*** ZAVIYAAR SHEIKH ***

‘Someone controls my heart before it leaps out of my chest.’

Swallowing hard, I crushed the cigar quickly when we were alone in the room, throwing the pillow from the couch back to the bed.

“Sorry, my room is a mess. I didn’t know you were coming. And I wouldn’t have worn black too.”

Chuckling nervously, I made some space for her, clearing the table too as Aalifa stared intensely at me, drying my throat.

Holding her arm due to nervousness, she spoke up first.

“Why are you looking away?”

Pausing my work for a moment, I curled my hands in a fist, replying honestly.

“Because...