~ALONE WITH MY THOUGHTS~
A month had passed. Zara was still away on vacation, and Maheen and Ayan were enjoying their private moments, completely free from any trace of Mehzil. For once, life felt easy. With the university closed for winter break, I had managed to catch up on all my pending and late studies after joining a little late. Raffy, on the other hand, was enjoying himself in his own world.
We spoke occasionally, just for a few minutes, since long conversations with him felt… pointless. But we ate together every day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That was how a month quietly slipped by.
I was enjoying the view from my window one afternoon, talking loudly to myself and laughing without restraint. Raffy sat on his bed nearby, engrossed in his phone. Suddenly, it rang, and he answered.
I overheard snippets of his conversation: *"Okay! When? What, in an hour? Why?"* He sighed deeply, then walked over and sat beside me, speaking in his usual sweet, flattering tone.
"You know… I don't know how I'd survive these days without you," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "You make everything better, even the boring stuff. Seriously, no one else could make me laugh like this."
I rolled my eyes. "Stop buttering me and tell me what's going on," I said, crossing my arms.
He hesitated, then finally admitted, "My parents… they're coming."
I clapped my hands, thrilled at the news. But before I could celebrate too much, he added, "But… you have to disappear."
"What?! Why?!" I shouted, startled.
He trailed off, biting his lip, unable—or unwilling—to finish the sentence.
He stammered, looking nervous, "B-because my pa-parents will force you to come to our house and even force me to t-treat y-y-you g-g-good."
I clapped my hands, grinning. "Wowww, that's perfect! That's exactly what I wanted, so I'm not disappearing, Mr. Cold."
He pleaded, his voice soft and a little desperate. "P-please… I-I can't handle it with you here. I… I need you to compromise."
He looked so cute, like he was genuinely begging for the first time. I smirked. "I can act better and help you, but I can't disappear. Actually, I want to meet Mr. Cold's parents and see if they're as cold as him."
He blinked, then relaxed slightly. "That… that will work. Thank you."
I leaned closer, crossing my arms. "I'm not doing it for free."
He hesitated, then murmured with a teasing smile, "Greedy… gold digger."
"Not money," I said firmly, "but you'll have to do something."
He hesitated for a moment, then accepted. "Okay… whatever you say."
I clapped my hands again. "Good. Now clean the house fasttt—they'll arrive soon."
While I went to make tea, he changed his clothes into a baggy shirt and loose trousers, looking completely casual. The shirt hung over his shoulders, the sleeves a little too long, and the trousers slouched on his hips, giving him that effortless, messy-cool vibe.
I rolled my eyes. "Don't wear that. Your parents might think you don't have clothes and that you're suffering."
He smirked secretly. I opened his wardrobe and pulled out another outfit. "I'm not wearing that" he said.
"I'm not playing that," I replied, hands on my hips.
He sighed but went to change. When he came back, I couldn't help but stare, thinking… *agree or not, he is handsome.*
I stepped closer, straightening his collar as I stood on my toes. "That's how a gentleman should look. However, if you're not one… you can at least act like one, Mr. Handsome."
He bent down slightly, teasing me, and I swatted his shoulder in mock annoyance. He laughed, the sound light and infectious, and I rolled my eyes, trying not to smile.
After cleaning the house, I decided it was time to change my clothes—the outfit I had worn earlier was completely dirty. I chose a desi outfit, something I rarely wore, and this would be the first time I wore one in the hostel. Meanwhile, Raffy was busy in the living room, straightening cushions, correcting the bedsheets, and watering the plants with meticulous care.
Once I changed, I locked my bedroom door behind me. Raffy was still in the living room, watering plants. I brushed my hair, applied some perfume, and got ready. Carefully draping my dupatta over my shoulder, I opened the door, fully focused on handling it—it was always tricky to manage.
When I finally looked up, Raffy was staring at me from head to toe, completely stunned.
I raised an eyebrow and asked, teasingly, "I'm beautiful, right?"
He hesitated, his eyes lingering on me. He thought, *She's… amazing, the kind of beauty that makes ordinary things seem brighter, even her smallest gestures feel alive,* but he only said, "Just… looking a bit better than before."
I scoffed, feigning annoyance. "Huh, you don't deserve my beauty."
He rolled his eyes but smiled slightly. "Then who deserves it? Your husband."
I laughed quietly, blushing as I tossed my dupatta onto the sofa, all the while catching him staring at me whenever I glanced his way.
The doorbell rang. Raffy's expression tensed slightly. "They're here. Act well! Also… don't act too good," he whispered urgently. I raised an eyebrow.
He explained quickly, almost under his breath, "My parents know I have no interest in girls and that I'm never friendly to anyone. If they see me talking to you and acting like this… they'll think I like you. That's why I need you to act normal."
I nodded, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Got it."
He opened the door while I held my dupatta in place. His parents walked in, and I moved forward politely, greeting them. "Please, have a seat," I said, gesturing toward the living room. They were shocked to see me.
Raffy, as usual, remained quiet and reserved. Introverted and a little rude to everyone else, he rarely spoke, but thankfully, he interacted with me. I served tea, and Raffy gave me a subtle, thankful smile, which made me blush unexpectedly.
His parents glanced around the house, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise. I noticed Raffy sitting quietly, focused on his mobile, speaking only when necessary.
"Ah… so you're living here with Raffy?" his mother asked, looking at me.
"Yes," I replied politely.
"And… your name?" his father asked.
"I'm Wateen," I answered, smiling.
His father said while raising his eyebrow "nice name Wateen"
"Does Raffy irritate you?" his mother asked.
I laughed softly. "Not at all. He's kind. He helps me with chores and projects. He may not talk much, but he's dependable. but if he does i will surely contact you"
They laughed and said why not.
Raffy remained silent, his attention still on his mobile, but I could see him glance at me occasionally.
I asked them their names they told me their names his Mother name was"Hina sami" and his Father name was "Sami imran"
That was the moment I finally learned Raffy's full name: **Raffy Sami**.
I poured the tea and handed everyone their cups, trying to act calm while catching Raffy glancing at me nervously. Every time I looked at him, I could see the slight panic in his eyes—he clearly wasn't used to being this friendly with anyone, let alone me in front of his parents.
"So… Raffy, you live here with Wateen?" his mother asked again, trying to make conversation.
"As you can see," he replied.
I bit back a laugh and added, "He's… helpful, really. He makes sure everything's in order. And he helps me with my projects too."
Raffy's father raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. "I see. And you don't mind?"
"Of course not," I said with a small smile.
Raffy fidgeted slightly, clearly embarrassed by my words. I couldn't resist teasing him a little. "See? Even your parents notice how helpful you are."
He rolled his eyes, trying to hide a smirk. "I-I just do what needs to be done," he muttered, avoiding my gaze.
I sipped my tea, smiling innocently while catching him stealing glances at me every few seconds. Every time I looked at him, I could see the tension in his shoulders, the slight blush on his cheeks. It was honestly adorable.
His parents exchanged a look, clearly realizing Raffy wasn't the easiest person to get close to. "He grew up as an only child," his father said. "Quiet, reserved… speaks only when necessary."
"Yes," I agreed, "but he's not that rude."
Raffy's mother gave him a subtle nod, as if silently approving, while Raffy sank slightly into his seat, clearly uncomfortable but relieved that I was handling the conversation.
I couldn't help but smile to myself. He might be nervous, but there was no hiding how H-handsome... and captivating he could be, even when flustered.
His mother, Hina Sami, looked at me and asked, "Your stuff is ready?"
Raffy blinked. "Which stuff?"
"You're going with us home for winter break," she replied.
I froze, shocked. Boredom immediately flashed in my mind at the thought of being stuck there for days.
"No! I'm not going. Let me stay here, I'm not a child," Raffy protested.
His parents turned to me. "We'd like you to bring his things," Hina Sami said kindly.
I hesitated, glancing at him. Then, reluctantly, I nodded and went to collect his stuff. Raffy said to his parents. "Why do you insist?" he asked quietly.
"We are missing you," his mother said softly.
He came into the bedroom where I was sitting on the bed, feet dangling. He sighed and flopped down beside me. I lay down too, propping my head on my hand, elbow on the bed, facing him.
"What should I do?" I asked.
He exhaled. "Can you convince them?"
I shook my head. "No. You should go—they have no other children. Only you."
He groaned. "But it's annoying."
I tilted my head, smirking slightly. "At least it's less annoying than me."
He rolled his eyes. "You should go to your house, then. Don't stay alone."
"Yeah, I'm going tomorrow," I replied, standing up to take his clothes out. "Pack your things."
I went to accompany his parents while he prepared, and when he came out, his mother pressed a soft kiss on my forehead. "You should come with us," she said.
I was shocked, but they insisted. "I have to go to my parents tomorrow," I replied.
"That's so sad. At least visit us. It was fun talking to you," his father added.
They left shortly after. Raffy and I exchanged a look—a quiet, wordless goodbye with our eyes. He walked down the corridor, then turned back. "Your number?" he asked, and I gave it to him.
He looked me up and down once more before leaving. I shouted after him, "Leave! Let me enjoy my peace!"
Once they were gone, I was alone in the dorm. The silence felt strange. I sat on the sofa, flipping through shows and novels, enjoying it at first, but soon boredom crept in. I turned off all the lights and retreated to my bedroom, shutting those lights off too.
I opened the curtains and the window, then lay down on his bed, talking to myself. "He's looking handsome today," I murmured, letting out a soft sigh.
Even if he didn't speak, I didn't feel lonely. There were no one to annoy me—and no one I could annoy. I hit my head lightly. *Why am I missing Mr. Cold?*
I couldn't deny it—I was missing him. And I knew, with a mix of guilt and amusement, that he must be happy having his freedom without me around.
"Oh God!" I shouted to the empty room, talking to myself. "Do I… love him by mistake? No! It can't be true. I hate him… but then why can't I live here alone?"
I didn't realize when sleep finally took me.