Mulazim-E-Al-Wadood (On hold)

Chapter 39

Third Person's POV

The bright, sunny day brought an air of excitement to the campus. Graduation day was finally here, the culmination of years of hard work. Muskan stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her cap and gown, her heart beating faster than usual. It wasn’t just because of the significance of the day. It was something—or rather, someone—else entirely. Zayn.

As she walked towards the campus gate, she spotted Zayn waiting for her, leaning against his car with his usual calm demeanor, dressed impeccably in a black suit. Her heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral.

Zayn spotted her approaching and smirked. "So, you're finally graduating, Little creature?" His voice carried that usual teasing tone.

Muskan rolled her eyes, adjusting her cap as she reached him. "I'm going to be a C.A soon. You better show some respect."

Zayn raised his eyebrows, his smirk widening. "Oh really? And here I thought all this education would humble you."

Muskan crossed her arms, trying her best to hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Just because you're a CEO doesn’t mean you know everything. I could still beat you in an argument any day."

"Of course," Zayn said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "because clearly, arguing with me is your favorite hobby."

She huffed. "If you stopped being so full of yourself, maybe I wouldn’t have to argue."

"Full of myself?" Zayn repeated, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Muskan, I’m just stating facts. And besides—" He glanced around dramatically, "—you love my company. Admit it."

Muskan narrowed her eyes, her cheeks warming at the subtle truth. Of course, I do, she thought, but instead, she shot back, "In your dreams, Gorilla."

As Zayn chuckled, his laughter causing a strange flutter in Muskan's heart, she averted her gaze, pretending to inspect her surroundings.

"You called me that after a long time. I guess the old Muskan is back." Zayn said.

She couldn't let him see how much his presence affected her, but there was no denying the pull she felt toward him.

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As the graduation ceremony proceeded, Muskan couldn’t help but steal glances at Zayn, who sat a few rows ahead, occasionally scrolling through his phone. Even from a distance, she admired his calm, composed presence.

Ya Allah, she thought, what am I doing?

Every little gesture of his—whether it was the way he raised an eyebrow, or how his fingers tapped impatiently on the armrest—captivated her. But she didn’t know if it was love, or something far more dangerous. He had no idea what she felt, and that was probably for the best.

Suddenly, a girl from another group approached Zayn with a bright smile, and something in Muskan's chest tightened. The girl giggled at something Zayn said, and Muskan’s jaw clenched. Who is she, and why is she laughing so much?

Her eyes darkened with a tinge of jealousy, though she quickly pushed the feeling down. Zayn wasn’t hers. He never would be. Still, watching him interact with someone else stung in ways she couldn’t explain.

She tried to focus on the ceremony, but her mind kept drifting back to Zayn, and the unsettling realization that despite how hard she tried to keep her emotions in check, she was falling deeper for him with every passing moment.

But she had no right to say anything.

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Later that evening, Muskan sat by her phone, replaying the events of the day. Her heart ached from the unspoken feelings she carried. Just then, Zayn’s voice echoed from behind her—he was on a call with Afzal. She remained where she was, not intending to eavesdrop, but the words she heard next left her frozen.

"Zayn, what’s going on with you and Muskan?" Afzal asked teasingly. "Don’t tell me you’ve caught feelings."

Zayn’s laugh rang out, but it held no warmth. "Feelings? Afzal, please. Muskan’s just a friend. Nothing more. We’re too different for anything to ever happen between us."

"Really?" Afzal pressed. "Because it doesn’t look like you think of her as just a friend."

"She’s—" Zayn paused, and Muskan’s heart raced, hoping for a different answer. But then, the next words shattered her. "She’s just… a friend. She doesn’t have anyone to stand by her. I feel pity for her. That’s all. Nothing more."

His words—so casual, so indifferent—cut deeper than she’d ever imagined. She was just a burden to him. Someone he pitied. The realization hit her like a tidal wave, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. How could he think so little of her?

As the conversation continued, Muskan quietly slipped away, her heart in tatters. She couldn’t face Zayn after hearing that. How foolish she’d been to think there might be something more between them. He didn’t care for her—not the way she cared for him.

That night, as she lay in bed, her mind whirled with emotions—pain, anger, and a deep sense of betrayal. She had never felt so alone. Zayn’s words echoed in her ears, making her heart ache all over again.

Pitiful. Was that all she was to him? A helpless girl who needed his pity?

No, she decided. She wasn’t weak. And she wouldn’t let him see her that way anymore. He didn’t deserve her admiration. He didn’t deserve her friendship. From tomorrow onward, she would keep her distance. If he thought she was nothing more than a helpless girl, then she would show him just how wrong he was.

She decided to avoid Zayn, no matter how much it hurt.