Closer than we knew

Chapter 1

Scene: Classroom

Sitara and Sana were going through their notes when Asifa approached them.

"Sitara, Principal wants to see you in his office," she said.

"Did he tell you why?" she asks looking towards her direction.

"No, but he sounded serious. Also, he said to bring salar with you." Asifa says.

Sitara frowned at the name of Salar. And why not? They had been academic rivals since the start of the university. He doesn't leave any chance to annoy her. Arrogant brat.

Sitara gathered her things and stood up, making her way towards the canteen where Salar liked to spend his free time. She knew him enough to know his whereabouts.

---

Scene: Canteen

Sitara spotted Salar at his usual place with a sandwich and phone in his hand. She approached him and knocked on the table to gain his attention. He looked up raising an eyebrow, "What is it sitara?" He asks setting his phone and half-eaten sandwich down.

"The principal wants to see us. Both of us," Sitara said, crossing her arms.

Salar smirks. "What did you do this time?" He said.

Sitara gives him a fake smile and replies," I told him how an arrogant brat you are, Mr Attitude"

Salar gets up from his seat and moves towards Sitara. "Oh really? Then I should also go and tell him how innocent you are?" He says smirking at her.

Salar picks up his half-eaten sandwich to finish it.

Sitara crossed her arms and said, "Hurry up, we don't have a whole day?"

Salar, "Ah Miss Perfect hates waiting doesn't she?"

Sitara gives him a look. Salar quickly finishes his sandwich and gestures to Sitara to move ahead," After you, Miss Perfect." He says with a smile.
_________

Scene: Principal Office

Sitara knocked on the door firmly and a deep voice called from inside.

"Come in"

Sitara and Salar stepped into the office and stood beside each other. As they entered his gaze shifted from a folder to them.

"Ah, Sitara and Salar, sit down beta"

They exchanged a glance before taking seats opposite the principal.

The principal folded both his hands, looking at them. "You both might be wondering why I called you"

They simply nod their heads.

The principal smiled slightly, "Let me put it simply. The University has been invited to participate in the National Moot Court competition. It's an important event for the university and I want my best students to represent us. That's why I called you to let you know that both of you will be participating in this competition"

Sitara blinked unsure of what she heard, She and Salar? Together?

Salar raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Both of us? Interesting choice, Sir."

Sitara began cautiously, "Sir, I am honoured but... are you sure we are the best choice for this?" She continued, "We both have different working sty-"

Salar cuts in, "Ohho, Sitara, we will be fine, you just need to follow my lead" he smirks.

Sitara gives him a look and the principal smiles at them.

"Exactly why I chose you two. Your competition with each other has always brought out the best in both of you and with your different approaches to work I believe you will push each other to new limits I am sure you both are mature enough to put your differences aside and work together for sake of university"

Salar and Sitara exchanged a look. This is going to be a rollercoaster ride. They have participated against each other, not with each other. But despite their rivalry, they were aware of each other's talent - they were the best and they knew it.

Salar broke the silence, "Sure sir, we will do our best"

Sitara says, "We won't let you down, sir."

—————

As they stepped out of the principal's office, Sitara kept her eyes straight ahead, her mind already racing through strategies for the competition. Salar, on the other hand, walked with his hands tucked in his pockets without an ounce of worry on his face.

Sitara broke the silence first, "We need to start preparing immediately. I'll make a schedule for the case study and research."

Salar glanced sideways at her, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Always so organized, Miss Perfect. I was thinking of skipping the formalities and jumping straight into the fun part—winning."

She stopped, turning to face him, "And for that, we need to prepare."

"Fine, fine," Salar said, "But don't get too comfortable. I'm not here to follow your lead."

"Neither do I"

Sitara turned away and walked ahead, already planning their next steps. Salar chuckled softly, following her with a grin.
___________

Later that evening after leaving the principal's office, Sitara sat in her study, staring at her phone. She has already gone through the moot problem and identified the most important areas they had to work on. But there was a problem. She needs to talk with Salar.

Her fingers hovered over her phone. She sighed finally opening WhatsApp, she scrolled through her contacts until she found his name.

Ok, Sitara, let's keep it professional. She thought. After a deep breath she starting typing.
  

Sitara
We need to plan out first meeting to discuss issues for our moot court. When are you free?          (8:45 pm)

She hit send but regretted immediately at how formal it sounded. Was I too cold? Should I have said 'hello' or something? Before she could edit her message her phone buzzed with a message.

Salar
Straight to business huh? No hello, hii 😏
(8:47 PM)

Sitara rolled her eyes, and starts typing.

Sitara
Hii. How are you? Are you doing well? Happy 💀 (8:48 PM)

Salar
Was doing well until 8:45 PM 😩 (8:48 PM)

Sitara's mouth opened wide when she realised what he meant. Before she could respond to him her phone buzzed with another message

Salar
I am free tomorrow afternoon. But I have one condition. 😌 (8:49 PM)

She frowns.

Sitara
          Now what? 🙄🙄 (8:50 PM)

Salar
Promise me you won't lecture me the whole time🥺 (8:51 PM)

Sitara
No promises. I only lecture when its necessary. (8:51 PM)

Salar
Oh really? Well lets meet at 3 in the library. I will bring popcorn to bear your lecture🤧 (8:52 PM)

She chuckled looking at his text.

Sitara
Popcorn aint saving you. But fine, 3 works for me too. Just come prepared. (8:53 PM)

Salar
Oh I am always prepared, Sitara sahiba. 😉(8:53 PM)

Sitara
Lets hope your actions match your words, Salar. (8:54 PM)

Putting her phone down, she smiled. Maybe working with Salar wouldn't be that bad, as long as he didn't get on her nerves too much during their meeting.

—————-

So how was it?? English isn't my first language so please bear with me😭 I will try to update regularly. I hope you all look forward to it.