who raised an eyebrow at me. "Why do you need a SIM card? We have Wi-Fi here," he

dence of having my own number. "Yeah, but it feels weird not having a

ainst the wall with a knowing lo

ngers hovering over the screen. "He insists on

course. He never could resist a chan

ped to answer Kristoff's cal

u!" Kristoff's voice crackled with excitement.

was still smirking. "Yea

sted, his eagerness palpabl

g it hard to resist. "Okay, one second." I handed the p

olding it to his ear. "Kristoff! It's goo

gust treating you?" Kristoff's voice was

. I've been showing him around, and I think he's finally st

mebody. But I know he's in good hands with you.

face. "Honestly? Watching him struggle with the h

But seriously, I hope you guys are having a

wash over me. Even though I was far from home, in this moment with Kashi

a soft golden glow that seemed to paint everything it touched in warm hues of orange and pink. As the light began to fade, it illuminated the

see the silhouettes of palm trees standing tall against the horizon, their fronds swaying softly, casting playful shadows on the ground. The sweet scent of blooming jasmine wafted through

he setting sun caught the contours of his face, casting soft shadows that highlighted his features. His hair, tousled by the wind,

very bump in the road sent a thrill through me, but it was the warmth of Kashifa's body against mine that sent my heart racing. The way he smelled, a mix of fresh citrus and s

st, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt, the connection between us palpable and electric. In that moment, everything else faded-the worries,

d. The horizon glowed with a fiery blush, and I couldn't help but feel that this moment, however fleeting, was perfect. The sun might have

own, he guided my hand around his waist, pulling me closer against him. The warmth of his body radiated through the fabric of h

ng in mine, and the simple act of holding on made my heart race. I couldn't help but be drawn into the mo

ised to be heard over the engine, though the pl

tened my grip. I felt a warmth spread through me, a mix of exc

oon air. I could sense his laughter, the lightness in his spirit that always made me feel a little more alive. As we navigated the winding

n of that exchange, addin

-

owed by the rush of wind around us. "Huh?" I asked, leaning in

breaking across his face. "I said, I don't want y

me, the playful double meaning resonating in a way that sent my heart racing. I could almost picture his expressi

stly amused. "So, you're saying

re was an undertone that suggested he meant it in more way

ch confidence and charm, made me feel both exhilarated and vulnerable. The road ahead twisted and turned, but in t

across my face. "I'll try not to fall, b

ckdrop of the fading sun. "Good plan! Just hold on t

It was a journey that bound us together in ways I was only beginning to understand, and with ever

rs began to twinkle overhead, punctuating the darkening sky with a sprinkle of silver. As I dismounted the motorcycl

a chuckle. "You look like you've just disembarked from a long v

d my weight awkwardly, trying to ease the discomfort. "You

ighting the way his eyes sparkled with mischief. "I thought you liked a little adv

demeanor. "Yeah, but you could have mentioned that the journ

time, I'll bring a cushion for you, I promise. But

" I shot back, feeling a warmth

st the motorcycle. The camaraderie between us felt effortless, and I reli

tmosphere was vibrant, welcoming, and for a moment, I forgot the aching in my legs. Kashifa glanced at me, his expression a m

th of the gathering, ready to embra

ced over the vibrant green grass. The air was alive with the sounds of laughter and playful shouts as children darted around, their excitement contagious. In on

ay of platters was spread over the cellophane, showcasing everything from aromatic biryani to freshly made sam

August! You made it!" he called out, his enthusiasm palpable as he rus

f course! We wouldn't miss it for the world!" Then they talked in rapid

upted as a few of the kids chased each other around the food, their giggles ringing out like music against the backdrop of the

sphere was warm and inviting, a tapestry of friendship and laughter woven together under the night sky. I glanced at Kashifa, who

he air, and the warmth of camaraderie that wrapped around us like a comforting blanket. It was a remin

e widening as his eyes met mine, a glint of curiosity lighting them up. There was something disarmingly frie

taking it all in, you know? This is... incredible." I gestured around the garden-the lively

sn't it? We like to keep things lively around here." His tone was light,

his. Everyone's just... so together." I glanced over to where Kashifa was laughing with some of the other guys, his face lit up with genuine jo

e a brother to him these past few days." He gave me a knowing look, one eyebr

... really welcoming." I said, choosing my words carefully, feeling the weight of Salm

ed to be related by blood to be family." He gave my shoulder a reassuring pat before his attention

ce, or maybe it was the people, but it was as if I'd been invited into a world where connection wove through every part of l

've got to refill the food-being a host is a tedious job." He clicked his tongue and gave me an exaggerated wink before patting me on th

but the way he'd said it, his words layered with a casual warmth, lingered with a subtle hint of something else. I chuckled, brushing of

rld, a visitor to this close-knit circle of friends and family. But something about the way he'd looke

is hair was straight and a natural blend of blonde and light brown, catching the warm glow of the garden lights with a hint of gold. His

rugged, windswept look that somehow suited him perfectly. There was something distinctly British about his face, the kind of look that might fit right in on the stree

hard to keep my mind there, especially as I spotted Kashifa making his way over, his friends trailing behind like he

n. I tried to focus on the dishes in front of me-steaming biryani, fragrant with saffron; golden, crispy samosas stacked high on a plate; and a bowl of creamy, minty raita beside it,

s he got closer. It was as if his presence made everything brighter, more alive. I took a breath, t

that familiar spark as they met mine, drawing me in without even trying. "Sorry I left for a