LET ME HATE YOU

Is this love?

With the new beginning, time flew, Amaan and Asmaira's new formed bond didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the family. Salar also softened towards Asmaira as he too realized her good heart and the positivity she brought into Amaan's life. Fariya could not be more than happy to finally see her younger son with his family. While Mehwish moved back to her job in America, she still tried to instigate Amaan much to the latter's annoyance.

Though Amaan was busy with his new projects and Asmaira with her studies, both made sure to give their time to Kabir. It was at Amaan's insistence that Kabir was made to sleep in his room much to Asmaira's disappointment. Amaan defended his stand by saying, "he is growing up and he should get habituated to live in his room".

"He is not even 2 years old,'' Asmaira said, trying to persuade Amaan.

"He will be soon. Don't think I don't know that you leave your studies to play with him". Amaan said on which Asmaira bit her tongue. She can't deny what Amaan said.

4 months passed.

Sometimes it is best to accept the reality and go with the flow. This stands true for Amaan and Asmaira. Amaan's love for Raina never changed, nor has he forgotten any moment he spent with her, but he accepted the reality of her absence and focused on being a good father. Likewise, Asmaira couldn't go back to her previous life, yet she focused on how she could substitute for Raina's place in Kabir's life. Kabir also started calling Raina as "MA" on seeing her picture thanks to Asmaira's insistence.

One day when Amaan came from the office, he noticed Asmaira's books were scattered on the floor, but she was no where to be seen. On his instinct when he went to Kabir's room, he saw her rocking Kabir. He shakes his head in disappointment and said,

"You were supposed to study for your exams".

"What happened, why are you crying?", Amaan said when he saw Asmaira on the verge of crying.

"Kabir, his fever is not going down", Asmaira said in a low voice.

"It's usual for a child to fall sick, don't worry so much", Amaan said with a sigh.

Why does she get anxious, so easily, he thought.

"Amber will take care of him, you go and study. You will have an exam tomorrow", Amaan said, knowing how stubborn she can be when it comes to Kabir.

"No, I am not leaving him like this. He is so restless". Asmaira argued.

"Fine! I will be with him, is that ok now?". Amaan said while thinking he can convince anybody in business, but he can't persuade his little wife.

"Only if he is in front of me, am I studying". Asmaira said.

Eventually Asmaira went with her studies while Amaan was pacing in the balcony trying to pacify Kabir. By the time she was done with her preparation, it was already late night and when she went to the balcony to check on Kabir she stopped and smiled. Amaan was lying on the swing with his legs on leg rest while Kabir was sleeping soundly on his chest.

The father-son duo looked adorable. Asmaira for the first time looked carefully at Amaan's face. His black hair was tousled over his forehead due to wind making him look like a teenage boy. His deep emerald eyes were closed and his lips were slightly parted. The deep frown showed his entire day exhaustion, however, it only emphasizes his good looks.

She initially thought of waking him up, however, seeing him in deep sleep, she didn't have a heart to disturb him. Instead, she covered him with a quilt, however, when she bent down to place the quilt her hair brushed against his face making him open his eyes. Asmaira, who was busy adjusting the quilt, didn't notice emerald eyes staring at her face. Subconsciously Amaan raised his hand to lock her flying strand of hair behind her ear and that's when Asmaira looked at him.

While locking her hair, his fingers touched her face, making her blush instantly. She forgot to react however, she lowered her gaze, failing to make eye contact. Amaan too lost in his trance started caressing her cheek. It was when Kabir stirred in his sleep that both of them came out of their respective trance. It was Amaan who broke the silence.

"He is asleep now, I will put him to bed", Amaan said while making an excuse.

"Let him sleep here only, it's already late". Amaan said again on not receiving any response from Asmaira.

"Yes...umm....yes, I will go and change", Asmaira walked to the bathroom. Amaan was looking at her from the corner of his eyes and sighed when the bathroom door closed. Meanwhile, Asmaira was patting her blushed cheeks, "Why does my face feel hot?".

The night passed with both of them lying wide awake thinking about their strange surge of emotions.

Amaan couldn't help thinking how smooth her skin felt when he was caressing her, her silky hair for a change not tied in a bun was open, making her look cute like a doll and her eyes behind her glasses, clearly showing her inner soul. He couldn't stop his urge to touch her again, but then he collected himself.

What am I thinking, I can't have such thoughts for her, Amaan scolded himself.

Meanwhile, Asmaira couldn't help but recollect his mesmerized green eyes looking at her. She started feeling as if hundreds of butterflies fluttering in her stomach, making her giggle abruptly.

During breakfast the next day, Amaan was constantly filling Asmaira's plate who lost her appetite due to exam's nervousness. The entire episode was witnessed by the rest of the family.

"I am not taking you to your exam center if you don't finish your food", Amaan said.

"I feel uneasy, I don't feel like eating", Asmaira said while making her nervous face which earned a chuckle from Amaan.

He had an urge to pinch her cheek for looking adorable. Wait! What? He mentally slapped himself and turned to his mother to distract his change of emotion.

"Ma, tell her to eat, she is being stubborn now".

Nevertheless, Fairya who was smiling at the couple didn't say anything. She could see something was different between Amaan and Asmaira. The way Amaan was looking at Asmaira with so many emotions didn't go unnoticed by her. She knew her son started having a soft corner for his wife and hadn't realized it yet, whereas Asmaira was coming out of her shell.

Ishaal playfully nudges Hania while looking at her brother in law changed behavior. Both of them giggled, making Amaan raise an eyebrow.

"What are you two beauties giggling for?". Amaan asked them suspiciously.

Clearing her throat, Ishaal said, "Nothing, Jamal is coming back so we were planning for a surprise party for him".

Amaan knew immediately they were hiding something, but upon hearing about his brother's arrival he didn't persuade it further.

Ishaal ignored Amaan's suspicious eyes and continued, "Ma, we have to attend Mr Mehra's son engagement party next Wednesday and also Jamal will arrive on the same day. Why don't all go together?".

Before Asmaira could excuse herself Amaan said on her behalf.

"Asmaira doesn't like parties and I am also busy with client meetings''.

"Oh", Ishaal and Hania said together ragging Amaan. He couldn't help but roll his eyes at his sister in law's childish jibe making them end up in fits of giggle.

Asmaira who has been already nervous with her exam stress was confused on seeing the conversation between them.

"Actually, I have a seminar that day and it will be evening by the time it is over", Asmaira said while skeptically looking at laughing Ishaal and Hania.

"OH", both again said in unison while smirking.

"Let's go or they won't stop", Amaan narrowed his eyes looking at them.

What's with them and their annoying smirk, he thought while escorting Asmaira out. He could still hear them laughing behind his back.