🤍

Can I call you rose?
Cause you're sweet like a flower in blue
Can I call you rose?

-Thee Sacred Souls

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Mashallah Anabia! You look so lovely, nazar na lagey meri beti ko," Mrs. Rehman Jaffar beamed eyeing her daughter stepping down the stairs in a pink Anarkali dress and dupatta spread on her shoulders. She was eager to see her daughter in desi formals as she rarely gets dressed like this. According to her, it was too much.
(Evil eyes off.)

"Yes, I look lovely and overdone", Anabia stressed 'overdone' as she pointed at her clothes. Her long raven hair spread on her back and curled at the ends. She had applied winged eyeliner, some blush, and lipgloss to neutralize the look, and small elegant earrings adorned her ears.

"Beta your mumma used to dress 10 times more when we got married, this is nothing, you look pretty," Rehman Jaffar affirmed as he stood with her wife, a smile on his face.

Anabia laughed pulling both her parents in a hug. She adored them more than anything in the world, how could she say no to their faces, "Jee baba, lekin lets go now, nahi to Yusuf aur Huda mujhe baatein suna suna ke paka denge," She added shifting back and setting her bag on her shoulders.
(Lets go now or Huda and Yusuf will not stop complaining.)

They were leaving for the graduation dinner arranged for Yusuf, Mr. Rehman's old friend's son. Yusuf was also Anabia's senior and her best friend's brother. They were practically family.

Anabia and Huda were in their last year of business studies while Yusuf had graduated and was now working full-time with his brother. Anabia, Huda, and Yusuf were a gang, always together and joined to hip, but for all the bad reasons. The three of them were troublemakers, the mastermind being Yusuf.

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"ANABIAA!," Anabia heard Yusuf exclaim as soon as she entered the restaurant with her parents. She looked around embarrassed and gave a pointed look to Yusuf who grinned showing his dimples.

"Anabia beta jee! Tum meri graduation party me aayi ho ke engagement pe?" He added reaching them after greeting Mr and Mrs Rehman. He teased looking at her dressed up.
(Are you here for my graduation party or engagement?)

Anabia hit his head with her purse making him laugh, "Ab tumhari tareh unkept nahi reh sakti me har waqt jo university bhi sleeping trousers me aata hai wo meri dressing pe baat na hi karey" she spoke walking past him to reach Huda.
(I can't always stay unkept like you and someone who comes to University wearing sleeping pants should not even talk.)

She smiled as Huda pulled her into a hug followed by a very excited Rifat Afandi and her husband Ibrahim Afandi. They were like second parents to Anabia. She embraced Mrs. Afandi who couldn't stop praising the tiny adorable girl.

Anabia being the single child of her parents was extremely cared for, she was the beloved child in everyone's eyes especially the Afandis. All of them were fond of the sweet girl with cute features. She was like their second daughter.

"I missed you so much Rifat maa, Huda ne mujhe bataya bhi nahi aap Karachi se wapis aagyi hain," she pouted complaining and Mrs. Riftat beamed at her.
(Huda did not inform me that you were back from Karachi.)

"Haider had some work in Islamabad so he rushed me," Anabia sough hearing her words. If he was back meant he was probably going to be present at today's dinner and would leave no chance to ruin her mood.

"Tumhara kharus bhai bhi aa raha hai why did you two not tell me before?!" Anabia whispered to Yusuf and Huda when they sat at their respective places and elders got occupied in their conversation.
(Why did you guys not tell me that your ill-tempered/angry brother was coming too?)

"Anabia! Itne bhi bure nahi hain bhai."

"Acha? Har waqt ankhein dikhate rehte hain aur mujhse to koi khas masla hai us insan ko you know it."

"Tum unse ulajhtu rehtu ho na, warna bhai to itni baat kisi se karte bhi nahi," Huda told her.

"Baat karna nahi baatein sunana kehte hain isko."

(He is not that bad Anabia.)
(Really? And what about when he keeps giving me those angry eyes, you know he has some problem with me.)
(You mess up with him otherwise he doesn't even talk that much with anyone.)
(It's not called talking but scolding.)

"Don't worry Anabia, bhai said unhe koi kaam hai wo nahi aa payege, tum dono ye choro aur come here I have tea," Yusuf said excitedly and began telling them about the gossip he had recently learned about. While Anabia took a breath of relief. She could enjoy the dinner to her fill.
(Brother told me he had some work so he won't be coming today, leave this and come here I have a gossip to tell you guys.)

🤍

"Anabia can you get me a drink please?" Mrs. Rehman requested Anabia who was busy chatting with Huda and Yusuf. She nodded her head and went to the drink bar to get a mint margarita for her mumma.

She took the beverage and scampered back to their table. She was just about to turn around the corner when unexpectedly she collapsed with someone and the drink spilled from her hands.

"Are you blind?" She huffed looking down at her dress, luckily the drink didn't spill on her skirt, she made an annoyed face towards the source of her disturbance but was stuck looking at the brooding man in front of her.

His resonant charcoal eyes were burning daggers into her head, she had to look up to meet his eyes.

"Can you for once stop making a problem for me?" the tall man seethed calmly as he glanced at his white shirt being wasted by the mint margarita. This girl got on his nerves every time and it wasn't even a second after he met her that she created a mess.

Haider had just arrived at the restaurant and as he entered he collided with the clumsiest girl he knew. Anabia Rehman. The spoiled dumb girl with stunning hair. She annoyed him, alot. And by alot it was a lot. Whenever he had met her it had been chaos and she never failed to rile him up. Knowingly or Unknowingly that was. He didn't trust himself around this tiny girl.
He looked down at her petite form. She was  dressed differently today, he noticed.

"What can we say, Mr. Haider, people like you attract problems maybe," his eyes moved to her and she blinked her big shiny eyes to act naive. He peeked at her raven hair. The hair always intrigued him. She was small, tiny in literal senses but her hair were extremely long and gorgeous. He wondered if all she ate was absorbed by those luscious locks.

"I think its a que and apko wapis chaley jana chahiye" his trance broke when he heard her soft voice. She was pointing her hand to his shirt.
(You should go back.)

"Anabia" Haider warned.

"Jee?"

"Get out of my way."

"You were in my way," she uttered in disbelief.

"Pehle se zyada badtameez hogayi Ho, Rehman uncle se baat karna hun me."

"Ek hi kaam hai apko jayen karein," she rolled her eyes and he groaned inwardly. Why was she always able yo being a reaction out of him? She was just a small stupid girl, why did he even mind her?
(You have become even more impolite than before, I should talk with Rehman Uncle.)
(Yeah sure that's the only thing you can do.)

"Impossible," he muttered moving past her to the restroom and she pressed her lips in annoyance.

"impossible," she mimicked and back to get another drink.

Mood ruined. Reason: Mr. Haider Ibrahim Afandi.

🤍

They were already done with the buffet and now chatting among themselves. Haider was engaged in talking with Mr. Rehman and Anabia couldn't stop scrutinizing him with annoyance. He had changed his shirt and now wore a plain black tee. She noticed he didn't even need any preparation to look fine. His wavy hair was neatly set back, dark stubble did no good to hide his chiseled jawline. She hated the fact that he was good-looking.

"I am sure Huda he is complaining about me to Baba," she spoke talking a sip of her juice. Huda looked up from her phone towards Haider.

"What did you do now?"

"I never do anything It's him."

"What happened?"

Anabia shifted and told the entire meeting making Huda stifle a laugh, "You know once Yusuf threw coke on bhais bed and he got his room cleaned for a week by him, he didn't even say anything just told the helping hands to not help him a bit. Tumhare sath ye nahi kar saktey na."
(He cannot do this with you.)

"Toba hai itna bhi kiya, mujhe yakeen nahi aata ye tum dono ka bhai hai, Im sure Maa ne inko kahi se uthaya hoga," she showed her distaste.
(Gawd, what even? I can't believe he is your brother. I am sure Maa adopted him.)

Anabia glanced in his direction only to gulp when she saw his deep eyes already on her. He now sat back on his seat relaxed, his muscular shoulders folded on his chest making them pop out. While his gaze fixated on her. Anabia fumbled and blinked breaking the eye contact, she could still notice his eyes on her though. She breathed and bucked up again. She swore she saw him smirk lightly.

"What is it?" she mouthed towards him.

She held her juice toward his direction and he narrowed his eyes making her smirk.

🤍

It had been a week since the graduation dinner, Anabia was resting in her room as it was the weekend when she got a call from Huda telling her that she was going to come over and they should have a movie day out together. Anabia agreed getting up from the comfort of her bed and looked herself in the full-length mirror in her cosy room. She wore penguin pajamas with a loose shirt, and her long hair in a bun. She rushed to her small vanity room and started looking for an appropriate outfit for today.

She glimpsed at her strawberry nail art and took out a strawberry sweater with a white shirt. After taking the much-needed hot shower she blow-dried her hair and wore her necessary jewelry, rings, and her favorite rose pendant. She curled her lashes with a mascara and applied tint on her lips and cheeks. She looked cute as she flipped her hair and took a mirror selfie putting the snap on her Instagram story.

Done.

Her phone rang and she picked up putting gold studs in her ear, "Anabia bahar aajao we are here."

"Okay gang, just a minute," she shouted taking her handbag.

"Mumma! I am going out with Huda and Yusuf," she informed Mrs. Rehman coming down the stairs and smiled when she kissed her forehead telling her to be back home soon. She nodded listening to her mother advising her to not leave Huda and Yusuf's side and don't do anything stupid. Anabia laughed telling her not to worry as she's 22 and not 12.

She then skipped towards the main door only to stop heard some voices from the drawing room. She plunged in to say goodbye to her father when her eyes caught the sight of him.

"Asalam u Alaikum," she spoke meekly and her father looked up.

"Anabia? Betey are you going somewhere?" Mr. Rehman implored looking up at his daughter who was adorned. She nodded glancing at Haider's huge form. 

"Va Alaikum Asalam," Haider's deep voice reverberated and their eyes encountered. He was in cargo pants and a grey sweatshirt. She ignored him and moved to her father to give him a hug. Her father repeated the list of things to take in notice like Mrs. Rehman making her smile.

"Jee baba, I know how to look after myself, pata nahi aap aur mama ko lagta hai jese me bahar gayi to gum jaongi," she pouted while Haider took the time to examine her.
(Why do you and mama think I will go missing If I ever leave alone.)

She looked cute in her girly outfit. He took a long moment to study her lustrous locks as they bounced with her every movement. He suddenly had a weird urge to know how they felt under his touch. He cleared his throat at the ridiculous thought and looked away. He was too old to have such silly thoughts.

"Arrey ha Anabia your exams are coming right and I thought I ask Haider about it to help you with them," Anabia looked at father with shock. Wtf?

She suddenly hated the fact that she was weak in her studies. She had least interest in studying and her father had an immense love for studies and was hell-bent on making her study well. Even If she tried she just couldn't bring out a satisfactory result. She looked at Haider in disgust.

"Baba no I will manage with Huda, aap Haider bhai ko ku pareyshan kar rahey hain," she spoke softly eyeing Haider who looked at her amused. She never spoke such sweetly with him ever. As far as he remembered they had always been on each other's bad side. He was strict with his siblings and she being with them had to experience his wrath too. And she was not used to harsh demeanor at all, that's what triggered her.
(You are making a problem for Haider.)

He was shocked seeing her polite tone in his presence.

"Yes Haider told me he helps Huda too and I am sure he would always help you better with stuff beta aap weekends pe Huda ke sath Haider se concepts clear karlena," Mr. Rehman spoke making Anabia smile awkwardly.
(You can clear your concepts from him on weekends.)

"Baba! Haider bhai itni busy rehte hain-" She tried to undo the damage with her words when Haider stopped her plea,

"Uncle is right Anabia, don't worry I can manage," he affirmed making her throw daggers at him.

No way she was going to accept willingly being near him.

Haider looked at her amused. He didn't know why he agreed with this. He had zero interest in this silly girl but he couldn't stop saying this. He felt amused watching her restless. She was the one who got on his nerves. it was fair he got on hers too.

"Nahi Haider bhai! you don't need to," she looked at him with pleading eyes.

"But I want to," Haider replied relaxed and she felt angry. She wanted to throw something on his head.

Ghatiya kharus sariyal insan. She took a deep breath and looked at her father who was looking at her expectantly. She sighed in defeat.
(Stupid, Angry, ill-mannered person.)

"Okay baba I will take his help don't worry i need to leave ab", she gave her father a forced smile ans stood up.

Haider watched as she delibrately sauntered infront of him and stepped on his feet with a thump but demed shocked and said , "I am sorry Haider Bhai are you okay? I hope I didn't hurt you?" she spoke innocently and Haider felt like laughing at her action.

"Itni choti si ho, how did you think you can hurt me?" he said lowly and she glared ay him. She huffed as he rushed out the drawing room leaving Haider looking at her siloutee until she left.
(You are so small.)

Pagal. He muttered under his breath.

(Stupid.)

🤍

"Sariyal! Kharus! Jahil! Ghatiya! Zeher lagta hai mujhe wo insan HUDA!"
(I hate that man Huda!)

Yusuf and Huda stifled their laughs as Anabia kept cursing Haider the entire way. She was really angry.

"Bhai ne ye sab alkabaat sun liye to acha nahi hoga Anabia," Yusuf spoke pinching her fluffy cheeks and she glared at him.
(If brother heard all these names he wouldn't be happy at all.)

"Don't do it Yusuf, it hurts!"

"Acha ab ese gusse se nahi dekho hamari kia galti hai isme?"

"Tum dono ki galti hai ke wo tum logo ke bhai hain! Pata nahi mu utha ke mere samne ku aajatey hain wo! Baba ko apni garveda kar diya hai Baba har waqt Haider ye Haider wo karte rehte hain! Zeher lagtey hain mujhey wo!" she kept ranting thinking about how she would have to look at his face every weekend just because she was bad at studies.
(Why are you angry on us? Whats our fault?)
(Your fault is that he is your brother, I don't know why he keeps coming in my sight! He has impressed Father too as he won't stop calling his name! I HATE HIM.)

"Acha Anabia calm down na! Ham movie dekhlein phir is barey me so hey ge kia karna hai okay?"

"Kia dekhege Huda? Har bat se mujhe toktey rehte hain pata nahi unko mujhse kia issue hai," she murmured frustrated and Huda hugged her to make her calm down.
(Calm down Anabia, lets watch the movie and we will talk about this later.)
(Talk what Huda? He questions me for everything, I don't know whats his problem is with me.)

"Mu mat phulao ab and take this chocolate" Yusuf passed her a dark chocolate bar and she took it sulking.
(Stop sulking and have this chocolate.)

"Badla lungi me iska pora pora dekhna tum," she said thinking.

"Bhai ko pareyshan nahi karna Huda please warna wo aur gussa karege tumpey," Huda spoke warily and Anabia dismissed her saying,

"Me dekhlugi unko aur unke gussey ko."

(I will take revenge for this.)
(Don't anger him Anabia please or he will get mad.)
(I will see him and his anger!)

🤍

Haider plopped on his king-sized bed and glanced at his wristwatch. It was 10 in the morning. He had just got done with his workout. It was Sunday and he didn't have work. He liked staying busy and Sundays were his least favourite. Being the President of Afandi groups he didn't actually have rest days but his parents had made sure to keep him away from work on weekends. If he even thought of going to work they would throw a fit and he didn't want to concern them.

He heard a knock at the door and looked up at Bashir with a glass of protein shake in his hands.

"Bashir what are today's plans?" he asked taking the shake from his hands and gulping it down.

"Mrs. Afandi is preparing breakfast herself today, she asked you to join them soon, " Bashir, his helping hand said. He was a man in his late thirties and had been with him since he was a kid. He took care of all of his stuff. Haider nodded and told him to tell his mother that he was coming.

🤍

"Aslam u Alaikum", Haider greeted everyone sitting down at the dinner table.

"Va Alaikum Asalam Haider beta! Look you mom made aloo ke parathey today," Mr. Ibrahim grinned showing him his plate and he nodded. His father loved aloo ke parathey, infact he loved everything his mother cooked. His parents were college sweethearts and and went to culinary school together with Mr. Rehman. The three of them were close friends when Ibrahim proposed his mother after graduation. He had always seen his parents caring for each other and being obsessed with each other.

"Baba please make your special cookies aaj Anabia aayegi na," Huda intervened and Haider looked up from his food. Mr. Ibrahim nodded at her request. He suddenly remembered what Mr.Rehman had requested him for. He had asked him to help Anabia with her studies since she had some problems and couldn't focus well. Maybe today won't be as boring as it normally goes.

"Haider eat more, look I made this for you," Mrs. Ibrahim put a paratha in front of her son who sighed.

"Feed dad mom, Im full"

"Wo to tabse kha rahein hain tum bhi lo aur," his mother insisted setting a paratha on his plate.
(He has been eating for so long, you have some.)

"Begum? Ek hi paratha khaya mene aap tang aagyi hain kia mere liye paratha banake?" He heard his father speak with a pout.
(I just ate one paratha wife, are you tired of making food for me?)

"Aapse tang aa sakti hu me?" Mrs. Ibrahim smiled at her husband making Huda and Yusuf hoot at the couple's interaction.
(Can I ever get tired of you?)

"Bhai inka old school romance dekhke bore ho rahey hain ham aap shaadi karlo na, we want to witness some real romance," Yusuf added winking at Haider who narrowed his eyes at him.
(Brother we are bored watching his old school romance, please marry so we can witness the real romance.)

"Haider bhai se kuch expect nahi kar rahey ham, ye to apni biwi ke samne bhi mu bana ke rakhi ge I am sure," Huda added and Haider looked up at both of them making them avert their eyes.
(Cannot expect anything from Haider brother, he will remain forbearing in front of his wife too.)

"Eat you food silently," Haider said sternly making Mr. Ibrahim smile.

"My som is going to be more romantic than me I know it, you guys will see when it's time," he murmured.

"Baba," Haider glanced at him.

"I know better."

"Your baba was like this too before he met me and look at him now," Mrs. Ibrahim added sitting beside her husband.

"Aapne esa jaadu kiya begum ke me usse nikal hi nahi saka" Ibrahim cooed making her smile.
(You bewitched me and I couldn't recover.)

Haider looked at his parents with a content look. He loved them more than anything and whenever his father used to tell him how his mother changed him. He had wished for a sophisticated women to come in his life. He has no anticipation but he wished the person to be in his life to be like her mother. Mature and humble.

"Asalam u Alaikum Maa!" Haider gaze went to the entrance when he saw a tiny figure in frame. Anabia stood there smiling and waved her hands at them. She was wearing a plain white sweater with jeans and had braided her hair. Her cheeks glowed as she hugged his mother.

"Have breakfast with us Anabia."

"I already ate maa," she said greeting Mr. Ibrahim and sat beside Yusuf.

Haider watched as she hit Yusuf on his arm when he said something in her ear. Yusuf laughed pinching her ruddy cheeks and she hit his arm again. Haider felt his mood damp at their interaction, a weird sensation building in his head like always. He was aware of the fact how close his siblings and Anabia were but whenever he saw them, he felt the need to maintain a distance between Anabia and Yusuf. He could not understand why. He just didn't want them to act silly together. Yeah. Probably the fact that they were not kids anymore. And whatever they did annoyed him.

"Yusuf," he stressed deeply, "eat your food quietly ."

Anabia looked up at him. She subdued the urge to roll her eyes at him. He was a mood kill in everything.

"Huda and Anabia come to the study when you are done with your breakfast," Hairer exclaimed getting up and walking out, leaving a sulking Anabia behind.

"We were going to plan an escape?" She questioned Huda who gave her a sorry look.

"Bhai explains really well, we would just take the class and leave!" she tried persuading Anabia and brought the paratha infront of her, "eat some its so tasty."

🤍

"Okay, is there anything else you want help with?" Haider questioned as he was done explaining the question Huda asked.

"No bhai i got it, i will try solving this myself and let you know agar smjh nahi aaya," Huda answered and  Anabia rolled her eyes relaxing into the sofa. She was tired, he had been talking about the boring topic for so long and she didn't even understand anything. She didn't even pay any attention. She was just sleepy now. She wanted to go home and take the longest sleep she ever had.

"Anabia?"

She fumbled when Haider called her name. She sat straight and looked in his way. He was glancing her way, his eyes made her shift in her place.

"Jee?"

"Can you tell me what you understood by arbitrage profit and its calculation?" Haider questioned her calmly. He had been watching her sufficiently to see she had no interest in whatever he said and was sure she would not know the answer. Either she would be looking at her hands or rolling her pen when he was explaining the concept to Huda.

"Wo..um I feel a little thirsty me pani pelun pehle?" Anabia spoke not knowing what to say and Haider gave her a disappointed look.
(Can I drink water?)

"Stop being this clumsy Anabia, Rehman uncle told me that you GPA is falling every semester, You need to pay attention or you won't be able to score anything," Haider spoke seriously and Anabia felt embarrassed.

"Its not that bad," she retorted.

"If you are here to learn then focus," he imposed looking at her. The only thing she was probably interested in was gossiping with Yusuf. He clicked his tongue at the thought.

"Um bhai I will bring water for Anabia," Huda spoke getting up while Anabia gave her side eyes. Wasn't she supposed to help her out of this situation? Maybe she tried but It was not going to work.

"Are you listening Anabia?" Haider asserted when Huda left.

"Yeah."

"You have to be serious in your career Anabia, this nonserious behavior of yours will not help you anywhere," he spoke further. He saw she had a pout on her face and was fretting like a little child. Her curtain bangs hid her expressive eyes from him when she lowered her head.

"Jee." He heard her meek response. His eyes went to her hands as she was twisting and turning them furiously. He saw little strawberries on her nails. She was obsessed with funky cute nails he realized. Every time he saw she had different nails.

"Now read this and tell me what you understand from this," he forwarded the laptop in front of her and she peeked at him.

"I am tired," Anabia refused.

"What did u do that you are tired?"

"I listened to you," she pouted and Haider scoffed.

"You were not paying any attention."

"It was boring," Anabia increased his knowledge.

"How will you-"

"Janey dein na next time I will focus me thak gayi hun abhi," she requested taking a long whiff of air. Haider wanted to give in but spoke regardless,

"You will fail your exam like this."

"I won't, I never did."

"I saw your transcript," Anabia looked away ashamed. She had failed two courses in the last year. What could she do? They were just so difficult. She groaned in frustration.

"Mujhe pata hai apney hi baba se meri shikayat ki hogi iskiye unho ne mujhe apke pas bheja parhne ke liye," she spoke trying to defend herself by blabbering.
(I am sure you complained to baba that's why he send me to you.)

"Why would I do that?" Haider watched her in shock.

"Kuke apko mujhse koi khas masla hai," she pressed her lips and accused him.

"Esa kuch nahi hai Anabia." Haider looked at her in disbelief, what was this girl even saying? He felt anger rising up in his head.
(Because you have a huge problem with me.)
(Its not the case Anabia.)

"I know it, pata nahi mene apke sath esa kiya kardiya Jo aap-"

"I don't want an argument Anabia, stop behaving like a pampered kid!" He stressed in a hard tone making Anabia halt instantly.

"..."

Anabia gulped looking at his angered face and slipped back into the sofa. She felt her hands quiver. She was not used to loud voices and nobody had ever shouted at her like this.

Haider cursed taking a deep breath. He didn't want it to sound harsh but she was messing with him. And he was already angered as her exchange with Yusuf kept budging him. He didn't know what was happening. He ruffled his hair in frustration and looked at a nervous Anabia. She looked like she was about to cry. No way. He had always seen her chirping and bickering back.

"Anabia," he called softly and she blinked up at him. Before he could say anything she stood up in a fit and dashed towards the door.

"Anabia!"

"Anabia listen to me."

She heard his voice but ignored it as she swiftly walked past the room. She hated him to death. She felt a few tears gather in her eyes.

She never wanted to see his stupid face again.

🤍

Hi cute people!

How was the first part? Tbh I am not satisfied with it and feel like I have forgotten how to write 😭 but anyway hope it wasn't that bleh :3
PLEASE tell me what u feel about it because istg your reviews motivate me to write more😔 i was v excited for this plot i hope i can do justice

p.s. See you next week!

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