𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓: 𝐀 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐫'𝐚𝐧

chapter 9

Today was the day Ashar's family was coming to Ayat's house, so she didn't go to Madarsa or the university. Now, she was hurriedly coming downstairs and entering the kitchen.

"Ammi, Sidra just called to tell me that my important lecture about the semester exam is today!" she exclaimed as she entered, catching the attention of Salma and Anaya, who were busy with preparations.

"Okay, you go, but try to come back soon; they are arriving in an hour!" Salma replied, still focused on her work. Ayat nodded and quickly ran back upstairs.

She hurried through the corridor, trying to call Sidra, who was not picking up. While Ayat was busy trying to get in touch, Ayaan was coming from the opposite direction. He saw her rushing towards him and realized they might collide. He instinctively stepped aside, but Ayat lost her balance and nearly fell. Just before she hit the ground, he managed to grab hold of the corner of her abaya, preventing her from falling.

In that moment, her veil slipped away from her face, and Ayaan caught a glimpse of her features-her lips, jawline, and a bit of her nose. He quickly turned his face away, embarrassed.

As Ayat regained her balance, she stood up straight, placing her hand on her chest and thanking Allah for avoiding a fall. Ayaan was still staring at her, but her brief glance broke him from his trance. He quickly let go of her abaya, knowing she might scold him again. After the incident at the market, she often reprimanded him, but he didn't mind because at least he got to hear her cold yet sweet voice.

She noticed the concerned look on his face

"I am fine, thank you!" she replied coldly, as she didn't speak sweetly to boys, especially Ayaan. He nodded and stepped back, while she watched him leave. There was something in his eyes and demeanor that caught her attention-it was like emptiness, and he looked dull. She shrugged it off and returned to dialing Sidra's number.

"You! Sidra! You're sitting here carelessly without answering my calls! Do you even know how many times I've tried to reach you since I got to university?" Ayat exclaimed loudly, playfully smacking Sidra's head while she sat there, unbothered.

"I already told you, I didn't get any of your calls, Ayat. See my call history!" Sidra replied, showing her phone. Ayat narrowed her eyes at the screen and saw there were no missed calls from her.

"But how? I called 4 or 5 times!" she replied instantly, confused as she looked at her phone, where Sidra's name was displayed.

"It must be a network issue. Don't bother yourself thinking too much about it!" Sidra suggested, shrugging her shoulders. Ayat nodded, deep in thought, but then something clicked in her mind.
"But first, tell me, where is that important lecture you mentioned on the call?" Ayat inquired suspiciously, narrowing her eyes as she kept her hand on her waist.

"I just lied," Sidra replied, unbothered, as she opened her notebook.

"What? You lied? And you're this unbothered about it? Do you know how worried I got? What if I missed it?" Ayat nearly shouted, gripping Sidra's shoulder.

"You talk as if you had something super important to do at home," Sidra said, rolling her eyes and removing Ayat's hand from her shoulder.

"Yes, it was! Because today Ashar's family is coming to see me," Ayat admitted, causing Sidra's eyes to widen in shock as she stood up.

"What?!" This time, her expression changed, and she almost shouted, drawing side glances from some students nearby.

"Sorry, guys," Sidra quickly apologized, sensing the attention and sitting back down.

"Sayed Ayat, why didn't you tell me about this? Do you even consider me your friend or not, huh?" Sidra nearly shouted, her tone filled with frustration.