I'm puzzled by my own feelings, it seems that I've gone nuts. I assumed that after yesterday's event I'd completely forget about certain blue eyes but to my surprise she has clouded my thoughts.
When I shut my eyes, all I see is her and when I open them, all I desire is to see her.
I've never felt such uncommon twinges in my chest or bizarre throbbing in my heart but now I am.
I've never had my way easy on these boys for creating nuisance but I didn't say a word to Zaid for beating those boys, just because I left my consciousness with the girl who calls me gunda.
I definitely require therapy!
"I know you'll never agree but I'm your best friend right?" Ayan persists in speaking nonsense things.
"Why are you here Ayan? Where is your girlfriend?" The more I avoid companies the more it'll help in clearing my thoughts about my condition.
"Which one?" He asks, displaying his audacious personality. He surely has no shame for his actions.
"Exactly how many you have currently?"
He chuckles arrantly "I never counted Ahad"
"Sharam to nahi ATI hogi?" I spot him a look of disbelief
(Aren't you ashamed?)
"What? Don't be jealous because no one finds you attractive"
My minds travel back to the corridor where this girl indirectly expressed her dislike for me, by calling me gunda.
"Hey I love you! Let's go to the cafeteria" sparing me no chance to reject his offer, he grabs my hand and forces me on the way to canteen. Only Ayan can express his affection with anyone regardless of gender and I'm his forever target whom he calls best friend.
Swinging the door of the cafeteria my vision is attracted by the warming hues of ash brown. My heart takes a toil inside my chest I didn't think it was possible. Her cerulean eyes exuding melancholy, "wait for me on that table" I gesture to Ayan and he follows without any protests.
I stride towards her but pause to listen to her conversation.
"Please I can't wait for that long, my class will begin by 30 minutes" her polite voice feels as a strange brush on my heart. "Hoorain those strawberry cupcakes have just finished and I'm sorry they'll require some time to bake. I'll have them packed up for you sweetie" the old in charge of this cafeteria gently explains to her.
She purses her lips completely disheartened.
I'm not sure why I'm acting like this but I leave the area in haste, and reach out to the place where my Ducati is parked.
Donning my helmet, I kick off the road with my partner. The sound of my bike and the breeze crashing on me is the plight of making me feel alive.
Her class embarks in about 30 minutes however my bike can tear the road and get me to the university in 10 minutes.
After travelling half of the city and searching almost every possible shop I finally reach my destination which was on the other side of the city. I unload the helmet from my head and buy a box of strawberry cupcakes.
I'm entirely acting out of character. For the first time in my life, I sneaked out of the university just to buy a girl her favourite snacks as I couldn't bear her sadness.
Formerly, the things that influenced me to act foreign was related to my family, tech or my bike. But this girl is driving me nuts without doing anything.
Just as expected from my partner, I arrive at Aurelian just in about 10 minutes. Striding towards the cafeteria, a question lingers in my mind. How am I supposed to excuse these cupcakes?
I notice Ayan perching on the seat same as Hoorain, annoying that same girl from the orientation day.
I gulp, releasing a sigh to muster the courage.
C'mon Ahad, you'll just have to go and place this box right In front of her, you're not committing any kind of crime.
Great! Everyone here is afraid of me and I'm here scared of an innocent girl.
Reaching her table, I hesitantly slide the box next to her. She gazes at me with horror meanwhile Ayan throws a sarcastic look at me.
"What's this?" Hoorain questions while sticking her gaze on the box "actually..umm..I" God! Am I stammering? Only this was required.
"Maa da ladla bigar gaya"
(Mom's favorite is spoiled)
Ayan chirps while stifling his laugh. I want to punch him that his teeth will be scattered on the floor.
I'd crack some codes in my sanctuary rather than making a fool out of myself before her; if I was sane, but from the moment she came into my view and burned my chest. Nothing about me is sane.
Her best friend switches her gaze between me and Ayan, the only divergence in her gaze is that she's curious when looking at me, and annoyed with Ayan.
"Would you like to tell the reason for your presence here and these cupcakes?" Inaya quirps catching me out of my daze, pulling me into the state of turmoil. "My reason is right beside me"
The words escape my mouth before I can think of any other answer. Hoorain's eyes widen in shock, Ayan bangs the table lightly being the always dramatic soul, while Inaya is still processing her reaction.
"I mean I.." why is this so hard! "I heard you insisting on cupcakes which weren't available" I'm finally moving in the right direction "but I already had those and I don't even like it, so I thought you'd appreciate it"
Finally a sigh escapes my mouth for coming up with a little fabricated truth. I glance at Ayan, hoping for some support but he's busy grinning like the Cheshire cat.
"That's so thoughtful of you" Inaya finally participates in the conversation and I'm thankful for it. "Hazel, you didn't think of me as thoughtful when I brought you flowers" who needs an enemy when you have Ayan as your friend. "Coming back to cupcakes. It took you 10 minutes to decide if you should give them to Hoor or not" how dare him call her with her nickname when even I don't.
"Could you please stop flirting and nonsense theories" I'm already starting to think of her as a really sensible person
"Ahad please take a seat" definitely a very nice person. "And you playboy. If you don't stop flirting with me then I'd throw these same cupcakes on you"
"Oh c'mon Inaya" he winks at her "I have a sweet tooth. You still give me a sour attitude"
I manage to take a seat beside Hoorain, my heart barely able to catch it's usual rhythm, her floral scent catches my breath and I sense myself getting attracted to her.
Hoorain who remained silent finally utters "Thank you for this but this is too much"
"Please Hoor accept it, he just wanted to show that he isn't a gunda. Right Ahad?" Ayan says giving me a sly smirk, he's definitely dying tonight.
"Actually Hoorain... I just want to clear my image before you that I might be a rumoured badboy but trust me I'm not a bad guy"
She might think that why am I explaining everything right now? But it just feels ridiculous that she has my bad image sketched in her mind.
Ayan claps his hand dramatically "WOW! that was deep, may we get some tissues"
Ignoring him, I turn my attention back to Hoorain, who is biting her lower lips. "Ahad you don't have to explain everything to me, I'm sorry to call you a gunda"
She gestures to Inaya and picks her bag "I'm getting late for my class" with that she leaves.
I'm clutching my t-shirt and annoyingly suffering through guilt and grief due to the reason that she left without offering a smile or a goodbye. I'm surely into a deep problem.
"Don't worry dude, you need Ayan's looks to charm a girl but we can work on yours as well" seriously? After ruining everything he has the audacity to joke around. "You know what Ayan? You're Dead" I tighten my hands into a fist and run after him.
I'm stuck in a do or die situation. If on one side of the valley I witness all the beauty enveloped, then the other side hides embarrassment under it.
Heaving a prolonged sigh and blanketing myself with confidence, I step into the class as if I own it.
Zaid Mirza occupies his customary spot in the adjacent row. His glasses slightly falling from his nose as he puts his entire focus in the books, surely preparing to destroy me in the debate but I'm never in this lifetime letting him defeat me.
I assume my regular seat and flip through my notebooks.
"I thought you wouldn't come in the fear of getting defeated by me" I shut my books with peeved countenances, and shift my aggravated glare to him.
Zaid is smirking, his dimples effortlessly sticking on his cheeks, I've always had this desire to stab exactly at that place.
"And I thought you will finally prioritize your self respect and shut your mouth for a while" his fading dimples swirl satisfaction within me "but I guess you love getting insulted every time"
If Zaid has no haters in this world then I'm probably dead, I would gladly submit myself in a grave then to live in a world where he exists but we're all bound to do things we don't actually want to.
Academic worm Ayra - 3
Genius Zaid Mirza - 0
"You're simply insufferable" He retorts just as weakly as he is "calling me names when losing a debate. Isn't your pathetic strategy getting old Zaid?"
"Stay happy winning these ideal debates, I'm always on for real wins"
Classically ridiculous retorts of entirely pathetic Zaid. I force a smile and dramatically clap "appreciating a child who is learning to debate"
He clenches his jaw but before he can reply any further, the professor takes his entry before formerly beginning the debate.
Zaid leans in and smirks easily while I'm here focused and all anxious. That's one of the things I hate about him, he's a natural genius and he knows it.
"Alright students" Dr. Butt announces "today's debate will be about the impact of artificial intelligence on job markets in the next decade. What are your thoughts on whether AI will create more jobs or eliminate them"
My hand raises instinctively, I am confident in what I'll say, my arguments are well defined. There's no way Zaid will be able to beat me in it.
"AI is an inevitable force that will revolutionize industries. Yes, some jobs will be displaced, but history shows us that technological advances create new opportunities. With proper education and reskilling, we can transition workers into these new roles and drive economic growth." I finish feeling entirely different, glancing at Zaid I shoot him a challenging look to which he smirks and gestures a 'watch me' sign.
"That's a nice theory, Ayra, but you're overlooking the speed at which AI is advancing. It's naive to think our current education system can keep up. Millions will be left jobless before we can even start to catch up." Of course it was Zaid Mirza, he's never meant to stay speechless during a debate.
I speak more fiercely turning the environment further intense "So your solution is to halt progress? That's even more naive, Zaid. We need to embrace AI and adapt. Look at the industrial revolutionâit caused short-term disruptions, but in the long run, it vastly improved living standards."
He raises his eyebrows in a mocking way and returns my argument with one of his own "The industrial revolution didn't happen in a vacuum. It was coupled with significant social and economic upheaval. You're ignoring the human cost. We need to prioritize people, not just technology. And if you're forgetting we're discussing job impacts not the favors of AI"
My eyes blaze with a challenge
"Prioritizing people means preparing them for the future, not clinging to the past. AI can take over mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and fulfilling work. It's about evolving, Zaid. But surely you would want your company to survive without the superpower ruling today's world, mind telling me the reason you are in freelancing, clearly it provides more jobs"
I pass him a smirk when the entire class dives into whispers of appreciation for my argument. He doesn't have a wrinkle on his face, he's still grinning at me.
"And what about those who can't transition? Not everyone can just switch careers on a whim. You're talking about an ideal world that doesn't exist. Sadly Ayra not everyone is prepared for such a big change, that'll ruin someone's Already made world"
"Then we create policies that support those transitions. Universal basic income, subsidized education, incentives for businesses to train employeesâthere are solutions if we look for them."
He scoffs this time while adjusting his glasses "And who's going to pay for all that? Your optimism is admirable but unrealistic. We need practical solutions that don't burden the economy."
The tension in this room is palpable, students are always on the edge of their seats when me and Zaid are indulged in a debate.
"It's not optimism, it's pragmatism. Investing in people is the best way to ensure long-term prosperity. Short-sighted fear will only hold us back."
Without a single thought he shoots back "And blind faith in technology will lead to a fractured society. Balance is key, Ayra, not blind progress."
Before I can utter anything Dr. Butt steps in sensing escalating intensity. I should wish to speak a little longer because it'll be considered as Zaid has won.
"Itâs clear that AI will bring both challenges and opportunities. Ayra and Zaid have given us much to think about. Let's continue this debate in our next session. For now, I encourage you all to reflect on the points raised today." I swear if Dr hadn't ended the debate then I would've broken his limbs till then.
Before leaving the class he assigns me and Zaid to pick up some boxes and place them in the storeroom, it's his way to let us break the tension only if he knows that it isn't a fun competition but a life and death situation.
Lugging these hefty boxes, we wordlessly make our way to storeroom, "if you focus on your debates rather then hating me, you might actually win" of course Zaid will leave no chance to humiliate me "told you Ayra, you can win our arguments as individuals but in academics, I won't let you survive"
"Can't you mind your own business?" I shrug him off in the hope that he might take the hint "you are my business. My old rival"
If I had a knife in my hands instead of a pile of boxes then Zaid's murder was definitely occurring.
I'm aware that indulging in further disagreement with him will lead me to get more aggravated hence it's better to quietly walk to the storeroom.
As we enter the storeroom and place the boxes in their respective places, someone locks the door. Great! Just when I think the day can't be any worse, I'm stuck in a storeroom with him.
Reluctantly I bang the door and scream my lungs out "Hey! Can any one hear me!"
"Yes I can hear you. Stop screaming Ayra, I'd go deaf" oh I couldn't ask for anything better "now I'd keep screaming so that you can actually go deaf. I don't want to be here for a sec with you"
He smirks and inspects the room as if the door will automatically open by his glare "oh trust me Ayra, spending more time with you wasn't in my bucket list as well"
"Just shut up and do something to open the door" I suggest.
He adjusts his glasses and utters while grinning "I can throw you on the door and break it. What say?" His laugh echoes the room.
"Stop laughing or else I'd break your nose"
"You know" he begins "it's amazing how you can ruin things without even trying"
I spin around with flashing anger, what does he mean by it? "Excuse me?" I step closer to him not feeling a tat bit scared of him, I've done enough with his taunts "you still mad about that incident"
"Mad?" Anger flares in his orbs "because of your false allegations, I lost my dream college"
I scoff and cross my arms defensively "only if you weren't an idiot enough to actually understand the scenario"
"Selfish as always Ayra" he steps closer "you have no guilt for what you did right?"
My temper crosses its limit "I do feel sorry for you! I did what I had to do in order to protect my own future because unlike you I didn't have a reputed surname to protect me"
"I'm not shocked at all" he snaps "you did what you had to do and now, watch me do what I want to"
He moves swiftly, pinning me against the wall. His eyes filled with challenge and a smirk playing on his lips. I have to raise my head in order to match his height, "your future matters to you right? The validation, golden scholarship? Watch me snatch all of it sweetheart"
Like I have everything organized on a plate for him to arrive and take everything. "Get off of me!" I hiss, pushing him by his chest but my strength has not match for his composed exterior.
"Make me" he retorts, daring me with his irresistible smirk. He brings the worst out of me, he's aware of my imperfections and knows what nerves to trigger for driving me insane.
Before I can respond him the door cracks open, revealing Dr butt standing in the doorway, his expressions remain stern.
Zaid immediately releases me and steps back, his eyes still flaring with anger. I compose myself and turn to face him.
"Nothing Dr. Butt" I say coolly "just a difference of opinion"
He shakes his head "I don't know when will you guys keep aside your differences. Alright now leave for your next classes"
Zaid flares me one last time "we're done here"
As we walk out of the storeroom, I intentionally push Zaid with my shoulders "you are miserable Zaid. You don't want to believe that I may be right at my place because you hate me"
With that I walk away leaving Zaid standing there, seething but unable to respond.
I'm aware that why I did with Zaid isn't entirely right, but I wasn't wrong either.
Ëâ â¥â Ë
Hey everyone I hope y'all are doing fine and well!
Do share your views about today's chapter and how are you feeling about the couples so far?