Aslan's POV.
I can't wait anymore. I want her to be mine. I want her to be my girlfriend. I just want to let her and the world know that I like her.
It's killing me because I can't seem to find the right way or the right time to express my feelings to her.
And lately, she has been avoiding me. I don't know where I went wrong. I mean I know what Zahara did was out of line. I don't know why she did that.
At first, I didn't mind her attitude towards Adalina because I was also being mean and rude towards her but now it's different.
She's the girl I like. I don't want anyone to hurt her in any way possible. She's precious to me.
I hope Adalina is not upset because of that. I hope she doesn't think I have something to do with it. Because I don't at all.
I was at the bar room, in the institute. I don't usually drink but today, I just felt like it because I keep thinking of my mom somehow.
I was at my second bottle when Miran joined me.
"Hey bro" he said.
"Hey" I replied.
"Why are you drinking so much? We still have school tomorrow you know that right?" he asked.
"I know.." I said pouring some more in the glass.
"Bro, what's wrong? You look a bit down?" he commented.
"If I tell you something...can you keep it to yourself?" I asked him.
"Of course, trust me" he said.
"There's this girl I like a lot and...I just feel like shit when she's around" I told him honestly.
"You feel like shit but you like her? I don't get it" he said.
"She's perfect to my eyes, she's nice, kind hearted and beautiful...I'm sure she never hurt anyone purposely in her life" I said.
"Okay.." he was listening carefully.
"But me on the other side, I'm no worthy of even falling for her..I drink, I kill people, I hate people, I fight and..I'm in the mafia you know..it just sucks because I'm afraid she finds out and never looks at me again" I said.
At this point, I was getting a bit drunk.
"Bro...it's okay" he said.
I could read through him perfectly. He knows exactly what I'm talking about and what I'm feeling.
"It's honesty not okay..For the first time in my life..I don't feel like being the bad guy anymore and I don't want her to ever know about who I really am" I told him.
It was silent after that. Actually, Miran grabbed himself a glass as well, poured some beer and drank with me. I'm glad he just listened to me.
I know he'll never tell anyone. He's the one friend I can trust the most. I wish I could be like him sometimes. He's always positive and he actually has a sense of feeling when he wants to.
Compared to me, I don't know how to feel. I don't know how to control my feelings at all.
And I always end up doing things I regret.
***
Adalina's POV.
I woke up this morning my head pounding. I barely slept. The whole night, I was thinking about Aslan. I was trying to figure if I'm completely lost or if I'm actually going insane after him.
I was thinking what if he doesn't like me at all?
What if I confess and he ends up making a joke out of me?
I am so confused, it's crazy.
I wish it could be like math problems. Easy to solve once you find the way to do it. But it's really not like that.
I had no school today. I woke up early since I couldn't sleep. I took a shower and then got ready before making my way downstairs.
I could hear people laughing. Is my brother back already? How is he back this early?
I was a bit excited to see him therefore I ran downstairs in the speed of a second but the scene in front of my eyes left me speechless.
How is that even possible?
In the kitchen, in front of me was my dad, my mom and Aslan laughing together.
My eyes were wide open as well as my mouth. What in the world is this?!
I ran away before they see me to put on my hijab and put on a vest because my arms could be shown and obviously I wasn't wearing my scarf.
I came back nervous. Seriously, how did he even know I live here and why is he here?!
They saw me and gave me a smile.
"Oh- you're awake this early? Mashallah that's a miracle, come and eat breakfast with us" ammi jaan said.
I awkwardly smiled and went to sit beside her. Aslan was sitting on the other side of the table beside my dad.
"Oye larki, say hi to your classmate he came to give back your homework" ammi jaan told me.
Homework?! What homework?!
"Uh...thanks" I said keeping my gaze lowered.
"I am sure that Adalina is grateful to have you as her classmate who thought about giving her the homework she forgot to take" Abbu said to Aslan.
"Uncle, don't say that it's my pleasure" Aslan said in the most respectful way possible.
Wow. I am shook.
We finished eating breakfast all together. Once done, I was cleaning the table with Aslan who decided to help. Ammi jaan went to get something and Abbu was using the bathroom.
It was only him and I now.
"Why are you here?" I asked immediately while taking the plates.
"Aren't you happy I'm here to see you during the weekend?" he asked me instead.
"What? Are you out of your mind?" I asked him.
"Just a little bit, your parents are actually very nice and your mom's food never disappoints as always" he commented.
"I'm serious, how'd you know I live here?" I asked him.
"I know a lot of things about you already" he said.
"I am serious!" I exclaimed.
"Beta, here" ammi jaan came back with a bag.
"This is a few snacks from Pakistan and also some jewelries I barely wear, give this to your mother dear" she said.
Suddenly, it's as if everything just stopped. Aslan wasn't saying anything and he wasn't taking the bag from my mom.
He was staring at the bag silently. What's wrong with him? Is he okay?
Just as I was about to say something, he took the bag from ammi jaan and thanked her.
"I will make sure to give it to her" he said.
"Thank you beta" ammi thanked him.
Something is fishy. I know something is wrong.
We finished cleaning and then had some chai in the living room. It seemed like Aslan was having a great time with my parents. He was making them laugh and talking to them as if he knew them for a long time.
An hour later, it was time for him to leave. We followed him out. That's what brown people do. They spoil the guests and stay with them until they step out the house.
"Auntie, uncle, I'll be leaving now" he told them as he stepped out the house.
Ammi jaan pushed me forward telling me to follow him to his car.
Ya Allah!
"I'll stay with you until you get to your car" I told Aslan.
He turned his head looking behind and saw that ammi and Abbu weren't looking at us anymore.
"They're not looking anymore" he told me.
"Ah yeah...why did you come here?" I asked him again.
"I just wanted to see you" he said.
"Really?" I asked feeling some kind of way.
He nodded.
"Oh and...are you okay? You looked a bit like different when my mom gave you the bag?" I asked him remembering.
He stopped in his tracks and turned to me.
He was staring at me.
"I don't have a mother" he stated.
YA ALLAH!
"Are you serious? Ya Allah! I'm so sorry" I apologized.
Now, I feel extremely bad for him.
I could see the hurt in his eyes. He must be missing her like crazy.
"Don't be sorry, it's not your fault I just wasn't expecting that from your mom" he said.
"Why didn't you tell her about it?" I was curious.
"I didn't meant to ruin the vibe...I'll still keep my word and give this to my mom" he said.
"Huh? How is that?" I asked.
"I'm actually going to see her now" he added.
"See ya tomorrow kitten" he said before getting into his car.
He drove away as I stayed where I was thinking about this guy.
You're so mysterious Aslan.
Some times, I feel like I know you but some other times I feel like I absolutely don't.
It feels like you're full of secrets. How many sorrows are you hiding from the world?
At such a young age, he's living his life without a mother. It made me realize how grateful I should start being. I have both my parents still. I should be thankful because some people don't have that.
He's not able to feel the love of both parents which is really important, I think.
I just felt like hugging him and comforting him when he said that.
People that suffer in silence are in the most pain. My mom once said to me.
Ya Allah, shower him with your love.
***
I was in math class working at my place in silent. Usually, I'm focused and I do my work, I finish it before everyone else.
But today, my eyes were searching for him. My mind was also thinking of him. He was not here though.
Again, he disappeared today and I might not see him for another full week.
"Adalina.." Ayla whispered my name.
She called my name a few times before I realized I was lost in my world of thoughts.
"Why aren't you working?" she asked.
"Huh? I was just thinking about something" I told her.
"There's only 30 minutes left, you got this!" she cheered.
I gave her a smile and then focused on my work.
The bell rang and Ayla immediately came to me. She was giving me a weird look.
"What?" I asked her.
"You look absent, what's on your mind?" she asked me.
"Huh? Ah..nothing I'm just-"
"Don't even try and lie to me" she cuts me off.
"It's nothing serious, you already know what's on my mind" I told her.
"That jerk, I guess" she said.
"He's not a jerk Ayla" I told her as we were making our way out of the class.
"Well to me he is" she said.
"Did you find out how you'll tell him about your feelings?" she asked me.
"I'm not sure, honestly I'd like to hear from him first and then confess depending on his answer" I said honestly.
"Mmh..that makes sense...well I think the jerk likes you too" she said.
Is she for real? How does she know?!
"What? How'd you know?" I asked her.
"I can feel it too now" she added.
"Oh..don't mess with me I thought you really knew" I said upset.
"Adalina" she stopped walking and turned to me.
"I want to give you a little advise as your best friend" she said.
"Of course, tell me" I said.
"I may not really know what it's like to fall in love and having my mind filled with a certain person but...I know one thing for sure love can make you blind and it can ruin you or build you so...I will obviously respect your feelings no matter what you decide to do but I want you to never forget your purpose, the people that care for you and of course god" she said.
I wanted to cry. That was a reminder I needed to hear. She's amazing, my bestie.
I hugged her tightly and thanked her.
After our second class, it was lunch time. We were together and had a great time. Once we were done, we both got up when Zahara came to me.
She had her arms folded and she was glaring at me.
Ayla came in my way as well and stood in front of me. I could let her stay in front of me but how long will I depend on others?
I don't want her to get hurt again just like last time and I know she will kill her. In a sarcastic way, obviously.
"What do you want?" Ayla asked her in a cold tone.
"Ayla, I got this" I told her making her stay beside me instead of in front.
"There's a party tonight, I'm here to invite you personally Adalina but if you want you can also bring your friend as well" she said.
What in the world? Why would she invite me when she hates me?
Something is definitely wrong.
"Why would you invite me all of a sudden?" I asked her.
"Aslan wants to see you there" she said.
Is she...for real?
Why does he need to see me?
"Are you serious?" Ayla asked her.
"Why would I come to you then? Anyways I have to go, I'll text you the address come if you want" she said before walking away.
I looked at Ayla confused.
"You think he wants to see me for what?" I asked her.
She shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't know but I can feel that you want to go now, am I wrong?" she said.
"How'd you know?" I asked chuckling.
"I know you too well, I'll lie to my mom and say we're both going to study at the library..I'm joining you for sure" she said.
"Okay good! Thanks for coming with me" I thanked her getting excited to see him.
We both made our way to our lockers after this.
I can't wait. I know I shouldn't be this excited and nervous at the same time. But I can't help it. I haven't seen him the whole day and I was sure I wasn't going to see him for a good time.
I've never been to a party before. I hope it's not too haram.
I'm really getting curious to know why he wants to see me.
After school, Ayla and I spent some time at the library working a little bit until it reached 6pm. We made our way out and took the bus to the party.
We arrive a few minutes later at someone's house that looked giant. This is definitely a rich cartier.
Even the houses around looked huge and stunning.
"Girl- are these bullies rich and spoiled on top of everything?" Ayla asked looking speechless.
I was out of words even if I somehow had a tiny feeling that they must've been from wealthy families.
I mean it just makes sense to think that way since Zahara always had brand clothes on whil Aslan is sometimes on his bike or car. To me, both of those vehicles are expensive. Same goes for their friends.
We made it to the front door of the house actually never mind, let's just call it a mansion.
Someone opened the door for us as we rang the bell. It was a woman who looked very much like a waitress. She welcomed us in and made us follow her to the backyard.
It didn't look like a regular backyard though, it just looked expensive as hell.
There was a bar, there was a pool. It was filled with so many people it felt like a thousand to my eyes. It was decorated pretty well, people were dancing, drinking and so on. The music was playing out loud.
"Wow, that's amaze-balls" Ayla commented.
"Say less" I added.
"Have a nice evening" the waitress wished us before walking away.
I immediately turned to leave but Ayla stopped me. It looks cool but I don't fit here at all.
"Where do you think you're going? I did not lied to my mom for no reason" she said making me turn.
We got into the crowd of people looking for Aslan obviously but he was no where to be seen.
Suddenly, I heard my name being called and I could immediately recognize the voice.
Ayla and I both turned and met with Zahara and her girl friends. Honestly, she looked intimidating.
"I see that you've decided to come" she said.
"Yes, we did but don't worry we're not here to see you for sure" Ayla replied fake smiling to her.
Zahara was giving her the look. She was about to say something but she refrained herself from doing it.
"Come on, I'll offer you guys a drink" she said.
"Uh we don't drink miss" Ayla said.
"Alcohol free drinks" she adds.
We followed her to the bar and she grabbed us some drinks. I wasn't sure of drinking it.
"Here" she said giving it to us.
Ayla and I looked at each other before saying bismillah and taking our first sip.
I have no idea what this tastes like but it's not good and it's not bad. Weird.
One of Zahara's friend whispered something in her ear. She excused herself and then left us there clueless.
Once she went away we both threw out the drink that we kept in our mouth. Obviously, we weren't going to drink this. We can't trust Zahara.
"That was disgusting" Ayla said.
"I know right" I confirmed.
"Adalina, Ayla?" someone called our names and we turned to meet with Fazal?!
"What are you guys doing here?" he asked.
"Uh.." I was not expecting him to be here.
"Can we ask you the same?" Ayla asked him awkwardly laughing.
"I was told to come and get you" he said.
"What?!" Ayla and I both asked at the same time.
"Who asked you to come and get me? I never asked anyone" I told him.
"Is this a joke? I only came here because of that or else I'm not allowed here" he said.
"You're not allowed?" I asked him.
"I mean- I never come here" he said his expression suddenly changing.
"That's..weird" I said.
"Anyways, I'll...stay with you guys then" he said.
"Cool" Ayla said.
The three of us were just standing together waiting for Zahara to show up again. My eyes were searching for Aslan but he was no where to be seen.
While people were taking too much place dancing and moving around, someone eventually bumped into me spilling all of their drink on me.
The person walked away not even excusing themselves. I sighed and then asked the bar guy if he knew where the bathroom was. He told me where and I thanked him.
"Oh my god! Can't these crazy people be careful?!" Ayla said.
She proposed to come with me to the bathroom but I told her it was fine and that she could stay with Fazal while I go and clean myself.
While I was in the bathroom washing my shirt, I heard two people yelling from outside at each other.
"I told you a hundred fu*cking times! If your father sees that you invited one of his enemies here, he will kill him first and then you!" It sounded like a middle aged woman's voice.
"Why should I listen to YOU mistress?!" the other voice who sounded definitely like a girl replied.
Ya Allah, what is actually going on?
I got out of the bathroom and made my way back out. I got lost in the crowd for a moment. People were pushing me here and there.
I finally made it out of the crowd and found myself standing near the pool. How did I make it here?
I turned around to leave when I saw her standing right in front of me, Zahara.
She gave me the smirk of the devil before giving me a push. I fell into the water completely loosing my balance.
All eyes on me. Water consuming me. Feeling suffocated and not being able to process a single thing.
The last thing that flashed in my mind was ammi jaan, Abbu, bhai, Ayla and then Aslan before everything going black.
***
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