CHAPTER 18- MEETING HER BOYFRIEND

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After coming from work, Ahaan changed into his boxers and slept off on the couch watching a football match. When he woke up in the evening, he got confused looking at the dark room. Ahaan's eyes widened as he realized Abeer had said they are to meet for dinner. He checked the alarm clock, 8.30pm, so late. He grabbed his phone from the table in front of the sofa. There is a message and few miscalls.

'Yaar, have you died? I am calling you since forever. Dude, come to Indigo Restaurant' One of the message read, Abeer seemed angry. Ahaan slapped his forehead and leaped out from the sofa. The TV is still on. Annoyed he switched it off and hurried to his room.

After coming from work, Rifaat had taken a short nap and then went upstairs for a walk. The pleasant evening weather making it bearable to be up here. She sat on the parapet of the building and looked front watching the sunset. A sad smile on her lips, unshed tears glistening in her eyes.

Old days with Hariz reeled in front of her eyes. The time she had spent with him, hand

in hand, her head resting on his shoulder, it was such a beautiful feeling. Funny, how once a beautiful memory now so hurtful that she wished those moments had never happened. She sighed. Suddenly, she recollected her time with Ahaan and she felt lighter instantly. She smiled through her tears, thinking about the time in the Marine Drive, and how he worked late till night for her and how he transformed into a tough health freak gym instructor. She checked her watch, 8.45pm. Gosh! How time flies. She jumped down and quickly walked out from the terrace. She thought of making a coffee and spend some time with Ahaan. A happy smile appeared on her lips as she thought of him.

Ahaan quickly got dressed in white and black polka dotted formal shirt folded up his elbows matched with denim jeans and sneakers. He combed and gelled his hair. He smiled looking at his reflection and the applied generous amount of cologne. He took out his phone to book a cab when his door-bell rang. For one crazy second, Ahaan thought that a fuming Abeer has come here. He quickly composed himself and opened the door.

'Hey!' Rifaat smiled at him.

'Oh, Hey.' Ahaan replied confused. He didn't expect Rifaat here. Her smile faded when she noticed him formally dressed.

'Are you going somewhere?' Rifaat stepped back as he stepped out from his apartment.

'Yes. Going to Indigo Restaurant to meet my friend.' Ahaan replied locking the main door. Rifaat frowned wondering if he is going out with Jenni, was Jenni asking him for a date in the office? Rifaat isn't liking the sound of this. Nevertheless, she forced a smile. Why should she be bothered?

'Okay, then. All the best.' Rifaat said trying to sound positive.

'Thanks.' Ahaan smiled. He turned around and walked towards the Elevator. Rifaat felt sadness fill her heart as she watched him walk away. He stopped at the Elevator and waved at her. She faked a smile and waved back at him. She sighed as he disappeared into the elevator. She then turned around and walked into her apartment.

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Ahaan entered the restaurant and quickly texted Abeer, he got the reply instantly.

Abeer: extreme right corner second last row.

Ahaan nodded and looked around. He smiled when he spotted Abeer with a man. The man seemed almost same age as him. Unlike last time, Abeer isn't dressed in traditional but in olive green off shoulder Kaftan top and white pants. The man is speaking something with her but she seemed restless. Ahaan hurried towards them.

'Good evening.' Ahaan greeted them nervously. Abeer glared at him, but since her boyfriend is here she didn't react the way he had expected. Thank God! Ahaan is mentally relieved.

'Hey! Yaseen.' The young man stood up and extended his hand.

'Ahaan.' Ahaan introduced himself shaking his hand. Ahaan then took his seat in between Abeer and Yaseen. Ahaan jumped little in his seat when Abeer stamped his feet under the table. He turned his head and looked at Abeer, she is still glaring at him. Ahaan gulped seeing fury in her eyes. Ahaan quickly looked back at Yaseen.

He pretended to listen to him as all the while Abeer kept poking and stamping him under the table. After speaking with Yaseen Ahaan is happy also surprised with Abeer's choice. He seemed like a polite, practical, logical, and good looking young man.

As they had dinner, Abeer mentioned that her parents have bluntly refused Yaseen (without even meeting or seeing him), the reason they stated is, "No one does love marriage in our family." Ahaan felt bad, Yaseen seemed like a perfect man and more over Abeer and Yaseen love each other a lot.

'I am sure you will convince them.' Ahaan placed his palm over Abeer's. Abeer sighed shaking her head, 'My cousin sister, Almira had done a love marriage and she was....'

'Killed!' Ahaan gasped.

'No, Drama queen.' Abeer slapped his arm while Yaseen smiled shaking his head, 'She and her husband were disowned.' Ahaan squeezed her palm assuring her.

'Yaar, I will talk to you later. Okay' Abeer said. Ahaan nodded.

After dinner, Yaseen bid them good-bye and drove off in his white sedan. Ahaan and Abeer together took an auto back to Ahaan's apartment. As they walked towards the apartment, Abeer felt cold, so Ahaan wrapped his one arm around her. She smiled at him gratefully.

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Rifaat couldn't sleep. After bidding good bye to Ahaan she felt sad. So, she munched on a huge tub of chocolate ice cream while she watched a tennis match. She felt guilty on having ice cream, all the calories she burnt in the gym now waste.

After that she did some more work, had dinner, and now lay on the bed trying to sleep. She turned to her side facing the window. She wondered if Ahaan has returned. She climbed down her bed and wore a night robe over her loose Tee and shorts. She tied her hair in a tight bun and walked towards her main door. She opened her door and peeked out. She heard someone talking by the elevator. She recognized as Ahaan's voice, but along with him there is a female voice. A giggle and a laughter. Rifaat frowned.

She saw their shadow and hid behind her door. Slowly, she opened the door and saw Ahaan with a woman, his arm around her shoulder. Rifaat is baffled, who is the girl? And what is she doing here? Is she his girlfriend, perhaps wife or maybe a prostitute? Rifaat shook her head, Ahaan doesn't seem like those men and the woman also looks decent. But then looks can be deceiving. Just like how she mistook Hariz to be a good man perhaps she presumed Ahaan to be a good man as well. Rifaat bit her lower-lip and shut the door.

'All men are the same. Pigs!' she said bitterly. 

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