“What’s with the long face?” A sudden voice startled Shahina. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice Yawar’s presence. He was standing near the stairs, staring at her.

Since when was he standing there?  

She wanted to know, but couldn’t ask. 

“Nothing.” Shahina slightly shook her head, walking towards the stairs. But Yawar didn’t budge, he stood there, still keeping his gaze on her.

Those are the eyes…

The eyes that made me self-conscious… 

Lowering her head, Shahina silently passed him by and soon realized that he was just behind. Shahina’s pace fastened, and she entered the dining room, followed by Yawar.

“How are you, my Amma (mother)?” Yawar gently kissed her head.

“I am fine, mera beta (my son).” She smiled while patting his hand on her shoulder.

“Amma-Bi, your phone.” Shahina put her mobile near her on the dining table and sat beside her.

“Thank you, my child.” She said to Shahina and turned to Yawar, “When did you have breakfast today?”

“I am having it now.” He gave her a smug look, and Amma-bi shook her head helplessly.

“So, what are we eating?” He asked, glancing at Shahina, and sat before her. A small smile appeared on his lips when she squirmed, but remained seated. 

“Lunch.” Stated Amma-Bi.

“Anything would be fine as long as you are here.” He said, looking at Amma-bi, but for some reason, it made Shahina more uncomfortable than before. 

“I’ll bring the food.” She tried to stand up.

“Sit down.” Yawar ordered in an authoritative tone, and her body stopped spontaneously.

“We don’t pay our maids to laze around.” He added, as his gaze stayed on Shahina, and she was looking everywhere except him.

“Oh, right. Shahina, you have an appointment in the salon today.” Amma-bi asked, trying to ease the tense atmosphere. 

“Yes.” Shahina nodded.

“When will you be leaving?” 

“Just after lunch.” 

“I will let the driver know.”

“No need, Amma-bi, I can drop her.” Yawar offered, and Shahina’s eyes widened in horror. She abruptly looked back and forth between Amma-bi and him.

“We don’t pay our drivers to laze around.” Amma-bi threw Yawar’s words back at him, and after that, he didn’t say a single word during the meal. 

Yawar quickly finished his food and excused himself. Shahina thanked God for watching him leave the dining room. Her tensed muscles relaxed, and she could finally enjoy her lunch with Amma-bi.

~*~

“Oye chipkali (lizard).” Shahina flinched at hearing Yawar’s voice from behind and slowly turned around. She got a bad feeling about it.

“I will drop you.” He said, coming towards her.

“The driver is waiting for me.”

“He isn’t available right now." Yawar stood before her.

“What?”

“I sent him away.”

“Wha- why?”

“Because you didn’t accept my offer before.” 

Shahina felt as if her head was spinning after hearing his reason. Looking at her blank face, Yawar stepped closer and held her purse strap.

“Shall we?” And without waiting for her response, he started to drag her. 

“N-no, wait.” Startled, Shahina followed him.

She was trying to pull the strap from his hand, and he was enjoying her weak attempts. He always found this cute, and when she gave up and submitted, Yawar barely held himself from embracing her. 

However, soon he realized that her protest had stopped, and he wasn't applying any force in dragging. Abruptly turned around and saw Shahina running back into the house. Yawar looked at the strap in his hand, which she had unhooked to get away from him. Astonished at her quick thinking, he let out a laugh.

You are becoming a challenge, and I love challenges…

Thought Yawar, looking at Shahina's purse strap in his hand.