Omar loosened his tie as he walked into his office, letting out a content sigh. He’d never admit it to Aisha, but her cooking was finger-licking good, and he was still savoring the meal. A smile played on his lips, but it quickly faded as he noticed the scattered files on his desk. His work awaited him, and he reluctantly started sifting through the paperwork and emails.
After a few minutes, he heard a knock followed by familiar footsteps. Without even looking up, he knew it was Faraaz. That was the thing about knowing someone too well—you didn’t need to see them to recognize them.
"Assalam-u-alaikum, Bhai! Office itni der se aane ki zehmat ki aapne?" Faraaz’s voice held a teasing lilt, a playful mock at Omar’s late arrival. Apparently, Omar had missed an important meeting, leaving Faraaz to cover for him without prior notice. Faraaz wasn’t exactly thrilled and was here for an explanation.
Omar, sensing his friend's frustration, explained his morning, from the unexpected turn of events to Sara's sudden stay at his apartment. Faraaz listened, his expression somewhere between amusement and curiosity.
"So… Sara will stay with you? Is Aisha Bhabhi okay with you bringing another woman home?" Faraaz winked, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.
Omar shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I don’t know, man. She said she was glad to help, but we didn’t really talk in detail. I was already running late for work."
As he said it, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. He hadn’t given Aisha’s feelings much thought. Was she really okay with having someone else, especially another woman, stay in their space? He shook his head, convincing himself he’d done what he had to. Sara is my friend, and she needed help, he told himself. But another voice,his conscience,nudged at him, reminding him that Aisha was his wife, and her comfort should come first.
At home, Aisha had woken up around 5 pm, prayed her Asar prayer, and then headed to the kitchen to prepare tea for herself and Sara. As she took out her homemade cookies from a cupboard, she heard Sara talking to someone,indicating she was up from her nap too.
Aisha poured the tea into two cups, arranged the cookies on a plate, and placed everything on a tray. She carried it into the living room, where Sara was standing by the window, chatting on the phone. When Sara noticed Aisha coming in with the tray, she finished her call and took a seat on the couch.
After Sara ended her call, she sat beside Aisha, who offered her the tea and cookies. They sipped their tea as Aisha shared stories of her wedding to Omar back in Pakistan—the rituals, the dresses, and the memories. Even after they finished their tea, the conversation continued effortlessly, spanning childhood stories, school memories, friendships, Omar, and their current lives.
While they discussed Omar, Aisha realized she knew very little about his life in London and felt a twinge of jealousy, noticing how much more Sara seemed to know about her husband. But she quickly dismissed these thoughts, reminding herself it wasn't Sara's fault, and smiled as Sara talked about her siblings.
Time slipped by, and before they knew it, the clock struck 7, and Omar walked into the apartment. He found them both engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to his presence. Clearing his throat to catch their attention, he managed to make both of them look up, startled.
"Omar...You? When did you come in?" Aisha asked, glancing out the window and realizing it was getting dark.
"Just now...while you both were completely lost in some secret talk. By the way, what were you two discussing that you didn’t even notice me?" Omar teased, feigning curiosity.
Aisha exchanged a look with Sara, and they both burst into laughter.
"Have you both lost your minds? What did I ask that’s so funny?" Omar looked genuinely confused.
“Nothing, Omar. It’s probably better you don’t know,” Sara replied, still laughing. She added, "Anyway, perfect timing! Aisha and I want to go out,take us to the amusement park!"
Omar raised his eyebrows and looked at Aisha. “You want to go out?”
Caught off guard, Aisha glanced nervously between Omar and Sara. She had only casually mentioned wanting to go to the amusement park if she got the chance, never expecting Sara to actually suggest it. Seeing Sara nodding at her, she finally replied, “Yes.”
Omar sighed, "Can’t we go tomorrow? I’m really tired."
Seeing the exhaustion on his face, Aisha felt a pang of guilt and was about to agree, but Sara interrupted, “No, Omar. We want to go tonight because I have a meeting tomorrow.”
With a huff, Omar headed to the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed the moment he entered. Aisha followed him in, standing beside him she gently shook his shoulder and said“Omar, you look really tired. Freshen up and have dinner. I’ll tell Sara we can go another time.”
But Omar sat up, took off his shoes, and unbuttoned his shirt. Just as Aisha turned to leave the room, he caught her hand, making her look at him in surprise. “It’s fine. We can go now. It’s not too late, Jaldi vapis ajayenge.Tayaar ho jao" (we’ll be back soon. Go get ready.) With that, he let go of her hand and went to freshen up.
In the bathroom, Omar splashed water on his face, thinking of how worried Aisha had been for him last night. He hoped that this small outing would lift her spirits and ease some of his guilt.He didn't know why he was feeling guilty,it had never happened before. This was new.
Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Aisha held her hand close to her chest, feeling her heart race. Omar had actually held her hand,not out of obligation, but willingly. A shy smile lit her face, and she picked out a beautiful beige abaya with black embroidery and a pink hijab, accessorizing with a black purse. She even selected a sharp white shirt, dark blue jeans, and a blue jacket for Omar.
When Omar came out of the bathroom, Aisha handed him his clothes before heading in herself. Omar quickly dressed without much thought, combed his hair, put on his loafers, and was scrolling through his phone when Aisha emerged, looking stunning as ever. He thought of complimenting her but held back.
He suddenly remembered he hadn’t discussed Sara’s stay with her yet. Turning to Aisha, he said, “Hey, are you alright with Sara staying with us?I told you right,her father reached out for help, and I didn’t really feel like I could say no. She’s a friend, and I just... couldn't ignore it.”
Aisha raised an eyebrow, surprised Omar was even asking for her input on the matter. After all, it was his friend, and this place was his before it became theirs. But seeing the concern in his eyes, she softened. “I don’t mind at all. Sara’s lovely,I actually enjoy having her around,” she said with a gentle smile.
Omar let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Thanks, Aisha.Let’s go then” he said, heading out with Aisha following him. In the living room, they found Sara waiting, excitement written all over her face. She wore a chic, knee-length frock that was both comfortable and stylish for their evening out.
Grinning at them, Sara playfully teased, “Couple goals!” She laughed as Omar shot her a glare, while Aisha blushed at the compliment.
They got into one of Omar’s cars, with him in the driver’s seat, Aisha beside him, and Sara in the back. Aisha had wanted to sit with Sara, but Sara had jokingly locked the back door, forcing Aisha to take the front seat with an exaggerated sigh.
Arriving at the amusement park, they found it bustling with people. Omar looked at the two women, who were wide-eyed like children at a playground. Shaking his head, he said, “Stay close, both of you. Don’t wander off without telling me. Especially you,” he added, glancing pointedly at Aisha, who ducked her head in embarrassment.
“Oh, stop scaring her! If you’re so worried, hold her hand and don’t let go,” Sara teased, placing Aisha’s hand in Omar’s. Then, she walked ahead, leaving the couple standing awkwardly behind.
Omar quickly let go of Aisha’s hand, then encouraged her to walk with him. Although a bit hurt, Aisha brushed it off, determined to enjoy the evening.
A short distance ahead, Sara looked back at them and chuckled, “These two are impossible.”
After spending the afternoon with the couple, Sara realized something was off. They didn’t act like other couples she knew, with barely any eye contact or conversations. From talking to Aisha, Sara sensed that Aisha had feelings for Omar, though he seemed oblivious. She hadn’t explicitly said anything, but Sara could see the longing in her words.
Omar was a dear friend, and Aisha had quickly found a place in Sara’s heart. So, Sara decided to help them grow closer during her stay. It wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to make a difference in their lives before she left for New York.
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