Four - Expect The Unexpected

Alizeh's POV 

I entered the cafe with confidence until I glanced around and saw how pretty the place's ambiance is and the people here. That made me feel self-conscious.

I saw a hand waving at me. I looked in the direction and the crowd disappeared to the side. There I saw him.

Jason!

Sitting at one table, smiling at me.

I took a deep breath trying to appear composed and walked towards him.

He looked quite the same as he looked in his profile picture. In fact, he looked much better in real life. He wore a crisp white shirt. The same gelled hair, light stubble, and smile on his face. A sigh of relief washed over me thinking about the last I am finally on a genuine date after so many years.

As I reached near, he got up. He appeared taller than I thought. His attire suited him. Seems like he has also gone through shuffling and invading through the clothes in his wardrobe in the morning.

Although he pestered the thought of meeting at dinner time, as it might have gone sufficient for his duty time. I gave him an excuse for being busy at work and called him for morning coffee. He looked fresh but I doubted if he had taken a bath or not?

Probably yes.

"Hey hi, Alayzeh?" His sparkling brown eyes hooked on me.

"Ummm... Jason?" As I said, he offered his hand to me and I gave in.

''Yeah,'' he let out a chuckle which I have heard on calls before. I let out a nervous chuckle.

"Have a seat," He said, pulling out a chair for me.

I sat first and then he took a seat.

His skin looked brighter in real life. I had an urge to check myself in the mirror.

"It’s Alizeh by the way" I corrected him, glancing at the glass. I couldn't form an opinion if I am looking good or not.

"Oh, nice to meet you in person Alizeh," He said, flashing a smile at me.

Every time he smiled so wide I could see his gums. I quickly took a look at myself in front of the mobile camera and saw I looked pretty good.

Everything is fine Alizeh, you are overthinking, you look good. I talked to myself.

"Thank you, same here. How's your morning?"

I asked him.

"Rushy," he chuckled.

"How was yours?" He asked.

I don't want to talk about the unfortunate morning events, which left me feeling frustrated, exhausted, and broke. I let out an awkward laugh.

"Beautiful. I love mornings" I chuckled again.

"Haha, I wish I could choose any one of them. My duty doesn't allow me to have favorites" Then he suddenly leaned over the table, looking at me "You look gorgeous by the way" he whispered and then got back to his seat.

''Okay,'' I said feeling dumb.

What did he just do? Is he flirting with me or scaring me?

-

Next few minutes, we laughed and talked about various things. We ordered a coffee with some food. He ordered fries which gave me a weird feeling. I can't eat oily things in the morning. He talked about how he was willing to meet me on a date, and also shared that he is looking forward to getting into a relationship with me, as he wants to settle down as soon as possible.

"Why? Is there any hurry?" I asked him.

"I mean, I really had decided to get married by this age," He said, adjusting the collar of his shirt.

Married by this age!

Well, one of the things mum wants me to do. I nodded at him understandingly. But his reason did not convince me. Will he settle down with anyone just because he is aging?

He kept talking about his life, and how he doesn't get time for himself.

"Well, Alizeh, the thing is my duty timings are not fixed. Whenever there is an urgency I need to go." he talked, keeping his demeanor serious.

"I can understand," I said while taking a sip of coffee.

"Because of volatile shifts, I couldn't travel yet. I want to go on a long trip after retirement." He talked about his retirement plans.

Well, that's far ahead.

"What do you think about life after marriage?" He asked, earning my baffled look.

Life after marriage! I wish to have one, unlike my parents.

"I never had such extraordinary adventurous wishes in my life. I am a simple person. The main reason I called you for a morning date was, I really wanted to spill some truthful insights from my life." 

He smiled genuinely nodding at me.

"Even I would like to share something about my life. I had two girlfriends and it's been three years since I had broken up with the second one. My duty was the reason I couldn't give time to her. So if spending time together is on your list then you still have the choice to reject me " He stated.

I chuckled, shaking my head.

I have really liked his spontaneous attitude and behavior. So I would not mind sharing some of my past life events with him.

"Jason, I ..actually...want to share with you something very important about my past"

I tried to be careful with my words. He nodded while sipping his coffee. "There's no need for it Alizeh. Past is past. We should focus on our present for a better future".

That's great but-

"But it is important for me to share it with you. Because my past is a part of my present and will be there in the future as well" I said, his eyes narrowed at me then he put the coffee mug down.

"Yeah go on, I am all ears," He replied.

I took a deep breath and let it out, holding my hands together.

"I..." pausing in between I tried to calm myself down. He seems like a genuine man and even though mum has warned me to not share my past, I can't lie in front of anyone, especially if anyone is looking for a life partner in me.

"Mommy"

Before I could talk, I heard this very much familiar voice of someone. It reminded me of Kiara. No no Alizeh, don't be an idiot. She can't be here. She must be with her grandparents.

"So I was telling that..."

''Mommy''

I was interrupted again.

I couldn't hold the curiosity and looked back in the direction. Kiara flashed a sparkling smile at me. Our eyes met and she waved.

"Mommmyyyy"

I shrieked in horror and immediately looked away, grabbing the menu card and covering myself behind it.

"What happened Alizeh? You were talking about something..." Jason asked me to touch the menu card. I shooed his hand away.

The main thing I was concerned about is what Kiara is doing here? And how the hell did she find me?

"Alizeh? Are you okay?" he sounded concerned.

"Hun I...yeah I was just checking the menu. I am hungry" I stuttered.

"Oh, we should have brunch then" His polite voice and Kiara's over-enthusiastic voice made me anxious to behave weirdly.

"Mommy, I found you," Kiara chirped clasping her hands.

This time I heard her voice close to me. I looked above the menu and there she is, smiling at me, showing her crooked teeth.

"Mommy?'' Jason asked me cluelessly.

I held the coffee and drank it hurriedly not knowing how to react.

Things are turning out exactly the opposite as I thought. 

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