Jaan-e-Jaaha

1.Gullabi🌷

The sun was setting behind the sprawling campus of Islamabad Business University, casting a golden glow over the bustling grounds. Students were scattered across the lawns, some deep in conversation, others buried in books. Among them was Shehnaz Siddiqee, a third-year business student with dreams of making her mark in the corporate world. Her life was a mix of lectures, study sessions, and moments of laughter with friends.

Today, however, the atmosphere on campus was charged with excitement and anticipation. The Prime Minister, Sidthrath Niazi Khan, was scheduled to give a seminar on youth leadership and entrepreneurship. It was a significant event, one that had drawn attention from students and faculty alike.

Shehnaz was aware of the buzz but had initially paid little attention to it. Sidthrath was her cousin, but their lives had always been miles apart. He was the powerful, cold leader of the nation, while she was just a university student. They hadn't seen each other in years, and she doubted he would even remember her.

They do meet in family functions but never directly.

But as she walked towards the main auditorium with her friend Aisha, she couldn't shake a growing sense of curiosity. Should she meet him? What would he be like in person, outside of the intimidating public persona she knew from the media?

"Are you excited to see the Prime Minister?" Aisha asked, nudging her playfully.

Shehnaz shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I guess. It's not every day you get to see a world leader in person."

As they entered the packed auditorium, Shehnaz felt a flutter of nerves. They found seats towards the front, giving them a clear view of the stage. The room buzzed with chatter, but it fell silent as Sidthrath Niazi Khan stepped onto the stage, flanked by his security detail.

He was taller and more imposing than Shehnaz remembered. His presence commanded attention, his dark eyes scanning the crowd with an intensity that made her shiver. He wore a tailored suit that emphasized his authoritative demeanor, and as he began to speak, his voice was steady and powerful.

"Ladies and gentlemen, future leaders of our nation," he began, his tone measured and deliberate. "It is an honor to be here with you today, to discuss the vital role of youth in shaping the future of Pakistan."

Shehnaz listened, captivated by his words despite herself. He spoke of ambition, responsibility, and the importance of innovation. There was a certain charisma in his delivery, a magnetic quality that drew the audience in.

After the seminar, there was an opportunity for students to meet the Prime Minister. A line formed quickly, but Shehnaz hesitated. Should she approach him? They were family, after all, but the years of distance and the vast differences in their worlds made her uncertain.

"Come on, Shehnaz, let's go say hi," Aisha urged, pulling her towards the line.

Shehnaz took a deep breath and joined the line, her heart pounding. As they inched closer, she could see Sidthrath greeting students with a formal politeness, his demeanor slightly softened but still commanding respect.

When it was finally her turn, she stepped forward, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation. "Prime Minister Khan," she began, her voice wavering slightly.

Sidthrath looked at her, his gaze sharp but curious. There was a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Shehnaz? It's been a long time," he said, his tone softer than she expected.

"Yes, it has," she replied, managing a small smile. "It's good to see you."

"You've grown," he observed, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "How is your father?"