Chapter 37: 32| Tu Jaane Na

I pace back and forth in our cramped hostel room, my mind racing faster than the fan whirring above. The girls are scattered around the room, each of them doing their own thing— Inaya  sketching quietly in the corner, Hoorain reading something on her phone, and Maha… well, Maha is busy chomping on a bag of chips as if it holds the answers to life's mysteries.

But I can't focus. Not with him occupying every corner of my brain.

I, Ayra Malik, apologized to Zaid Mirza.

I stop dead in my tracks and clutch my head. The humiliation of that moment still lingers like a bad aftertaste. I apologized. Me! And for everything we've been enemies for? I have no clue what his response was because I fainted immediately after saying it! Yep, passed out cold. Classic me. Maybe my fever got on my head or the overwhelming situation created in my house caused this. That gentlemanly thing had dropped me at our hostel along with a stack of medicine.

The combination of sickness and sudden outburst of Zaid on my father made me apologize for everything that was done by me... Did he forgive? Or did he say I'm still ruining you sweetheart?

"Are you still thinking about that?" Hoor's voice pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts. She's sitting cross-legged on her bed, her nose buried in a romance novel from that orange app. I glare at her, not appreciating how calm and composed she looks compared to the absolute tornado inside my brain.

"Of course, I am!" I say, throwing my hands up in exasperation. "Do you even realize what this means? I apologized to Zaid Mirza and didn't stick around to hear his response! He could have said anything, and I wouldn't know! I fainted, Inaya. Fainted. Do you know what that does to your credibility?"

Inaya snickers from the corner, trying to hide her laughter behind her sketchbook, while Maha raises an eyebrow, casually dipping her hand into the bag of chips again. "Hmm it's exactly like a novel scene Hoor make sure to write it hehe."

I shoot her a glare. "This is not funny, Maha!"

"It kinda is," she replies, crunching loudly. "Imagine Zaid's face he might've thought you are possessed."

I groan, collapsing onto my bed. "You guys don't get it. Zaid is probably laughing about it. He probably thinks I'm completely pathetic."

"Or," Inaya pipes up, looking annoyingly calm, "he didn't think much of it at all. Maybe he was too stunned to say anything. Maybe he fainted too. Mutual fainting could be a thing, you know."

I glare at her. "Mutual fainting? Really?"

She shrugs. "It's possible in enemies to lovers along with arranged marriages"

This is getting me nowhere. I need a distraction. Something to take my mind off the disaster.... Zaid Mirza. Suddenly it strikes me that I've been planning something for many days, but that seems like a wonderful idea considering these circumstances.

"We've been given two weeks off. What if…" I pause dramatically, making sure I have their attention. "What if we go on a trip?"

Inaya immediately perks up. "Knew it, another adventure, another reason to be in jail or worse... wonderful"

"I'm obviously in, what's a trip without me" Maha exclaims, suddenly energized. "We could all use a break. Especially me and honestly guys.. just imagine this is our last year and we have nothing to do apart that so, let's go"

Hoorain's eyes light up, her chips forgotten for a second. "Yup so where will we go?"

"I don't know, anywhere!" I say, my excitement is growing. "We could go to the mountains, or the beach, or… anywhere"

Inaya closes her sketchbook with a thud and sighs, "I'm scared but I know a resort and we can book it for our trip"

Maha performs her little happy dance and holds Hoorain causing her to join "yayy finally us girls getting our first ever national trip!"

"Uhh you guys are dramatic... I already smell Chaos. Remember, no boyfriends, fake boyfriends or arranged fiancés are allowed to know about our trip"

All of us except Inaya converse through eyes and without wasting a single second, we all engulf Inaya in a big hug.

"We love USS!"

Before stepping into university life, I had my belief that female friendships are always toxic but they cleared the fog. Female friendships are the brightest stars in the dark sky only if you're watching the right one.

I'm leaning against Ayzal's doorframe, hands pressed together in the most pitiful begging gesture I can muster. "Please Ayzal. I'm desperate. You're my only hope." For real! No boy should have to go through what I'm going through! My dad is a really conserved person and only this spoiled dad's princess can handle him.

Ayzal just raises an eyebrow, barely glancing up from her book. "Oh, I'm your only hope now? Weren't you just telling me yesterday that I needed to "stay out of your business" when I asked why you were wearing a hoodie indoors?"

I groan, clutching my chest dramatically. "That was a completely different scenario! This is life and death!"

She rolls her eyes, finally looking up at me with her arms crossed. "Let me guess. You want me to go and sweet-talk Dad so he doesn t lose his mind about that boxing match with bhabhi?"

"Exactly!" I say, leaning forward, clasping my hands in front of me. "Look if he hears it from me, he's going to say I'm irresponsible and then launch into a lecture about how the family reputation is on the line. But you… He actually listens to you, Ayzal!"

Ayzal taps her chin thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing in mock contemplation. "Hmm. I don't know. You did steal my headphones last week, and they're still missing."

I blink, feigning innocence "you'll get them tonight"

"Right" she says, giving me a look that says she definitely knows I'm lying. "So, now you need my help, but last week, you were fine just grabbing whatever you needed without asking?"

I let out a frustrated sigh, falling to my knees with exaggerated drama. "Yes, I admit it! I'm a terrible brother! But you tuntun mausi have the power to save me from the wrath of our father. So please, for the love of all things holy, help me out here!"

She watches me grovel for a long moment, tapping her foot in mock seriousness. "Hmm… Alright, but on one condition."

I'm already nodding before she finishes. "Anything. Just name it."

"You're going to owe me one. And I mean big time. I get to choose whenever and whatever I want. No arguments, no bargaining."

I swallow, feeling the weight of her words. With Ayzal, that's basically signing away my life. But desperate times call for desperate measures. "Deal."

She grins, the kind of smile that sends a chill down my spine because I know she's already plotting some kind of ridiculous favor. "Good boy."

I groan as she finally stands up and straightens her shirt, giving me a little shove. "Alright, don't look too pathetic while I'm gone I'll see if I can work some magic."

As she strides off, I trail behind her, throwing a fist in the air as she heads towards Dad's office. "You're the best, Ayzal!"

She just smirks over her shoulder. "Remember that next time you steal my stuff or call me a witch."

I hang back by the stairs, pacing and trying to make myself invisible while she's in there, hoping that Dad doesn't see me lurking. The minutes drag by like hours. Every now and then, I hear snippets of her convincing tone, dropping words like "responsible" and "passionate"—all the things she knows will make me sound like a saint. Drop it, even she knows it..one word from her and dad will gladly do anything.

Finally, she emerges from the office, looking triumphant. "Alright, you're good to go," she says, crossing her arms with a satisfied smirk.

I let out a huge sigh of relief, running over and hugging her. "You are the absolute best, you know that? My hero!"

"Uhh Ayan you stink!" she says, wrinkling her nose. "Just remember, you owe me. And I'm cashing it in someday, so don't think you're off the hook."

I chuckle and hug her even tighter, "oh I think I smell wonderful and you know that ayzuu chudail" I haven't bought perfumes costing fortune for stinking man, I smell amazing.

She rolls her eyes, giving me a light shove towards the stairs. "Get out you're pathetic!"

I laugh, ruffling her hair just to annoy her. "And you my sister are ugly"

And with that, I'm out the door, practically sprinting with the giddiness of a free man. But I make a mental note to tread lightly around Ayzal for the next few weeks, but knowing my sister, she loves me too much to ignore my requests....yeah she won't admit it. Even I love her, I'm going to buy her favorite sneakers for her.

(⁠๑⁠˙⁠❥⁠˙⁠๑⁠)

I'm standing in front of the Aurelian girls' hostel, and it feels surreal—like I'm caught in some fever dream where everything is a bit too perfect to be real. I still can't believe I get to do this, to pick up my girlfriend, Inaya. My hazel-eyed, utterly enchanting girl.

For so long, I didn't know what it would be like to actually date her, I thought I'll spend a lifetime flirting with her with no hope of love. I was never even sure if I should. She was always so out of my league—graceful, kind, and somehow patient enough to put up with my endless jokes and charm. But when she confessed to me, every doubt I'd ever had vanished. I became the happiest man alive in an instant, and I knew then I was hers as surely as the stars belonged to the sky.

I thought I'd never love someone who isn't interested in me, but little did I know that the girl I'm willing to spend my lifetime with, was by my side all time along. I was just living with this hope that one day she'll come to me and say that she's just mine..which she did.. Omo.. can I have just twirl around here?

And now, as she steps outside, I swear my heart stops beating. There she is, looking like a dream...a breathtaking vision with her dark brown hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders, catching the light just enough to look like she's got her own halo. Her almond-shaped hazel eyes shimmer in the sunlight, warm and mesmerizing. She's dressed in a deep teal kurti with a dupatta draped elegantly around her neck, little silver jhumkas swaying from her ears, and bangles tinkling on her wrists with every step she takes, my grandmother's necklace adorns her neck and I can't help but wonder if grandpa will be jealous that it looks really pretty on her. Her look is so effortlessly desi, so quintessentially Inaya, and it leaves me spellbound.

When doesn't she spellbound me?

She always does.

I break into a grin as she reaches me, doing a dramatic double-take as if she's stolen my breath. "Excuse me, miss," I say, crossing my arms and giving her a look of exaggerated disbelief. "How can a gorgeous lady bless someone like me with someone like me"

She rolls her eyes but I catch a faint blush on her cheeks, "side Ayan I need to sit or over na hua karo chichorpanna band karo"

(Don't be ridiculous, stop your flirting)

"Uff madam ab to official right hai chichorpanna Karne ka." I chuckle, "but I can find anyone if you'd like umm what say?"

(Madam I gave the official right to flirt with you)

Before I can process, a fast moving elbow hits my stomach and I groan with slight mock pain "ooh wonder woman I shouldn't have thought you were weak"

Inaya laughs, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Oh Mr. Ayan, you think you're so smooth. But really, you should be thankful someone like me even bothers with a nut like you."

"Huh, is that so?" I say, raising an eyebrow and stepping closer to her, my tone is challenging. "You're just doing me a favor, huh?"

"Exactly," she says, tilting her chin defiantly. "Poor guy would get nowhere without me. So I thought,Why not be generous?"

"Oh, generous are we?" I say, a smirk pulling at the corners of my mouth. Before she can react, I pin her against the car door, my hands framing her waist, pulling her closer. Her breath catches, and she looks up, those hazel eyes sparking, both surprised and amused.

"Generous enough to let me kiss you?" I murmur, my voice is low. Her cheeks flush, her eyes widenes and her lips parts a bit, she gulps down and breaks her eye contact with me.

"Um..t..hat was really umm shut up Ayan let's just go" she stutters, her red cheeks makes me want her closer than she already is, but considering her flushed state, I let her with a chuckle.

As she settles in, I close the door and hurry around to the driver's side, my heart still hammering. Once I'm in the car, I turn to her and smirk. "Natural blush suits you"

She laughs, rolling her eyes, but there's a warmth in her gaze as she looks at me. "Free na ho zyada"

(⁠๑⁠˙⁠❥⁠˙⁠๑⁠)

The stadium is buzzing with excitement as I step into the boxing ring, but all that energy fades into the background when I catch a glimpse of Inaya in the stands, her eyes sparkling with pride and a hint of nervousness. The crowd is loud, filled with cheering fans and flashing cameras, but my focus is solely on her. She's here, watching me play for the first time. Somehow, that fact alone makes this match feel different, weightier. I can feel the butterflies fluttering in my stomach, which is something I never thought I'd experience before a fight.

She's sitting there in the front row, dressed in one of her simple, yet elegant outfits. Her hands are clasped tightly, her eyes locked on me with a mixture of worry and excitement. And even with all the noise around, there's a calm in my heart just from knowing she's beside me.

"Ayan what kind of interest is this? A lawyer, flirty and boxing" she narrates with her bangles causing a melodious sound.

I bite my cheek in order to surpress my laughter, with a sudden movement I shrug off my shirt and watch her breath hitch.

"Oh, someone's speechless?" I lean closer, bringing my face near hers, my gaze steady as I catch her expression. "Flirty enough woman?"

She recovers quickly, rolling her eyes, but I can see the slight flush on her cheeks. "Please" she scoffs, tilting her chin up defiantly. "Ayan you'll never get over this flirting won't you?"

I chuckle, stepping even closer until our noses almost touch. "Sorry ma'am I can't stop flirting knowing that the most beautiful woman in the universe is mine"

"But your shir-" I brush a quick kiss against her cheek, pulling back with a satisfied grin as she blinks, momentarily caught off guard.

"Alright hazel" I say, turning and heading toward the ring. "Enjoy the view."

The bell rings, and I'm off, darting and weaving as my opponent throws a few wild swings. I dodge them easily, landing a solid punch to his side. The crowd goes wild, and I almost grin. This is familiar territory. But as the match progresses, I start to feel the blows—sharp jabs that sting but usually don't phase me. However, today I keep glancing over at Inaya, drawn by the worry etched on her face.

Then I notice it...tears gathering in her eyes as she watches me take a punch to the jaw. My lip splits, and I taste the faint tang of blood. But all I can think about is her. Those tears. Her gaze is glued to me, her eyes filled with a mix of panic and pain, and it makes my heart twist. Is she crying because of that? Because of me?

I've never lost any of my boxing matches but suddenly, winning this match doesn't matter anymore. I don't even think about it as I lower my gloves, taking a step back. The ref starts counting down, but I don't care. I hear the buzz of disapproval from the crowd as I step down from the ring, but they mean nothing to me. I head straight toward her, ignoring everything and everyone else, my focus solely on Inaya.

When I reach her, she looks up at me, her expression a mixture of confusion and relief. Her cheeks are streaked with tears, and it stirs something fierce in me. I gently cup her face, brushing a tear away with my thumb, feeling the warmth of her skin under my hand.

"Naya" I murmur, my voice soft but firm. "Won't even think about boxing again woman. You can use your punches on me but please don't cry"

She takes a shaky breath, blinking up at me. "I just… I hate seeing you hurt" she whispers, her hands trembling as she places them over mine.

"Then I'll stay right here, safe, with you" I say softly. "No more matches. Just me and you, Naya."

I pull her closer as I gently rest my forehead against hers. "If seeing me like that makes you cry, then no fight is worth it. Not a single one. I promise hazel, I won't fight ever again"

(⁠๑⁠˙⁠❥⁠˙⁠๑⁠)

The beach stretches before us, golden sands meeting the sparkling ocean, waves crashing softly in a rhythm as timeless as the sky. Inaya, however, stands with her arms crossed, frowning ever so slightly.

"You should've told me we were coming to the beach," she huffs, adjusting her loose bun as a few wisps of hair slip free, framing her face. "I would've worn something... beach-appropriate at least."

I can't help but chuckle at her pout. "You're perfect, Naya" I say, and I mean it. Her simple kurti with a light dupatta caught by the ocean breeze, her bangles now gone, and her feet bare in the sand...she looks effortlessly beautiful. "Besides you'd make any outfit look good here."

She glances at me, her cheeks faintly pink, though she tries to cover it by rolling her eyes. "Flattery won't make me forget you didn't warn me" she mutters, pulling out her phone to record the view, though the camera’s mostly pointed at her.

"Oho you're getting narcissistic by staying with me" I tease, leaning over her shoulder as she presses record. "Won't you like to flaunt your handsome man? I'm offended"

She swats my arm, laughing. "It's not like that! I'm capturing memories, you clown."

"Memories, huh?" I say, grinning as I pop into her video frame, making faces. "Good idea. You'll want to remember the day you were finally outshone."

She narrows her eyes, pressing her finger to her lips in mock thought. "I'd need something really impressive to outshine this" she says, gesturing toward herself. Then, with a dramatic pause, "Oh wait, I'm already way ahead of you."

I pretend to clutch my heart, feigning hurt. "Ouch. But ok our kids will get your beauty so I'm happy anyways"

"Ayan!!" she yells as she holds the camera up, capturing both of us in the frame.

I grin, watching her cheeks go pink as she stares up at me, wide-eyed. "Our... kids?" she repeats, the word barely a whisper.

Before she can say anything else, I snatch the phone from her, smirking at the video of her stunned expression. "Oh, look at that Naya" I say, holding the phone up high, just out of her reach. "This moment is officially captured I'll always use it to tell our kids how flustered their mom was"

Her eyes narrow as she tries to reach up, her hands swatting at mine. "Ayan, give it back!" she demands, laughing as she jumps, fingers just brushing the phone. "Delete it you troublemaker!"

I chuckle, raising it even higher. "Oh, delete it? Why would I ever delete such a gem? Your blush, your adorable reaction...priceless!"

"Ayan!" she says, biting her lip to keep from laughing as she stands on her toes, stretching up. "Come on, just give it!"

"Hmm… how about a trade?" I say, leaning down just enough that her fingertips graze the phone, only to pull it up again. "One cute "please" and it's yours."

She crosses her arms, squinting at me in mock defiance. "Fine. But if this video sees the light of day—"

She rolls her eyes and begins.... "Pleaseeeeeee"

God I'm deadddd!!!!

With a dramatic flair, I drop to one knee, stretching the phone out in my hands as if it's a priceless offering. "Here you go, my queen," I declare, looking up at her with all the mock reverence I can muster.

She giggles, reaching out to take it, her eyes sparkling as they lock with mine. And I can't help it—I fall for her all over again. The ocean breeze plays with her loose bun, a few strands framing her face, and I feel my heart stop. It's unfair, really, how breathtaking she looks without even trying.

But before I can get another word in, she gasps, her eyes lighting up as she spots something behind me. "Ayan, look! Mickey Mouse!" she exclaims, rushing past me before I can react. My jaw drops as she practically skips over to a giant Mickey Mouse mascot, her phone ready for a selfie as she stands beside him with an excited grin.

I watch her giggle and chat with 'Mickey' who seems all too happy to pose with her. And suddenly, I feel a twinge of jealousy...over a giant, fluffy mascot. Ridiculous, but here I am, watching her gush over Mickey with that dazzling smile. What the hell? I'm jealous of a mascot? But why is this giant fluffy cartoon dancing after looking at my Inaya.

Without another thought, I stride over, sliding my hands around her waist and lifting her off the ground as she lets out a surprised squeal. I wink at the mascot, grinning as I pull her close. "Sorry, Mr. Mickey, but she's taken," I say as I turn and start to walk away, holding her against my side.

She gasps, smacking my shoulder lightly as she laughs. "Ayan! Put me down!"

"Naya Meri jaan, I'll dress up as mickey..you can come closer to me for photos" I tease, finally setting her down as she smooths her hair, shooting me a mock glare.

"You're jealous of a mascot!" she says while laughing, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

"Hey.. he was getting a little too friendly" I reply with a smirk, shrugging. "Can't blame me for staking my claim."

She rolls her eyes, but there's a smile tugging at her lips as she says, "Ayan, you're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously in love with you" I say, grinning as her cheeks turn the slightest shade of pink.

I love it when she blushes everytime I utter something... I hope I carry out the exact reaction even when we're old and grey.

We watch as a couple wades into the gentle waves, laughing as the water splashes around them. I glance sideways at Inaya, raising a brow and giving her a mock glare. "What do you say, hmm?" I ask, nudging her with a playful grin.

Her eyes widen, immediately catching my drift. "No, Ayan" she warns, already shaking her head.

I nod, smirking. "Oh... it's happening."

"Nooo! Ayan, no!" she squeals, but she's already backing away, her laughter giving her away.

Then, she breaks into a run, her bun loosening and her hair spilling out in a wave of dark waves, streaming behind her like a wild cascade as she tries to outrun me. But there's no chance I'm letting her get away. I chase after her, the sound of her laughter filling the air as our feet kick up sand. In a few quick strides, I close the distance, catching her by the waist and pulling her back against my chest. She lets out a breathless giggle, her back pressed to me as I lift her, twirling her around like we're two kids on a playground, not a care in the world.

The shoreline sparkles beneath us, the horizon stretching endlessly, but right now, all that exists is her.

We stumble into the waves, water splashing around us as I finally set her down. The cool water laps at our ankles, and we both burst out laughing, the chill sending a jolt through us that only fuels our joy. She leans back into me, her laughter softening as she tilts her head back, looking up at me with eyes that could drown any ocean.

I slip my arms around her, pulling her close in a warm back hug as we stand there, swaying gently with the rhythm of the waves. "Did you ever imagine we'd end up here?" I murmur, my lips brushing against her temple.

She smiles, her gaze softening as she looks out over the water. "Not exactly like this. But now…I can't imagine it any other way."

The world fades away, leaving just the two of us wrapped in this moment. It feels like time has stopped, and it's only her heartbeat and mine, steady and in sync. I rest my chin on her shoulder, my voice a low whisper as I say, "You know, I used to think love was just…a passing thing. Something people talked about but didn't really feel."

She turns her head slightly, her eyes searching mine. "And now?"

"Now I know love is real because I feel it every second with you" I answer, tightening my hold on her as the waves lap around our feet.

Who knew that the flirty Ayan Ansari will actually find his true love in his friend. Now that she's with me...I can't imagine other way round..I don't want to, I just want Inaya with me.

I'm sitting on my bed, scrolling through my phone, half-distracted and trying to unwind after today's brutal training session. Suddenly, the door flies open, and Ayan strolls in, a ridiculous grin plastered across his face. He falls onto my bed with a heavy sigh, looking like he's in some kind of trance.

"What's wrong? Are you on drugs or what?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at his flushed cheeks and dazed expression.

"Gosh love is so beautiful" he breathes, a dreamy smile stretching across his face.

I scoff, shaking my head. "Love? You actually believe in all that? How do you even know if… you know, you're in love?" Why am I asking? Because I'm feeling weird after that match!!

Ayan props himself up, his grin softening into something almost serious. "Love isn't something you figure out with logic, Rayan. It's like… breathing. You don't notice you're doing it until you try to stop, and then you can't. It's missing them when they're not around, wanting to see them happy, even if it's at your own expense. It's wanting to be near them, even if they drive you insane half the time."

As he talks, snippets of memories flash through my mind...Maha's eye rolls, her crazy comebacks, that spark in her eyes when she's excited about something, her contagious laugh. Suddenly, every word he's saying lines up perfectly with her.... No what the-- no!!!

But the feeling grows stronger. My pulse picks up, my mind replaying her expressions, her words, her presence. It hits me like a wave, crashing hard and fast. Do I actually… like Maha?

No. This is absurd. I Rayan, do not have feelings for anyone, let alone Maha and I do not need Ayan to tell me that!!! I shake my head, trying to force her out of my thoughts, but every attempt only brings her back more vividly. What the-- am I smiling stop smiling Rayan!

Ayan notices my expression, and a knowing smirk tugs at his lips. "What's that look on your face, Rayan?"

I snap out of it, scowling. "Out. Get out of my room."

"What? You're kicking me out because I made you realize—"

"Yes! Exactly!" I say, practically shoving him off the bed. "Out. Now."

He stumbles to his feet, hands raised in mock surrender, looking more amused than anything. "Unbelievable! I pour my heart out, and this is the thanks I get?"

I shove him toward the door, trying to ignore the confusion and rapid beat of my heart. Ayan leaves, still muttering about being unappreciated, and I slam the door shut, leaning back against it as I try to make sense of the chaos he’s stirred up.

How did I, of all people, end up here, actually thinking about Maha in this way?

I stare at my phone, half-expecting it to ring with some kind of logical explanation to all of this. But instead, my finger hovers over a name I hadn’t planned on calling—Maha.

Before I can second-guess myself, I press it, holding my breath as it rings. When she finally picks up, her voice comes through soft and… off. There's no spark, no brightness—just a low, tired sound that doesn’t belong to her.

"Hello?"

Something twists uncomfortably in my chest. Maha, the sunshine of our world, sounding like this? "Where are you?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

There's a pause, like she's debating if she even wants to answer. "The park. The one beside the girls' hostel."

The second she says it, I'm up and moving. I don't think about it, don't even bother with the mismatched jacket I grab. I'm just running after clutching my car keys.

This girl's sad voice has this much effect on me, I've always claimed that Maha's crazy side has always annoyed me..but...her dull voice terrifies me, god I do not wish to hear it ever again.

Now as I'm driving to her, I realize that I can't help but like...love the girl who stood up for me against my parents, who skipped her university day for my match. Hence, when I think about the girl who's fake dating me...I know...there was never a moment I didn't love her, it has always been her.... The moment she called me out for her nonsense chit, or the stick she used to beat me.. I love her and I'm doomed.

I pull up to the park and barely stop the car before I'm stumbling out, almost tripping as I break into a run. My heart races as I spot her, sitting alone on a swing. She looks up, her face lit by the faint street lamp above, and it almost feels like she's a mirage. The look in her eye...it's raw, wounded, and as she slowly walks toward me, my chest tightens.

"What happened Maha?" I ask, barely above a whisper, afraid that anything louder might break her.

Her lips tremble, her eyes shining with unshed tears. And then, without a word, she steps forward, letting herself fall against my chest, her small frame shaking as she starts to weep. I can feel her heartbreak with every sob, each one slicing into me. I'm about to rest my hand on her back, desperate to offer even the slightest comfort, when her voice trembles against me.

"Rayan, I loved him…"

The words hit like a sucker punch, the kind that leaves you gasping for air. Loved him? She loved someone else? I try to process it, try to swallow the pain that's clawing up my throat, but it's useless. I stand there, stunned, as her words echo in my head, tearing through every last ounce of logic I'd held on to.

I realize, with crushing clarity, that all along, it's been her for me. I love her, this girl who's weeping in my arms, who has called me out on my nonsense, defended me fiercely, and drove me up the wall with her endless teasing and chatter. This girl, who used to drag me into her whirlwind of nonsense, has somehow become my world. And here she is, broken, because she loved someone else.

It takes every fiber of me to stop the tears threatening to spill through my eyes, with trembling hands I pat her back.

But the thought stabs deep: Maha is in love...and it isn't with me.

I mean ..I can't ever blame her, I was never meant to be loved, even my own mother doesn't love how can I expect her to love someone like me. I wish I can cry right now... Why am I feeling like this? Do I really love her this much? I wish I could take away her pain even if it means breaking myself apart.

Through her tears, she stammers, "Rayan… I’m crazy, right? I mean, who could ever love someone like me? It’s no wonder..? No wonder it ended up like this."

My heart twists at the pain in her voice. She's the most vibrant person I know, yet here she is, doubting herself, believing she's unworthy of love. I can't stand it.

"Shh...Maha" I whisper, pulling her a little closer, ignoring the tears that prick my own eyes. "You're the most lovable person to ever exist" only if you knew, someone loves you so much but he's so unfortunate that you're crying on his shoulder for love and he's consoling you.

She shakes her head, but I'm not letting her sink any deeper into this despair. I feel myself choking on the words I want to say....that I'm here, that I see her worth, that if she needs someone to hold her together, I'll be that person, even if she'll never look at me the way I look at her.

"Maha let your eyes rain ok? I'm there to drench in it" I tell her, brushing a few strands of hair from her tear-streaked face. "You're not alone, okay? I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."

She clings to me, still trembling, but her sobs begin to soften. And though my own heart feels like it's shattering with every second, I hold her tighter, willing her to feel safe, to know that someone's here for her...even if I'll never be what she wants.

We're sitting on a bench now, the night wrapping around us, leaving only the sound of her voice as she pours out her story. Her words come in a quiet, raw stream, each one leaving a small ache in me as I listen.

"There used to be this neighbor," she begins, and her gaze drifts, like she's seeing a place that's only alive in her memories. "I had the worst crush on him. Ten years, Rayan....can you believe it? We were close, really close. I even had his pictures stashed away in my diary." She laughs softly, but it's tinged with sadness.

Her voice falters a bit and my hand grips the edge of the bench, my pulse unsteady as I listen. "Just before I came here, to university, I told him. I laid it all out, everything I felt. And he…" She hesitates, swallowing hard. "He told me he could never love someone like me. Said I was good for friendship, not love. That I wasn't… worthy of more."

She stops to breathe, forcing a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. I feel my fists clenching... imagining this guy, this fool who couldn't see what was right in front of him.

"It was hard. I cried...yeah...who wouldn't after all those years, but I thought maybe coming here would change things. Maybe I'll find a way to move on." She shrugs, trying to sound casual, but I can see the old hurt lingering just beneath the surface. "Today, I was heading to the convenience store, and my cousin sent me these photos...his wedding pictures." She lets out a small, brittle laugh, and my chest tightens at the sound. "I guess I was more shaken up than I thought."

I try to process what she's told me, trying to steady the whirl of emotions inside me...anger that anyone could make her feel this way, frustration that someone took her love and tossed it aside, and this overwhelming urge to protect her from every single painful memory.

"Maha…" I want to say so much, but I don’t know where to start. How do I tell her that she deserved more than that, that anyone who couldn't see her worth was blind? Damn..I don't even know how to console anyone. Why did I have to be so grumpy anyways.

I reach out, resting my hand over hers. "Maha umm... everything is written already, maybe he wasn't the right one for you? Maybe there's someone better than him?"

She glances at me, her gaze softening, and for a moment, "So you're not that grumpy Mr rhino"

I chuckle bitterly, "you're never going to leave that"

She wipes her tears with the back of her hand and shakes her head frantically, rhinos are actually my favorite animals now.

"Unrequited love hurts so much doesn't it?"

It destroys.

"Did you ever love someone who didn't love you back?"

I'm looking at her, but all I do is shake my head and let the night pass.

(⁠๑⁠˙⁠❥⁠˙⁠๑⁠)

Hey guys I hope y'all are doing fine and well.

Inayan is officially my favourite couple, gosh they're so cute.

But this chapter broke something inside me, I swear I couldn't stop crying for Rayan.

I don't know if I did justice to this one but yeah next Chapters we all will be going on a trip with them.

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