14 Chapter 12: Unexpected Connections

Aayat's dedication to her work and quest consumed her completely, causing her to become somewhat distant from those around her. She immersed herself in her studies, leaving little time for social interactions. Even when Rania tried to engage with her, Aayat would often brush her off, absorbed in her pursuits.

Amidst her intense focus, Aayat failed to notice the changes occurring in Zinat. Zinat, coping with the loss of her late husband Zubair, was gradually transforming. She became more cautious and calmer with each passing day, trying to find solace in various ways. Zinat developed a habit of eating more than before and found comfort in reading children's stories. Aditya, a supportive presence in her life, did his best to be there for her, but the void left by Zubair's absence remained unfilled.

Despite the sorrow that weighed on Zinat's heart, she occasionally smiled when reminiscing about her late husband. The memories they had shared were precious to her, and she held onto them dearly, finding moments of joy amidst the grief.

*Flashback*

Zinat sat beneath the twinkling stars, feeling lost in the vast emptiness of her life. She grew up in the shadow of her parents' successful business, but despite the material possessions they showered her with, she craved their love and attention. Raised by her nanny, Aunt Zaima, Zinat found solace in books, but her heart yearned for someone who would prioritise her above work and cherish her for who she was.

The next day, as she prepared for her first day at a new school, Zinat hoped for genuine friendships, free from the influence of her family's wealth. Little did she know that her life was about to take an unexpected turn. Witnessing a senior girl bullying a junior, Zinat couldn't bear the injustice and stepped in to protect the victim. With courage and determination, she confronted the bully, standing up for what was right.

After the confrontation, Zinat comforted the girl who had been bullied, introducing herself as Aayat. The two girls discovered they were classmates and shared a lunch together. Aayat revealed details about her life, including her parents' divorce and her close bond with her protective brother.

Throughout the day, Zinat couldn't help but think about Aayat and the connection they had formed. Feeling a sense of responsibility towards Aayat, she wanted to be there for her and protect her from feeling alone. Zinat needed to catch up on class notes and asked Aayat if she could borrow hers. Aayat insisted that Zinat visit her house to choose the notes herself, wanting to spend time with her new friend.

Zinat was surprised when Aayat revealed she didn't have any other friends and expressed her gratitude for their newfound friendship. Finally, after years of feeling like an outsider, Zinat had found someone who accepted her for who she was and not her family's status or wealth. This unexpected connection left Zinat excited and eager to see where their friendship would lead. Aayat soon invited Zinat over for dinner as the latter informed her that she was alone for the weekend.

Aayat's house left a strong impression on the visitor. Its beauty was undeniable, and her parents exuded kindness and teased each other lovingly. After a delightful pizza dinner, Aayat changed into a pink pyjama, which made the visitor cringe inwardly, but they continued to spend time together in her room.

Later, during dinner, the visitor noticed Zubair, Aayat's brother, sitting at the opposite end of the table, engrossed in his phone. Although his hair was a bit messy, his shining eyes caught their attention. As dinner progressed, their eyes met, and an instant spark was ignited. Blushing, the visitor couldn't help but feel drawn to Zubair's charisma, charm, and wit. Aayat playfully inquired about the visitor's flushed cheeks, unknowingly encouraging a smiling Zubair, who nearly choked on his drink, much to the amusement of his friend, Aditya. Tall and full of laughter, Aditya seemed like the life of the party. Aayat's mom encouraged an introduction, leading to a brief exchange of greetings. In a whispered voice, Zubair's mentioning of the visitor's name caught Aditya's attention, who playfully winked at them. Despite feeling overwhelmed, the visitor found themselves more and more attracted to Zubair as they conversed. He had a delightful sense of humour and an infectious personality.

After dinner, the group played Monopoly in the TV room. Throughout the game, Zubair and the visitor exchanged stolen glances, and a growing attraction bloomed between them. As the night ended, the visitor left for home, unable to stop thinking about Zubair and the enchanting allure he possessed. The visitor acknowledged the feeling of falling for Zubair's charms and looked forward to the next weekend when Aayat invited them over again.

The following weekend, the visitor, having nothing else to do, happily accepted Aayat's invitation to spend the day with her. As they sat on her bed, Aayat told her story, and the visitor couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable with her rapid speech. Suddenly, Zubair's raspy voice interrupted their conversation, calling for Aayat. The visitor couldn't deny that Zubair was the most attractive person they had ever seen, with his soft, curly brown hair and well-toned figure. When Zubair invited them to join them for lunch, they eagerly accepted.

At dinner, the visitor expressed gratitude for the home-cooked meals and praised the food, which made Zubair avoid their gaze. It was later revealed that Zubair had prepared their favourite dishes. As the meal progressed, playful banter erupted between Aayat and Aditya, and Zubair playfully scolded them for not behaving in front of their guest. The visitor introduced themselves as Zinat and felt lucky to have made friends who were kind, hospitable, and had a great sense of humour.

After dinner, Aayat and Aditya invited Zinat to join them for a gaming session. Although Zinat was initially unsure, they couldn't resist the infectious enthusiasm of their new friends. As they settled in front of the console, Zinat realised they were a bit lost, having played very few console games before.

Zubair, who had already captivated Zinat's thoughts, came to their aid with a gentle touch as he showed them the keys for the required moves. Zinat felt a jolt of electricity at his touch, and they found themselves mesmerised by his voice and the way he guided them through the game. His laughter sent shivers down their spine, and they were hopelessly attracted to him.

As the night wore on, Zinat couldn't help but steal glances at Zubair, taking in his handsome features and the twinkle in his eyes. The attraction between them was undeniable, and Zinat didn't want the night to end.

*Flashback ends*