one last chance (book 2 MTMK)

life's not fair

chapter 5

Alishba pov:

I stared at my reflection and nodded to myself giving an okay. It's been a week since Rameez asked me about the function and today's the day. I mean night. Anyway, I put on my gold heels that complemented my black gown. The gown was full black chiffon with embedded lace covering it. The waist held a gold belt securing along my waist giving it an elegant finish. I paired it with black and gold hijab and a light makeup. Because I was too tired and laazy. Last week has been so hectic, I couldn't get enough sleep. If onky I could say no to Rameez, but knowing him he would've dragged me.

"Mommy, why can't I go?" Laila asked coming beside me looking in the mirror. I hate to leave her but I know functions like this go on long and she had school tomorrow. "Baby, I'm sorry, but you had school tomorrow. And beside grandpa Aziz is on his way. He'll be with you." Her frown turned into a grin as she jumped up and down. "Really, gran Aziz, will be here." I nodded and smiled just as the bell rang.

Opening it I smile as gran pulled into a hug. Did I mention he was my mother dad. Yeah, and guess how I found out. When I gave birth to Laila, he came to my house suddenly after disappearing for two months. Grandpa and dad was there and they into argument, well since they were too old to break each other bones. Anyways, then I found out thatt all this time I was living with my grandpa. I was mad and hurt, he never told me. But seeing the poor guy cry whenever he came to visit me, I couldn't stop. He told me he had forgiven my mom when he found out she gave birth and wanted to amend their relation. But mom and dad hid somewhere else. He just wanted to talk to her but she died and it was too late. Both of us had cried for our loss that night and after that things began to get better.

"You're here, gran. Come in. What would you like?" I made my way to kitchen and he followed, "water will do for now. You go enjoy. I'll spend some time with my granddaughter." I smiled and kissed his cheek and called Laila. "Laila, gran is here. Come down." I fetched water for gran and rolled my eyes with a smile as I heard Laila squeal, probably because gran was tickling her. Going out of the kitchen I gave gran water with a smile as I kissed laila's head.

The bell rang just as I was about to text Rameez. Opening the door, I ushered Rameez in. Gran was on tge couch with Laila who was showing him her new paintings. I picked up my bag and keys and went to them. "Gran, Laila must me in bed by 10." He nodded absentmindedly and I groan. They were busy without a care in the world. "GRAAANN." I shouted which caught there attention but made me looked like i***t as Rameez started laughing.

"What happened, Ali? Why are you screaming? And why are you still jere?" Gran asked innocently. Rolling my eyes I put my hands on hips. "I was saying something. Laila must be in bed by 10. The dinner is ready, you just have to heat it. Make sure to give her milk before sleeping. And NO extra sweets and cookies." I said and took a deep breath. "If you forgot, this isn't my first time. You can go and loosen up. It's all set here." Gran grinned as he pulled Laila closer and shooed us out. I quickly kissed Laila's head aand followed Rameez. Reaching the door I stopped and hurried back to gran, "And gran, DONOT forget to make sure she brushes her teeth." I rolled my eyes as I heard a series of Okay.

Once in the car, Rameez drove to our destination. "You never told me what kind of event is it." I asked him. He rolled his eyes and gave me a side glance. "Curious much, it's a charity show my friend is hosting." I nodded and waited as we reached our destination. The drive was not thatt long and now we were standing in front of the grand venue. Seriously, it was made to impress. The entrance was grand and I'm sure the interior would be too. We made our way in and were surrounded by our business partners.

The function started late due to some chief guest thatt got stuck in traffic. The show was remarkable. The pieces for bidding were marvellous, piece of art. It was beautiful. The company had surely maade billions through this function. It was nearly midnight and Rameez started acting weird. He looked and gave me a secret smile like he knew something I don't.

After fifteen minutes I was fed up of his behaviour and cornered him, "okay, Rameez, what's going on? You're acting weird." He looked anywhere but me. "It's nothing, you're just imagining." He glanced at his wristwatch and his eyes widened, "look Ali, I have to make a very important announcement. I'll be back." He rushed past me and vanished into the crowd. I sighed and looked around, might as well entertain myself. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to have your attention for a while." I stopped and turned back as I spotted Rameez on the stage. He was looking directly at me, I gave him a quizzical look and he grinned and lookeed back at the crowd. "I want you to start countdown with me please." He lookeed at his wristwatch and started, other people joining him.

'10'

'9'

He looked me smiling then back at the watch.

'8'......'7'.....6.....'5.....'4'......'3'....

He looked behind him and than back at me.

2......'1'

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALISHBA." my eyes widen as he screamed this. I had completely forgotten my birthday due to the hectic week. "Everybody it would mean alot if you would wish her, she is there." In an instant the lights were on me as everyone cheered and fireworks started.

"Happy birthday to you." A chorus of this started and I was flushed with all the attention. Rameez walked upto me and grinned. "How do you like it?" I gave him a flat look as I puched his arm. "Ow- woman."

"I love it." I grinned and he rolled his eyes rubbing the spot I hit.

"I had totally forgot about it." I looked around to see everyone smiling, making me smile back, "I knew that's why I did this. Now com'on time to cut the cake." I gaped at him "you arranged a cake??" He grinned as I saw a waiter pushing a trolly and stopping in front of me. The cake was simple yet beautiful chocolate cake. "Thankyou Rameez. You're the best friend anyone could have."

"I know, I know. Please cut the cake before everyone jumps on it." I eyed the people who were waiting eagerly for me to cut the cake. Nodding I held the knife and cut it as a series of happy birthday rang in my ear.

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Everyone was slowly leaving after eating cake. The cake was delicious. It was almost one and I was worried about Laila. "Rameez let's go home. It's pretty late." He nodded and said goodbye to his colleagues. Just as we were about to leave the venue a voice stopped me dead in tracks. I was frozen at spot. The time seemed to stop and so was my breath.

The very familiar yet strange voice hit my ear making me stiff. I turned slowly praying it was just my ears playing trick at me but my prayers were gone unheard as my eyes set upon the face I saw first time in six years. The face I hated yet missed at the sametime.

"Happy birthday, belle."

"Ryan." A whisper escaped me...

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