lunch.

Sometimes, events don't unfold as planned, requiring us to adapt accordingly. Our destinies are preordained, leaving us to simply await their unfolding.

We can't predict anything; no one knows what will happen. We can only be prepared for the moment. When I look at the past, I feel like I could have done many things better, but then I realize, what's the use of it now? It's already in the past. But what should we do when our past confronts us in the future?

I never wanted my past and present to unite, which is why I've been running away for five years. However, whatever is written in destiny will surely happen.

∆∆∆∆

I had planned to spend the day with my parents, but those plans changed when Zoya called and asked me to come to Deenah's house for lunch, saying she had something important to discuss. I tried to ask her what it was about, but she only mentioned that everyone would be there. And by "everyone," I knew he would be there as well.

I tried not to let it affect me and went to the lounge where my mom was sitting. "I'm going to Deenah's place and I'll have lunch there as well. I'll probably be late, so don't worry," I said. She nodded and kissed my head, saying, "Just take care and keep giving me updates." I smiled at her and quickly went upstairs to change.

After trying on dozens of outfits, I cried out loud, realizing I didn't have any eastern attire. Zoya had mentioned they were all wearing traditional clothing. I ran to my mom's room and rummaged through a few outfits. Finally, I found the perfect dress: a pure black long kurti with wide palazzo bottoms. I paired it with my favorite silver jhumkay and a pendant before heading out.

Settling into my car, I picked up a bouquet of flowers; pink tulips, on the way, as I hadn't visited her house in such a long time. The drive to her place was supposed to take 15 minutes, but due to traffic, it took 20. As I approached her house, I admired the large black gates that complemented the beige walls behind them. Just inside, a garden was visible, and half of the poolside peeked out from behind the house walls.

I parked my car inside and was greeted by a maid who opened the door and guided me to the living room. Deenah had always been fond of interior design, and her passion was evident in her home's beautiful interior and minimalist color palette.

I reached the living room and smiled at the maid before entering. My heart was racing and my hands were sweaty, but I had to ignore them and face whatever lay ahead. As soon as I walked in, Zoya screamed my name and jumped in for a hug, catching me so off guard that it took me a moment to hug her back, she wore a brown mustard kurti matched with Taha's kurta, I passed her a teasing look on which she glared. They are best friends who never admits their feelings but their love shows visibly to everyone. Quickly, I surveyed the room—Taha, Alwaaz, Deenah, and Zoya were all there, but where was he? The question lingered in my mind until Deenah, who was also wearing a matching lilac outfit with her soon to be fiance, quietly whispered in my ear, "He's outside taking a call," snapping me out of my thoughts.

I nodded and soon joined the conversation, trying to distract myself. "Alwaaz, how do you even tolerate her? Hats off to you," I joked, receiving a playful slap on the arm from Deenah. Zoya added, "Yes, are you still sure? I mean, there's still time." Everyone laughed, and Alwaaz replied, "Even if I had to live in the corner of the world and tolerate her thousands of tantrums alone, I would happily do it if it's with her." A slight blush appeared on Deenah's cheeks as we continued teasing her and Alwaaz.

Everything was going well until I suddenly felt his presence. I quickly turned toward the entrance of the living room and saw him, wishing that moment could freeze so I could gaze at him forever. He looked at me and then sat beside Taha, his eyes still on me, while my confidence seemed to drain away. He was wearing a black kurta with his silver chain and coincidentally, every 'couple' matched. I glanced at Zoya, who gave me a reassuring look and held my hand. She then said to him, "Do you plan on eating her alive?"

Aarav quickly replied, "Why would I eat her alive? First, I'd cut, roast, sprinkle some salt, and then eat." I looked at him in disbelief, while Taha tried to laugh it off, preventing the atmosphere from becoming awkward.

The glances continued throughout the conversation, speaking volumes without words. I broke the eye contact when Deenah shook my arm and asked, "What about you, Shehzal?" Confused, I replied, "Huh? About what?"

Then I heard Taha say, "I just suggested we all go to the farmhouse for a picnic this weekend. Where are you lost?" Glancing at Aarav, who smirked in response, I replied while still looking at him, "Nah, I'm not lost. But a picnic just before the engagement? There's only a week left. How will we convince our families?"

Alwaaz stood up and reassured, "Don't worry about that. I'll talk to the boy's family, while Deenah will convince yours and Zoya's family." Excitedly, Deenah went to Alwaaz and hugged him, announcing to us, "So it's decided, we're going to the farm this weekend!"

I sighed, wondering and thinking about how I would survive this "picnic" with him throughout the whole lunch on which we just shared glances and some taunts.

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CHAPTER AESTHETICS!