Iman 21
As I reached my room, Ahad was right behind me.
No.
Not behind me.
Attached to me.
Like a stubborn, oversized shadow that refused to be shaken off.
"Why are you here?" I groaned, rummaging through my bookshelf.
"Excuse me, where else would I be?" he said, plopping down on my bed like he owned the place.
"Literally anywhere but here."
He gasped, clutching his chest. "How rude. What if I wanted to enjoy your wonderful company?"
I shot him a glare. "You don't enjoy my company. You terrorize it."
He shrugged, completely unbothered
I sighed, shaking my head as I pulled out The Age of Innocence. Just as I turned, Ahad let out a long, dramatic sigh from my bed.
I ignored him.
Another sigh. Louder.
Still ignored him.
A third sigh-so painfully exaggerated that even my bookshelf seemed to roll its eyes.
I turned sharply. "What?"
"I was just thinking-"
"And here I thought miracles didn't happen anymore."
He threw a pillow at me. I caught it and tossed it back.
"-I was just thinking how convenient it is that you're running over to Hafiz's house the moment he calls you."
I rolled my eyes. "Yes, Ahad, because clearly, this is all part of a secret romantic conspiracy designed to ruin your day."
"Exactly!"
I groaned, rubbing my temples. "Ya Allah, give me patience."
"Yeah, you'll need a lot of it if you keep walking around alone to Hafiz's house," he mumbled, suddenly getting up.
I frowned. "What are you doing?"
"Coming with you."
I blinked. "What?"
He shrugged casually, walking to the door like it was the most normal thing in the world. "You're not going there alone."
I narrowed my eyes. "Ahad. Hafiz is my neighbor. His house is literally right there."
"And so am I," he shot back, waiting at the door with his arms crossed. "So let's go."
"You're being ridiculous."
"And you're being unbelievably slow, madam!"
I sighed in defeat. There was no way I was winning this.
When we reached Hafiz's house, he greeted me with a warm smile. "Thanks for coming, Iman. That was really kind of you."
"Of course, Hafiz," I smiled, handing him the book.
Before he could take it, another hand snatched it.
I turned, and there was Ahad-holding the book like it was some sacred artifact that needed his personal protection.
"The Age of Innocence, huh?" he muttered, inspecting the cover. "How ironic."
Hafiz raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe I was speaking to you, Ahad."
"Good, because I wasn't talking to you either," Ahad quipped back, his eyes glinting mischievously.
I sighed. Here we go.
Hafiz ignored him and turned to me. "Why don't you come inside, Iman? We can have some chai before you go."
Before I could answer, Ahad coughed loudly.
"Yeah, I bet you'd like that," he muttered under his breath.
I shot him a warning look.
Hafiz gave him a tight smile. "Some of us actually have manners, Ahad."
"And some of us have common sense," Ahad shot back smoothly. "We wouldn't let Iman walk into a house full of strangers just for chai."
"Strangers?" Hafiz scoffed. "She's known me for years, Ahad. Unlike you, I don't barge into her house uninvited."
"Oh? And yet, you had no problem calling her at suspiciously perfect timing."
I groaned. "People, stop!"
They both shut up immediately.
I turned to Hafiz. "I appreciate the invitation, but I have to go. Maybe another time, In Shaa Allah."
Hafiz nodded with disappointed covered on his face. "No problem. Thanks again for the book."
Ahad finally handed it over, but not without a final smirk. "Enjoy your innocence."
Hafiz rolled his eyes.
We turned to leave, but the moment we stepped out, Ahad muttered under his breath, "He's too polite. Suspiciously polite. I don't trust it."
I rolled my eyes. "Of course, you wouldn't."
He scoffed. "I know guys like him."
I smirked. "Oh? Jealous, Mr. Shah?"
He looked down at me, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Iman, if I ever got jealous..." He leaned in slightly, his voice lowered "You won't be the reason"
I blinked, caught off guard by his tone.
Then, just like that, he smirked and pulled away, stuffing his hands into his pockets like nothing happened.
"Now come on, shorty. Let's go home before you get another suspicious phone call."