Let me Hate you by Anjaani (the reading list .TXT) 📗

Here comes the trouble

It's only been two days since Amaan got married to Asmaira; however, to add up to his frustration, things started changing for him, a change which he was not ready for, which he deliberately avoided. With his father's persistence to join the office and his mother's behavior at home, he was furious. As if they are hell-bent on mending him to their whims. 

On his first day back to the office, Fariya made him sit next to Asmaira, much to the latter's horror. He could not take the torment and go out without having his breakfast. Earlier, he thought he would play along to see what Asmaira was up to; however, he was a broken soul who could no longer strain his already muddled brain. 

In one month, while life was difficult for Amaan, who acted as if caught in a cage, things were looking brighter for Asmaira as she learned to survive with him in the same room along with taking care of Kabir. Amaan usually leaves early for the company, and by the time he is back, Asmaira has already shut into her haven, leaving no chance of facing him. With his absence, she spent more time with Kabir, and he also got habituated to her being around him. Fariya was happy with how Kabir was progressing with Asmaira, and her hope slowly arose for her son. 

Maybe things will also fall into their place for Amaan, too, she sighed.

Asmaira spent most of her time with Kabir and was more than pleased, as she didn't have to face the rest of the family. It's only during their mealtime when she actually had to face others, including Salar. Much to her relief Amaan never came back by dinner time, and this was something which Salar ignored. He thought as long as he was away from drinking and focusing on business, it was none of his concern to think about his relationship with Asmaira. He failed to notice that Amaan was going back to his penthouse after finishing his work to drink and would deliberately come at the late hour of the night. Noticing Kabir's changed behavior, Salar softened a bit towards Asmaira.

In all, Asmaira was getting comfortable in her new house, cordially behaving with the rest of the family, who seemed pleased with her, with minimal contact with Amaan. Most importantly, she got to do what she came for, being Kabir's mother. There were hysterical instances where Hania and Ishaal tried persuading her to start changing her simple appearance. She knew they were secretly planning to make Amaan fall for her. She, every time, politely steers clear of their attempts. 

Nevertheless, her happiness didn't last for long with the arrival of Mehwish Khan.

Mehwish was an arrogant woman, unlike the rest of the family, and held high air about herself. Though she worked as an economic professor at an American university, she looked down upon people with poor backgrounds with her haughty aura. She never liked women from the middle or lower class as she felt they are good for nothing and wooed rich men for money. She never liked Raina. For her, Raina was a gold digger with a sharp tongue. She always wondered how her favorite brother could fall for her. 

When Amaan called her to help him stop the marriage, she could not help him due to her university schedule; however, she promised to help him as soon as possible. Much to her shock, a few days later, she heard about his wedding. She got furious upon hearing the news and flew back to the mansion to confront her parents.

“How could you, Ma? You were so eager about the whole wedding thing that you could not wait for me? I mean, he is my brother, and I didn't get to attend his wedding,” Mehwish spoke while pacing back and forth.

“It was necessary.” This time Salar spoke, defending his wife before his daughter lost her calm. 

Both father and daughter have the same temperament, and hence when he spoke, Mehwish had no way to retort. 

“Where is she?” not hiding her resentment, Mehwish said

“Take some rest as you must be tired. You will get to meet Asmaira at the dinner,” Fariya said.

“Asmaira, is that her name?” Mehwish snorted.

Not waiting any more minutes, she stormed out of her parent's room. As soon as she reached her room, she stepped towards the balcony to calm her anger, closing her eyes. Suddenly she heard giggling and laughter sound, turning her head. She saw a toddler and a girl playing and laughing in the garden.

It must be her! Another gold digger, she sneered.

While Asmaira was busy with Kabir, she heard an arrogant voice, “So you are her?”

Confused, hearing a new voice, she turned and saw a woman in her late thirties, wearing a gray formal business suit and black heels with crossed arms. Her snobbish aura made Asmaira feel like trouble. Upon hearing no response from her, Mehwish again asked, “You must be enjoying the luxury here,” spreading her arms. Her sarcasm didn't go unnoticed by Asmaira, who started wondering who this lady was and how she offended her.

“What! Cat caught your tongue?” Mehwish said irritably.

Hearing the fuss, Maya and Amber came running, seeing Mehwish both bowed and greeted her. 

“This is Madam Mehwish, Amaan's Sir elder sister,” Maya introduced, seeing the confusion all over Asmaira's face.

Oh boy! Here comes the trouble, Maya thought, feeling pity for Asmaira.

“Are you deaf, or are you acting dumb?” Mehwish lost her cool this time.

“I...I am sorry, I didn't mean to offend you,” Asmaira finally got over herself and said.

Asmaira noticed that Mehwish was cold towards her and didn't understand her disdain.

“Take him away; I want to talk to her alone,” Mehwish commanded Amber, pointing towards Kabir.

Asmaira frowned, noticing her lack of apathy towards Kabir.

“Don't be under an illusion that you became a part of the Hashmi family and can enjoy the status of the young mistress. I know girls like you who play tricks to marry rich men and use their money. You are nothing but just a maid here. Don't forget your status, and remember I am watching you.” Emphasizing her last sentence, she made her point clear and left without waiting for a reply.

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