Unknown by Nabila Anjum Read Free Book Online Page A

said foot in the air, in the middle of the dance.
     
    "You are the brainy one sweetheart. And the only one beyond reach, to my everlasting regret".
     
    I smile at that, her words echoing my thoughts, as we twirled around in the age-old fashion. It is much later, after finishing the dance, that an unwelcome thought intrudes my senses.
     
    Drew was a great dance partner, but somehow, due to the unfairness of the universe, she had never been the perfect fit for my arms.
     
    I do not stay long after that. Mom had very subtly managed to inform me that Beth had declined the invite. I wasn't much for dancing, and the conversation with Drew had stripped down my appetite. So I say my goodbyes and head for home, stopping at Mac Donald's for a quick take away.
     
    I kill my engine with an outburst loud enough to forewarn her of my arrival, as I park the car. I don't want to startle her with my sudden appearance, given her propensity to jump in fear at the slightest stimulus.
     
    Slowly, and unstealthily, I make my way towards the parlor, anticipating a quiet evening with a chicken burger and a baseball match. What I did not anticipate, was the sight of her curled up on the sofa with a book. I immediately peek at the title of the book. Pride and prejudice. Figures. Again, I stomp my feet to alert her of my presence.
     
    She turns around and smiles at me. My heart takes off in my chest like a rocket, and I give up trying to control it. I do not even try to berate it anymore.
     
    Me and my heart are seldom in accordance. I try to ignore those smiles, my heart keeps detailed records of every twitch of those lips, every twinkle of those eyes. I curse myself for responding, my heart craves the nearness, the proximity.
     
    So yeah, me and my heart are not on speaking terms anymore.
     
    And yes, the situation is completely hopeless.
     
    She had dimmed the lights of the parlor, made some popcorn she was delicately chewing on, poured herself a glass of what looked like mango juice, and was currently looking at me through the thick rims of her reading frames, veiling a pair of adorable blue eyes.
     
    "Hi", she offers, suddenly shy as a gorgeous blush begins to cover the visible portion of her body. I quickly avert my gaze, while my heart breaks out in a dance, singing kumbaya on the way.
     
    "Hi yourself", I murmur, placing the takeaway on the table before flopping on the opposite sofa chair.
     
    "You're back early?" she states softly, nervously twirling a rebellious lock with her index finger. Only it sounds more like a question.
     
    "Yeah", and I am not going to elaborate further.
     
    "Haven't you eaten?" she questions suddenly, squinting at the package on the table.
     
    I have absolutely no idea why she looks so cute. I immediately blame on my treacherous heart and my stupid hormones.
     
    "I didn't know you wore glasses", I comment lamely.
     
    There was a lot I did not know about her.
     
    "They are for reading only", she answers and continues to inspect the takeout wrap.
     
    "I wasn't hungry earlier, so yes, I haven't eaten. On my way here, I saw Mc. Donalds, so I thought why not. Then I figured you'd be hungry too", I shrug, and watch that beautiful smile bloom.
     
    "What did you bring me", she asks enthusiastically, dropping her book in haste as she scurries towards the table.
     
    "Big mac", she murmurs, savoring the smell with closed eyes.
     
    God, she looked like a siren, her half eyes closed, sniffing the burger like a rare delicacy. If only I could trade
    places with the burger. I squish the stupid thought and leave her with the burger to get some plates.
     
    “Here, stop smelling, start eating.”
     
    We eat and talk, then eat some more, the distance between all but forgotten for a few precious moments. She asks me to describe the dance, and I find myself drawing it out for her. She questions me about the food, about the people, about the dresses. She laughs at me, as I proceed to describe the mundane with great