preference delights

"A Question Of Legacy"

Zarmeena, half-conscious and in full slur mode, was busy delivering a drunken-style monologue.

"That Big B Sala...ar! How dare he not acc...ept my apol...ogy! I swear I will not... leave him... until he..." She trailed off, her words wobbling like jelly on a roller coaster.

Salaar felt his soul leave his body. Of all the times she could've chosen to wake up, why now?! He stole a glance at the two ladies beside him, hoping for divine intervention.

And then she went again... "He... always does this... saying dash dash... dash to me... and then runn...ing to her after getting that D...Q's call!"

Salaar's brain short-circuited. D-Q? Who the heck is D-Q?!

"Brother Salaar, who is D-Q?" Ahmed asked, wide-eyed with curiosity. Even if, by some miracle, the ladies hadn't heard, he made sure to let them know.

"I don't know, Ahmed," Salaar snapped, sweat pooling at his temples.

Ahmed, like a detective on a mission, continued, "And what is this dash dash dash?"

Salaar clenched his jaw. "I. Don't. Know. Ahmed."

These siblings were on a mission to publicly execute him, and right in front of Dadi and Aunty Zareena!

Just when he thought things couldn't get worse, Sajid, the true MVP, stepped in.

"Ahmed, let's take Aunty Zareena home," Sajid suggested smoothly.

"Yes, Amma, let's go. When Zarmeena wakes up properly, we'll bring you back," Ahmed chimed in, thankfully switching gears.

Sensing Salaar's awkwardness, Dadi also decided to spare him. "I'll come back in the evening with Faizan and Musa. Take care of her, Salaar."

And with that, they left, leaving Salaar alone with the ticking time bomb that was Zarmeena, who could spill more classified secrets before fully waking up.
-----------------------------------------------

Zarmeena slowly opened her eyes. At first, her mind was clouded, the memories blurred and distant. She scanned her surroundings, the sterile walls, the faint scent of antiseptic, the quiet hum of medical equipment. It was a hospital room. The IV needle pricked lightly in her right hand, confirming her suspicion.

And then, everything came rushing back.

The junkyard. Awais’s trap. Salaar saving them. The Avengers calling the police. Salaar cradling her in the police jeep… and his confession.

"I have loved you since the moment I saw you on that bike. I never broke free from that spell, Zarmeena…"

That confession.

Even now, lying in a hospital bed, warmth spread through her at the memory. Her body tingled, and she stretched slightly, only to brush against something. She turned her head, and her heart skipped a beat.

Salaar.

He was perched on a chair beside her bed, his head resting against the mattress, his face peaceful in sleep. A soft breath escaped her lips. She couldn't let him see her awake, not yet. Embarrassment surged through her, and she quickly shut her eyes, pretending to still be unconscious.

But Salaar stirred. His fingers brushed against hers as he lifted his head groggily.

"Zarmeena, open your eyes. Stop pretending, I know you're awake." His voice was husky, laced with amusement.

"I’m not pretending. I was actually sleeping," she protested weakly, but the heat creeping up her face betrayed her.

Salaar arched a brow. "Oh really?"