All Over Again

Chapter 31

Misha's POV:

I was spacing out. I had been staring at the blank canvas for twenty minutes straight but I was grateful for the solitude. University grounds were so peaceful. Just me, the nature and my art essentials. Perfect trio. It helped me think clearly. 

I don't know how I kept a straight face in front of my family last night. I will have to tell them eventually. This is so difficult. Ibraheem paghal ko bhi yehi tareeka sohja tha? Ajeeb. Hum dono ko marwayega. Lekin hai tou mera paghal. (Stupid Ibraheem just had to use this method? Weirdo. He is going to get us both killed. But he is my psycho.) I started to giggle remembering our moments from last night. I closed my eyes and covered my face with my hands in embarrassment. I can't believe we are married. He is my husband, Oh my God. AJWNRGOJBLJFSDBJGNKGNF. His crazy tendencies are rubbing off on me now.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a familiar pair of eyes staring back at me and the smile on my face disappeared as I blinked multiple times. Ugh, I forgot to deal with him.

"You seem to be in a good mood." Usman grinned as he took a seat down, opposite me. I watched him cross his legs as he sat down comfortably. Doesn't he know I am avoiding him?

"I don't know. Am I?" I replied soberly, putting Ibraheem's face in the back of my head as I put on my poker face.

"I was just checking up on you, Misha." Usman softened up and I resisted the urge to get up. This was a good time to reply to his confession. I shouldn't make him wait anymore. This was it.

"Thank you. Also, I thought on your confession and I have an answer now." I answered with a solemn look in my eyes.

"Oh really? I...I am not prepared at all." I frowned at him. I was tempted to ask him, 'Isn't that what you came here for?' But then decided not to. Did he call me without realizing last night? It was very unlike him but it was going to lead to World War III between me and Ibraheem.

"Yeah, I don't know how to say this nicely but I am sorry Usman. I respect your feelings but we cannot be together. The feeling is not mutual." I answered as smoothly as I could. His dejected face made me feel a pang of guilt but it was better than leading him on. He needed to know that we had no future together.

"Oh....can I know the reason why at least? Is there someone else you like?" I stared him dead in the eyes. How was I supposed to answer this? I WAS MARRIED. But I wasn't going to tell him that.

"Yeah, you could say that." I said uneasily. He deserved to know this much though. He simply nodded his head as silence fell on us. Well, this was awkward.

"Can we stay friends?" I mean, if my crush rejected me, I would want to stay far away from them for the next decade but he really is determined huh?

"Uh, I don't think it's a good idea." I tried to visualize a very angry and jealous Ibraheem breathing fire down my neck if he finds out Usman is still around. Yep, nope, not happening.

"Well, it was an absolute honour to know you Misha." I could hear the sadness in his voice but this was for the greater good.

"Likewise Usman. No hard feelings, alright? I am sure you will find a wonderful soulmate." I tried to console him but somehow it backfired because he looked like he was going to cry or something. Yikes. Time to escape, Misha. "Alright well, Allah hafiz now. I have to go home now." He nodded so I used that as my cue to leave.

Once, I was far enough I breathed in a sigh of relief. Aik masla tou khatam hua. (One problem down.) My phone started to vibrate so I took it out of my bag and looked at the caller ID. Zoya was calling. I smiled as I picked up a call.

"How is my sis doing?" I spoke as I started to walk towards the cafeteria to grab a water bottle.

"Sis is good. Sis is packing her bags. Sis has a flight tonight. Meet me before that? I called Rubab over too." Zoya mumbled into the phone as I heard the sound of zips in the background. Somehow, my heart pained trying to accept the fact that she really was leaving but if Kamran really was that blast from her past, she had to leave. She said she would come back and we had to be strong for her, she was the one who had it the hardest. Leaving everything behind just so she could save her life again.