MILK & WINE

CHAPTER 22: THE RISHTA

FATIMA POV:

I walked out of the shower combing my hair to see a midnight blue maxi gown sitting on my bed. Isn't it a bit extra? I thought as I examined it. It was a gown purely made for red carpets. This is supposed to be a dinner-only or am I missing out on something? I asked myself. I decided to put on makeup first as my dress was dark.

I decided to wear light makeup as my dress was dark so I put on the lightest shade of blush I had upon my cheeks and natural nude eyeshade and silvery highlighter. For lipstick, I got confused so I mixed my cherry red lipstick with my brown nude lipstick which made a nude peachy shade.

After changing into the dress Zulekha Aunty brought (very carefully as it looked like it costs a fortune also because I had makeup on my face), I decided to wear my black chiffon scarf with black under hijab cap, also the studded earrings that aunty gifted me on my first birthday here. I kept earrings aside as I wore my nude heels. A bad decision I know, but I would probably be sitting for the rest of the evening so that should go alright. When I putting on earrings I heard a knock on the door, thinking that it must be Aunty I opened it without question while still struggling with the earring.

"Yes, Aunty?" I asked opening the door only to meet charcoal black eyes.

I know I sound like I am obsessed with his eyes but his eyes are beautiful. As soon as his eyes met mine, my earring slipped from my palm as I stood there shamelessly gawking at him. 

He bent down and picked up my earring. I was dazed or more like I didn't have any words to say due to the awkward air of our last meeting still lingering between us.

"I believe this is yours." He said handing it back smilingly which pulled me out of the trance.

"Uh? Huh, yes it is mine, thanks." I said trying to take it back. 

"Allow me." He said bringing it close to the earlobe which was exposed by the scarf for the earrings. I examined his facial expression as he focused his eyes on my ear lobe. My cheeks heated up and heartbeat went out of order again. It was hammering in my chest. I knew I would be looking like a tomato under my make up.

And before I knew it he pulled his hand away and smiled looking at me. His hand brushed my hijab material and he patted my head before he pulled his hand away completely. I felt like a cat purring under his touch. 

"You look extraordinarily beautiful today." He said stepping back and pushing his hands in his pockets. 

"Jazak Allah, thanks." I replied taking in his presence. He wore a deep blue suit. His waistcoat was buttoned while his coat was lose. He looked like a runway model. 

Masha Allah, he looks livelier now. His stubble is tamed but still there. So handsome Masha Allah, Subhan Allah. His hair are again gelled. Though I would prefer-

Fatima, stop eyeing him, Astaghfurillah. I was scolded by my subconscious. Which made my cheeks heat up like crazy.

"Mom is waiting for you downstairs. She sent me to call you." He said with a side smirk. 

Wait, can he hear my thoughts or are my feelings that obvious?

"Just a minute." I said turning to switch off the lights when my feet twisted and I was about to fall but I didn't as I found myself in Ahmed's embrace. 

I looked up to his eyes. They were filled with so raw emotions that it was hard to place finger on what emotions he is going through, but they were so intense that under my dress goose bumps covered almost all of my skin. I felt heat creeping on my cheeks and for a moment I forgot to breath. Just then my phone started ringing, bringing us back to this world.