Chapter Three
Jenn's POV
We settled down after greeting each other. My hands were literally shaking from nervousness, and I could feel my palms sweating. I was so happy, I could've danced on the table without hesitation. But on the other side, Ayeran didn't seem very active or interested. But wasn't he always like this? I murmured in my mind.
Mom held my hand and gave me a look — a silent warning to behave and stop grinning like an idiot. I quickly snapped back to my senses.
Mumma and Ayeran's family began talking, and to my surprise, they seemed quite comfortable with each other. That made me a little happy. At least the family seemed nice. Mumma handed them the menu and asked them to order. She also told them to choose something for me as well.
I was so excited that I didn't even feel hungry anymore — which was surprising because I was such a foodie. I told Mumma to order whatever she liked for me. She couldn't believe what she heard, but still, she seemed uninterested and ordered food on my behalf.
"So, what are you doing now?" Ayeran's mom asked me.
"I just resigned from my job two months ago. For now, I'm just resting and not doing much," I replied.
"That's good to hear. So, would you wish to work in the future? Like, after marriage?" she asked.
I looked at Mumma, who nodded and encouraged me to speak my mind.
"I don't have any plans to work after marriage as of now… but that could change. I haven't really decided yet," I said slowly.
"That's not a problem. It's completely up to you whether you want to work or not," Ayeran's mother said kindly, holding my hand.
I smiled shyly and glanced at Mumma, who looked genuinely happy hearing that.
Then Mumma asked Ayeran about his plans and studies.
"I'll be taking care of our business now," he replied.
I didn't know much about their business, but I had known since school that they were quite wealthy.
"That's great," Mumma said with a smile.
We all chatted for almost an hour until Ayeran's dad suggested that Ayeran and I go talk privately.
My nervousness was at its peak. I felt like I might faint — I had no idea how I'd react in front of him. And it was quite obvious he didn't even remember me.
We stood up from our chairs and walked to the corner of the balcony. It had a beautiful lake view, and the sun was about to set. Everything looked so dreamy — it felt unreal. I couldn't stop smiling. I kept thinking to myself, Allah Miya has been so kind today… almost all my wishes are coming true.
"So, how are you, Jannat?" Ayeran asked while looking at the view.
"Oh! So you remember me?" I said, surprised and excited.
"Yes, I do. I couldn't recognize you at first because of how much you've changed. But Mom told me beforehand that we were meeting a girl who used to be my schoolmate."
"Oh, like that…" I replied nervously.
"But you've really changed. You look beautiful now," he said with a soft smile.
Oh Lord!!! I was about to faint. Was it really Ayeran complimenting me?
"Yes, I know. I was an ugly tomboy back in school," I replied shyly.
"No, you were cute back then too," he said with a soft laugh.
Ohhh Allah!!! I could've jumped off that balcony in excitement. If only I could record this moment and show it to Jas — she would die of happiness!
"So… how are you?" I asked, still shy.
"I'm not so good, Jannat," he replied seriously, still looking at the view.
"Not good? Why? Is something wrong? Can I help with anything?" I asked sincerely.
"Yes, you can," he said.
"Please, tell me," I urged.
"Just don't agree to this marriage," he said, turning his face away.
Wait… what???
Did I hear that right?
Why?
My heart shattered into a million pieces. This was the complete opposite of my dream — reality had just hit me harder than I ever expected.