The most excruciating type of pain isn't heartbreak, it's one-sided love
-Siyyamah

Ikram's POV

"You're just a suggestion."

Those words kept ringing in my head. The moment he said that, everything around me spun. I excused myself and ran to my room. On reaching,there was only one thing to do.Cry. And that's what I did. I let the water works loose and cried my heart out.

What had I gotten myself into? What did I do to deserve this treatment from him? I was starting to doubt my decision. Did I make the right decision? So many questions running in my head.

God,I need answers and no one is providing them.

I heard the door open and Zahra came inside. When did she get here? My head was facing the bed so she couldn't see me. I tried wiping the tears so that it'd become less visible.

"Hey,have you been crying?" She asked.

Well I guess it was still visible. There was nothing to hide anymore.

"Uhm,well not really."

"Are you saying I'm blind then. Ikky what's wrong? Is it Adnan? I swear I'll break his leg."

I giggled softly.

"No he's not the one. I'm just overwhelmed. It's just hard to believe that I'm engaged and will be getting married in three months." I lied.

Her face became soft. "Aww,don't worry. Everything's gonna work out just fine. You guys just need to loosen up get to know each other. I'm sure you guys will have one of the most powerful love story ever."

"I doubt that." I muttered.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing Nothing. And,guess what?" I said diverting the topic.

"You know I don't like these guessing games,so out with it."

I rolled my eyes. Typical Zahra.

"Ya Ahmad asked for your number." I said looking at her and guaging her reaction.

"And I gave it to him." I completed with a big smile on my face. I was trying to distract myself from my own misery by focusing on my best friend.

"What?" She asked shocked.

"Yes,isn't that amazing? You should've seen his face when he was confessing his undying love for you." I said chuckling.

"Uhh Ikram,why did you give him my number?" She asked. Her face void of emotion. I tried reading her expression. Waiting for her to start laughing and telling me this was a joke but her face expression was impassive.

A frown made its way on my face. "What do you mean by why I gave him your number?"

"Wait Ikram,are you serious right now? You took me serious when I was blabbing my nonsense. I was just joking. Yeah I have a crush on him,but that doesn't mean I'm ready to be a thing with him."

Her words were like a massive blow to me. What does she mean? She must be joking. All this while,she kept on fawning over ya Ahmad was just fake? I can't believe her right now.

"Zahra,tell me you're joking." I said still waiting for her to laugh at my face and say something like 'gotcha' but nothing came. She was really serious. God,I can't imagine ya Ahmad's reaction.

"Ikram I'm really serious. It's just a crush which will pass off like the wind."

"But Zahra,he's my brother and he loves you. You rejecting him will break him. Please Zahra give him a chance. He's never really been in a real relationship, and now that's he's serious,if you reject him he'll lose faith in love. You don't want that do you?" I pleaded with her desperately but she didn't faze.

"I'm really sorry. I just can't, we can be good friends but that's all and besides I'm not ready for any relationship. Let me get going. Bye Amaryan mu(our bride). Sai munyi magana (Till we talk). She said and left waving at me leaving me with a dumbstruck expression with one thing playing in my head. Ya Ahmad....

***

It had been a month since my engagement. And I haven't heard from Adnan since then.

Some relationship!

I didn't even have his number. Mama always asked me why my fiance doesn't come and I always give her excuses that he had been busy with the new company and he'll find time soon. Mama always leaves disappointed.

My friendship with Zahra had been on rocks since my conversation with her about ya Ahmad. At school we just exchange few words and that was all. I didn't like the way we were drifting apart. I really missed my best friend. I think I'll just suck up my pride and go meet her even though I wasn't the one at fault.

When I told ya Ahmad,his reaction wasn't what I had expected. He smiled and said he loved her and he'll woo her his own way. I was relieved. I thought he'll give up on her but I guess his feelings run deeper than that. I wish Adnan cared for me that way.

I took my phone and started checking my whatsapp messages. I saw a message from an unfamiliar number. That was strange.

Unknown: Hey Bambi!

Me: Sorry who are you? And FYI my name isn't Bambi.

The number replied almost immediately.

Unknown: Ahh my Bambi is feisty. I like that!;)

Seriously? Who was this guy? Now that I think of it. It might be Kabir. He could've changed his number because I don't reply his messages. That piece of...

Me: Kabir I thought I've made it clear that I'm not interested in you. I'm already engaged to someone and I love him so please stop disturbing me.

Unknown: Who the hell is Kabir? And you love me?

What? Ya Allah! He wasn't who I was thinking he was, was he?

God I'm so embrassed right now. Did I just indirectly tell him I loved him? I don't even know if I do. What to reply..what to reply.

Me: Adnan?

Unknown: The one and only. You didn't answer my question Bambi.

Me: Why are you calling me Bambi?

I asked hoping he won't ask me anymore questions on something I don't even have knowledge about.

Adnan: Smart. Diverting the topic aren't you? Well,I don't feel like telling you.

He replied inserting the smirk emoji. Was this guy bipolar or something? I guess it runs in the family. He hadn't spoken to me for a whole month since when he called me a suggestion and now he comes back chatting with me as if were old friends? I can't keep up with this.

Me: okay

I replied simply. Two can play at this game.

Adnan: You aren't anyone else's Bambi. You Are Mine.

He replied and went off. The message left me all fluttery inside. I wasn't his. But will be soon but I was scared for this fragile heart of mine. He had already broken it once. I don't think I could handle twice.

***
Adnan's POV

I enjoyed chatting with Bambi but I don't think I could converse with her that way physically.

Bambi...weird name to call her right? I always get lost in her eyes and she looks so innocent like a Bambi. I didn't deserve her. I was only going to break her. She doesn't need to be brought into my dark hole. I needed to keep my distance from her.

I was seated in my office at the MammanNur Corporate. I loved the feeling of being the boss. There was no need to answer to anyone.

I examined my office. No personal attachment whatsoever. Just grey. The paintings,the leather chairs, the sleek mahogany desk. Everything was just neutral. Just the way I liked it.

My office telephone rang. It was my secretary informing me that Waleed was on his way up. Good,needed to catch up with him. He was all better now.

The office doors opened and there came in Waleed wearing a white kaftan and and a black cap. His black sleek designer shoes stood out. A Rolex watch was situated on his wrist. He looked good. Always had a good taste in fashion.

He walked over and sat at one of the grey chairs facing mine and nodded at me.

"Hey man,what's up?how's your health?" I asked.

He shook his head and replied. "I told you I'm all better. Just a little headache here and there."

"Yeah you've said that almost a gazillion time. So to what do I owe this unexpected visit?" I asked as I noticed a little scar on his forehead from the accident.

"Can't I just come to see how my best guy is doing in this huge office." He said looking around. "And damn man,your office is too plain for my liking."

"No personal items,no distractions." I replied simply.

"Well,so my man is becoming a groom in what? Two months? Never thought I'd see this day. I always thought I'd get married before you, we plan but fate has a different plan for us."

I rolled my eyes."It's just marriage Waleed,nothing serious."

He looked at me with disappointment covering his features. "Adnan,marriage isn't a joke,so stop treating it as one." He sighed and continued."I really feel bad for this bride of yours."

"Why does everyone feel bad for her? I can be a good housemate." I said nonchalantly.

Waleed shook his head. "You'd be surprised how things would take a drastic turn if you don't learn to tolerate and respect women." He said. "And mind you,she's beautiful,you're lucky to have her."

I scoffed at his last sentence. "Indeed."

"So how far with the house,have you gotten any nice one?" I asked Waleed. I left him in charge of that.

"Well,yeah." He brought out his iPhone and scrolled through some pictures. He passed me his phone and showed me pictures of one of the few houses.

"I like this one. I said pointing at one that caught my attention."

"That's the most expensive of all."

"I don't care, I like it." I said.

He sighed. "Isn't this supposed to be a decision you make with your wife to be?" He asked raising a brow.

"Nah,I'm the one buying the house after all. It's mine.

"I'm tired of your shit Adnan. Better get your shit together before you go into this marriage." He said angrily and stormed out of the office.

What was wrong with him? Overreacting for just this little matter. It was because he wasn't the one being forced to get married. I rolled my eyes and continued with the work in front of me.

***