Caged Nightingale

Part 2- Atif

She almost passes right past our table when i see Ali  jump out of his seat as if he's been electrocuted.
'Saara' he gasps in surprise. 
She smiles as he stands quickly and  moves around the table to greet her.
From this distance i can see her skin is flushed from the heat,  her hair is thick and velvety, hanging just over her shoulders, skin glowing, her lips are glossed in pale opaque pink. Long thick, black lashes. Sun kissed skin. Hazel green eyes.
They hug and when they separate, they continue to stay close to each other, the way familiar family members do. She rests her hand on  his arm and says something imperceptible, he laughs and nods in agreement with her, his hand remains on her elbow. I look again at Ali- tall, skin on the paler side, red from the heat, hair cut short and smart. Then realise suddenly as my mind makes the connection, who he is.
he turns to me and explains 'Atif  khaan This is my cousin Saara Muktar, Saara this is a .. ..client?' he says sheepishly -by way of introduction.
She turns and looks at me for the first time. Her gaze is steady and warm, she's composed and polite and i take her outstretched hand. Its soft and smooth.  I cannot shake the feeling of shock from my face. The girl i obsessed about, she's actually here. Her face is softer, hair longer, and her manner quietly confident. I try to hide the surprise as i begin to stand.
' er. . . potential client' Ali says, raking his hand through his hair. He's acting juvenille. He grins at her, a crooked, almost foolish smile, which one gives to a high school crush.
It irritates me immediately and i cough to compose myself.
"You're in good hands Mr Khan- I dont think i know anyone who is more diligent than my cousin here." She says tilting her head towards Ali, who immediatly blushes at the compliment and shakes his head. 
"Join us please" i say gesturing to a chair, but she holds up a hand.
" im sorry to have interrupted your business meeting, really. It was nice to have  made your acquaintance but i have an early flight tomorrow and must be going.. Mr Khan." She nods at me then turns to Ali, who looks like a puppy finally reunited with its owner, then back to me " i would appreciate a final inconvenience if you would. . ." She says as she turns to her cousin. She pushes a strand of raven hair behind her ear revealing pearl studs. The casual movement should be insignificant but it hits me like a sledgehammer. Instantly, I think about how it would feel to run my fingers through it and kiss her exposed neck. It makes my mouth go dry. I commit every move to memory. Savour it at this proximity. She turns to give me a final nod and smile, her eyes literally sparkle.
'. . . . if you could walk me out, we could talk' she says turning back to her cousin.
I nod but grit my teeth as i see his hand slip to the small of her back as he guides her around the table.
They talk in low tones as they walk away from me, again.
' i was sorry to hear about aunty ji. .. .' I hear her say 'if i could, i would have been here. . ..'
Looks like i found atleast two of the quartet.