"Tonight's my first dinner with Aban, but what should I wear? I don't have anything appropriate. But it's okay, he knows my situation. I'll just wear this white kurti," Maha mused to herself, her reflection in the mirror contemplating the upcoming rendezvous.
"Good evening, Maha. How are you?" Aban's voice flowed like a soothing melody as he approached.
"I'm fine, thank you. And you, Aban? How was your day?" Maha greeted, her heartbeats quickening slightly at his presence.
"I'm good too, thank you. Hey, Maha, do you have dresses to wear tonight?" Aban's curiosity danced in his eyes.
A fleeting moment of uncertainty passed over Maha's face before she composed herself.
"Yes, I do.
Actually, I hadn't asked you earlier ."
Aban I already told you don't ask me any question.
Aban's gaze lingered on her, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Okay, okay, I won't ask anymore. I'm sorry."
A warm feeling of understanding enveloped them. "Never mind, Aban.
Tell me, which restaurant would you like to go to?"
A playful glint appeared in Aban's eyes.
"Any place is fine, huh?
You're quite new to the city."
Maha chuckled, "Yes, exactly. I'm still exploring."
"Meaning, we'll go according to my choice," Aban teased, a playful grin on his face.
Maha laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Well, if you're up for the responsibility of choosing a place, then sure, we'll go with your choice."
As the evening approached, the air seemed to hold a sense of anticipation. Maha's heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and a touch of nervousness. The white kurti she chose, though simple, held a hint of elegance that reflected her anticipation for the evening. Aban, on his part, felt a sense of responsibility mingled with a growing fondness for Maha's candid nature.
"Maha, you're looking quite good today. Seems like you're settling into the hostel and job well. How was your first day?" Aban inquired, his gaze genuine and curious, a fork poised in his hand.
"It was good, Aban. Everything's new, though, so I'm trying my best to adjust," Maha replied, her voice holding a hint of determination amidst the unfamiliarity, her own fork delicately picking at the food.
"That's understandable. By the way, Maha, if you ever face any issues, you can always let me know," Aban offered with a reassuring smile, taking a thoughtful bite of his meal.
Maha's expression softened with gratitude, and she took a sip of water before responding. "Of course, Aban. You're the only person I know in this city, and I'm not sure why I'm trusting you or why you're helping me.
Sometimes, these questions bother me."
Aban's eyes met hers, understanding the unspoken thoughts. "Maha, not every question needs an immediate answer. Some questions are best left as questions. They keep things interesting."
"True," Maha nodded, her gaze thoughtful, a playful interlude of tasting a Kabab on her plate.
"Alright, let's switch gears. Tell me something about yourself, Aban," Maha prompted, savoring the flavors on his tongue.
"Sure, . I'm originally from Peshawar. I've completed my MS in environmental sciences. Currently, I work in Dubai. I'm on a two-month vacation in Pakistan," Aban shared, his words laced with a touch of pride, a forkful of food suspended midway to his mouth.
"Dubai, huh? Do you have family there?" Maha's curiosity piqued, her fork gliding through a kabab.
"Yes, my family is there. My parents, four brothers – all of them married and settled with their families. I also have a sister who's married. I'm the youngest one, the odd one out, and here I am in front of you,"
Aban grinned, his tone light, savoring the culinary delights before him.
"Will you not tell me about yourself, Maha?" Aban asked gently, his eyes holding a mix of curiosity and understanding.
"My mother passed away when I was two years old. I have three older brothers and no sisters. My father is the remaining family member. This is my family setup. As for me, I'm basically from Swat," Maha shared, her voice carrying a touch of vulnerability.
"Oh, I'm really sorry to hear about your mother's passing. May her soul rest in peace. Ameen," Aban responded with genuine empathy, a moment of solemnity shared across the table.
"Swat is indeed an interesting and incredibly beautiful place. I've been there many times with friends for sightseeing and camping. It's breathtaking," Aban shared, a smile gracing his lips as he reminisced about his experiences.
Maha's eyes lit up as she heard about Swat. "Oh, Swat is truly a gem. Its beauty is beyond words. The lush green valleys, the snow-capped mountains, and the serene rivers, they all create a paradise-like landscape. Every corner of Swat seems to hold a hidden treasure of nature's wonders."
Aban nodded in agreement, his memories painting vivid pictures in his mind. "Absolutely, Maha. And the hospitality of the people there adds to the charm. I remember those camping nights under the starlit sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature. It was like a dream."
"It sounds enchanting. I hope to explore my own homeland more one day," Maha said wistfully, a hint of longing in her voice.
"You should, Maha. Exploring the beauty of your own land can be an incredibly fulfilling experience."