ZAID AND MARYAM ~ Their Story

32 - A Lost Cause

                     3 months later

MARYAM SHEIKH

"Yeah, I'm heading over to the library to  get that book I was telling you about," I said, shoving my laptop into my tote bag.

"Oh right," came Fatima's voice. "I've just remembered I got an assignment due tonight. Maybe we can do it together in the library? I'll bring you a latte on the way."

"I think a milkshake would suit me much better," I chuckled, swiping my id as I got off the apartment. "But grab whatever you like."

The weather was actually quite better now with what we had been having for the past few weeks. It was nearing winter and I think I saw some people tying christmas trees onto their trucks. The celebrations are starting and it was time for me to unlock my winter wardrobe.

But for me now, I could not join the celebrations yet. The term exams were approaching and it had been double the workload since I returned from Abu Dabi.

I reached the library and I was in awe every time I entered. The high ceilings, adorned with intricate wooden beams, made me feel small yet significant, as if I were part of something much larger than myself. Sunlight streamed through the towering glass windows, illuminating the dust motes that floated in the air like tiny stars. The comforting scent of aged paper mingled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the cafe.

As I had suspected,  it was getting quite crowded even though it was still  nine in the morning. I went over of the section of the book I was searching for. Someone  online had recommended this book of having the most asked questions and I needed to find it.

I saw a navy blue label and just as I was  about to grab it from the top shelf, I saw a hand getting to it faster than I did. A strong scent of familiar Arabian Oudh filled the air as I returned to look at the person. His grey blue eyes stared at me right back.

It had been 3 months.

3 months since Zaid's proposal.

After the party that night, we left without telling anybody. Aziz and Baba had called to scold me on leaving without saying goodbye but I had thought it was for the best. I knew I didn't want to stay in that house any longer.

I accompanied Zaid and Amr in their private jet. The latter kept me company all the time while the former didn't even look at all in my direction. There were four missed calls from Adam but I didn't choose to call back.

It didn't felt right, somehow.

Zaid and I hadn't spoke since we returned from Abu Dhabi at all. I thought for once, since all the misunderstanding was cleared, we could have been really good friends. For once, we could've talked and chatted like normal friends. But it could never be that way.

He minded his own business and I went my own way. Just like the oldern times.

He gave the book a glance and asked, "Do you want it?" It was in a tone I didn't recognize.

I hesitated. "But you grabbed it first-," Why the heck did my words jumble?

"Do you want it?"

He asked again, his voice cold and stern. I nodded, "Yeah, I do."

He handed the book and left. Before I even had time to say thankyou.

Ya Allah, I think I...

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ZAID KHALID