Callous

Chapter 10/A marriage awaits

It's been thirty minutes since I locked myself in the bedroom, silent tears of regret falling down my cheeks and onto my lap. I sniff loudly and harshly wipe away the wetness, remorse and guilt nudging at my heart. My skin crawls with the fear of—of liking Aarib. And how Maira could also see it.

I grab my phone from the nightstand, my fingers itching to dial Natalia's number. I don't, however. She would just start the usual crap 'I told you to stay away from him. I told you he is dangerous. I told you to talk to the teacher and get another partner.' Blah blah.

What if I call Aarib and tell him to stay away from me? That sounds like a very—bad idea! My subconscious mocks at me. No. . .that will just make him think he is affecting me in any way possible.

I check the time on my phone. Three hours till the guests start arriving, enough time to stop moping and celebrate my brother's happiness.

Sucking in a deep breath, I pat my cheeks to look a little less like I cried badly and smile brightly before going to the door.

Aarib is not going to sour my mood. He does not get any right to do that.

I skip down the stairs with a bright mood, humming to a tune. Mom suddenly appears at the bottom of the stairs and pins me to the spot with her gaze.

"Where have you been, young lady?" she raises a decent enough suspicious brow at me. Her eyes linger on my eyes maybe noticing that I've cried, but I start playing with my hair to get her attention elsewhere and chuckle wickedly.

"I was in my room watching twilight," I joke, giggling. Why am I giggling? I don't even feel like smiling.

Mom tsk's and shakes her head at me disapprovingly. "It's your brother's nikah today. You cannot stay in your room all day and watch a movie you have seen five times. Also, where is that boy Aarib?"

Stay unaffected. "He went. Said he had something to do and also told me to tell you he was sorry he couldn't stay for longer." Blink. Blink. Blink.

A wave of concern crosses her features. "Okay. . .I'll have Azaan deliver the food to him tonight. I wanted him to taste the exotic Asian food, and of course enjoy the wedding."

What! "Mom no! Why would you do that? We barely even know this guy—well I know him from years but you just met him today!" This family is so bizarre!

"We try to be as welcoming as we can, okay? That boy looked so sweet to me!"

I gape at her. "Seriously?" My mouth hangs open in shock. Sweet? Aarib the mafia sweet?

Mom claps her hand three time. "Come on, shoo! Go join the girls in the living room. You don't want to miss out on all the fun." She once again disappears inside the kitchen.

"Are you making the whole sheep?" I call out to her, descending the stairs as I roll my eyes to express my annoyance at Aarib and how he managed to get on the good side of my mom. How does he even do that!

I make a dazzling entrance in the living room which looks just marvelous. Azaan had hung yellow fairy lights everywhere and scattered white rose petals on the marble floor. There was a yellow cloth spread in the middle of the sofa's on which sat my cousins and some neighbors along with Maira's friends. Three of them were putting on henna. I saunter close and bend down a little, inspecting their skills.

"Where's Maira?" I ask to nobody in particular, frowning at the weird design of henna being put on Saira's hand. Unlike me, Saira looks more than happy.

A girl called Sara or Sana replies, "She went with Hassan to get some last minute things. Also, do you know where they are going for their honeymoon?" Everyone giggles and chuckles except me.