Bound To You ✔

Chapter 10 ~ A Test Of Compatibility

Everything came to a screeching halt. Colour drained on his face as his footsteps faltered. He dreamt of her, taking her in his arms, feeling restless about distance and time between them but here she is, standing in front of him.

"Ishana," his voice came as a whisper.

"Her name is Isabella, Zaid. Control yourself," said Saeed audible enough for only him to hear.

For a moment, he became the man who was deeply in love with the most beautiful and innocent girl he had ever met. He forgot his true identity. In her presence, nothing else mattered. That's how much he loved her.

Composing himself, he approached the girl who made little effort for their eyes to meet. He studied her face, her expression. It was just like Ishana yet something felt foreign.

"It was you, last night who saved Zaynah's life," said Saeed to interrupt their never ending, deep eye contact. "It's my duty to take care of the guests, sir," she stated still keeping her blue green eyes on Zaid.

The man whom thousands fear was gone instead replaced by a love sick. Five years he has yearned to see her, hear her voice that was a bit deeper than a normal feminine voice, seeing her smile that lit his heart like a firework.

"Thank you," conveyed Zaid genuinely.

For her it would be for saving his sister's life but for him it was the second chance that he has been bestowed. Hope wasn't completely lost. If she turns out to be his Ishana, he'll consider himself the luckiest man alive but if she turns out to be Isabella, he still won't let her go. Her tear stained face has haunted several nights, cursing him of his failure to keep promises.

Enough is enough.

"Zaid Adeeb Tahir, you're finally here." Coming from behind is an acquaintance that he keeps meeting in socialites parties , Bilal Azad. One of the famous Azad grandchildren who has not gone wayward because this family keeps appearing in news or gossips.

"You've met my cousin, I see."

Bilal threw an arm across her shoulder pulling her a little closer to him. He sensed the uneasiness but she was quick to hide it behind a smile. Still, he has known Bilal Azad or heck the Azad family for years but has never seen this girl here. Last night's proof was becoming clearer. The percentage of this girl's real name is Isabella outweighs his expectations. But the way she looks at him made a connection.

He simply followed them through the front door of the mansion where few guests were scattered around talking among themselves. His sudden presence was instantly notified as eyes lingered on him; some taking more time than others.

He swallowed hard and greeted Kaseem Azad, the man of the hour. With his power and tactics, he could have easily been a successful gangster but he preferred other methods to boost his wealth. One of them being horse racing.

Ishana or Isabella, whichever her name is, has disappeared in one of the rooms. A little thankful and a little disappointment of the momentary relief, he socialized with the men until someone ushered them for lunch that was happening in the backyard where two long tables filled with empty plates and glasses were placed.

He saw her sitting at the end corner with a chair gap between her and Zeenat Azad. Being the hopeless romantic that he was, he directed himself towards the vacant place.

"Is this seat taken?"

"No," both girls answered simultaneously.

Zeenat was thrilled. The happiness didn't go unnoticed whereas Isabella seemed confused. That was good because he had a compatibility test ready in his mind. He memorized Ishana's likes and dislikes so it won't be difficult to figure this girl out.