"Can you pass the salt?"

"I'm not your servant, Shamir." Sania Hussain replied through gritted teeth at her husband. He sighed annoyedly before taking the salt by himself.

Here we go again. Shahzaib thought with an eye roll.

"Shehzad, how is your new project work going on?" His father questioned his younger brother who looked uninterested in talking with any of them. Shahzaib was surprised that his father even remembered something about them.

"Shehzad! I asked you something?" Shamir's voice rose a little, which finally caught the younger Hussain's attention.

"It's going great, dad. If that's what you wanted to hear." Shehzad grimaced before going back to look at his phone as he ate simultaneously.

Shamir passed Sania a glare, "look at the way he is talking with me. Is this how you brought him up?"

"You're talking as if I only must teach him things. Where were you when I gave birth to them? Of course, you were always too busy for us." Sania remarked with a snide comment.

Anushey looked least bothered of all, as she was very much used to it these arguments but Shahzaib was fuming in frustration. Can't they get tired of fighting all the time?

This was the reason why he shifted to his cousin's place when he was just fifteen. Rayyan, his cousin and best friend was only too happy to have him live with them. Rayyan was his uncle's son. And they were kind enough to accept him into their home when he needed it the most. He couldn't stand his parents and their unreasonable fights at one point.

"You are a woman, of course, you were supposed to teach them good values. Look at these bunch of misfits you gave me in the name of kids." Shamir snapped as he eyed Shehzad with disgust.

"How dare you?" Sania rose from her chair, ready to pounce on Shamir. He too stood up. Facing her eye to eye.

"Will you both please shut up and eat in peace for once or is that too much to ask here?" Shahzaib couldn't stop himself from snapping as well. Everyone's eyes landed on him. His family were a tad bit intimidated by him and he had that scary aura around him as and when needed.

Sania huffed before walking away from the dining room. Shamir glared at him before walking in the other direction.

"How do you that, Bhai?" Shehzad asked him with an admiring smile as he kept his phone aside, "no one can stop our parents as you can do. They get so unbearable."

Shahzaib felt selfish for letting his siblings suffer from their parents as he left to live with his uncle's family peacefully. But it was the only sane thing he could do as fifteen years old from a dysfunctional family. He didn't think of anyone else besides his own sanity.

He was selfish. And he wasn't very proud of that.

"Just like that." He replied nonchalantly as Anushey stood up, "I'll be having a sleepover at Ifrah's place tonight. Inform mom and dad for me, will you, Bhai? Not that they care anyway."

Shahzaib could see the hidden pain behind her words, she tried to play it off cool but it did bother her. Their parents didn't care about them and it was hurting all three of them.

Smiling fakely at him, she left the dining room. Soon after, Shehzad too stood up to leave. It was just Shahzaib at the dining table now. He was left alone to think for a while.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed Wafa climbing downstairs and walking toward the kitchen directly. An unknown smile appeared on his face as he watched her.

He could say, things have gotten so much better ever since he proposed the idea of being friends with her.

It's been a week of no fights and arguments. His life was almost blissful now that they agreed on something.

No, they did not become best friends overnight or any of that sort. They were just more accepting of each other's choices and decisions. He didn't meddle in her life and she doesn't meddle in his. The new friendship has given them a breath of fresh air. He could say they were more of an acquaintance. And he was fine with that.

With a sigh, he followed her to the kitchen and his smile broke into a full-blown grin as he noticed Wafa's mother, Eshal.

Eshal was his favourite nanny, he had a lot of them while growing up. He missed her a lot when he moved out to his cousin's place. Missed her motherly affection and guidance. His parents were too busy fighting among themselves to care about such things. He did not want to think about that.

Wafa was filling her plate with breakfast and became a little altered when he neared them both. She passed him a smile before continuing to fill her plate. And gosh, that smile! Why did his heart skip a beat at her smile?

She was wearing a simple blue Kurti and looked as beautiful as ever. Yes, he does acknowledge that she was beautiful. He'd be blind to not notice. Her hair was left open, she got a new haircut on her birthday last week. And it suited her personality a lot.

Shahzaib snapped out of his thoughts as he realised what he was doing. Friends don't notice such things. He reminded himself firmly as he switched his attention to her mother instead.

"Hi, auntie." He greeted Eshal with a grin and turned towards Wafa again, "why are you eating this late?"

"I stayed up late to finish some assignments. It's due tomorrow," She smiled sheepishly and walked towards the small table in the kitchen itself and sat on it.

"Shahzaib, did you eat breakfast?" Eshal questioned him warmly and he nodded with a smile, even though the breakfast was a disaster this morning.

"Have you eaten, Eshi auntie?" He questioned her instead, while she shook her head negatively.

"Mama, it's so late. You should have already eaten something." Wafa cut him to it and chided her mother for being careless with her health.

"I was going to eat anyway, I'll eat now" Eshal shrugged as she began to take a plate and fill it with very little.

"You sit here, auntie. I'll serve your breakfast today," Shahzaib's words surprised the two of them, as they gazed at him speechlessly. He just grinned before taking the plate from her hand and filling it with extra food.

"You became so weak. Why aren't you eating properly?" He made her sit beside Wafa and placed the plate in front of her. Eshal's eyes naturally teared up in happiness but what took him off guard was the look in Wafa's eyes.

Those eyes!

The way it was gazing at him with utmost surprise and vulnerability. Like she couldn't believe anyone would bother enough to do something like this for her mother, it did something to his heart.

Maybe it was true. But Eshal has been more like a mother to him than his birth mother ever was. And he was forever indebted to her for showing him what real care and love were. Otherwise, he'd have never known what it would be like to be cared for and loved.

And he can never forget that.

"You have always been such an amazing kid, Shahzaib. I'm so proud of the young man you've turned into. Always stay happy, Ameen." Eshal blessed him wholeheartedly and Shahzaib felt a lump forming in his throat.

For the first time, he realised, that ending their marriage meant hurting his Eshi auntie in the process.

He did not like the sound of that. How can he ever hurt such a kind soul? It pained him to think that he will be giving her the worst kind of hurt with his decision.

Shahzaib was suddenly hyperaware of how much impact his divorce would be costing him. But he wanted it despite all of that. He can't stay married forever. It's just not his cup of tea. The little scene his parents pulled in the breakfast today was just another reminder of why he is better off without being married.

***

Wafa was unable to get the image of Shahzaib serving her mother breakfast out of her mind. It just warmed her heart completely.

No one has ever been that kind to her mother and the smile her mother had for the rest of the day was simply infectious. She too smiled as she sat on the sofa, staring at the wall.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Shahzaib asked her with an amused look as he sat across her on the bed, working on something on his laptop. It still feels very weird to talk with him like a normal being. But they were getting there slowly.

"Nothing, just like that." She shrugged, the smile spreading wide on her face.

"You're freaking me out a little. With the amount of smiling," He teased her and she ignored him, not minding his words much. If it was a week ago, it would have been a whole different scenario.

"Well, I wanted to thank you." She trailed off awkwardly and became self-conscious as he raised his brows at her, giving her his whole attention.

"For making my mother happy this morning. She couldn't stop gushing about how kind and amazing you are." Wafa smiled softly as he nodded at her, "she has been like a mother to me. There is no need to say thanks,"

"I bet she was. You want to know something funny?"

Shahzaib gazed at her amusedly, "what?"

"I used to be so envious of you as a child. I mean, she was my mother but you get to have her all the time. I was so happy that you left to your mamu's house."

Shahzaib's face fell as she admitted that.

"But the happiness did not last long though. She was immediately changed to Anushey's nanny. By then I know how to live with it," Wafa replied almost sadly.

Even if she had her mother with her, Eshal was never really there. Wafa felt lonely most of the time. She still does occasionally.

"I'm sorry for that," Shahzaib apologized sincerely taking her by surprise, "why should you be sorry? It was not your fault. It was no one's fault."

"It feels strange, having such a casual conversation with you." He spoke about what was on her mind and they both shared a look before laughing at each other.

It does indeed feels strange.

"So, are you free now?" Shahzaib asked her out of the blue as he looked at the time. It was seven at the night. Sundays just pass so quickly much to Wafa's dislike. That's the only day she gets to have for herself.

"I guess I am, why?" She blinked in confusion while replying to a meme Humera sent her on Instagram. She was done with all her homework and assignments. She planned on spending the rest of the evening scrolling through YouTube and social media.

"I feel like going on a long drive. It's been a while. You can join me. I mean, I want you to join me." As soon as he said those words, he gazed at her with eagerness while Wafa's phone fell out of her hands. Thankfully it didn't break. But did she hear him right?

"What? We are friends, right? Friends can go on long drives. It will be fun. And I could use some company." Shahzaib tried coaxing her as he shut down his laptop but Wafa has still not recovered from the shock of his question.

But ouch. He wanted her to come because she was his friend. What else did she expect? Well, She agreed to it anyway.

"Um- well. I mean. I can come." She felt her cheeks heating up at the thought of going on a long drive with Shahzaib of all people. Just like a friend, her inner self chided her which she didn't pay any attention.

"I'll just wash my face." Wafa stammered in nervousness as she got up from the sofa, "there is no need." He uttered abruptly.

She halted at his words, frowning a little. He was not pranking her, was he? They didn't become such good friends though.

"You already look beautiful."

"I meant to say nice. There's no need to. Well, you can do whatever you want." He couldn't complete his words properly and stopped trying as he opened his phone, pretending as if the conversation never happened.

Wafa's cheeks were on fire this time. She smiled bashfully and walked towards the bathroom, nearly stumbling on her steps as she moved. Shahzaib reached out to help her in an instant but she straightened herself quickly and passed him a sheepish smile, before darting into the bathroom.

Jeez! Way to embarrass yourself, Wafa. She facepalmed at her clumsiness.

Shahzaib was waiting for her in anticipation as she walked out of the bathroom, almost ready to leave.

"Ready?" He asked and she hummed in response.

Wafa held her clutch tightly as they moved side by side. Their fingers brushed as they walked side by side, a little something fell from her hand and it landed directly under Shahzaib's legs.

He bent down on his knees to pick it up and it turned out to be her wedding ring. She watched him, feeling out of words. The sight in front of her was such;

Shahzaib was on his knees, holding a ring for her. It just felt like something straight out of the imagination. But really, he was just helping her.

"It's a little loose," She muttered whilst forwarding her hands to him, asking him to keep it on her palms, but he took her by surprise as he slid the ring by himself after he stood up swiftly.

He passed her one of his charming smiles and Wafa fell out of breath suddenly. Her heart was beating a little too fast and her breathing was uneven. She remained still for a moment, unable to comprehend what just happened.

It was not a big deal. She told her inner self as he started moving ahead nonchalantly. She followed him behind, eyeing the ring subconsciously. It was so pretty, but a little loose though.

Shahzaib did not make her wear it the first time, it was his grandmother who did that when they fixed her wedding. So she had all right to be surprised by his actions.

What the heck just happened?

"What kind of music do you like?" Shahzaib asked her as they buckled the seatbelts. She eyed him sideways, trying to be nonchalant but the sight of him on his knees, holding her ring was still messing with her mind, "anything melodious will do. Hindi or English. Anything is fine."

He nodded whilst playing something from his playlist.

"Is that okay?" He asked her and she smiled in response.

Ek Ladki Ko Deka Tho Aisa Hua's new version began to play. Wafa listened to the music silently as he rolled up the windows, switching on the AC.

Wafa was not a fan of AC, especially the ones in cars. It makes her nauseous.

"Anything wrong?" It amazed her how well he caught on to her feelings, she shook her head, not wanting him to feel like he did a mistake by asking her to join him.

"No, there must be something wrong," Shahzaib asked again as they drove out of the Hussain mansion.

"I just don't like AC in the car. It's okay. You don't have to off them or anything. I'll adjust."

"That's it? You could have told it before only." He shook his head while rolling down the windows once again, letting the natural air come in.

Wafa gazed at him in surprise, not expecting that. She smiled softly before turning to look out of the window. Her hair danced in the air, which she tucked behind her ears. She could see her butterfly stud earrings shining through the left side mirror.

"Why did you want to go on a long drive?" She questioned him, not able to hold herself back. It's okay. They were friends now. Friends can ask questions if they want to. She reasoned with herself.

"That house. It suffocates me. I wanted a break. Long drives help me calm down." Shahzaib replied in a whisper as he drove a little faster.

"Is the speed okay with you?" He peeked a glance at her, "I don't mind. It's cool." He nodded as if relieved to hear her answer.

"So tell me about yourself. We are friends but know nothing about each other." He asked in the middle, they were on the highway now. The music has now changed into an old song. It was from the movie Dhadkan. Wafa was surprised to learn that Shahzaib was into such songs. She was not a fan but doesn't mind them either.

"You want to know about me?"

"Why is that so hard to believe?" He laughed a little while Wafa continued to gaze at him with surprise.

"Well, nothing is interesting. I'm just another girl. Studying my final year of Barch. Surviving college. I can be boring."

"Of course not. You're very interesting. At least for me,"

She wondered, what has gotten into him lately.

"Oh, and I love cricket." Wafa smiled widely this time.

"Really?" Shahzaib sounded surprised and she chuckled at his reaction.

"Why is that so hard to believe?"

He looked completely amazed, "I didn't know girls were much into sports. "

"Oh please. Stop stereotyping." Wafa laughed at him, "I love cricket. It's something I am very passionate about outside of studies, I love playing it too."

"That's so cool. We can watch matches together then. And play it sometimes."

Wafa's stomach fluttered in unknown happiness as he started making plans for them both in the future. Maybe they won't ever watch or not even play, but it's the thoughts which mattered to her. She didn't think this day would ever be real. But it was.

"Who is your favourite player?" Shahzaib questioned her eagerly, "mine is Virat,"

"Oh, him? He's good. But I love Dhoni." Wafa grinned in excitement. She loved discussing cricket and her favourite players. Her friends were not much into this sport so she always felt the void of not being able to talk about such things with someone.

"You love him, huh?" Shahzaib's eyes changed suddenly making her wonder what was wrong. But she didn't give it much thought.

"Yes. He's so cool. I love his wicket-keeping style. He's so fast. I can't believe I get to talk cricket with someone," Wafa was so glad for their friendship, now more than ever.

It was ridiculous. But it felt so right.

"He is good. But he sort of became slow these days. He wasted a lot of balls in the last year's IPL." Shahzaib's words made her frown, "excuse me. He's had his prime days as well. Okay? He won us many matches. Maybe he's slow. But he's still the best batsman we've ever had. Don't fight me on this."

"Don't tell me you're one of those fan girls who becomes defensive over someone who never met you?"

"Oh my God, you are one of those." Shahzaib chuckled while eyeing her sideways as he continued to drive.

"Haha. So funny," Wafa huffed and turned away, "the next IPL is coming in a few months. Let's see whose team wins the cup,"

"Of course, I'm looking forward to it."

There was a silence of a few seconds and they both burst out laughing.

"This is ridiculous."

"Yes, it is."

"But I'm waiting for that match." She grinned at him while he shook his head amusedly.

The ride went on pretty silently for the next few minutes, with just the songs playing in the background. They also talked about random stuff. Wafa got to know Shahzaib on a deeper level today. And he wasn't all as bad as she thought him to be.

It was a dangerous realisation.

"Do you want ice cream?" He stopped the car somewhere in the middle and gazed at her intently. She looked outside of the window and noticed an ice cream van standing at the opposite end of the road.

"Sure." She replied eagerly, he nodded and got down of the car, she was about to get down as well but he stopped her, "you stay here. I'll get it."

Wafa shook her head, "no. It's dark out here and I want to come."

Shahzaib did not argue with her as she got down from the car and he waited as she walked near him, together they crossed the road.

At one point he even clasped her hands, it was in the middle as a vehicle crossed them.

The protective side of him came out just so naturally. Wafa's heart was racing in frantic beats as she gazed at her hand, which he held securely.

"What flavour do you want?" He still didn't let go of her hand. And she didn't seem to mind it surprisingly.

"Chocolate?" Wafa replied uncertainly and he nodded before ordering their icecreams from the vendor. She heard him order butterscotch for himself.

She felt a little uncomfortable under a guy's creepy gaze, who was already present there, eating his ice cream. It would have been nice if he simply ate the ice cream.

"Eyes up here, mister." Shahzaib snapped at the guy, as he slipped his arms around her shoulders almost possessively, pulling her close to him. She felt goosebumps all over her hands as he did that.

Wafa's breath hitched as the guy looked away instantly.

"Sir, your ice creams." Shahzaib withdrew his hands from her and took the ice cream from the vendor.

She took hers with a small smile and frowned as he pulled out his purse, "wait. I'll get my purse. It's in the car. I'll pay for myself."

Shahzaib gave her a pointed stare.

"There's no need." He denied her instantly.

"No seriously. I want to pay." She sulked, not liking the idea of him spending on her.

"Friends pay for each other. We are friends, right?"

Wafa had no reply to that. She looked away defeatedly and noticed his triumphant smile from the corner of her eyes.

Is he really going to use the excuse of their friendship for winning every other argument though? Wafa did not like the sound of that.

***