17 September 2019

Hey, guys! Here's the next, most awaited chapter of 'Arranged or Love?'! Watch the video above, it's the song that Zayan sings later on in the chapter. One of my favourite songs. ;)

2 chapters in 24 hours! Do you guys love me for it?!

Don't forget to vote and comment!

"I could not tell if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking towards me and realised that somehow, the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you." - Cassandra Clare

Alayna's POV

I gaze into my full-sized bedroom mirror, and smile softly. Although I have a million questions running through my mind, I'm excited for Aliya's sangeet. I'm wearing a peach coloured kameez with a matching pajama. My outfit is beautiful and elegant, and it was designed by Mum. It has stunning, intricate silver embroidery, and a peach dupatta which I place around my neck.

My makeup for tonight is simple but gorgeous. I've applied a peach-silver eyeshadow combination which looks amazing and brings out my large, chocolate brown eyes. My base is flawless, and my contouring and highlight is applied to perfection. I've applied a matching peach liquid lipstick to my full, plump lips. I have put on more makeup than I usually would, but after all, it is my childhood best friend's sangeet night.

My long, thick and shiny black hair falls to my waist in loose waves. I'm not wearing much jewellery, except a pair of small, diamond studs and a Cartier bracelet. Silver sandals styled with diamonds adorn my feet, along with silver anklets.

I'm very excited for Aliya's wedding functions to be kicking off tonight, but at the same time, I'm nervous. I'm feeling super nervous to be seeing Zayan and his family in just half an hour. And Hanna!

She found out about the arranged marriage, and she called me late last night. She was screaming over the phone in excitement, before finally calming down to listen to me. I didn't say much to her, but being my best friend, she could tell how confused and shocked I was about everything. She told me that she had absolutely no idea at all about anything, and that she found out after I did. She was afraid that I'd be mad at her. Of course I'm not.

There's a light knock on my bedroom door, and Mum enters. She looks absolutely stunning wearing a dark green coloured kameez shalwar suit.

'Hey Mum, you look beautiful,' I tell her, giving her a small smile.

She grins at me, coming over and kissing my forehead gently. "Not as beautiful as my lovely daughter. You look gorgeous, Alayna. I knew this outfit would look perfect on you."

'Thanks, Mum,' I reply, smiling at her.

"You're all ready, right? Shall we go?" She asks, glancing at me from head to toe, before grinning again.

'I'm ready, but you guys head out. I'll leave in a few minutes, I'll drive myself,' I tell her.

She frowns, worriedly. "We were all supposed to go together, weren't we? Is everything okay?"

I nod. 'I promise I'll come, I'll reach shortly after you guys. I wouldn't miss Aliya's sangeet for the world.'

"I understand, sweetie. And of course. We'll get going, it's going to be so much fun. Come soon, okay?" She kisses my forehead again, and I sigh, hugging her. I breathe in her lovely scent, and it comforts me.

'Of course, Mum. I'll reach right after you.'

********

Zayan's POV

Most of the guests, which for the sangeet are mainly close friends and family of Aliya, have reached. However, Alayna and her family haven't reached yet. I hope Alayna comes tonight. She wouldn't miss it, would she?

I pace around the large hall of our mansion, making sure that all the decorations and catering are to perfection.

'Zayan? Haven't Alayna and her family arrived yet?' Aliya's brother, Armaan, asks me.

I shrug. "I don't know. Why?" He annoys me.

'Everyone's arrived, except for them. They're probably stuck in traffic. The fun won't start without Alayna,' he says. It irks me, but I don't show my annoyance.

"Yes, perhaps they're stuck in traffic. They must be reaching soon," I say, before walking off. Why am I feeling nervous, for the first time in my life? Yes, Alayna found out everything yesterday, but she wouldn't miss this for the world. I know how much she loves Aliya.

I don't know how she will act when she sees me, but I hope she's not mad at me. After all, I knew about the arranged marriage and I hid it from her, just like everyone else did. I wouldn't be surprised if she's angry.

'Zayan Bhai, Alayna's family have arrived, without her,' Hanna says, frantically. Her eyes are wide, and she looks very worried. 'And she won't answer my calls,' she adds.

Oh, no. She's definitely pissed.

"She wouldn't miss this, would she? Aliya's her childhood best friend," I say, trying to explain it to myself.

Hanna shrugs. 'I have no idea. I don't know anything right now. I hope she comes, though.' She walks away to some guests, who are also enquiring about Alayna.

I nervously walk towards Alayna's parents, when I see them smiling at me.

'Hello, Uncle. Hello, Aunty. How are you today?' I greet them politely.

"We're great, thanks Zayan. How are you?" Uncle replies.

'We're good, Zayan dear. How are you?" Aunty asks gently.

'I'm good too, thank you. You both look great,' I tell them, before greeting Sara and Yusuf.

I discreetly look around them, but she's not there. She hasn't come.

I'm just about to ask them where Alayna is, when one of the guests calls me. "I'll be right back," I tell them, before going to tend to the guests.

********

I'm in the kitchen, checking up on the catering team, when Hanna enters, grinning from ear to ear. 'Alayna's arrived.'

The two words cause my heart to start racing, and I exit the kitchen. Sure enough, she's here. And she's perfect.

She looks beautiful in a peach coloured Pakistani outfit, which brings out all her features. I watch her as she greets Aliya's parents, and then Mum and Dad. She talks to them politely and gently, her small smile not leaving her beautiful lips.

She then greets Armaan, which irks me to no point. Thankfully, she moves on quickly to Usman Bhai and Laiba Bhabhi. Laiba Bhabhi engulfs her into a hug, which makes me smile. It's amazing seeing how great friends they are.

After greeting them, Hanna runs to her and literally jumps on her, making me chuckle. Hanna hugs her tight, whispering something into her ear. Whatever she says, makes Alayna's cheeks turn bright pink. Alayna playfully slaps Hanna's arm, shaking her head.

I stay back, watching her as she heads upstairs to bring Aliya downstairs. A few minutes later, Alayna and the girls bring Aliya downstairs, and everyone gets ready for the singing and dancing to start.

Armaan grabs a microphone, setting the speakers. 'Ladies and gentlemen! Good evening, and thank you all for joining us tonight for my baby sister Aliya's sangeet night! It's great to see you all, and I hope that you enjoy the evening!'

Everyone gets seated, and the singing is started by the parents. Aliya's parents, Aunty, Uncle, Mum and Dad start singing, and it's hilarious. Funnily enough, they can mostly sing. It's awkward seeing them singing and dancing, but it's a lot of fun. They sing and dance to old Bollywood songs.

Everyone cheers them on, and I can see that everyone's having lots of fun.

'Okay, that was just amazing! Now, let's play a small game, shall we? It's an easy one, so don't worry. This game is a singing game, and basically, all those who are present here tonight, your names have been thrown into this bowl. I'll get someone to pick out a chit, and whoever's picked out, will have to sing a song. At least one verse,' Armaan says next, before everyone agrees happily.

I roll my eyes, as he starts the game. The first chit is picked out, and Mum's name is picked out. I chuckle, shaking my head. I cover my face to conceal my embarrassment when Mum starts to sing an old Bollywood song that I haven't heard before. She can sing, though, so it's fine I guess.

The next person is Armaan himself. He sings 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', and I have to admit, he's a good singer. Not as good as me, though.

As soon as his song has finished, I stand up, to grab myself a bottle of water. However, I stop in my tracks as I hear my name being called out. I turn to face everyone, shaking my head.

'No, I'm sorry. You all please carry on, I'll be right back,' I say, but no one's having it.

"Come on, Zayan Bhai! You're the best singer here, you have to sing something for us. Anything!" Hanna says, pouting.

"Come on, Zayan beta! We want to hear your amazing voice!" Aunty says, smiling at me.

I glance towards Alayna. She's looking at me, and when I look at her, she quickly looks away. She's so beautiful. The most beautiful. I don't know what it is about her, but she's different from everyone.

Everyone starts to cheer for me, which leaves me with no choice. I have to sing. So I do.

Pehli nazar mein kaisa jaadu kar diya (What magic did you do at the first sight)

Tera ban baitha hai mera jiya (My heart has become yours)

Jaane kya hoga, kya hoga kya pata (What will happen, no one knows that)

Is pal ko milke aa jee le zara (Come, let's live this moment together)

Main hoon yahaan (I'm here)

Tu hai yahaan (You're here)

Meri baahon mein aa, aa bhi ja (Come in my arms, come)

O jaan-e-jaan, dono jahaan (Oh my dear love, forget this world)

Meri baahon mein aa bhool ja (By coming in my arms)

Har dua mein shamil tera pyaar hai (Your love is present in every prayer)

Bin tere lamha bhi dushwar hai (Without you, every moment is worthless)

Dhadkanon ko tujhse hi dharkar hai (My heart beats only for you)

Tujh se hi rahatein (With you I'm at peace)

Tujh se hi chahatein (With you I'm in love)

Tu jo mili ek din mujhe (One day I saw you)

Mein kahin ho gaya lapata (I don't know where I got lost)

This is the first song which comes to my mind, it used to be a favourite of mine a few years ago. Everyone's silent when I sing, and I can't stop looking at her. She's beautiful. She's blushing, her cheeks brighter than the blush she's wearing. I smirk when I catch her looking at me. She quickly looks away, biting her lip.

When I finish the song, everyone bursts into a round of applause, cheering for me and telling me how great they think my voice is. I thank them politely, before looking at Alayna again.

Hanna says something to her, and she nods. Then, she stands up. 'I'll be right back,' she mumbles, before heading upstairs.

********

Alayna's POV

What's one thing Zayan's not good at? He's a brilliant singer, he really is. When he sang 'Pehli Nazar Mein', one of my favourite Bollywood songs, he sang it to perfection. He sang it nearly as well as Atif Aslam did. Why did he choose that particular song, though, and not any other one? It's such a romantic song.

When he started to sing, when I heard his voice, I couldn't stop staring at him. He's looking amazing today, wearing a simple white designer kurta and trouser. I feel flustered, for some reason. I came upstairs to Hanna's room for fresh air, making the excuse that I needed to put my phone on charge.

I sit at the edge of Hanna's bed, trying to calm my buzzing nerves. I caught him looking at me a few times so far this evening, and he caught me staring at him like a weirdo.

Two minutes later, I get up and go over to Hanna's dressing table, standing in front of it to apply a fresh coat of my lipstick.

Right at that moment, there's a knock on the door. I freeze, before going to open it.

I'm surprised, when I see Zayan standing at the door, in all his glory. He looks even more handsome, now that I'm seeing him from up close for the first time this evening. I haven't gone anywhere near him today, because I'm so nervous. And because I have no idea what to say, even though I have so many questions. I don't know how to put them into words.

He stands with his arms crossed over his broad, muscular chest, and he raises an eyebrow at me.

'Zayan, hi. I didn't get a chance to greet you earlier,' I say, my voice quiet. I don't know how I manage to keep it calm, with my cheeks burning like they are. Why can I not stop blushing around him?!

"Hello, Alayna. You look lovely today," he says in response.

My cheeks burn even brighter, if that's possible. 'O-oh, thank you. So do you,' I blurt, before I cringe at what I've said.

He chuckles, shaking his head at me. "Yes, that's definitely Alayna. And why, thank you." His voice is polite, yet humorous. It brings a fuzzy feeling to the pit of my stomach.

'What did you want? I mean, you've come to Hanna's room? I just came to put my phone on charge, it was running low on battery,' I lie.

He smirks, before nodding. "I figured that you'd want to talk to me." He's straightforward and crystal clear.

I swallow, before nodding. I open the door wider for him to walk in.

I take a seat at the edge of Hanna's bed, while he sits on a chair a few feet away.

"So, Aunty and Uncle told you last night?" He asks me, looking closely for my reactions.

I nod. 'They did, yes. How long have you known for, Zayan?' I ask him.

He looks past me at the wall behind me. "A while. I've known for a while now."

I don't know what to say. 'I'm mad, but I am at everyone. My parents especially, for hiding this from me for so long. But, this is crazy, right?' I ask him, laughing awkwardly.

He shrugs. "I thought the same when I found out."

We stay silent for a few seconds, him glancing at me, and me looking down into my lap and playing with the ring on my right hand.

"What do you want to do, Alayna?" He finally asks me.

I look up at him, the blush permanent on my cheeks. 'What do you mean?' I ask him.

He shrugs, and for some reason, my face falls.

'Zayan? I'll tell you what, let's come up with a plan that will suit both of us,' I suggest.

He cocks an eyebrow, looking into my eyes. "What kind of plan?"

'How can we both say 'no', without our parents getting upset? They've always been best friends, and I don't want them to feel hurt. They've said that the final decision is only ours, but I don't want to hurt them. We need to.. come up with a plan that will suit us all,' I say.

His expression falls, before he nods. "That's what you want?"

'What do I want? To say 'no'? I mean, that's what you want, right? Why am I asking you? Of course it's what you want! Even only thinking otherwise is crazy. Why would you want to marry and spend the rest of your life with me? I mean, you're my mentor. You're kind of my boss. This is so weird, Zayan. It must be so awkward for you too, right? You must have hated me when you found out!' I ramble.

He sighs. "When I first found out, I hated you. I hated Alayna, even though I'd never met her or talked to her."

I feel my heart break, but I nod and force a smile. 'I didn't hate you when I found out last night. I could never hate you. You're a good guy, Zayan. You deserve the best.'

"I don't hate you now, Alayna. I feel like an idiot for thinking that you're the reason our parents arranged our marriage. It wasn't your fault. You didn't even know about it. You had no idea."

'I had absolutely no idea,' I tell him. 'Are you feeling really weird, Zayan? I'm sorry, I don't even know what to say. What shall we do, so our parents don't get hurt? How shall we decline?'

"You tell me what you want, Alayna. Please. Tell me. You don't want to get married anytime soon, to anyone?" He asks, interested.

'Before my parents told me that you're the guy, I basically told them last night that I think I'm ready to get married. I feel ready, I don't know why. Maybe it's because of what happened three weeks ago, at the hospital. Maybe I want someone who will always be there to love me, care for me and protect me,' I tell him truthfully.

He looks surprised. "You're ready for marriage?"

I nod. 'I guess I am. That's why, we need to come up with a plan, Zayan. After all this is over, I'll tell my parents to find me a guy. And I'll marry whoever they choose, because they know better what's best for me.'

"What if I told you that I'm ready for marriage, too? And that.. I don't want to say 'no', Alayna?" His voice is a low whisper.

I freeze, staring at him in shock. Then, I burst out laughing. 'Well, then I would be extremely worried about you, because I'd know that you're not feeling well. Then, I'd become your doctor and do a full check-up on you.' He can't be serious, can he? It's impossible! Why would he ever want to marry me?

"I'm serious, Alayna. I'm not saying 'no'." My mouth falls open in shock, and I stare at him. He looks absolutely serious.

'You can't be serious! Why would you ever be even one percent interested in marrying someone like me?! You're joking, I know you are.' I can't believe my ears. I feel like I'm in a dream, and someone is about to wake me up any second now.

I pinch myself to see if I'm dreaming, and I flinch when I feel the pain in my arm. Ouch. I'm definitely awake.

I look over at him, standing up to feel his forehead. 'You don't have a fever. What's happening?' I ask him and myself.

"I'm not saying 'no', Alayna. Not anymore. If you don't want it, though, then I'll help you get out of this situation," he offers.

'You.. you want to marry me?!' I ask him, in utter shock. That can't be possible. Why would he want to marry me?! Is he in his right state of mind?

His lips twitch. "I guess I'm saying that I do, Alayna. I guess I want your craziness in my life on a daily basis."

'I think I'm about to faint,' I say, half joking.

Zayan quickly stands up and comes to my side, to help me if I actually do faint. "I'm sorry, Alayna. I know you're shocked about everything, after all, you only found out last night. But I'm serious, I'll help you get out of this."

'Zayan.. I don't even know what I want. I'm just so shocked, confused, I feel like it's all a dream. I don't know what I want,' I tell him truthfully, looking into his eyes.

In his eyes, I see warmth and care for me. I feel safe with him. "I understand, Alayna. Don't worry about anything, please. Our parents won't be upset, I'll think of a plan."

I stare at his handsome face, and my heart clenches. I'm not in love with him, of course, but I feel a strong liking towards him. And I've had a crazy crush on him since the day we met. Only two months ago. Even with his huge ego, I couldn't help but develop this crush.

'Shall we go downstairs? Everyone must be wondering where we are. The dances are about to begin. Armaan's ready with the games,' he says.

I stand, and so does he. He starts to walk off, but I place a hand on his arm. 'Zayan.'

He turns to me, a small smile on his lips. I can't believe this is the same man who's my mentor. The same man who's so strict with everyone at the hospital.

"Yes, Alayna?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.

'I need some time,' I say.

His face lights up, and he nods. "Of course. You can have all the time you need. Whatever decision you make, I'm here with you."

'This isn't awkward at all for you?' I ask him, whispering.

"Now? Not at all. You're looking at me like you're in shock, but I'm still the same guy. Dr. Zayan, Zayan.. I may seem very different at the hospital, but I do try to be nice to everyone."

I chuckle at that. 'You don't try to be nice to everyone at the hospital! You're just nice to me. Because I'm your favourite,' I say, winking at him.

His eyes fill with excitement. "Yes, Alayna. If I haven't made it clear enough, you're my favourite."

'I know, I know! I'm everyone's favourite. Now come, Dr. Zayan. Let's go downstairs,' I say, pulling his arm gently.

He laughs, following me downstairs. I have the brightest blush colouring my cheeks, but I also have the widest smile on my lips. I'm still nervous around him, but definitely not as much now. He always makes me feel comfortable around himself. I don't feel awkward anymore, even though I have no idea what I'm going to do.

I can't believe that he actually wants to marry me. He, for some weird reason that's out of this world, wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life with someone as crazy as me. He likes me as a friend, I guess. So say if we did get married, would we stay together as friends? My cheeks burn at the thoughts entering my mind.

I asked him for time. I didn't say yes, I didn't say no. What will I say? I have absolutely no clue.

When we reach downstairs, everyone's busy in dancing. And I mean everyone. Our parents, Aliya, everyone.

I laugh when I see Hanna dancing. She doesn't know how to dance, and she looks very funny. But she looks cute at the same time.

Before the first dance 'game' starts, I sit with the girls and we all talk excitedly. We tease Aliya about her wedding which is next Saturday, in just one week. Her cheeks are bright scarlet, like mine were earlier. She looks gorgeous today, wearing a gold coloured heavy anarkali dress, which was gifted to her by her in-laws. Her makeup and hair was done professionally, and she looks like an angel. She's going to make such a beautiful bride. 

'Listen up, everyone!' Armaan's voice booms over the microphone, and everyone falls silent. 'It's time for the next game, a dance game! I will be picking out names from this bowl, I will be picking out two names. And these two people will have to dance together.'

The first two names are picked out of the bowl. Usman Bhai and Laiba. That's so cute, so perfect! Out of so many names, their names are picked together. Everyone cheers for them as they stand up and go to the side, waiting for the other names to be picked.

Next, Sara's name is picked with Aliya. This is hilarious, and will be fun to watch.

Thirdly, Hanna's name is picked. She looks at me in worry and fear, not wanting her name to be picked with a random guy. I start teasing her non-stop, when her name is picked with Yusuf Bhai. I start coughing loudly to embarrass her, and she smacks me on my arm. For the first time in my life, my best friend blushes as her and Yusuf Bhai stand together to dance.

I don't listen to the rest of the names, until finally my name is called out by Armaan. 'Alayna, you will be dancing with... Zayan!'

"What?!" I say, at the same time as him. We stare at each other, before he starts to chuckle. I don't stand, continuing to stare at him in shock. How is this possible? There's no way that Armaan would have cheated and picked out our names together. And no reason, either.

Zayan walks towards me and offers me his hand. "Shall we?" He asks, his voice low and husky. I bite my lip, before I take his hand.

The music starts as soon as I take his hand. He pulls me up gently towards himself, putting us into a compromising position.

I cough nervously, looking around. However, everyone's in the same position as us.

Thankfully, I know how to dance, so I know what to do and where to place my hands. He places his right hand just above my left hip, and I suck in a breath. Why does his hand feel so good on me?

His left hand grasps my right hand, and it's positioned just above my shoulder.

We start to slow dance, and I look anywhere but at him. It doesn't help that a super romantic Bollywood song is playing.

Zayan leads the dance, and I let him. We move naturally and easily, and I enjoy the feel of dancing with him. We move softly to the beat of the music, and he slowly pulls me away to the side of the hall so we're not standing in the spotlight.

We continue to dance. I look around and see that everyone's fully enjoying themselves. Everyone's happy with their dance partner, and it doesn't look like they want to change partners anytime soon.

'You're a good dancer, Alayna,' Zayan says softly into my ear.

I glance up at him, meeting his eyes. I blush, biting my lip. "You're not too bad yourself."

He pulls in, surprising me as our bodies collide gently. I suck in a breath and close my eyes, enjoying the feel of him.

'Alayna, do I make you nervous?' He whispers into my ear.

I open my eyes, meeting his sparkling blue-brown ones. His eyes are the most beautiful shade.

"You know you do," I breathe, not able to look away from him.

'You don't need to feel nervous around me, Alayna.' He starts a different sort of slow dance, and I follow his lead.

I don't say anything as he pulls me in towards himself as part of the dance, and my hand tightens on his shoulder to stop myself from stepping on his feet.

"I can feel your heartbeat, and it's quite fast," he whispers.

Well, nah. 'Yeah?' I ask, staring into his eyes and stepping closer in a second of confidence. I have no idea where the sudden confidence has come from.

I bring the hand on his shoulder to his chest, and I feel his heartbeat. "Well, Dr. Zayan, I have to say that your heart is beating fast too."

He swallows, his eyes dark.

I don't know what it is with him, but Zayan.. he makes me feel things I've never felt before. He makes me feel things I didn't even know could be felt. He's given me time, and I will think about my decision. I have no idea what I will do, but I need to make up my mind. It's a question of my whole life.

I've known him for only two months. Just two months. That's not long at all, but it's long enough to know that he's a good guy. He has so many good qualities, which is why I'm in a dilemma.

I don't know what will happen, but at least for the time being, at least right now, he's all mine.

********

So!! How was it?! Leave thousands of comments, okay?! I updated two chapters in 24 hours, just for you guys, so I want some love! 😉

This was one of my favourite chapters to write. Alayna and Zayan talk about the proposal, and about what's next. What do you think they'll do?

Zayan wants to marry Alayna? Where's that come from?! Only a month ago, he didn't want to!

Don't forget to vote and comment if you liked the chapter, guys! It makes my day and gives me the biggest smile. It's my birthday soon, that's why I've updated again!!

Question: Would you agree to an arranged marriage? And why?

Bye, guys! I love you all loads and loads. ❤️

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