Inevitable Destiny- Mayi Ri

(31)

The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow across Karachi as the city stirred to life on the first day of the board exams. Two months of relentless study and work days, now it was time to reap it all.

Aini entered the room, carrying a tray with a simple breakfast. She was dressed up in her school uniform and found Fakhir struggling with his tie because of nervousness which could be clearly seen on his face.

She kept the tray on the bed and stepped ahead to help him.

"Lao, hum kar dete hai" she said while taking the tie from his hand.

"Aini" Fakhir said

"Hmm" she was concentrated on the work in her hands

"Main fail ho gaya toh...ouch" Fakhir said while rubbing his arm

"Tum kyun aisi baatein karte ho?" Aini looked up at him with an angry expression "You've worked hard for this day Fakhir. I have no doubt that you will perform extremely well. Samjhe" she said, her hands now resting around his neck

Fakhir slowly kept his hands on her waist and brought her closer to him "Thank you for your help throughout" he said, making a smile come on her face

"Waise ek baat toh hai... tum ziddi bohot ho" and both of them chuckled at it.

"I am telling you, the day we get over with our exams... I am going to take 10, no 15 hours of sleep, at least for a week" he said with determination

Aini pushed him back lightly and said "Ji aur office kon jaaye ga, hmm... come on, have breakfast... we can't let you go with your empty stomach now, do we?" and made him sit on the bed and passed his plate of eggs, toast and juice to him.

They had their breakfast in peace and now it was time to head out. They packed up their essentials and re-checked everything.

.
.

Aini observed Fakhir's jittery state, the tapping foot, and the constant pen-clicking. She understood his nervousness, like always it was getting to him... exam days, were not really for Fakhir Zaheer Ahmed.

But, being nervous would not help and all the preparation he has done till now might go in waste if he didn't get hold of his feelings.

She went towards him and took hold of his arm... "Fakhir, you're going to wear out that pen before the exam starts."

Fakhir, nervously chuckling: "I can't help it. These exams always get to me."

She took the pen from his hand, and took hold of his hand "You know, stressing won't magically transfer all the textbook knowledge into your brain, in fact it will hinder your performance at the exam time. Have some trust on Allah swt., on yourself and your hard work, everything will be fine... In Sha Allah"

Fakhir sighed and replied faintly "In Sha Allah" and picked up his bag.

He made his way towards the door to leave, when he was stopped by a hold on his arm and saw Aini come and stand at a small distance.

"What happened?" he asked, as he saw her face devoid of any emotions, but her eyes fluttering and hesitating about something.

Aini breathed out and looked up at Fakhir, contemplating something.

But then she tightened her hold on his arm and in next few seconds she had stood up on her tiptoes and her lips landed on his cheek, clearly surprising him.

Fakhir's mouth opened in shock, as he felt her lips press on his cheek. He looked at her with wide eyes, trying to understand what just happened.

Aini even though a little flustered, didn't let it get to her.