1 month later

Mah Laaj was sitting on her bed, staring at the screen of her phone. The room was in twilight and a sniffing sound.

She was scrolling down the pictures of Minhaaj because this was the only thing left beside her by Minhaaj.

He was gone and she didn't know when he would be back. Days have been passing by and still no news of Minhaaj.

The lil hope of sand was splurted right through her hands today when she came to know that he dropped out of the university.

It looks like he just vanishes in the air without letting anyone know.

I should've held you back when you came to me that morning with the assignment. Only if I knew you would disappear like this...

A lone tear cross the threshold of her eyes.
She crossed her arms around her legs and ducked her face in that tiny lil space.

Why... did you... said... that?

A muffled voice came out.

Past
The day after Arzu's death.

It was around 6 o clock when Mah Laaj phone started buzzing but she was busy ironing her cloth early because she wanted to look good today.

Minhaaj told her that they would meet at university but suddenly a pebble knocked on her window.

Mah Laaj got startled because no one in this area dares to come near their house as they were scared of Mah Laaj's dad.

She wanted to know who that brave lil kid exists but was shocked and almost tumbled down when she saw Minhaaj standing down there with a smile.

"A Smile" on Minhaaj face she couldn't believe. Because he always had a scowl on his face.

On the other hand, he was looking breathtaking too in his plain white shirt and black pants. He was leaning against his car.

Am I seeing the right thing? You are actually smiling. She squinted her eyes just to confirm it.

Mah Laaj pick up the call. Minhaaj mouthed it.

Mah Laaj ambled inside and took the phone in her hands. She picked up the call and just screamed in it.

Ahh! OMG did I just see you smiling out there? Did you hit your head somewhere Minhaaj or you woke up from the wrong side of the bed? I can't believe this. She gleefully uttered.

Why is it wrong to smile? He let out a dry chuckle.

Yes! We are talking about you Minhaaj. The stone face king Mr. Minhaaj Sikander was smiling at me and that was too early in the morning in front of my house. She giggled and fell on her bed.

Stop being overdramatic and come down. We have to go somewhere. He asserted softly and chuckled.

Mah Laaj felt this was definitely not Minhaaj. He never ever spoke to her or anyone like this.

You definitely hit your head somewhere. She laughed.

Yeah! Yeah! Whatever let you sleep at the night. Now come down tiptoeing and don't wake up your parents. Leave a note saying that you have a project and you are going with Uncle Qasim.

He sounded suspicious to Mah Laaj.

And why would I listen to you? Don't tell me you are here to kidnap the only daughter of Afsand Yaar Khan? My Dad will kill you and then ask your dead body why did you kidnap my daughter.

Both burst out laughing by just imagining the scenario.

Before he could come to kill me you would beat me to a pulp already.

Mah Laaj nodded unknowingly.

Okay, give me half an hour and I'll be down. She knew she could trust Minhaaj because he would never hurt her in any way. They have been friends for decades.

Before Mah Laaj could decline the call Minhaaj uttered in haste.

No! We don't have time. Just come down or else we would lose our train. He whispers shouted.

Wait! What? Where are you taking me? She hastily asked.

Don't worry we are going somewhere peaceful and safe. I assure you, you have never seen such a sight before.

Okay, and what will happen to our assignment? Its due date is today Minhaaj. She stresses over "Today".

Oh, that! I've already emailed it to our professor. Now stop worrying about it and come down.

But...

Her single word could tell him that she was hesitating.

Don't worry Mah Laaj I won't sell you organs. You are precious to me as well. She could hear the affection in his voice which made her heart do a summersault.

Okay... but tell me the place name at least. She insisted.

I'll tell you on the way just come down. Do your makeup in the car. Minhaaj said it and ended the call.

Mah Laaj was just staring at the phone screen, blinking and suddenly she starts laughing because that's how Minhaaj was. He never listens to the other person and was always the one to shut the call on other people's faces.

She stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. She thanked Allah because she already washed up in the morning but going bare face in front of Minhaaj was something she can't afford.

She immediately put some BB cream on her face and put some mascara on her lashes. It was so difficult to choose which lipstick to put on, so she was in a panic state to decide which one many of her cosmetics fell.

Damn it.

She looked out of her room to see if her Moray came out or not. She waited for 20 seconds and was back on finding lipstick.

In exactly 45 Minutes she was down in a light blue long dress. She was looking ravishing in her dress with minimal make-up and with black straight hair that even Minhaaj couldn't help but stare at her.

Mah Laaj ran toward the car when Minhaaj unknowingly grabbed her hand in the middle.
He was enchanted by her beauty that he forgot he crossed the boundary a lil.

What are you doing Minu? If someone sees us together right now I would be dead meat along with you. And trust me I don't want to die so soon. She whispers shouted.

Oh! ..Yeah! ...Right! ...Sorry!

He stammered which was so amusing to Mah Laaj because he was nervous near her for the first time.

Let go then. She cackled.

Ah Yes!

He left her hand and put his hand over his heart to calm down.

They were soon on the way to the highway.
Mah Laaj glances at Minhaaj then back to the road.

You told me that we are going by train and now we are on the highway. Care to explain where are you abducting me Mr. Minhaaj. She cocked up her brows.

Hmm! Good question. The answer is simple "YOU". Because of you, we missed our train. The train time was 6:30 and you came down exactly at 6:40 so we are going by road. And let me give you a heads up I haven't slept the whole night so you better put the seatbelt on or else. Boom!

Minhaaj tried to scare her and started cracking up.

He was acting out of his character which was making Mah Laaj anxious.

She didn't say anything because she wanted him to tell her by his own will.

Okay, Mr joker now tell me where are you taking me? Because I have to be at my house sharp 9 o'clock. Suddenly she remembers something and yelled.

Oh, shoot! I forgot to message Uncle Qasim. She glanced at her wrist apple watch then back to Minhaaj.

In ten minutes he will be standing out my house. Mah Laaj tried calling Uncle Qasim but he was not picking up. Minhaaj gulped because he also forgot about him.

Did he pick up or should we take a u-turn now? Minhaaj was as tense as Mah Laaj.

Suddenly Uncle Qasim picked the call.

Asalam-o-Alaikum Uncle Qasim! I'll be going with Baba so you don't need to come and pick me up okay. He will do it today. She said it all in one breath.

Uncle Qasim tried to protest that his father hadn't said anything to him but Mah Laaj convinced him anyhow.

Mah Laaj can you type Soon valley in the navigation system? I have come here with my friends a long time ago but I'm not sure now.
Mah Laaj nodded and typed it.

She was shocked too because it was on her wishlist. The distance was 327km so Mah Laaj on the way slept.

When they arrived at the location Mah Laaj was still in her dreamland.

Minhaaj stared at her with turmoil in his blue orbs for quite some time like he wanted to remember each part of her so that he could leave her peacefully. So that whenever he remembered her she would be sleeping comfortably beside him. For once he wanted to feel the love without feeling guilty. Today was the first and the last day of this emotion, this feeling, and this warmth. Today onwards he would live in his guilt dungeon which he had dug a long time ago and already threw himself with the handcuffs and that without a key.

I know you will be so mad at me after this day. You won't ever see my face again but Mah Laaj this will be the best for both of us. If I stay with you I will always bring misfortune like I've been doing with my family and my squad. You are someone who knows how to give love only and that's why you should receive the love too but that's something I would never be able to give you because I don't deserve to live happily. So here I am being a coward and selfish for once. I don't want the person I love to disappear.

All those unspoken words which carried lots of weight were spoken in his heart once again.

Yes, he loves her from the day he came to know the meaning of love but he was scared that she might get scared by his confession and broke their friendship. Mah Laaj was the only person who could tell just by looking at his face that what he wants. She accepted him like he was. She never wanted him to change. Even with flaws, she was always there with him as a shelter of hope. The hope of finding love. But it was shattered now.

A sigh left his mouth. With agony in his eyes, he thought "and letting go is a kind of love too".

Minhaaj woke up Mah Laaj.

We are here. The sweetness in his tone was something Mah Laaj would never imagine.

She shot her eyes up and looked at the beautiful sceneries that were surrounding them.

Oh My God! This is amazing Minhaaj. She gleefully shouted and stepped out of the car in enthusiasm.

Minhaaj looked at her with adoration.

When they reached the Soon Valley it was 1 o'clock. They had 3 hours to roam around and see the beauty of nature.

This astonishing place is known due to its mind-blowing and splendid scenery. It has nearly everything, from springs to lakes, mountains to valleys, and significant grassy areas.

After showing her breathtaking sites and taking lots of pics with Mah Laaj they went towards the waterfall.

Minhaaj had planned a cute lil picnic for them.

There was a mat on that grassy area near the waterfall. A food bucket was filled with Mah Laaj's favorite snacks. A flower bouquet with a note in it. Cold beverages. Everything was so dreamy that Mah Laaj felt like she was in some fairytale book. She was looking at the sight in awestruck. Minhaaj was glad that she loved it.

Out of nowhere, she spoke up which startled Minhaaj.

Mr. Arrogant catch me if you can? She stuck out her tongue and galloped away.

It took Minhaaj 30 seconds to understand that she was referring to him as Mr. Arrogant.

You better run well Mahi because I'm in the mood to catch you and sell your organs. He smirked and ran after her.

Since the day Mah Laaj knew that Minhaaj was not a drug addict she would always tease him about it.

They were running here and there and the other people were gawking at them like they were some weirdos.

Shortly Minhaaj caught Mah Laaj's hand and was now cornered her. Her back touched the tree so she won't have any route to escape as Minhaaj had blocked it by putting his hands on both sides.

Although Mah Laaj heart was racing because of the proximity but she tried her best to stand as like nothing was wrong.

Now tell me which organ should I sell? He cocked up his brows and chuckled so do Mah Laaj.

None. She asserted with a laugh.

Hey, that's not fair. He whined like a baby.

You better get your head straight because if you touch me even a lil bit you will taste my fist. She feigned being serious.

Oh really! I'm scared now. Please don't do anything to me, Mah Laaj Khan. Minhaaj showed her his puppy eyes which bewildered Mah Laaj.

Now, this... is cringe-worthy.

I agree.

Both burst out laughing.

Minhaaj then grabbed her hand and took her towards the mat. They sat down and ate the delicious snacks which Minhaaj bought while on the way to Soon valley.

Mah Laaj was looking at the waterfall when she felt like her head was Stirling all of a sudden.

She glanced at Minhaaj and was about to say something but fell in his hands.

I'm sorry Mah Laaj and I love-

Mah Laaj only could hear till there and she loses consciousness.

When she woke up she was in the library and Uncle Qasim's daughter was standing in front of her.

Mah Laaj! Are you okay? Why are you sleeping here? She asked in concerned

At first, she didn't understand what just happened.

I was with Minhaaj in the Soon-

Her sixth sense alarmed something she looked around anxiously. Minhaaj was not there.

Have you seen Minhaaj? Mah Laaj spewed out in haste.

Who? I don't know anyone named Minhaaj. She gave an awkward laugh.

You don't know Minhaaj. Minhaaj Sikander. My class fellow. She felt something was definitely wrong.

No Mah Laaj I don't know him. But yeah someone called me from your phone and told me to pick you up as you were sleeping in Library. He didn't tell me his name though.

Mah Laaj was so angry that Minhaaj left her all alone. She thought she will beat his ass tomorrow and got her all answers but only if he knew that tomorrow won't come.

The next few days she waited for him but he didn't come. Mah Laaj was asking about him around her university but strangely no one knows the boy name Minhaaj. She asked her classmates but they don't remember anyone like him. And when she came to know today that he dropped out from the university then she felt like he was just like an air who passed by quietly without anyone knowing. She broke into tears because her best friend left her side too just like her Lala without a goodbye.

So how was the chapter! I hope you guys love it😍

Do you guys Minhaaj today? He was not rude to Mah Laaj until he left her 😅

They were having so much fun only he didn't spoil it.

What do you guys think would happen to Mah Laaj and Minhaaj now?

The next chapter will be about Hanan and Hania and some past glimpses!!

I hope you guys vote and comment❤️❤️
Bye-bye 🌹