WHEN STARS ALIGN

~CHAPTER SIX~

Third person POV.

Zara's room was a cozy chaos of colorful fabrics, scattered makeup, and the gentle hum of anticipation. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm, golden glow that softened the room's sharp edges. Zara, Nana, Fatoo, and Mina were sprawled in various states of preparation, each occupying a corner of the space.

Zara stood by the full-length mirror, adjusting her veil. Her deep blue maxi dress, modest yet stylish, flowed around her like a wave, its intricate embroidery catching the light with each movement. She glanced around the room, taking in her friends' familiar faces and the comfortable mess they created together.

Nana was perched on the edge of Zara's bed, her green maxi dress spreading around her like a meadow. She was meticulously applying eyeliner, her brows furrowed in concentration. Her veil, a lighter shade of green, was draped over her shoulder, waiting for the final touch.

Fatoo sat cross-legged on the floor, a sea of soft pink enveloping her. Her dress was delicate, almost ethereal, with lace details that hinted at her gentle nature. She was braiding her hair, fingers moving with practiced ease, though her eyes occasionally betrayed a hint of sadness that hadn't fully faded since the breakup.

Mina, leaning against the window sill, was a vision in violet. Her dress was adorned with tiny silver sequins that sparkled with each slight shift. She munched on snacks from a tray on the nearby dresser, her eyes darting between her friends as she chewed thoughtfully.

"I love this little life..." Mina said in a sing-song voice.

"I hate this little life..." Zara sang the opposite.

As they chatted about life, the conversation meandered from light-hearted gossip to more profound reflections. They argued, agreed and disagreed.

Mina broke the rhythm of their banter, her voice cutting through the room's comfortable noise. "Zara, why do you always put on this facade? Why do you want everyone to fear you?" She spoke around a mouthful of chips, her eyes never leaving Zara's reflection in the mirror.

The room fell silent, the question hanging in the air like a challenge. Zara turned slowly, meeting Mina's gaze with a steady look. She sighed, her shoulders dropping a fraction as if releasing a burden. "I have this thing where I want everybody to think I am the greatest. And if they aren't completely knocked out, amazed, and intimidated by me, then I don't feel good about myself."

Her friends listened intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Zara continued, her voice softer now, more reflective. "It wasn't always like this. Life just... happened. I had to become strong, and had to build walls to protect myself. Somewhere along the way, I became this person. Now, it's just who I am."

The weight of her words settled over them, each reflecting on their own struggles. Fatoo's hands stilled in her hair, Nana set down her eyeliner, and Mina stopped munching. They shared a moment of silent understanding.

They finished getting ready in a quiet, contemplative mood, the earlier chatter replaced by the rustle of fabric and the occasional sigh.

Zara's car was waiting outside, so they gathered their things, each lost in their thoughts, and filed out of the room, the door being closed by Nana who was the last person out.

The drive to Imran's place was filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by the hum of the engine and the occasional comment about the route.

The evening sun cast a warm glow over the city as Zara navigated through the winding streets. When they arrived, Zara parked in the enormous lot of Imran's mansion. The house stood grand and imposing, a symbol of wealth and stature. An elderly man, likely a servant, was waiting by the entrance and greeted them with a polite nod.