Chapter 1

The sound of her high heels echoed down the empty corridor as she walked briskly towards her next class. Suddenly, a hand reached out and pulled her into an empty classroom, causing her to let out a scream of surprise. Asher put a hand on her mouth. She remained still for a moment then took a deep breath and removed his hand from her lips. 

"You scared me to the death." She glared at him.

"Why were you not answering my calls? I have been calling you since yesterday." Ashar complained, pulling her closer, her smile deepened.

"I was busy," she said, rolling her eyes

"Busy?" He asked. 

"Yes. Now let me go. I have a class in a while." she replied, trying to break free from his grasp.

"Not a chance." Before she could move away, Asher leaned in and kissed her passionately, his grip on her neck tightening. She pulled away before things could go any further. 

"You don't deserve this right now." A corner of her lips curved up. He sighed. 

"I know. I have to go a long way to get you," he said in low voice, looked away

"If you give up on me. I will kill you," she asserted.  

"I will never." Their eyes locked for a few seconds.

"Why don't you get a job?" she suggested, concern etched on her face.

"I can't get one without a degree. But I am thinking I should start a small business," he said, thoughtfully.

"How much investment do you need for your business?" Hijab asked, with concern.

"You don't worry. I will manage it. I have asked a friend for a loan," he told her, but Hijab couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment.

"Is that friend better than me? You can take help from him but not from me," 

"Hey. You are the best and most important person of my life, but how can I take money from you?" he said hesitantly.

"By bank account. Tell me your account number. I will help you as much as I can and don't be formal. I am doing this for myself. You are going to return me the money when you will be fully established," she said, her tone brooking no argument. Ashar couldn't deny her, and with a smile, he gave her his account number, grateful for her love and support. He knew that with her by his side, he could achieve anything

...…

He sighed and turned his eyes away from the window of the plane, closed them and propped his head on the back of his seat. He was a 25 years old man, had a strong, tall and fit physique, attractive facial features, and looked handsome in dress pants and a shirt. 

"I don't know what love is. But it is a weird feeling. It makes my world go round. It's the reason why I stay up late. It's the thing that makes me smile when I am feeling down and the thing that makes me sad either. It makes me feel alive. I think it is the most beautiful, confusing, and wonderful thing in the world." He said to himself, imagining a girl who had captured his heart years ago. He had been away from her for 10 long years, and the ache in his heart for her had only intensified with each passing day.

He remembered the days he spent with her in childhood. She was his cousin and his secret crush. Now she had become his passion. He had to go to Canada with his family and talked to her on family video calls accasionally. Now he is coming back to Pakistan to take over a company. He glanced at his watch and felt his heart sinking deep in a desire. 

As the plane began its descent and Asim's heart raced. He couldn't wait to see her, to talk to her, to tell her how much he had missed her. He felt like he had been away for an eternity, and now he was finally coming back to where he belonged.

Zain received him at the airport. He was 20 years old cheerful boy. 

"Long time no see " he welcomed him with a warm beam. He smiled too and embraced him. 

"How have you been?" He asked. 

"Good and what about you?" Zain didn't let him a chance to answer and continued.

"You are looking so good. It seems you go to gym regularly." Zain examined him , placing a hand on his shoulder. He let out a laugh. They headed for the car. 

"Tell me, How many girls you have dated?" Zain asked as they sat in the car.

"I don't date " 

"How can I believe it." Zain grimaced. 

"Don't believe then. " He shrugged. 

"Ok I trust you. " 

"How is going your dating?" Zain laughed at his question. 

" I am still a kid. How can I date? " He winked. Asim smiled, amused 

........

And there she was, standing in front of him, more beautiful than he remembered. His eyes locked onto that girl who was eating snacks with a disapproval look on her face. She might had an argument with someone. Her angry face was cute with red cheeks. Her straight hair fell down around her face to her chest. His eyes strayed on her chest, her bare shoulder and the silhouette of her body fitted in a stylish top and a pair of jeans. 

He felt hot and struggled to stay in his senses, clenching his fists. He walked to her, his heart beating a little faster with each step. She looked at her, changed her face expressions and smiled formly. 

"Hi! Nice to meet you." She waved her hand at her with no special look. But Asim's eyes were sparkling. 

"Hi! How are you?" He asked with a soft smile. 

"Can't you see how is she. Obese as always " Zain pointed towards her. hijab glared at him. 

"Don't mess with me. I am already angry. " He turned to Asim after shooting Zain a darting look. 

"I am fine and you?" She tried to be polite. Her every act was beautiful and cute. 

Before he could answer her phone ranged. 

"Excuse me." She tipped her head and turned to her room. Asim's eyes remained on her back until she disappeared. 

 "Welcome Mr. handsome! I was waiting for you. Sorry I wanted to receive you from the airport but I stuck with something. " Liana approached him, talking cheerfully.  She was the big sister of hijab and Zain. 

"Mom dad are not home. They would meet you at dinner." She told him as she took him to his room. He nodded. 

"Did you have lunch yet?" 

"Yes. In the plane " they entered a room. 

"Ok take some rest. See you at dinner. " He took a deep breath and brushed his hair with his hand as she left, thinking anxiously about hijab. He thought she would get excited to see him but she was just formal and didn't bother to stay a little longer with him. His personality was not to be ignored. He knew. He felt Liana was impressed by him but why hijab wasn't. Was she impressed by anyone else? That possibility was high. His chest tightened as that thought. 

"It should not be like that. " He nodded. 

"You are mine." He whispered, his eyes showed a firm look. 

.......