Dream you. Read online

  Taking pity on her and what I hoped was tired of hearing her complaints, Ryan tangled his hands saying,

  "This way it means tangled. You...."

  But before Ryan could complete, Katie engulfed him in a hug.

  "Oh you’re so smart Ryan!! Thank you so much." she squealed like a banshee.

  "Well, it was your task Katie. You were supposed to do it yourself. But never mind." Fauz was annoyed people were losing focus from his game.

  I threw poison arrows through my eyes at Katie's tangled mess on Ryan.

  "Bitch..." Sami whispered to me.

  I corrected her, “No. Its bitches...!”

  "You mean Ry is being a bitch too?"

  "Yes." I muttered, viciously looking at Ryan who removed Katie's arms from around himself.

  Now it was Ryan's turn.

  "My chit says describe the qualities of your 'Dream girl.' ” He announced.

  I was waiting with bated breath to hear his answer...

  "Well, that girl wouldn’t just be gorgeous; she’ll be a shine like that of fire. She’ll have a charming personality. She’ll be funny and a very interesting person. She’ll be caring and loving. Cute in her acts, brave...and all mine.”

  Hearing the qualities of Ryan's ideal girl broke my heart a little.

  "Khwaab now tell us what’s in your chit?" said Fauz.

  I opened it to find that I needed to sing a song.

  Already in an upset mood, I closed my eyes and sang without argument.

  After my song ended, Fauz read his chit excitedly. It said 'Dance with a girl.’

  Fauz stood up and asked me for the dance. Taking a glance at Ryan, I allowed Fauz to pull me in his arms.

  To my disappointment, Ryan did not show even a slightest bit of jealousy. His expression remained calm and casual as if he had no emotions regarding me being in someone else's arm.

  I knew my feelings were one-sided. But has he never felt anything towards me? Nothing at all..?

  An hour after deciding never to see Ryan’s face again for protecting my heart at any cost, I found myself going home in his car.

  3

  Khwaab

  Apparently Sami asked Ryan to give me a ride as she had some work elsewhere.

  I’ll kill you for this Sami!

  Trying to break the awkward silence and also to clear my image after the morning fiasco at home, I decided to explain myself, while keeping my expression smug, as if I had done nothing stupid.

  "About this morning, before you think I'am always so awkward...Let me tell you, it’s not at all like that. I just had’nt seen you. So I told mom you’re not there to be served anything too."

  "Oh I see!! I thought you had seen me and that’s why you touched my cheek to confirm. Maybe I was wrong, hmm?" Ryan said sarcastically with a sinciere expression.

  Seeing his lips twitch, I felt angry at myself and him.

  Deciding I can't let the smug ass enjoy himself at my expense, I snapped,

  "It’s not like that!!! Okay fine. I was thinking something else, hadn’t noticed you. Anyway, I get cranky in the mornings, because I don't like waking up early."

  "So you’re not a morning person. Good to know." Ryan noted smiling at this piece of news about me.

  'Even if he thought my behaviour was weird like touching him and all, which it was, I know. But he is not supposed to say that to my face!!' I thought severely, still nursing my humiliation.

  "I'am sorry Khwaab.” nodded Ryan giving me an apologetic smile.

  "Oh shit! Did I say that out loud?" I was stunned by this realization, that my mind talk had been all loud and clear.

  "Yes, but its okay." Ryan chuckled.

  Then looking at my face he changed the topic, I guess to make me feel better. And it worked too, as he complimented me saying,

  "You sang beautifully today."

  "Thanks." I smiled thinking,

  'Oh God! I hope my voice was not too nasally or childish while singing. Maybe he thought so too and that’s why he’s praising me thinking, ‘she’s a kid, poor girl...She’ll get happy.’ But on second thoughts, if he really did liked my voice? Wow! But I can be wrong.’

  There was again silence in the car. Both of us feeling awkward, not knowing what to say next, since this was the first time in years that we had such a lengthy conversation.

  I gathered all my courage to ask Ryan a serious doubt I have had. I thought he might be of help since he has always been so smart. I had no idea who else to approach with this.

  So keeping my shyness aside I started,

  "Ac...Actually I wanted to ask your opinion re...regarding the new Creative Writing course I...have applied for. I mean...do you think it’ll be good for my ambition to make it big in the writing world? Should I continue it or look for some other course? I don't know who else to ask for advice. So..."

  "I'am glad you approached me Khwaab. What is the course all about?" Ryan asked gently.

  Perked up by his positive response, I pulled out the syllabus from my purse and started reading it aloud for him.

  When I finished, Ryan said encouragingly,

  "Its brilliant Khwaab. You must do it." Then pausing he went on, "um...you...you can ask me if you need any help while studying. I’ll be happy if you come to me Khwaab."

  Ryan's offer for help, made me comfortable and all my nervousness went out of the window. I felt free while talking to him now. Like a friend. But my heart still pricked thinking about Ryan's dream girl and how I'am nowhere near to his choice.

  'Does it mean he already has a girlfriend and those were her qualities he mentioned?' I asked myself fearfully.

  I couldn’t let this thought get out of my mind. I needed to know if he has a girl in his life. Not to come out as nosy or overfriendly, I decided to ask him indirectly.

  In a fake cherry voice I spoke,

  “So Alaiza did not take long between finding the guy out of nowhere! Before we knew it; there was announcement of the wedding date. Seems like yours will be the same case... Since your girl choice is so different, feels like you already have a girlfriend and those were her qualities you told us about.”

  I grinned extra hard while adding quickly, “Just curious you know..."

  Ryan took a minute to answer, letting me sweat in anticipation.

  "Why do you feel I already have a girlfriend?" Ryan’s gaze squinted at me.

  “You said you want a funny and interesting type of girl, so obviously one has to know the girl for quite long to find out if she has those qualities...Clearly you can't find it in a random girl you went on a date with.”

  Teasingly I went on,

  “So does it mean you have someone in mind? And we’ll hear your wedding bells soon?”

  While thinking,'Can you please specify if you have a girlfriend or are you looking for one currently?'

  Instead of answering me, Ryan smirked,

  "What do you find strange or as you said, hard to find in a girl, the qualities I mentioned?"

  ‘Huh! He named such weird qualities and asking me what’s different?! He says caring! Now I'am no Mother Teresa, but yes I have fed the poor a couple of times. To be modest, mine is not what you call a charming personality, I always mess-up everything. I’am energetic but not classy and graceful like those sickly model type bitches are...’

  And realization hit me,

  ‘Oh God..! I'am undeserving to even fantasize about Ryan! He’ll surely be nicked by one of those sickly model type species and I’ll be left high and dry without even a taste of him!!!!' I fretted.

  "Khwaab..? You didn’t answer." Ryan reminded me I need to reply, thus bringing me out of cursing-the-bitches session.

  "Yeah I find your choice different because..." I was about to elaborate when the car stopped near my house.

  Saying goodbye to Ryan, I immediately got out of the car saving myself from answering him.

  I closed my bedroom door and had halfway removed my top when Ryan entered. Quickly pushing my top down again, I was blushing in embarrassment, knowing I wasn’t quick enough and he must have gotten a good look of my bare stomach.

  "Sorry. Actually I knocked a few times before entering, but I think you did not hear it..." said Ryan not sounding sorry at all and not taking his eyes off me when he too should be embarrassed.

  "Oops! Yeah I did’nt hear the knock; I was lost in my thoughts...So you’re here for?" I asked shyly not able to meet his eyes because those were his thoughts I was lost in.

  "You forgot your phone in my car. Here it is..." Ryan brought his hand out, holding the phone, making no attempt to come forward.

  I took a few steps towards him and tried to take it. But he did not let go of the phone, just stared at me as if in trance.

  Blushing I pretended to act all casual,

  "So what are you gifting the happy couple?"

  That broke his staring session.

  "Huh! What?" Ryan asked as if coming back from wherever he had zoned out too.

  Taking advantage of his split second distraction, I snatched my phone away from his grip.

  Then turning my back towards him, I spoke hurriedly without waiting for his answer,

  "I have got them something, but forgot to even wrap it properly. I must hurry up, right? Just a few hours for the engagement bash and I need to get ready as well."

  I sat on my bed fumbling with the gift wrap.

  "Why don't I help you wrap up?" Ryan came to sit beside me.

  He started to wrap the paper while I held the gift, thus brushing his fingers with mine. I lowered my gaze, but could feel his eyes on me non-stop.

  Not able to bear the intensity of his gaze, I got up saying,

  "We...we need ribbons. I’ll just go get them."

  The ribbon box was over my wardrobe. So I
took a stool and stood up on it trying to reach the box. And that’s when I felt warm hands on my waist. Looking behind, I saw they were Ryan's.

  "It’s okay Ryan. Thanks.” I murmured breathlessly. “You don't need to..." I was having difficulty to speak up as his look and touch were making me shiver.

  "I can't risk you falling..." Ryan whispered deliciously.

  Getting the ribbon box, I was about to jump off the stool but in my breathless condition, lost balance. Ryan caught my knees, sliding me on his body; he gently brought me down. It made my top ride up on his chest, grazing my stomach skin on his shirt igniting a sizzle on touch...

  When my feet finally touched the floor, Ryan’s hands that were wrapped around me, rubbed and caressed my bare waist.

  "So soft..." Ryan mused slowly to himself, which could’ve gone unheard, but I did hear him, since we stood so close.

  Lowering my gaze out of shyness, I tried to move away, but Ryan engulfed me tighter with his free arm. Looking deep in my eyes, he leaned his face forward. And without thinking my lips touched his as if on their own accord. We kissed like there is no tomorrow...

  Ryan pulled me closer in his embrace whispering,"From now on, I always wanna hug you like this."

  "I also want the same..." I sighed hugging him back tightly.

  4

  Khwaab

  I closed my eyes to feel his warmth.

  But wait a minute! Why am I feeling thin air in place of a man's body? And where did that warmth go?

  I opened my eyes to find it was yet another fantasy of mine!!!

  Ryan had looked oh so dreamily at me...Damn!!!

  Cursing my fate for not making it a reality; I turned to get ready for the party with Ryan’s glimpses all over my mind.

  I wore a silky black gown that reached my toes and left my arms bare. It did not show anything, yet it showed everything...Fitting my body in all the right places.

  I was still pissed at myself for crushing over Ryan rotten. So reaching the venue of Alaiza's engagement bash, the first person my eyes searched and found was Ryan. Dressed in a sleek carbon black suit, he looked better then desert.

  This did not help my temper at all. I felt it’s unfair to me if he looks like that and I have to bear the bitches ready to snatch him with their claws. While I can't even talk to him or look him in the eye, knowing what kind of dreams I have harboured towards him. Universe had no consideration towards my feelings!

  You should be ashamed of yourself Khwaab. Thinking that way about your cousin is wrong!

  But then why does it not feel wrong?

  I was struggling with my thoughts when I felt someone shaking me,

  "Earth to Khwaab..."

  Startled, I saw that I was surrounded by my cousins—Zake, Fauz, Sami, Alaiza and Ryan. Looking at Ryan, I felt embarrassed.

  Turning to Alaiza instead, who had shaken me to reality; I tried acting as if nothing happened,

  "Hey! What’s going on?"

  "What? Khwaab I should be asking where had you zoned out too?" said Alaiza raising her eyebrows in question.

  “Nowhere...” I murmered looking at Ryan from the corner of my eyes, who was staring at me as if trying to solve a puzzle...

  I turned towards Zake, who looked electrifying in a blue suit,

  “Hey, why were’nt you at the get-togeather this afternoon...?”

  “Football practice...” Zake closed his eyes seemingly exhausted.Yet he looked dapper as ever.

  While Fauz had a young boy kind of charm and look to him, Zake and Ryan are rugged and chiseled to the core. But the similarities ended there. Because Zake is a professional football player, and looks the part, thanks to his domineering muscles and personality, while Ryan’s leath build gives him a commanding yet enticing aura going perfectly with his corporate profession.

  After sometime, having done enough mingling, we were all gathered around the buffet table serving ourselves the delicious food and chatting with Alaiza’s fiancé, Harry.

  While eating, something clicked to Fauz,

  "Why haven’t you announced your good news to everyone yet Ry? C'mon don't be so modest. It’s a big thing!"

  "Ry's big good news, what is it?" asked Zake.

  Then looking at Ryan with a serious expression he went on, “Are you pregnant Ry?! And you did not tell us! How could you?!!"

  Keeping a hand over his heart Zake acted as if really shocked.

  Ryan slapped his back playfully, telling Fauz,

  "It is not a big deal that I need to announce man."

  I couldn’t help the laugh escaping my mouth at there childish bickerings. I was cheering along with others, but all of a sudden Ryan locked eyes with mine, making my cheeks flush. My chuckles died down.

  I couldn’t bring myself to break our eye contact, but I was saved as he got distracted by Alaiza's squeal,

  "Now we want to know. Tell us Ryan!!"

  "Oh yes it’s a big achievement and I heard it from his mom. Otherwise he would have never told us, like he’s not telling us now. But let me do the honours..."

  Spreading his arms wide in a dramatic way, Fauz went on saying,

  "Guys, Ry is being sent to NewYork for regarding a very important project by the company he works for. He is promoted!!!" Fauz thumped Ryan, whose expression said he wished to be anywhere but here at the moment.

  It was news, a great one at that. Sure, we all lived in London and not in some village to never have heard of such a thing before. But still, Ryan being handed over a crucial responsibility and promotion from his office was a thing to be prided upon.

  Everyone congratulated Ryan, but I remained silent. I knew he had noticed that am not showering him with greetings. I could feel his eyes on me all along.

  I was just about to silently slip out of this happy group, when Alaiza came up with a dangerous idea,

  "We all must give Ryan a treat for his achievements tomorrow. And for now how about each one of us feed him a spoonful of desert from our plates, what say?"

  "No need Alaiza. I’am good and you all are taking this way too far. It’s not such a...” Ryan said with a pink blush creeping on his cheeks.

  "Offcourse it’s a big deal Ry. It’s not everyday that you’re pregnant!" Cheered Zake and bent down as Ryan punched his back.

  Laughing he straightened up,

  “I mean it’s not every day we get a goodnews. So when we do, we must celebrate it. And honestly we are proud of you New-Daddy."

  With that Zake ran for his life as Ryan raced after him with playful curses flowing from his mouth.

  I heaved a sigh of relief for not having to spoon-feed sweets to the person who is the desert of my every fantasy.

  But the duo came back too soon for my liking and others went ahead with their vicious plan of feeding Ryan a spoonful of pastry from their plates.

  When it was my turn, I kept on eating like normal, not bothering to look at Ryan or grabbing a fresh spoon for him like others had.