Chapter 4: Tangled heart

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Walking with a purposeful stride, Aroush realized she was running a few minutes late. As she quickened her pace, she couldn't help but notice a car trailing closely behind her. A sudden wave of fear washed over her, as negative thoughts filled her mind. The surroundings were eerily quiet, creating a sense of vulnerability. It felt as though one could be harmed and buried without a soul to offer assistance. Perhaps the driver of the car sensed her apprehension because he pulled over and continued on foot.

"Could you spare a few minutes of your precious time?" the man pleaded, extending his hands toward her. The logical response would have been to decline and keep moving, yet she found herself saying yes, captivated by his presence. Confusion swirled within her as she questioned her actions. Why was she smiling despite the inner turmoil? But the genuine smile on her face remained unwavering.

His eyes seemed to magnify her beauty, and he was utterly mesmerized. He took a few steps closer, his voice filled with a polite request, "May I ask you three questions?"

She didn't utter a word, but her demeanor suggested that she was willing to entertain his queries.

A smile played on his lips. "I would like to know your address, phone number, and your name," he beseeched, his eyes pleading for her cooperation.

Her delight was evident as she smiled and replied, "Well, two of those are not questions, but I will answer what I perceive as a question."

"I'm Aroush," she said, taking a step back, her voice as sweet as honey. As she started to walk away, he was momentarily stunned. Not only was she beautiful, but she possessed a captivating voice. He quickly caught up with her and implored, "Alright, please give me your phone number or address, I only need one."

Rolling her eyes playfully, she extended her hand towards him and said, "Alright, give me your phone."

He handed her his phone, and she swiftly entered her contact information. "Then, my name is Jad," he revealed.

"It's nice to meet you, Jad," she responded, returning his phone to him.

"Well, this is my stop," she pointed to an Islamic school across the street.

"Thank you, Aroush. Please save my number, as I have saved yours, and I will call you later!" he requested earnestly.

"Okay, never mind," she replied casually before crossing the road.

After returning home from school, Aroush changed out of her uniform and decided to visit Zia's place. She informed her mother of her intentions and headed towards his house.

Zia's mother was sweeping the house compound while listening to the radio when Aroush arrived.

She greeted Zia's mother and was informed, "What a coincidence! He just went out to buy sugar," she replied, smiling warmly.

"Alright, let me go and find him," Aroush said, making her way to the door. She stood by the entrance, waiting for him, and spotted him approaching from a distance. With a smile on her face, she walked up to him, took the bag of sugar from his hand, and linked her arm with his. They made their way back to his tidy room, a space so well-kept that one wouldn't think it belonged to a blind person. As they sat down to eat, Aroush asked, "When do you return to school?"

Zia teased, "Are you telling me you're tired of seeing me?"

Aroush chuckled. "How could I ever get tired of you? I'm just curious because I don't want you to miss me too much when I'm at school. Having a load of studies leaves less time to think about me," she playfully replied.

She stayed with him until late at night, and he accompanied her home before heading to his best friend Ejaz's house.

Ejaz was in his room, engrossed in a football match when Zia entered. "What's with that face? You seem very happy!" Ejaz remarked, noticing Zia's expression.

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