LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 1

At 5 in the evening, in the beautiful garden in front of his house, Arzel Khan and his wife Shanaya were lost in a conversation full of love.

Just then, Arzel’s phone rang. When he looked at the screen, a unique happiness spread across his face.

“You sit here, I’ll be back in two minutes,” Arzel said to Shanaya.

He walked away to attend the call, talking for quite a while. After finishing, he came back, still smiling.

“Who were you smiling and talking to for so long? Don’t tell me someone has caught your fancy, and you’re thinking of getting married again, Mr. Arzel,” Shanaya teased.

Arzel laughed heartily. “You are my life, how could I think of anyone else? I should thank God a million times for sending you into my life.”

Saying this, he kissed Shanaya on her forehead.

“Oh, stop it, Mr. Khan. I know very well how much you love me,” Shanaya smiled. “But you still haven’t told me who was on the phone.”

“Oh yes! Do you remember we have to go to Pakistan for a wedding? My childhood friend Syed Imran’s eldest daughter Dua is getting married.”

“Oh, Sitara Bhabi called me just yesterday! I forgot to tell you,” Shanaya replied.

“Well, I’m all ready,” she added, “but you’ll have to convince your beloved son. I don’t think Zain will agree.”

“I’ll handle Zain. Don’t worry,” Arzel reassured her.

“By the way, where is he? He didn’t have to go to university today, did he?” Arzel asked.

“Your son hasn’t even stepped out of his room since morning,” Shanaya sighed.

They were still talking when Zain came down the stairs.

He stood tall at six feet four, with a strong, muscular build. His handsome face had a sharp jawline and striking blue eyes. Dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit, he looked both classy and confident.

“Zain, where are you going in such a hurry? Wait, we need to talk to you about something important,” Shanaya called out.

“Not now, Mom,” Zain said while slipping on his watch. “Something important came up at the university. We’ll talk later.”

Before she could stop him, he walked out and headed to his black Mercedes.

As the driver opened the door, Zain stopped him. “I’ll drive myself today,” he said firmly.

He drove off at full speed — but instead of going to the university, he went straight to a party, where all his friends were waiting.

As soon as Zain entered, all eyes turned toward him. He was so handsome that not just girls, but even guys couldn’t help but look.

Though he was a professor by profession, his charm and confidence gave him a different aura among his friends. Many of his close friends at the party were also professors — including Levi, his favorite colleague and drinking buddy.

Every girl at the university had a crush on Zain — except he never gave them attention. There was only one girl he considered close — Noah, his friend since college.

Noah, too, was a brilliant professor — ambitious, confident, and respected by everyone at the university. And tonight, she was at the same party, her elegant black dress and calm demeanor perfectly matching Zain’s composed charm.

After some dancing and laughter, Zain sat with his friends — professors and colleagues alike — to talk and unwind. Hours slipped by. When he finally checked his phone, it was already 1a.m.