FORBIDDEN

02:finally Home

Aaliya's POV:

The wheels of my suitcase clicked against the marble floor as I made my way through the double doors leading to the main waiting lobby.

I was back after 2 years approximately and to be exact I felt at peace returning to my birthplace as well as the only place I could call my homeland. Pakistan.

I was at ease now, with the first semester of my university winding up, I decided that I needed a break till the next semester starts. And besides who
misses their own sister's wedding? It was an arranged one but as far as I've heard he seems like a good man.

Grabbing a coffee from the nearest shop at the airport, I was still lost in my thoughts when I bumped into someone.
Hard.

"Ow" I hissed at the feeling of hot coffee on my hand before registering my mistake and apologising "I am so sorry-"

The time seemed to slow down, I think the earth even stopped rotating on its axis as I looked up to the person I had spilled my coffee on. Or to be exact, Him.

The words seemed to be stuck on my tongue as I couldn't help but stare at him
He was exceptionally handsome.

Quickly recovering I apologised again.
"I am so sorry-"
"are you okay? -"

We shared a look before I lightly laughed and he passed me a small smile.

"I am so sorry, I think I zoned out for a bit and it resulted in this" I made a motion with my free hand to his white dress shirt now drenched in brown  while the other was still holding my half spilled coffee cup.

He held my stare for a bit before replying
"No its completely okay don't worry about it" he hesitated for a bit before asking "apka hath zyada to nai jala?" (I hope your hand isn't burnt)

On his cue I looked down at my hand which was a slight shade of red from the area of my thumb to my index finger. But I shrugged it off it wasn't the first time anyway. I grew up in a desi household after all.

"oh no its fine" I offered with a shrug. He reached into his jacket's pocket and held out a handkerchief for me.

"Thankyou"
"you're welcome"

A beat passed as we stared into each other's eyes for a moment which felt like hours. His a light shade of Hazel. Mine
A brown so dark it could be taken as black.

Getting my senses back I tore my gaze away from his eyes before passing him a small smile and reaching towards the counter where I put the cup.

"Allow me to buy you a coffee" he said.

Completely taken aback upon registering his voice in the right state of my mind I stuttered a bit while replying. "Oh- No thankyou, it was my mistake after all" I exclaimed.

"No its not entirely your fault I should've looked up my phone while walking" he said scratching the back of his neck in awkwardness or nervousness I couldn't quite fathom.

"guess we are even then" I said with a small laugh. Which caused him to pass me a snicker of his own in return.

"Goodbye and shukriya apka is kay liye" I pointed to the handkerchief he had given me. (thankyou for this)

" Arey, Koi baat nai" he said with a small smile. (no, it's okay)

I pivoted on my heel and started walking while strolling my suitcase behind me before reaching into my bag and calling Baba to send me a car. (father)

Well that was quite the welcome I had.