I had been in the library for quite some time, lost in books. The best thing about the library? No one comes here to talk nonsense. It's peaceful. Sukooon.
Just novels. Just stories. Just memories. Just-uff-just peace.
I was searching for books in the romantic genre when, suddenly, my hands landed on Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
I had bought this book only to read one particular scene. But when did I end up finishing that particular scene?I had no idea.
I had picked it up with the expectation that, in her final moments, Anna would be in her lover's arms-smiling and crying, reviewing her love story in those last seconds, whispering words of passion and longing.
But-oh my God-but...
Instead of a heartfelt farewell, she fought with her lover before she died. And just like that, she was gone.And I didn't even realize when it happened.
Still, the way it was written... God... it was so beautifully tragic.
It just proves that quote: 'Everything is fair in love and war.'
A person can do anything for love. And in love, anything can be destroyed. This path is filled with thorns, and yet lovers accept them as if they were roses. [Mohabbat ka rasta kantu sai bara hota hai, lekin is par chalnai walai inhai gulabu ki tarah samj kar chaltai hai]
I was lost in these thoughts when suddenly-
Thud!
The sound of something falling off the table broke my trance.
Something had dropped-probably my bottle, which I had absentmindedly placed behind a large stack of books on the table.
I placed Anna Karenina back on the shelf and rushed toward the table.
The books I had planned to shift to my room were scattered on the floor, and my bottle had rolled under the table.
And a familiar figure sat there.
Meow."
Ugh, this cat again.
It must have sneaked in again-probably through the open window. Looks like it loves the peace of the library as much as I do. That's why it always manages to find its way up to the second floor, overcoming obstacles like some warrior.
Honestly, I have no idea how it gets up here. Maybe the structure of our house makes it easier for it to climb.
"Meow."
"Oh, so you came back. I waited for you, you know," I muttered, folding my arms.
I don't know why, but I really like this cat whenever it shows up.
My inner voice woke up...Ahad likes cats too-ahem, so what? That has nothing to do with anything.
Wow, now I am fighting with my inner voice Damnit Ahad
Anyway, I always end up talking to this little brat and trying to play with it. But this ungrateful creature never gives me any attention. It just eats for a while, then, once its hunger is satisfied, it straight-up ignores me and leaves on its own terms.
Every single time, I swear that the next time it comes, I will ignore it. I mean, come on, self-respect is a thing.
But... hayy... I always forget.
This is probably the first and last animal on Earth-well, technically, humans are included in zoology too-that I put so much effort into.
But still, this shameless creature makes me look shameless.
And on top of that, it doesn't listen to anyone.
"Meow."
"Yes, ma'am, I know. You're hungry," I said, placing my hands on my hips before picking up the biscuits that had fallen off the table.
"Here, eat these. And yes, as always, don't give me any attention."
I knew it. As soon as it started eating, it would keep meowing nonstop.
"Acha suno," I said, pulling a chair closer and sitting down beside it. "Do you ever say anything other than 'meow meow'?"
"Meow."
"Okay. fine. Meow..." I took a deep pause.
You know, jitna mei tumhara sunti hu, uthna mei kisi insan kai bachai ka nhi sunti [I listen to you more than I listen to any human kid]. And especially more than that human brat who calls me Sleeping Beauty."
I mimicked his deep tone when saying Sleeping Beauty and ugh-that annoying, arrogant, shameless Ahad.
I was still ranting when I suddenly heard the sound of the door opening.
I quickly moved my legs off the table and stood up to leave.
"Meow."
"Yes, yes, sister, I'm coming back. Just checking who it is," I said, waving my hand toward the biscuits "Go on, eat your biscuits."
I turned around and crashed into something solid.
But not just any solid thing.
A hard wall.
Except this wall had a deep, fresh scent.
And it was so tall that my elbow barely reached its chest.
I looked up and scowled.
You shameless! What if I got hurt?" I snapped at Ahad.
He leaned closer, bringing his annoyingly confident face near mine.
Still dressed in his white button-down shirt and black wide-leg pants, both hands tucked into his pockets, he smirked and lowered his head to my level.
"You wouldn't have gotten hurt."
His voice was calm.
"And even if you did..." His smirk deepened.
"I'm here. Mei sambhal laita."