Love, sabr and lots of dua

chapter 7 -the quiet glances

The week had been mostly routine for Amira. She'd tried focusing on her studies, pushing thoughts of Zayd aside, but they lingered in her mind like an unresolved melody. Every time she thought she was moving past it, something-or rather someone-would pull her back in.

It started every morning at the school gate. Amira would arrive early, like always, hoping for some peace before the chaos of the school day began. But lately, it seemed like Zayd had the same idea. Almost every morning, he was there, standing by the gate, waiting for his friends. He'd stand there looking handsome , hands casually in his pockets, his eyes scanning the students arriving.

The first time it happened, Amira had nearly tripped over her own feet. She wasn't expecting him to be there, and when their eyes met, her heart did that annoying little flutter. She'd quickly looked away, pretending to be focused on her phone, but she could feel his presence, and it sent a warm rush through her.

Each morning after that, it became a regular occurrence. She'd walk in, her heart racing, hoping he wouldn't notice how flustered she got just from seeing him standing there. It wasn't like he was doing anything special-just... existing. But even that was enough to make her feel like her legs were turning to jelly.

Why does he have to be here every day?Why does he have to come so early?she thought, both thrilled and nervous by the thought of seeing him.

Later That Day

The rest of the day passed in a blur, but it felt like no matter where she went, Zayd was always somewhere nearby-whether it was in the halls, at the sports field, or even during class breaks. She wasn't sure if she was just hyper-aware of him or if fate was truly playing games with her.

That afternoon, Amira was walking through the corridors with her arms full of textbooks and notebooks. She had been rushing to make it to her next class, distracted by the day's events, when suddenly-disaster struck.

Her books slipped out of her hands, tumbling to the floor in a loud clatter. Amira gasped, kneeling down to pick them up, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She muttered under her breath as she tried to gather her things quickly, hoping no one would notice.

But of course, someone did.

Before she could reach for her last book, a pair of hands swooped down and grabbed it for her. Amira's heart skipped a beat as she looked up, her breath catching in her throat. It was him.

Zayd stood there, holding out her notebook. His expression was calm, maybe even slightly amused, but he didn't say a word. He just handed it to her.

For a split second, time seemed to slow down. Amira took the notebook from him, her fingers brushing against his for the briefest moment. She quickly lowered her gaze, mumbling a quiet, "Thanks."

Zayd nodded, still not saying anything, and walked off down the hall with his friends, leaving Amira frozen in place. She could barely process what had just happened. Her mind replayed the scene over and over-the way his hand had effortlessly picked up the notebook, the silent acknowledgment between them, the way he carried himself with that quiet confidence.

As soon as he was out of sight, Amira let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her heart was racing so fast she thought it might burst out of her chest.

Why does this keep happening?

She gathered the rest of her things and hurried to class.

End of the Day

By the time the final bell rang, Amira was drained-mentally and emotionally. She couldn't get the image of Zayd out of her head, and every time she thought about that brief interaction, her knees went weak all over again. It was like a never-ending loop of butterflies, and she wasn't sure how to stop it.

As she walked toward the school gate at the end of the day, her eyes instinctively searched for him. And, just like that , there he was-standing near the entrance, talking to his friends . The sun cast a soft glow around him, highlighting his features as he casually leaned against the wall. He didn't notice her, which gave her a moment to take in the sight before she quickly walked past, her heart racing yet again.

It was almost frustrating how much of an effect he had on her, even when they barely spoke. Amira shook her head, trying to calm her thoughts. She knew she needed to focus-focus on her studies, on herself. But it was hard to do that when every glance, every small moment, made her feel like she was losing control.