The early morning sunlight slipped quietly through the tall windows of Zayn's room, painting the floor with soft golden light.
Zayn stood in front of the mirror after freshening up, staring at his reflection for a moment longer than usual. His expression was calm on the surface, but his eyes carried a faint trace of distraction.
He ran his fingers through his hair, neatly setting it in place. Every strand fell perfectly the way he liked it.
He reached for his watch on the table and fastened it around his wrist with practiced ease. The ticking of the watch felt unusually loud in the quiet room.
Then he picked up his perfume bottle and sprayed a light mist around his neck and shoulders. The familiar scent spread in the air.
For a moment, he simply looked at himself in the mirror again.
Something about this morning felt… different.
Without thinking much further, he grabbed his car keys and walked out of the room.As he came downstairs, he saw Kamran sitting comfortably on the living room sofa with the morning newspaper in his hands.
The old man lowered the paper when he heard footsteps.
"Where are you going so early?" Kamran asked, narrowing his eyes slightly with curiosity.
Zayn paused near the door and casually touched his forehead with his finger.
"Some urgent work came up," he replied.
Kamran folded the newspaper neatly and placed it beside him.
"Have breakfast first," he said. "Faqair is still sleeping."
Zayn shook his head lightly.
"I'll eat later. I'm leaving now. You have breakfast."
Kamran studied him quietly for a second, as if trying to read something hidden in his face.
But Zayn had already picked up his keys.
"Okay," Kamran finally said. "Go carefully."
A small smile appeared on Zayn's lips.
"Okay, Grandpa. Bye."
He stepped outside, the cool morning breeze brushing lightly against his face.Moments later, he got into his car and started the engine.
The vehicle hummed softly as he pressed the accelerator, driving quickly through the quiet streets.
His mind, however, was far from calm.
After some time, he slowed down and stopped his car in front of Brew & Sip Café.The café stood peacefully on the corner of the street, its glass windows reflecting the bright sky above.
Zayn stepped out of the car and adjusted his coat neatly before walking inside.
The moment he entered, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee surrounded him.
His eyes instinctively scanned the café.
And then he saw her.
Meher.
She was sitting at his usual place near the window.But she looked different.Restless.
Her posture was stiff as she sat with one leg crossed over the other. The crossed leg kept shaking slightly, revealing the impatience she was trying to control.
Her fingers tapped against the table.
Every few seconds she checked her watch.
Then she looked toward the entrance again.
The moment her eyes landed on Zayn standing there, her expression hardened.
Zayn noticed her too.
Without rushing, he walked toward the table and calmly pulled the chair in front of her.
He sat down.
Leaning slightly back, he looked at her and spoke casually.
"What happened?" he asked. "Why were you so restless to meet me?"
Meher immediately frowned, clearly irritated.
"I'm not excited to meet you or talk to you."
A faint smile appeared on Zayn's lips.
"That's clearly visible."
Meher rolled her eyes in frustration.
Then she leaned forward slightly and asked directly,
"Why did you say yes to the marriage?"
Zayn remained calm.
"I didn't say yes or no."
Meher's eyebrows shot up.
"Oh really?" she said sarcastically. "Then who did? Your twin brother?"
Zayn shrugged lightly.
"I told Grandpa to do whatever he wants. If he said yes, what could I do?"
Meher's anger became visible now.
Her eyebrows raised sharply.
"What could I do?" she repeated in disbelief. "I don't want to marry you. Never."
Zayn leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed.
"I'm not dying to marry you either."
"Then refuse it," Meher snapped.
"You can refuse too," Zayn replied calmly. "I can't."
Meher stared at him.
"Why can't you?"
Zayn tilted his head slightly.
"Why can't you?"
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Meher leaned back slowly in her chair and swallowed hard, her jaw tightening.
She turned her face toward the window, watching the busy street outside as if the moving cars could somehow distract her thoughts.
Across the table, Zayn leaned back as well.
But instead of looking outside…
He quietly watched Meher.
And the silence between them slowly grew heavier.
The conversation they had just started was only the beginning.
And neither of them knew yet how complicated things were about to become.