6 5

Asfand's rational thoughts gave up on him when he took Aamiya's hand and pulled her close to him.

"Aamiya, I love you." He declared.

Aamia was shocked to the core when she pushed him away. She didn't like the confusion she felt hearing his words.

"You have lost it, Asfi. Are you aware of what you're saying? I don't want to talk to you anymore." She cried out and left for her room., hurt by his words for some reason.

Aamiya wasn't feeling alright after she had yelled at Asfand. They had never before fought, this was a first. "I don't know what has gotten into him. Why is he suddenly saying all of that?" She thought and cried herself to sleep that night.

Asfand was restless as well, he hadn't anticipated such a reaction.

The next morning, Aamiya left her room all dressed up.

"I want to go home; I don't want to spend another minute with you here." She spoke, not looking at him.

Asfand sighed and leaned back in his chair. " Aamiya, stop behaving like this. I'm still your cousin."

"Yeah. The same cousin you said crap to last night." She growled angrily. Her heart clenched painfully when she spoke to him rudely. He was her support, her rock, her partner. And here she was, fighting with the one person she looked up to and loved with all her heart.

When Asfand realized that she was not open to listening to him, he also began preparing for their journey back home.

They got back home at around noon. Mama asked about their early return, but all she saw was Aamiya glaring at Asfand and walking away, all without a word.

"I had some important work, Mama." Asfand bluffed and left to his room.

"She must be angry at him for their early return." Mama thought to herself.

----2 Days later----

Aamiya hadn't spoken a word to Asfand these past couple of days. She missed him, his talks and their time spent together.

Asfand tried to talk to her, but she refused to give him the time of day. Her anger showed no signs of easing.

They were having dinner with the family when Dad finally asked, "What's going on between you two?"

"I think Aamiya is still angry because of returning before planned from Murree," Mama spoke. "You are not a child anymore, Aamiya. He brings you everything you ask for. It isn't a big deal if he couldn't fulfill a wish of yours for once."

Aamiya didn't like her mother scolding her. "It is not because of that. It's because he has lost his mind, which is why I'm not talking to him. He says that I am his wife!" Aamiya spoke, appalled at his words.

Her parents stilled, hearing her. They looked at each other hesitantly.