"I told y'all that it was a terrible idea!" I scream on the verge of blacking out, my breath hitches in my throat as I sense the headlights enhancing.
Every time I strive my level best to resist them from their nefarious ideas but always we end up in highly questionable activities just like this one.
"Should we just run!" Hoorain utters clinging tightly to Maha. "To where? Into the car" Ayra snaps, her hat almost falls due to chaos.
"Guys look at the bright side, accident mein Marne Wala seedha jannat Jayega" Maha grins with her trembling voice earning a glare from all of us "shut up!" We all yell simultaneously.
"Meri to Shaadi bhi nahi hui" Maha yells of course she had to bring this up now
"Nahi Meri to chaar chaar hui pari hai" Ayra quivers
The car stops with a halt "ok guys I'm dead mere janaze mein chocolates rakhwa dena eik do mujhe khilakar" I tightly shut my eyes until a familiar voice hits my eardrums. The car door swings open revealing the last person I wished to see right now! Ayan, Ahad and Zaid steps out of the car, covering their face with the explainable shock. I didn't expect anyone to normally react after witnessing a bunch of girls trying to sneak into the university, that too in a detective suit.
Ahad is the first one to break the awkward silence, his expressions define a lot about his serious personality but I have a weapon to melt his exterior "what are you all doing here?"
"That too in an all black attire?" Rayan follows us, great now what explanation do we have? Just casually sneaking into our highly secured university.
"Well..um..yeah! We were here for practical visualization for the scene of my book" Hoor blurts out and I can't help but take pride in it, might be unintentional but a smart move lady. Ahad's facial features soften after catching her sight in this dress but he covers it.
"I'm not buying it girls, besides I think that such a pathetic idea can only be a product of Ayra's mind" Zaid pockets his hands and looks at Ayra, adjusting his spectacles. Technically it was Ayra's idea, but it's our friendship rule that even if the kaand is orchestrated by one of us, we all are taking the blame.
Inhaling the offensive breath of Zaid's allegation, Ayra furiously jumps in front and here they go with their rivalry "no one's asking you to buy it! You should mind your own business" note the emphasis on the word you.
He steps closer to Ayra with rage bubbling in her grey orbs "how many times do I have to tell you that you are my business, dear old rival" all of our jaws hypothetically drops on the floor, others might be shocked because of his cruelty but for me and Hoor, it sounds hot (assemble up enemies to lovers readers).
"You know what? Just get out of here!"
She gasps pointing her finger at him, "right, I don't remember you owning this property Ayra" he retorts with a casual smirk on his face while Ayra's expressions are murderous.
"Alright guys that's enough. You can't go on with your hatred on the way to our university" the sensible Ahad Sikandar breaks their intense tension apart and all of us shift our positions, preparing ourselves for what's coming.
Hoor is yawning, declaring how sleepy of a person she is, Ayra is staring at Zaid with the same intensity and looking at Zaid... it's mutual, Maha is grinning with her eyes mischievously twinkling probably marvelling at our situation, Rayan appears as someone who doesn't give a damn about whatever is happening around him, grumpy man, meanwhile I am petrified.
"Hazel?" Oh no shit! I forgot he was here as well "I must say you're gorgeous in this suit"
Screw everything and let's turn this mission Impossible into mission murder of Ayan Ansari, I'm willing to take the blame and whatsoever the consequences.
"I hope you have a heart attack" I irritatingly state, with no doctor to save you is silent.
"Only if I had one hazel" what? "My heart is yours, I gave it to you"
Cheee!
"In that case he must have hundreds of hearts distributed among half of the female populations" Zaid laughs while hitting Ayan's arm.
"This is all your idea right? Crazy girl" Rayan speaks for the first time and this time Maha laughs "so sweet of you to think that this brilliant idea will be mine"
But then she explains everything from A to Z. All of their reactions are worth capturing but all I can fantasize right now is the picture of us four getting our termination letters or sitting inside a jail roasting eachother.
"What!" Excluding Ayan all of them shout in unison.
"You all thought dressing up as ninjas was the best idea to do it?"
"What were you guys even thinking?"
"You all are crazy"
One by one, drops from the shower of insults falls upon us. However Ayan is the only one laughing "this is way too interesting to pass. We're coming with you"
"No way!" Ayra protests "We donât need your help."
"Really?" Zaid smirks. "And how were you planning to get past the security alarms and CCTV cameras?"
We girls exchanged glances, clearly hadnât thought that far ahead. Maha suggests agreeing with them, so do I and Hoorain but at the end Ayra has to agree as well.
Ahad is seriously enjoying Hoorainâs expressions, it's really hard not to notice that he's interested in Hoorain when he's literally ogling over her.
He adds seriously, "Yeah, weâre definitely coming"
After a moment of tense silence, Ayra sighed. "Fine. But donât expect us to thank you."
"I didn't sign up for this" Rayan complaints with his stoic expressions, but he walks with us so it's a win win situation. I wish we could've adjusted Ayan in some sack and throw him on the road. My friends are obviously shocked to see me this blunt with him as I'm always the sweet and innocent type but this Ayan brings the worst out of me.
"So, whatâs the plan, geniuses?" Zaid asks, looking at Ayra.
"We get to the locker, get the file, and get out," Ayra replies confidently.
"And how do you plan to bypass the security system?" Rayan asks.
"We... improvise," Maha says, trying to sound confident."Improvise?" Ayan laughs. "Great plan."
I could've slept soundly right now, but of course I had to end up in this mission.
Fate is utterly indulged in an ironic game with me. I wished to avoid bumping into Hoorain Shah for her sake and mine as well but I had to meet her late at night, on a dark road, dressed up in an all black attire.
To be honest, my heart felt that same unusual sensation when my gaze landed on her, those blue eyes emanating a slight hope, those soft bangs that were peeking through her hat, and her round face, she appeared way too cute for my poor heart to handle.
However, the highlighted point that blew my senses is that these innocent looking girls took a really huge step in the name of fun.
"Guys! How are we bypassing the security system. Help me or else my life will ruin" the girl named Maha cries out before Inaya shuts her mouth with her hand "ahista bolo Meri maa hum dawat par nahi aye, we are sneaking"
A strange voice of Rayan scoffing erupts the surrounding "that's what she can never do"
"You seem to know alot about her something we should know brother" Ayan winks and hits him with his elbow. I'm seriously done with handling these kids alike adults, we are literally stepping into career lives yet this is what we are doing.
"I feel like you should stop taking interest in me rhino" Maha exclaims while Ayan and Zaid starts laughing maniacally. Why am I blessed with these kids?
"Stop calling me that" Rayan states with a stern face and turns back to let us continue whatever we were doing.
"Seriously guys! The security?" Ayra furiously declares making all the heads turn towards her "I don't know Ms academic worm, you must have some plan for this ridiculous mission" Zaid smirks wickedly looking at her and I can't let another battle begin here.
"Calm down guys, we don't have any room for an argument so figure out something for this system" as I stare upwards, I sense a group of eyes burning a hole on my back. Turning back I notice all of them peering at me, muddled I ask "what?"
I seriously don't know what are they all suggesting and if what I'm wondering is their idea then they should change it because under no circumstances I'll do that.
"Guys Ahad has legendary Tech skills" Ayan affirms and I will honestly kill him "I don't know I won't do this" blankly these words escapes my mouth.
I'm definitely not using my skills for this operation.
"Please Ahad Bhai do this for us" Inaya aims to trigger my emotional side by calling me Bhai "yes Ahad Bhai just one time save me" Maha follows her "Bhai yes we heard that you are really phenomenal at it" followed by Ayra, "Right Hoorain" all of the people except Rayan turns at her, leaving her speechless.
I rub my head in the hope that she doesn't join this Bhai chorus.
"yeah.." she stammers "Ahad can you please help us this one time"
I can't say no to her, it will sound rude right?
This is the first time that she has ever demanded something from me and the capability to say no to her has vanished, I don't hold any control on myself "I'll do it"
I gather myself and look at the group. "Alright, but we need to split up to make this work. The security system is complex, and weâll need to handle multiple things at once. Ayra and Zaid, you take care of the power grid."
Ayra and Zaid exchange looks of disdain. "With him?" Ayra scoffs.
"With her?" Zaid echoes.
"Come on, guys, this isnât the time,â I say firmly. "We need both of you on this."
They begrudgingly nod. "Fine," Ayra says.
"Whatever," Zaid mutters.
"Inaya and Ayan, you two handle the surveillance room," I continue.
Inaya looks apprehensive, while Ayan grins mischievously. "Sure thing, boss," he says.
"Maha and Rayan, you guys deal with the locker," I instruct.
Maha nods eagerly, while Rayan rolls his eyes but agrees.
Hoorain yawns and says, "I have no energy to go anywhere. Iâll stay here."
Internally, I smile, but I keep my expression neutral. "Alright, letâs move. We donât have much time."
After explaining them what they actually have to do with those stuffs, I quickly act upon the panel, it seems like a piece of cake for me. I watch Hoorain barely able to stay awake, her head leaning against the wall.
"Why did you join if you were sleepy?" Mustering up all my courage I finally initiate a conversation "because we are always together no matter the circumstances" I'm glad to feel that she's finally comfortable around me.
"At least after today I won't be just a gunda for you" I chuckle meaning it to be a friendly joke, surprisingly she giggles "for that you should use your punch a little less"
Has Hoorain traded her souls with someone else? Because the shy, introverted girl would never joke with me like, I kinda like this version.
"just demand it once and I'll never raise my hand" the words escapes my mouth swiftly but I hold no regret as I mean it, every single word.
Her eyes widenes up and before this moment could've gone more awkward I gesture to move towards the locker "we've got 20 minutes let's move"
What more can I ask for? When I get to meet my Hazel in the middle of an unexpected mission."I think you must be obsessed with me," Inaya says, her eyes narrowed as she adjusts the settings on the surveillance system. "After getting so much insulted, you still manage to flirt with me."
I chuckle in response, leaning against the console, watching her with amusement. I've never loved anyone, and being obsessed is an entirely different case. Honestly, I've never constantly flirted with a girl who isn't interested in me, but teasing her brings me a different kind of joy.
"Aw hazel, aren't you so desperate for me to be obsessed with?" I reply, flashing my irresistible smile.
"Desperate my foot" she mutters, rolling her eyes and focusing on her task but I can see the faint blush on her cheeks
She lets out an exasperated sigh. "Can you be serious for one minute? We need to disable the cameras.""I'm always serious," I say, winking. "Just not in the way you want me to be."
"Alright, I'm disabling the east wing cameras," she says, typing rapidly. "Make sure you don't mess this up.""Me? Mess up? Never," I say, moving to the other console. I quickly disable the west wing cameras, but not before making a face at her. "See? Easy peasy."
She glances at my screen, then back at hers. "Okay, now we just need to... wait, did you really name the camera feeds after girls?"
I grin. "Of course. That one's my ex and the other is my next" She shakes her head, trying to suppress a smile. "You're impossible."
As we head back, I can't resist one last tease. "So, will you date me?"
"In your dreams, Ayan," she says, but there's a small smile on her lips. I grin. "I'll keep dreaming then. "And with that, we head back to the others, ready to tackle the next part of our crazy mission.
"Just stay out of my way," Ayra says, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she strides ahead of me. "Gladly," I mutter, rolling my eyes. I match her pace, knowing that working together is inevitable, even if itâs the last thing I want to do.We reach the power grid room, and Ayra immediately starts fiddling with the controls, her fingers moving with an annoying level of expertise.
The way she thinks of herself as the academic beast or a born genius annoys me, everything about her annoys me.
Youâre going to mess it up," I retort, pushing her aside gently to take a look myself. "Step aside and let the genius work." She glares at me, her eyes practically shooting daggers.
"I know what Iâm doing, Zaid. Unlike you, I actually pay attention in class."
"Ha, funny. But Iâve seen you mess up plenty of times," I counter, smirking. "Remember that time in the presentation when youâ"
"Shut up," she interrupts, turning her attention back to the controls.
We work in silence for a few minutes, each of us absorbed in our tasks. Finally, I hear a small click from my side. "Got it," I say triumphantly, stepping back with a satisfied smile.
"You know I can actually tarnish your reputation by telling everyone about this little stunt of yours" I state carrying out the instructions of Ahad.
"Ha ha! Mr Mirza now you're stuck as well, you're equally involved with me" with her stoic expressions she crosses her hands over her chest.
Her point does make sense.
"I could've done anything but here I am helping the person I hate the most"
"Trust me, you're not even the last person I wanted to be with"
"Alright it's done now you can get lost with your ugly face as soon as possible" I smirk, pocketing my hands
"Fuck you" she says with a fiery look in her eyes meanwhile I roll my tongue and utter with a devilish grin "sorry sweetheart my standards isn't low"
"I hate you so much" her jaws clicked and I can't help but aggravate her furthest "so you ask that nasty wish to all of the people you hate Ayra?"
"Just shut up!" Her bold comment does no harm to me, I like this tortured look on her face.
We all huddle in front of the locker, waiting for Ahad to work his magic. The air is thick with tension and the occasional sound of footsteps in the distance. Ayra and I are still bickering, Inayaâs head is on a swivel, and Ayan is⦠well, Ayan is Ayan. Hoorain looks half asleep, and Rayanâs expression screams that heâs done with all of us.
"Alright, everyone," Ahad says, his fingers flying over the keypad. "Iâm going to crack the code. Just keep an eye out for any trouble."
Ayra rolls her eyes. "Trouble? Us? Never."
I smirk. "Speak for yourself."
Ahadâs focus is intense, and within moments, thereâs a satisfying click. The locker swings open.
"Got it," Ahad announces, his tone triumphant.
Just as Maha reaches in to grab the file, a deafening alarm goes off. We all jump a foot in the air. We are definitely dead.
"Maha!" Inaya shouts over the noise. âWhat did you do?â
"It wasnât me!" Maha yells back, looking genuinely offended.
"Everyone, grab the file and run!" Ayra screams, with her protective instincts.
We bolt down the hallway, the alarm blaring in our ears. The lights start flashing, and I can hear footsteps echoing behind us.
"Weâre so dead!" Hoorain wails, her eyes wide with fear.
"Nahi nahi mene kaha tha Yahan aanay ka!" Inaya shouts, crying mingling "bus AJ bachalein"
We sprint through the hallways like our lives depend on it, dodging security cameras and trying to avoid detection. Ayan is laughing like a maniac, which, to be honest, is not helping anyone stay calm.
"Why are you laughing?" Ayra snaps, trying to keep up.
"This is just too much fun!" Ayan replies between gasps for breath. "Itâs like a real-life heist movie!"
"Youâre insane," Inaya mutters, shaking her head.
As we reach the main entrance, I glance back and see a security guard rounding the corner.
"Weâre not going to make it!" I shout, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Just keep running!" Rayan yells back. He's athletic, he can run like a bolt and no one can catch him.
We burst through the doors and out into the night, the cool air hitting our faces as we race towards the parking lot. The guard is still chasing us, but heâs falling behind.
"Everyone, scatter!" Ahad commands. "Weâll meet back at the usual spot!"
We split up, darting in different directions. I dive behind a bush, trying to catch my breath. After a moment, I peek out and see the guard looking around, confused. He curses and heads back towards the building.
One by one, we regroup at the designated spot, breathless and exhilarated. Maha is clutching the file like itâs the Holy Grail.
"That was insane,"Â Maha says, her eyes wide with excitement. "But we got it."
"Good job, everyone" Ahad says, grinning. "Now, letâs get out of here before they realize what weâve done."
We finally stop running, panting and laughing uncontrollably. The streetlights cast long shadows on the road, making everything feel a bit surreal. My legs feel like jelly, and Iâm pretty sure Iâm going to collapse any second.
"That... was... insane," Maha gasps, clutching the file tightly to her chest.
"I canât believe we did it," Inaya says, her face lighting up with a wild grin.
"Believe it, babe," Ayan replies with his trademark smirk. "Weâre unstoppable."
Iâm done with this whole spy business. Can we go home now?â I ask, my voice coming out in a whine. "Iâm exhausted."
"Yeah sure, you should go and take rest" Ahad says, his serious demeanor softening with a rare smile.
We all turn to face the boys, who are equally out of breath and grinning from ear to ear.
"Thank you, guys," Inaya says, her voice sincere. "We couldnât have done it without you."
Ayan winks at her. "Anytime, Naya. Anytime."
Rayan just shrugs. "You guys are crazy"
Ahad gives a short nod. "But you are not repeating this ever"
"Yes Ahad Bhai!" The girl except me yells in unison, I don't know why Inaya restricted me to call him Bhai previously.
We start making our way back, trying to keep our laughter quiet. The streets are eerily silent, and the adrenaline starts to fade, leaving us all a bit more subdued.
"I canât believe we pulled that off," Ayra whispers, her eyes still sparkling with excitement.
"It was like something out of a movie,"Â Maha adds, a satisfied grin on his face.
Iâm just trying to keep my eyes open. My bed sounds like heaven right now.
As we approach the hostel, we slow down, trying to be as stealthy as possible. The last thing we need is to get caught now.
"Okay, everyone, be quiet," Inaya instructs in a low voice. "Weâre almost there."
We tiptoe towards the entrance, doing our best to avoid making any noise. Maha is doing some sort of exaggerated sneaky walk, making Inaya roll her eyes and whisper
"Youâre not helping."
âIâm adding to the atmosphere,â she whispers back, grinning.
We finally reach our rooms without incident. I canât help but let out a sigh of relief as we open the door.
"Home sweet home," I whisper as we all slip inside.
We fall onto our beds, the events of the night catching up with us. I close my eyes, letting out a deep breath.
"That was crazy," I murmur, feeling the exhaustion settle in.
"But we did it," Ayra replies, her voice full of satisfaction.
I smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment despite my exhaustion. "Yeah, we did."
As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder about the words and actions of Ahad, despite his rough exterior and reputation, he seems to be a really considerate person.
I can hear the others still whispering and laughing about our adventure. Despite the craziness, despite the danger, we pulled it off. And I wouldnât trade these moments for anything in the world.
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