Together, they turned and glided onto the escalator, ascending to the first floor without a backward glance. I was rooted to the spot, a column of ice in the middle of the bustling store. I was dumbstruck and stood like a mannequin. I didn’t know what to say. I don’t know, what happened so suddenly? What did I say to mom? Why did she react to ferally?
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Continues............
What all she went on saying about me and father? I couldn’t remember much of her words as I was numb and stunned to think anything.
With wild thoughts running all over my head, I fumbled towards H&M store. I was thinking to not buy these T-shirts as these were the main reason mom got so angry.
But then I heard the sweet voice. I remembered it.
Mariyam – Hey, you, okay?
I started to calm down by hearing her sweet voice.
Mariyam - Sunil, are you alright?
Me – Hiii! Mariyam! Mmm…Yeah, I’m okay.
Mariyam – I’m sorry Sunil, to interfere in your family matter. I just got worried, thinking your elder brother might hurt you…...
Me – He is not my brother. Venkat is not my brother. (I growled)
Mariyam – (startled by my reaction) O…. Okay!
Me – I…. I’m sorry Mariyam. I’m very sorry for shouting at you.
Mariyam – It’s okay. Do you need water?
(I nodded)
Mariyam instantly rushed inside to fetch water. While I tried to calm myself down. Still, my head was buzzing with thoughts and questions about what my mom just said? What does it imply?
Mariyam returned with a water bottle in her hand. It was kind of soothing to see her care for me. I took water bottle from her hand and while doing so, our hands touched each other. A jolt of electricity passed through me. Instantly my eyes started wandering towards her, I was surprised to see her feeling the same as me. We both passed a shy smile towards each other. I began drinking water. Then we had few conversations and laugh on today’s events. She was funny and turned tragic to fun scenario.
Mariyam - Do you have any girlfriend? I…. I mean are you dating some one? I…I’m just asking…. Like…. I…
I stopped drinking water and looked at her with rising heartbeat. I could see her trembling. Her hand trying to correct her niqab in nervousness.
With a smile, I said ‘No’.
Me - Are you dating anyone?
Mariyam – No, my parents are quite strict in this matter. Never got much chance to even talk to boys during college days or college.
Me – Same, my mother never allowed me to hang out with girls.
Mariyam – So, you’re in college?
Me – Yes
Mariyam – Do you like someone in your college? (She kind of said it in slow and shyness as if she is feeling shy as well as too enthusiast to know about it)
Me – No not from college. But I have started liking someone.
(I saw Mariyam face turned red, she seemed agitated. She is clearly feeling jealous, that means she definitely has feelings for me. This is my chance to make a move.)
Mariyam – Who? I just want to know her name. That’s it!
Me – Mariyam
Mariyam – Hm?!
Me – It’s you.
Mariyam – Hae! (She looked shocked, happy as well as shy all at same time. It’s like, she was getting cooked from inside, with each flavour of emotions getting added. All in all, she looked cute, like the prettiest thing I came across.)
I somehow gathered courage and tried to look confidence. I cleared my throat silently before I spoke a word.
Me – Do you like me? Mariyam?!
As I stood there, I couldn't help but notice the instantaneous nod from Mariyam, her head bobbing up and down before she could even utter a word. It was as if her nervous system had taken on a life of its own, reacting with a speed that caught us both off guard. Her quick affirmation was followed by a adorable display of shyness, as she buried her face in her palms, her cheeks likely flushing with embarrassment. Meanwhile, I was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions - my heart was racing like a drum in my chest, my body stiff with excitement, and my mind reeling with the thrill of it all. I couldn't help but wonder, is this what love feels like? Is this nervous, exhilarating, all-consuming sensation something that everyone experiences, or was I uniquely tuned into this frequency? The uncertainty only added to the intoxicating thrill, leaving me breathless and yearning to know more.
We both didn’t speak for a while. I was feeling shy and so was Mariyam.
Me – M….aaa…S….so…...I was thinking……like what’s now.
Mariyam looked up, a tiny, nervous smile playing on her lips.
Mariyam – I…I don’t know (She giggled softly). It’s entirely new and I’m still in shock that I came this far. Hee-hee, but sure it’s fun. Hee-hee!
Me – (A sudden burst of enthusiasm, forgetting my shyness for a second) Yeah! This feeling is so good. I can’t believe, I never approached a girl before.
Mariyam’s eyes widened playfully, a mischievous glint appearing.
Mariyam (Feigning shock, a hand on her hip) – Aeyyy! What did you say?! Han?!
Me – HAHAH! Sorry, sorry! I meant, I’m like a newbie and inexperienced to all this. I never approached any girl before. This is all new territory for me.
Mariyam – So I’m I. why don’t we take it as adventure. Let’s take it slowly and know each other, build trust.
Me – Yeah! Let’s hang out tomorrow. Would you come to my house or if you want, we can choose any secret room like my friend's house for privacy. There will be no one tomorrow at his house.
Mariyam rolled her eyes with a dramatic sigh, but a smirk played on her lips.
Mariyam – Yah Khuda! Sare ladko ko wohi chahiye (Do Boys only want one thing?)
Me – Aree, no, no, you’re taking me wrong. I meant to talk, watch movie or just hang out casually.
Mariyam – Heehee! Where?
Me – Anywhere you want. We can hang out in my house, watch movie or visit any café for some private space. Currently, I only know these much only. Tomorrow I will talk to my friends and know more about couple places.
Mariyam – (Her cheeks flushing a little, another soft giggle) Heehee… couple places?
Me – Yeah, we are couples now babe.
Mariyam – Cheee, stop that!
(She thought for a moment, looking around the mall)
Mariyam - Mmm…. How about here? There are food court on top floor. I can take break and we can…...
Me – Have fun. But are we going to talk tomorrow? If not, we can watch movie or we can….
Mariyam – How about we go now. We can sit and talk.
Me – Yeah! that’s good. But where?
Mariyam – Top floor, food court.
(Initially I got excited to hear it but then I realised mom and Venkat are also in top floor, somewhere. I don’t want to come in front of mom. That too, with Mariyam, she will get even more angry. I don’t want to tell her that I’m dating Mariyam. I don’t know how she will react with me dating a m**lim girl. It’s for the best, that I keep it hidden from her.)
Me – Mm… I’m sorry, Mariyam, I can’t today. I have to get home. It’s already late.
Mariyam – That’s okay.
Me – How about tomorrow?
Mariyam – yeah, that’s great. So, will we meet here or another place?
Me – I think it’s better here. We can hang out in the top floor, while you don’t have to take any day off from work.
Mariyam – It’s okay Sunil, I can take leave. It’s not that important.
Me – No, we can use the leave on some other day. On some special day.
Mariyam – Hehee, you have already started planning. That’s so cute. Heehehe!
Me – Well, it’s my first time… and I'm with the most beautiful girl. I’m so excited. I want to enjoy every moment of it. I think it was fate that I never approached any other girl. God wanted me to date you.
Mariyam – Awww! I’m lucky to find you. I’m happy, that my heart chooses you. The moment, my eyes caught you….
Me – Wait…so, you liked me before? Is that why, you approached me, as an excuse to help?
Mariyam (Flustered, she waves her hands dismissively) – OH No…. That’s not…. That’s just happened randomly.
Me – yes, I caught you. Hahahah!
Mariyam – Okay, Bye…. we will meet here tomorrow.
Me – wait, Mariyam, at least give me your number.
Mariyam – (She glances over her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eye.) Not today, meet me tomorrow and take the number.
Me – Seriously?! Do I need to pass the test to get your number?
Mariyam – I…. I didn’t think it that way. Now that you mentioned it, yes, it’s a test.
Me – Where are you going? At least be with me till billing.
(Mariyam’s playful demeanour vanishes, replaced by a nervous urgency. She glances around.)
Mariyam –No, Naziya will catch us. I’m sorry, Sunil, please don’t get upset. I want to stay with you, but earlier hardly, I convinced her that I’m not dating you. If she catches me again, she will tease me like anything and make our life hell.
Me – HHAhhaa! She is cute, the way she was fighting with….
(She whips around, hands on her hips)
Mariyam –Excuse me? What did you just say? Who is cute?
Me – Okay bye, I’m going for billing. We will meet tomorrow.
Mariyam – I will see you tomorrow, Sunil. How dare you to call another girl cute in front of me!
Mariyam looked somewhat pissed off, so I ran away from her. My god she is so possessive. HAHAH!
Before going to billing counter, I looked back once to see Mariyam watching me, her arms crossed but a clear smile on her face.
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Continues............
What all she went on saying about me and father? I couldn’t remember much of her words as I was numb and stunned to think anything.
With wild thoughts running all over my head, I fumbled towards H&M store. I was thinking to not buy these T-shirts as these were the main reason mom got so angry.
But then I heard the sweet voice. I remembered it.
Mariyam – Hey, you, okay?
I started to calm down by hearing her sweet voice.
Mariyam - Sunil, are you alright?
Me – Hiii! Mariyam! Mmm…Yeah, I’m okay.
Mariyam – I’m sorry Sunil, to interfere in your family matter. I just got worried, thinking your elder brother might hurt you…...
Me – He is not my brother. Venkat is not my brother. (I growled)
Mariyam – (startled by my reaction) O…. Okay!
Me – I…. I’m sorry Mariyam. I’m very sorry for shouting at you.
Mariyam – It’s okay. Do you need water?
(I nodded)
Mariyam instantly rushed inside to fetch water. While I tried to calm myself down. Still, my head was buzzing with thoughts and questions about what my mom just said? What does it imply?
Mariyam returned with a water bottle in her hand. It was kind of soothing to see her care for me. I took water bottle from her hand and while doing so, our hands touched each other. A jolt of electricity passed through me. Instantly my eyes started wandering towards her, I was surprised to see her feeling the same as me. We both passed a shy smile towards each other. I began drinking water. Then we had few conversations and laugh on today’s events. She was funny and turned tragic to fun scenario.
Mariyam - Do you have any girlfriend? I…. I mean are you dating some one? I…I’m just asking…. Like…. I…
I stopped drinking water and looked at her with rising heartbeat. I could see her trembling. Her hand trying to correct her niqab in nervousness.
With a smile, I said ‘No’.
Me - Are you dating anyone?
Mariyam – No, my parents are quite strict in this matter. Never got much chance to even talk to boys during college days or college.
Me – Same, my mother never allowed me to hang out with girls.
Mariyam – So, you’re in college?
Me – Yes
Mariyam – Do you like someone in your college? (She kind of said it in slow and shyness as if she is feeling shy as well as too enthusiast to know about it)
Me – No not from college. But I have started liking someone.
(I saw Mariyam face turned red, she seemed agitated. She is clearly feeling jealous, that means she definitely has feelings for me. This is my chance to make a move.)
Mariyam – Who? I just want to know her name. That’s it!
Me – Mariyam
Mariyam – Hm?!
Me – It’s you.
Mariyam – Hae! (She looked shocked, happy as well as shy all at same time. It’s like, she was getting cooked from inside, with each flavour of emotions getting added. All in all, she looked cute, like the prettiest thing I came across.)
I somehow gathered courage and tried to look confidence. I cleared my throat silently before I spoke a word.
Me – Do you like me? Mariyam?!
As I stood there, I couldn't help but notice the instantaneous nod from Mariyam, her head bobbing up and down before she could even utter a word. It was as if her nervous system had taken on a life of its own, reacting with a speed that caught us both off guard. Her quick affirmation was followed by a adorable display of shyness, as she buried her face in her palms, her cheeks likely flushing with embarrassment. Meanwhile, I was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions - my heart was racing like a drum in my chest, my body stiff with excitement, and my mind reeling with the thrill of it all. I couldn't help but wonder, is this what love feels like? Is this nervous, exhilarating, all-consuming sensation something that everyone experiences, or was I uniquely tuned into this frequency? The uncertainty only added to the intoxicating thrill, leaving me breathless and yearning to know more.
We both didn’t speak for a while. I was feeling shy and so was Mariyam.
Me – M….aaa…S….so…...I was thinking……like what’s now.
Mariyam looked up, a tiny, nervous smile playing on her lips.
Mariyam – I…I don’t know (She giggled softly). It’s entirely new and I’m still in shock that I came this far. Hee-hee, but sure it’s fun. Hee-hee!
Me – (A sudden burst of enthusiasm, forgetting my shyness for a second) Yeah! This feeling is so good. I can’t believe, I never approached a girl before.
Mariyam’s eyes widened playfully, a mischievous glint appearing.
Mariyam (Feigning shock, a hand on her hip) – Aeyyy! What did you say?! Han?!
Me – HAHAH! Sorry, sorry! I meant, I’m like a newbie and inexperienced to all this. I never approached any girl before. This is all new territory for me.
Mariyam – So I’m I. why don’t we take it as adventure. Let’s take it slowly and know each other, build trust.
Me – Yeah! Let’s hang out tomorrow. Would you come to my house or if you want, we can choose any secret room like my friend's house for privacy. There will be no one tomorrow at his house.
Mariyam rolled her eyes with a dramatic sigh, but a smirk played on her lips.
Mariyam – Yah Khuda! Sare ladko ko wohi chahiye (Do Boys only want one thing?)
Me – Aree, no, no, you’re taking me wrong. I meant to talk, watch movie or just hang out casually.
Mariyam – Heehee! Where?
Me – Anywhere you want. We can hang out in my house, watch movie or visit any café for some private space. Currently, I only know these much only. Tomorrow I will talk to my friends and know more about couple places.
Mariyam – (Her cheeks flushing a little, another soft giggle) Heehee… couple places?
Me – Yeah, we are couples now babe.
Mariyam – Cheee, stop that!
(She thought for a moment, looking around the mall)
Mariyam - Mmm…. How about here? There are food court on top floor. I can take break and we can…...
Me – Have fun. But are we going to talk tomorrow? If not, we can watch movie or we can….
Mariyam – How about we go now. We can sit and talk.
Me – Yeah! that’s good. But where?
Mariyam – Top floor, food court.
(Initially I got excited to hear it but then I realised mom and Venkat are also in top floor, somewhere. I don’t want to come in front of mom. That too, with Mariyam, she will get even more angry. I don’t want to tell her that I’m dating Mariyam. I don’t know how she will react with me dating a m**lim girl. It’s for the best, that I keep it hidden from her.)
Me – Mm… I’m sorry, Mariyam, I can’t today. I have to get home. It’s already late.
Mariyam – That’s okay.
Me – How about tomorrow?
Mariyam – yeah, that’s great. So, will we meet here or another place?
Me – I think it’s better here. We can hang out in the top floor, while you don’t have to take any day off from work.
Mariyam – It’s okay Sunil, I can take leave. It’s not that important.
Me – No, we can use the leave on some other day. On some special day.
Mariyam – Hehee, you have already started planning. That’s so cute. Heehehe!
Me – Well, it’s my first time… and I'm with the most beautiful girl. I’m so excited. I want to enjoy every moment of it. I think it was fate that I never approached any other girl. God wanted me to date you.
Mariyam – Awww! I’m lucky to find you. I’m happy, that my heart chooses you. The moment, my eyes caught you….
Me – Wait…so, you liked me before? Is that why, you approached me, as an excuse to help?
Mariyam (Flustered, she waves her hands dismissively) – OH No…. That’s not…. That’s just happened randomly.
Me – yes, I caught you. Hahahah!
Mariyam – Okay, Bye…. we will meet here tomorrow.
Me – wait, Mariyam, at least give me your number.
Mariyam – (She glances over her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eye.) Not today, meet me tomorrow and take the number.
Me – Seriously?! Do I need to pass the test to get your number?
Mariyam – I…. I didn’t think it that way. Now that you mentioned it, yes, it’s a test.
Me – Where are you going? At least be with me till billing.
(Mariyam’s playful demeanour vanishes, replaced by a nervous urgency. She glances around.)
Mariyam –No, Naziya will catch us. I’m sorry, Sunil, please don’t get upset. I want to stay with you, but earlier hardly, I convinced her that I’m not dating you. If she catches me again, she will tease me like anything and make our life hell.
Me – HHAhhaa! She is cute, the way she was fighting with….
(She whips around, hands on her hips)
Mariyam –Excuse me? What did you just say? Who is cute?
Me – Okay bye, I’m going for billing. We will meet tomorrow.
Mariyam – I will see you tomorrow, Sunil. How dare you to call another girl cute in front of me!
Mariyam looked somewhat pissed off, so I ran away from her. My god she is so possessive. HAHAH!
Before going to billing counter, I looked back once to see Mariyam watching me, her arms crossed but a clear smile on her face.
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