Mehrem- The Confidant

14

Illiyeen

It was half past midnight, and I found myself pacing the rooftop of our ancestral home. The entire day had been exhausting—meeting people, showing Neha around, smiling through the endless small talk. Now, with the stars above and the cool breeze brushing against my face, I was finally alone with my thoughts.

How could Umair and I not have exchanged phone numbers after over a month of knowing each other? Not even that essential step. It seemed absurd. I let out a small sigh, my feet continuing to trace invisible lines on the rooftop floor.

My mind kept drifting back to that night—the reception night. I remembered how we sat together, the warmth of the lights casting shadows around us, and how neither of us knew what to say. We talked, but it wasn't about anything real. We were careful, almost hesitant. There were so many unsaid things between us, like we were both too nervous to address the reality of being together.

The thought of Umair made my heart race a little faster. Despite all the awkwardness, there was something about his presence. I don't know if it was his quiet observation or how he seemed to read me even when I wasn't saying much. He made me feel safe—but also strangely nervous.

I stopped pacing and leaned on the old stone wall, looking out at the distant lights of the village. Part of me wanted to pick up my phone and message him. Just something small, something to bridge this odd gap between us. But another part of me held back. What would I even say? Would it seem weird after all this time to ask for something so simple?

I sighed again, feeling the weight of all these new emotions. This rooftop, which used to bring me peace, now felt like a space full of uncertainty. Everything had changed, yet we still acted like strangers—distant, careful, unsure. Would we always be like this? Or could things ever feel natural between us?

Maybe tomorrow I'll ask for his number. Or maybe I'll wait for him to ask first. Either way, something has to change.

"Api," Rohan's voice cut through the silence, returning me to reality. He was standing there with two cups in his hand.

I turned around, slightly startled, as he passed me a cup and his phone. "Yeh lo," he said with a smirk. I furrowed my brows, confused as I glanced at the phone screen. Umair's name flashed on it.

"Why are you giving this to me?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

Rohan sipped his coffee casually, his smirk widening. "You don't have his number, so save it."

A grin spread across my face. "Thank you," I murmured, my fingers quickly noting Umair's number. It felt oddly significant, like I was finally crossing an invisible line.

Rohan pocketed his phone and looked at me intently. "Zaroorat nahi hai mere aage act karne ki, Api. You can say anything to me." His voice was softer now, more serious.

"I know," I replied, sitting on the couches, the warmth of the coffee grounding me.

He sat down across from me, his gaze still sharp. "Tu kya, are you happy? Jhoot mat bolna."

I looked at him, expression unreadable. "You know I don't lie."

"Maybe not, but you're great at hiding your feelings."

I took a deep breath, contemplating how to respond. "I am khush. No lies. You know, Mawaa was right. My family loves me, and so does his family. That's more than enough for me." A small, content smile tugged at my lips. "These past few days have made me realize what I was craving for. I used to joke about wanting a mother-in-law who would love and accept me like my mom. Mama... Mama is the mother I was looking for."