When Sahil told Inaya about the plan, she only smiled knowingly and agreed to play her part. The next evening, she cornered Mahira in her room while they were folding clothes for the shopping trip.
"Mahira… you have to come with us," Inaya insisted sweetly.
"Me? But why? It's your wedding shopping, Inaya," Mahira protested.
Inaya lowered her voice, pretending to sound helpless. "If you come, our families will not suspect anything. Otherwise, they'll think Sahil and I are… you know… spending time alone at night in Delhi. Just come with us, please. For me?"
Mahira looked at her sister's pleading face — and at Sahil standing behind the door, smiling like he knew she'd say yes. Finally, she sighed. "Fine. But only because you're asking."
The next day, the four of them set off for Delhi — a long drive of laughter and music for Sahil and Inaya, but something else entirely for Mahira.
Zayan sat behind her, quiet but watchful. Every time she looked out the window, she could feel his eyes on her. Every time she laughed at something Inaya said, she could sense him noticing even the smallest movement.
To calm her nerves, Mahira pulled out her phone and pretended to text. She typed random words, making it look like she was messaging someone. Every now and then, she even smiled at her screen.
Zayan watched this, leaning back with one elbow propped on the window, a half-smirk on his lips. He knew exactly what she was trying to do — and it made her lie only more interesting.
The shopping was long and tiring — bridal lehengas, jewellery, invitations, endless bargaining. By evening, everyone was exhausted but happy. On the way back, as they stopped at a highway dhaba for tea, Sahil turned to them with an apologetic grin.
"Zayan, Mahira… I'm really sorry. Inaya and I want to spend a little time together here. You both will have to wait till we return. Maybe walk around, have some fresh air?"
Mahira's eyes widened. "No, no… I'll wait in the car!"
But Inaya slipped her arm around Mahira's shoulders, whispering softly, "Come on, Mahira. It's just for a while. Please, don't say no now…"
Left with no option, Mahira agreed. So Sahil and Inaya slipped away toward the back garden, giggling like newlyweds, leaving Mahira and Zayan standing under the highway's soft, flickering lights.
They started walking slowly along the road's edge, the night around them quiet except for distant traffic and the hum of insects. Mahira hugged her dupatta closer to her chest, trying to put space between them.
Zayan broke the silence first, his voice too calm. "So… this boyfriend of yours. What does he do?"
Mahira's steps faltered. "He's… studying," she said weakly, eyes fixed on the ground.
Zayan let out a short laugh, moving a step closer. "Where?"
She tried again, fumbling for a lie. "Near our college—"
"Stop lying, Mahira."
His tone cut through her trembling words. He caught her wrist, pulling her to face him. The night seemed to hold its breath around them.
"Tell me the truth," Zayan demanded, his hand sliding to her waist as he stepped closer.
She shook her head, her eyes darting away. "There's nothing to tell—"
He pulled her closer still, so close she could feel the thud of his heartbeat through his shirt. "Listen to this, Mahira. Tell me… why are you denying me?"
Mahira's lips parted but no sound came out. She could barely breathe. His eyes were dark, locked on hers with an intensity that made her knees weak.
Before she could find any excuse to push him away, Zayan's hand slid up her back and he kissed her — hard and desperate, like he was claiming something that had always been his.
Mahira's first reaction was to resist, pushing at his chest — but her heart betrayed her. Something inside her gave in, her hands curling into his shirt as she kissed him back for a moment that felt like forever.
But as quickly as it started, something snapped awake inside her. Realisation, fear, guilt — it all crashed over her. She tore herself away from him, eyes wide with shock.
Then, without a word, she raised her palm and slapped Zayan across his cheek, the sound sharp in the night air.
He stumbled back half a step, stunned, while Mahira stood there, breathing hard, her eyes glassy with emotion.
Before he could say anything more, she turned away, hugging herself tight as if trying to hold her world together — and left him standing alone under the cold, silent stars.
✨ End of Chapter Six