conquest.*
With a deep breath, she turned the doorknob and stepped out of the office, closing the door behind her. But as she walked away, her thoughts continued to race. *Attractive bastard. Why can’t I just hate him like I should?*
Even now, even after everything, part of her couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to have him touch her again. To feel that fire, that dangerous thrill that had ignited between them before.
But no. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog of her thoughts. *No. This is business. This is about the promotion. About my career, my independence. Don’t let him distract you. Don’t let him win.*
Still, as she walked away, her pulse refused to slow, and she knew that no matter how much she tried to push it down, that tension—between them, within herself—wasn’t going away anytime soon.
Next day :
**Scene: Afternoon Coffee
Afrah walked into the cozy café where Sumaira and Hina were already seated, chatting excitedly. She smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in the familiar environment. This was their little escape—an afternoon of shopping, coffee, and gossip, away from all the pressures of family, work, and relationships.
As she sat down, Sumaira gave her a hug, adjusting her dress neatly afterward. "Afrah, it's been so long! How's life? Wedding planning must be crazy, huh?" Sumaira asked with a warm smile.
Hina, who was sipping her cappuccino, chimed in, "Don't even get me started on weddings! You know how it was for me; my saas was all over the place, always complaining about something. Afrah, I hope you're ready!"
Afrah laughed nervously, trying to keep her mind off the tension with her family and Sohail. "It's... fine," she said, but both her friends could sense the hesitation.
Sumaira leaned in, whispering, "Are you sure? I mean, we all know how things can change after marriage, especially when you're living with the in-laws. It's not easy, believe me." She glanced at Hina, who gave a knowing nod.
"I still can't get over how much my mother-in-law complains about everything," Hina added. "But enough about that, Afrah! What's new with you? Tell us everything!" Hina’s mischievous smile made it clear she was ready for some juicy updates.
Afrah took a deep breath, unsure how much to share. "Well, I’ve been offered a promotion at work," she said carefully.
Sumaira’s eyes widened. "A promotion? That's amazing! Are you going to take it?"
Afrah shrugged, hesitating. "I don’t know yet. Sohail’s not thrilled about it, and my family isn’t exactly supportive either."
"Typical," Hina muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. "Men just want us at home, don’t they? Like we can’t have a career and be a wife at the same time."
Sumaira nodded, .
Afrah laughed softly, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit envious. Both Sumaira and Hina were settled, managing their homes, kids, and marriages in ways that seemed so distant from her own chaotic life.
They jokes talks about college days etc.
The laughter from earlier faded into a comfortable silence, the trio sipping their coffees, their thoughts mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed beans. Hina glanced at Afrah, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
**Hina:** “You know, I was in Dubai, and let me tell you, those housewives are something else! I mean, they put our little our gossip to shame.”
**Sumaira:** *Leaning in eagerly* “Oh, do tell! What kind of scandalous antics are we talking about?”
Hina smirked, her eyes dancing as she recalled the stories. “Well, there was this one woman who was flaunting her extravagant lifestyle, throwing parties that could rival any Bollywood wedding. But the real kicker? I heard her husband has no clue she’s been sneaking out to meet her old college flame!”
Afrah raised her eyebrows, intrigued. “No way! How does she manage that?”
Hina: “She plays the perfect little housewife during the day, and at night? She’s out painting the town red! I swear, if her husband knew, he’d have a heart attack!” *She laughed, leaning back as if enjoying the chaos in her imagination.*
Sumaira:Teasingly nudging Hina “And here you are, acting all prim and proper in your hïj@b. Remember when you were with Shekhar? You were a total wild child! I still can’t believe you used to sneak out of classroom for....”
Hina chuckled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Hey! I’ve matured since then. A little modesty goes a long way! Besides, I am changed now I don't give into temptation, and now I know better.”
**Sumaira:** “Oh, we all know you’re still the same wild one at heart! Just with a cute little bitch now.” *She winked, causing Afrah to giggle.*
**Hina:** *Pretending to be offended* “You two are just jealous! But honestly, it’s so unfair. Men can have their fun without any judgment, yet we’re labeled the minute we step outside the ‘perfect wife’ mold.”
Afrah leaned in, a serious note creeping into her voice. “It’s true. If they knew about our pasts, they’d freak out. But they think it’s their right to judge us, like we’re supposed to be these angels.”
Hina:“Exactly! Like anything we do even if it not harmful , suddenly we’re scandalous. It’s ridiculous!Don’t even get me started!”
Sumaira: “Men are so insecure about our pasts, it’s laughable. I mean, who do they think they are? You remember that guy from my college Juned who couldn’t handle it when he found out I had male friends? He was practically shaking in his boots!”
Hina: “Right? And let’s not forget the one who thought it was okay to flirt with all the bridesmaids at the wedding while being jealous of your old friends! Hypocrisy at its finest!”
They shared a laugh, the tension in the air lifting. Afrah felt the warmth of camaraderie, realizing how much she cherished these moments with her friends. But then a thought struck her, something she couldn’t shake off.
Afrah: “Sometimes, I wonder if they even think about how insecure they sound. Like, if they’re so worried about us, what does that say about them?”
Hina: “True! If they could handle a strong woman, they’d realize we’re not just defined by who we were. We’re still us, just better versions. But I guess they want us to be strong, only if it fits their idea of what strong means!”
Afrah: “Honestly, who cares what they think? We’re living for ourselves, not to boost their egos. They should be proud to be with women who have lived a little, who have experiences to share!”
Sumaira: “And if they can’t handle it? Well, that’s their problem, not ours! Besides, if they ever find out about the real ‘Hina’—they’ll be lucky if they don’t have a heart attack!”
They all burst into laughter again, the sound echoing around them. Afrah felt lighter, reassured by her friends’ camaraderie and their shared experiences.
Hina:
Laughing“So true! My husband is great, don’t get me wrong, but every now and then, you see that insecurity slip through. It’s like they can’t help it. "
As Sumaira and Hina continued to chat and laugh, Afrah remained thoughtful. The more she listened, the more she wondered just how secure Sohail really was—and what that meant for their future.
The café was alive with chatter, the clinking of cups, and the occasional burst of laughter. Afrah sat back, trying to shake off the conversation’s effect, when suddenly, the air shifted. A deep, smooth voice cut through the noise like a warm breeze.
Vishal:Hi Afrah ,
Afrah’s breath hitched as she turned. *Vishal .* He stood there, impeccably dressed as always, his presence commanding attention even in the casual café setting. He smiled—a smile that had haunted her thoughts more than once, though she’d never admit it.
**Sumaira:** *Smirking* “Afrah… You didn’t tell us you had such interesting friend.”
Afrah glanced at Sumaira, whose teasing tone only irritated her further. She could feel the jealousy prickling at her skin, even though she tried to ignore it. *Why did he have to show up now?*
Afrah:guys ,he is my boss.
Hina, seated beside her, was clearly flustered. She adjusted her veil nervously, her face turning an unmistakable shade of pink. She glanced briefly at Vishal before looking away, but not before her eyes betrayed a glimmer of interest.
Vishal introduced himself.
Vishal:Charming as ever, to Hina* “You must be one of Afrah’s friends. Pleasure to meet you.”
Hina fumbled slightly, trying to regain her composure. She managed a small, shy smile, clearly flattered but doing her best to hide it.
Hina:Softly* “Uh… yes, nice to meet you too.”
Vishal’s gaze shifted between the three women, but it lingered on Afrah just long enough to make her uncomfortable. He always had a way of doing that—making her feel exposed under his steady, knowing eyes.
Sumaira: “So, Vishal, do you always crash girls’ coffee dates, or is this a special occasion?”
She leaned forward slightly, her voice dripping with flirtation. Afrah’s irritation grew. Sumaira and her boldness. Of course she’s enjoying this.
Vishal chuckled, his deep voice sending a ripple through the group.
Vishal:“Only when I’m lucky enough to run into colleagues outside the office.” His gaze flicked back to Afrah, his smile widening as if he could read the frustration in her eyes. “Afrah’s been hiding you two from me.”
Sumaira:Laughing“Well, she doesn’t usually introduce us to such… fascinating people. You’ll have to excuse her. I am Sumaira.
Afrah shot her a look, silently warning her to cut it out. But Sumaira wasn’t one to back down easily.
Afrah:Trying to remain composed “I didn’t think you’d be out in this area, Vishal.”
Vishal:Casually “I had a meeting nearby. Thought I’d grab a coffee. Lucky me, I bumped into you ladies.”
Hina, who had been trying her best to stay quiet, couldn’t help but smile again, though she quickly ducked her head, pretending to check her phone. But Afrah could see the way her fingers fidgeted—Hina was clearly affected by Vishal’s presence. *Not so modest now, are you?* Afrah thought, amused despite herself.
Sumaira, on the other hand, was all in.
Sumaira:“Well, I hope we’re not keeping you from anything too important.”
Vishal:“Not at all. In fact, I’m happy to be here. Much more interesting than my usual meetings.”
Afrah shot him a sharp look, her irritation mounting. *Why did he always have to make everything sound like a game?*
Afrah:Clearing her throat, trying to steer the conversation away* “Well, we wouldn’t want to take up your time. I’m sure you’ve got work to get back to.”
Vishal’s eyes sparkled with amusement. He wasn’t leaving yet—not without having a bit more fun.
Vishal:“You’re right. I should get back. But it was nice meeting your friends, Afrah.” He turned to Sumaira and Hina, his smile broadening. “I hope I’ll be seeing you around more often.”
Sumaira didn’t miss a beat, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Sumaira: *Grinning* “Oh, I’m sure you will. Anytime you want to crash our coffee dates again, feel free.”
Afrah’s jaw tightened. She hated the way Sumaira flirted so openly with him, and even more so, she hated how much it bothered her. She had no reason to care, yet here she was, fuming on the inside.
Vishal:*With a sly smile to Afrah* “I’ll hold you to that. Afrah, see you in the office.”
He gave her one last glance—a glance that lingered, making her heart race before he finally walked away, leaving the café with the same quiet confidence that he always carried.
The moment the door swung shut behind him, Sumaira burst out laughing.
Sumaira: “Afrah! You never told us you had a boss like that! My God! How are you even concentrating at work? If Sohail knew what you were dealing with every day, he’d be sweating bullets!”
Hina:Blushing “He’s… um… very charming.”
Sumaira turned to Hina, her grin widening.
Sumaira: “Charming? Charming doesn’t even begin to cover it! Did you hear that voice? And those hands? Ugh, if I weren’t married—”
She stopped herself mid-sentence, catching Afrah’s annoyed expression, but quickly recovered with a laugh.
Sumaira:Winking at Afrah “Don’t worry, Afrah. I’m not going to steal your boss. But seriously, how do you even manage? I mean, just look at him. Sohail might want to keep an eye out.”
Afrah forced a tight smile, but her mind was racing. She had felt an unsettling mix of emotions when Vishal had shown up—irritation, jealousy, and something she didn’t want to acknowledge. Why did Sumaira’s comments about Sohail bother her so much? Vishal was her boss, nothing more. And yet…
Hina:Still flusteredl “He’s definitely… something.”
Sumaira:Grinning “Something? That man is everything! Did you see how he looked at Afrah before he left? If I didn’t know better, I’d say there’s something going on there.”
Afrah shook her head, trying to laugh it off, but inside, she was fuming. Why did they have to make it sound like more than it was?
Afrah:Flatly “There’s nothing going on. He’s just my boss. You know how he is—he flirts with everyone.”
Sumaira:Laughing“Uh-huh, sure. I’m just saying, if I had a boss like that… let’s just say, work would be a lot more interesting!”
Scene: After Sumaira and Hina Have Left – Mall
Afrah watched as Sumaira waved goodbye, her teasing smirk still lingering in the air, followed by Hina who left with a shy smile. Afrah exhaled, feeling relieved that the two of them were gone, though their words still echoed in her mind.
She still had one more item to pick up before leaving, so she wandered into a quieter section of the store, focused on finding what she needed. But as she browsed the shelves, she felt it—that familiar looming presence behind her.
Vishal:Low and teasing* “Quite interesting friends you’ve got, Miss Fatima.”
Afrah’s back stiffened. Of course, it was him. She didn’t need to turn around to know that Vishal was standing too close, speaking in that annoyingly smooth voice of his. And again with the “Miss Fatima.” He knew exactly what he was doing.
Afrah:Whirling around, her eyes flashing“Yeah, well, you couldn’t stop gawking and flirting with them like a monkey, could you?”
Vishal chuckled, completely unfazed by her sharp tone. He stepped closer, leaning against the shelf casually, that infuriating smirk plastered across his face.
Vishal:Amused “Oh, someone’s jealous.”
Afrah folded her arms, trying to hide the flush creeping up her neck. Her heart raced, but she wasn’t about to let him see that.
Afrah: *Scoffing* “Why would I be jealous?”
Vishal: *Arching an eyebrow* “Then why not give me your friends’ Instagram handles or their numbers? That way I can ‘properly’ stay in touch.”
Afrah glared at him, her annoyance flaring up. *The nerve of this man!*
Afrah:"Snapping" “They’re married, you idiot.”
Vishal’s eyes gleamed with mischief. He leaned in a bit closer, just enough to make her uncomfortable, but also enough to keep her rooted to the spot.
Vishal:*With a grin, “And what does that have to do with anything?”
Afrah rolled her eyes, fighting the urge to shove him away. How did he always manage to get under her skin like this?
Afrah: “You’re *irredeemable*, you know that?”
**Vishal:** *Smirking* “Oh really? Tell me more.”
Afrah took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady, though the heat rising in her chest made it difficult. This was exactly why she needed to set boundaries with him—before he took his teasing too far, like he always did.
Afrah:*Firmly* “Vishal, to talked about being professional .
Vishal chuckled again, leaning in just a fraction closer, his gaze unwavering.
Vishal:*Teasingly* “Professional, huh? You keep saying that, Miss Fatima, but I think you secretly enjoy these little exchanges.”
Afrah shot him a warning look, but her heart betrayed her, beating faster than ever. She wasn’t about to let him win this round.
Afrah:Through gritted teeth “You’re delusional. I don’t ‘enjoy’ anything. This ends today .”
Vishal’s smile didn’t fade as he stepped back, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
Vishal: “Alright, alright. I’ll behave, boss. See you at the office tomorrow, *Miss Fatima*.”
He winked before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving Afrah standing there, fuming. Her breath came in short bursts as she watched him disappear down the aisle.
*Infuriating, insufferable…* Afrah muttered to herself, trying to calm her racing heart. But deep down, she knew that this banter, these infuriating little games, were stirring something within her—something she wasn’t ready to confront.
Scene: Mall – Somewhere Near the Corner of a Shop
As Afrah and Vishal’s heated exchange ended, a young girl, maybe around nineteen, was casually strolling through the aisles. She wore a smirk on her face, her eyes sharp as she scanned the crowd. It wasn’t the first time she had come to this mall, and she often passed the time people-watching. But today, her eyes landed on something far more interesting.
From her position, half-hidden behind a display of scarves, the young girl saw a stunning woman standing close to a tall, handsome man. There was a tension in the air between them that immediately caught her attention. Something in the way they moved, the sharp looks the woman gave, and the confident smirk on the man’s face told her that this was no ordinary interaction.
Young Girl (in her thoughts): “Isn’t that… her?”
She pulled out her phone, quickly swiping through Instagram until she found the profile she was looking for—**Afrah Fatima**. It was her. The same poised, beautiful woman she had seen in pictures, often with a modest smile, always the perfect bride-to-be. But here, she looked different—edgy, flustered, and standing far too close to that man who wasn’t her fiancé.
The young girl’s eyes narrowed. The wheels in her mind started turning, a wicked smile spreading across her lips. This was gold.
This was Afrah, the girl who was going to marry her cousin Sohail. The same cousin whose mother had humiliated her and her family during a family event a year back. The memory still burned in her mind—Sohail’s mother had made a scene, criticizing her family for their 'lack of values,' leaving a stain on their reputation.
But now, seeing Sohail’s perfect fiancée, wrapped up in some tension-filled moment with a man who was *definitely* not Sohail, gave her the perfect opportunity for revenge.
Rida: "Oh, this is too good. Too perfect. Sohail’s pious little bride, getting all cozy with her boss? This is just the ammunition I need."
Her fingers twitched with excitement as she quickly snapped a few photos, capturing Afrah and Vishal from different angles. She was careful not to be seen, lurking in the shadows, a wicked glint in her eye.
RIDA (smirking to herself):** "Let’s see how Sohail’s mother handles this little scandal. Maybe she won’t be so high and mighty when her son’s future wife is caught in a compromising position."
She tucked her phone away, already plotting the next step. She knew exactly how to twist this situation in her favor, how to spin the narrative just right to create the maximum amount of chaos for Sohail and his family. She relished the thought of their faces—Sohail’s embarrassment, his mother’s humiliation, the shame that would ripple through their 'perfect' family.
Her plan was in motion. And she would make sure it hit where it hurt the most.
With one last look at Afrah, who seemed too wrapped up in her own emotions to notice anything around her, the young girl slipped away, a satisfied smirk on her face.
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