Chapter 15 (Irfan POV)

Past

Why I always try to screw things up? First I made Aqsa upset over helping her choose her clothing. Then I doubted Fida being not interested in the marriage. They two get along together making me look like a bad guy.

My parents invited Fida's family over for a lunch. Knowing that it's Eid-ul-Fitr they couldn't dent it. In what else situation you get to have a gathering since nowadays everyone is busy with the school and work?

Aqsa was still on an 'ignore Irfan' mode. So no changes there. I only received a salam from Fida and nothing else. I know we can't interact much but no wish, no how are you, no nothing. Simple things that can be said when everyone is around. I kept my sulking face from anyone's sight. I think maybe I'm over thinking this. I went to my room and switched on my phone.

I sat on the bed and scroll through social media. Nothing really interested me so I decided to check my messages if anyone texted me about them coming over. I open my poly chat group to see a bunch of spam. Ray asked me if I could come for a game tonight. I replied a no. I off the phone and lay down.

A while later Iqbal came in. He said lunch is ready and join him and the men present at the house at the living room. I sighed and got up. From my room, I could see Fida's father approaching rest of the men. I looked at the mirror, straighten up my outfit and went outside.

I sat beside my uncle. I looked at the food in front of me. There were so many varieties. I didn't know what to do eat.

"Look who is all shy." my uncle nudged me.

I gave him a look. I'm trying very hard to choose a food and he is making fun of me. I gave a small smile and picked whatever was nearer.

"Plain rice? Trying to go on a diet?" My uncle asked me.

Can you let me eat peacefully? I muttered to myself.

I took the mutton curry and poured some onto the rice. Yum. While I was eating,

"How's your work, Irfan?" Fida's father asked me.

"Oh, he is good at his work. And quite the fast learner I must say," My uncle butted in.

I closed my hanging mouth slightly and continued eating.

"Oh ok. How was the interview?" Fida's father asked again.

"It went well. I'm waiting for a reply." I answered before my uncle utters something.

But it didn't stop him from commenting, though.

"We have the company manager position available. In few months I'll be transferring him. Just waiting for the current manager to retire." My uncle stated.

To be honest, I was forced to work as an assistant accountant. I forget whatever basics I learnt. But my uncle was insisting me to work for him. Since I was jobless I had to agree. But strongly stated that I only work as a part-timer and will leave once I find a job outside. He even made one of the workers to teach me from scratch. I'm very grateful to him but I don't want to take up the manager position. There are a lot of people out there that deserves that place. Just because I'm a relative, he can't just give me any position without me being qualified or interested. And I totally dislike the idea of it. I sighed and finished up my food and waited for everyone to finish up. After that, I picked up my plate and stand up.

"Son, leave the plate. What the ladies are for?" A random old person stopped me.

I ignored him and went to the kitchen with my plate. What's so wrong in bringing my plate to the kitchen at my own house? Why make it complicated? When I entered the kitchen the ladies covered up or turn away. I just went straight to wash up my plate. Awkward is the right word to use here.

"Irfan! Give me some water!" Aqsa shouted entering the kitchen.

What? Since when talk to me?

"Don't be stubborn! It's for Fida. She's not well!" She shouted.

I quickly put my plate away. I took a cup, rinse it and poured some water.

"What happened to her?" I asked Aqsa trying not to panic.

"You ask her. God poor child didn't eat anything since she woke up and waited for the men to eat first. She didn't even bother to snack a bit! I don't know why she do that!" She explained.

I followed Aqsa to her room where Fida was eating on the table.

"Here drink some." Aqsa handed her the cup of water from me.

Fida took a sip and placed it back on the table then continued to eat. Aqsa and I took some foldable chairs and seated down. I signalled Aqsa to tell me anything else Fida mentioned but she just shrugged me off. We sat silently until Fida finishes her food.

"Are you ok?" I asked her directly. Is she trying to diet or something?

She just nodded her head and kept her eyes on her fidgeting fingers. She seems very tired and looked very down compared to the last time I saw her at her house.

"You know you can tell me anything. I won't judge, I promise." Aqsa assured her.

Fida didn't say anything. She looked up at me then looked down.

"Ok, I'll leave. You talk to Aqsa." I said getting up.

"No. No. I mean sit down." She replied. "It's nothing really. I have trouble eating in the morning because of nausea. And that's it. I love my food."

"Oh thank god! I thought you were dieting. Starving yourself is not healthy. Next time I keep some snacks nearby. Ok? Don't be afraid and just ask. And I make sure you get to eat earlier." Aqsa stated. I nodded in agreement.

"I thought you were mad at me for asking stupid questions." I said.

"I wasn't." She replied softly. "Everyone have their own doubt. You just clarified with yours."

"Forgiving and forgetting. Ah, the ship is sailing! Get married already. And don't forget to invite me." Aqsa exclaimed dramatically.

"You practically live here sasa. Don't make me uninvite you." I said jokingly.

"Ok time to separate you two, temporarily.' Aqsa said pushing me towards the door. "Bro you go take care of my babies while I take care of your babe!"

"AQSA!!!" Fida and I yelled!

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Bashayar