Destined Strangers

Chapter 1

Don't compare her to sunlight and roses
When she is clearly orchids and moonlight

Melody Lee

🌙

The lazy warmth of a quiet Edinburgh afternoon settles over the streets, casting a golden hue through the large windows of the cafe. Outside, branches sway gently, and the distant murmur of voices and the occasional clinking of cups blend into a soft, familiar background.

Sania sits alone, her hands wrapped around a warm mug, absorbing the quiet of the moment. This cafe, hidden away from the bustling city, has become one of her favorite retreats. Though it's been three months since she arrived in Scotland, the once unfamiliar streets are slowly becoming familiar, forming a new rhythm in her life.

On the surface, Sania appears composed—a woman of privilege, admired for her education, manners, and beauty. Yet beneath this polished exterior lies a quiet void, an emptiness that no one sees. She has learned to carry it in silence.

She gazes out of the cafe window, lost in thought when her phone vibrates on the table, snapping her out of her reverie. She glances at the screen, seeing Nour's name flash. Her lips curl into a smile, a rare, genuine smile. Nour is her only  friend, someone she has known since childhood. They haven't spoken in weeks, but their bond doesn't require constant upkeep.

"Let's see who remembered me today,"

She says with a slight smile, her voice soft as she picks up the call. She leans against the window, watching the overcast sky. On the other end, Nour is pacing around her room, a faint smile on her lips, her steps quick but rhythmic.

"I've been busy these past few days, as you might've guessed"

Nour explains. Both Sania and Nour had applied to move to this country together, but due to some unforeseen delays, Nour's process got held up. Sania's paperwork, however, went through smoothly, and she arrived earlier, while Nour is still dealing with the bureaucracy.

"How far along is the process now?"

Sania asks, a hopeful edge to her tone. She's eager for Nour to join her-there are many reasons for that, though some remain unsaid.

"It's almost done... just keep me in your prayers,"

"Of course,"  She sets the cup she's holding down on the windowsill.

"How's everything going over there?" Nour's question is light, but it hits a nerve. She exhales slowly.

"Everything is fine... it will be even more fun when you come," She replies with a slight smile.

"How is everyone at home?" She changes the subject, wanting to keep the mood upbeat.

"Everything is fine... They miss you," Since both have been childhood friends, their families know each other well.

"I miss you all too..." She replies, then notice Nour pause for a moment, sensing her hesitation. It's as if she wants to say something important but is searching for the right words.

"Sania."

"I'm listening,"

"I had a favor to ask... will you help me with it?" Nour asks. She's confident that Sania wouldn't refuse, but even if there's a hint of doubt, she knows she can find a way to persuade her.

"If it's worth doing, then I'll definitely help," Sania jokes, laughing lightly. However, on the other end of the phone, Nour's expressions are solemn. After a brief pause, she begins to speak.

"I have a cousin..."

"Oh... that's great"

Sania says, trying to sound serious but unintentionally making it sound like a gag. There's a moment of silence. Sania has already gauged Nour's expressions, which is why she speaks again.

"Alright, so?"

"He's arriving in Scotland today on a flight. Since he's new to this country, could you pick him up from the airport?"

Nour speaks patiently, now waiting for Sania's inevitable refusal.

Sania exhales deeply after listening "Nour, I’m feeling quite fatigued at the moment and definitely not in the mood to pick up a random stranger from the airport,"

This response is what Nour expected, but she also knows that it will change in a little while.

"Now you can't even do a favor to me?"

"Tell me something reasonable... is this really a task worth doing?" Sania says in a somewhat dismissive tone.

"Fine, just forget it..." 

She replies, and Sania takes a deep breath. She's tired, and the thought of driving to the airport to pick up a stranger-no matter who's cousin he is-feels like an unnecessary burden. But saying no to Nour is harder than the task itself.

"Okay, If I feel like it, I might go,"

Sania finally concedes. Hearing this, Nour's smile returns. She starts telling Sania about the flight time and her cousin's name, while Sania listens patiently.

Once Nour had shared the details, their conversation returned to the familiar rhythm of everyday chatter. Sania, sitting in the same cafe , gazes out the window, watching the bustling street as she continues to talk with her friend. The sound of laughter and the aroma of coffee fill the air, creating a comforting atmosphere around her.

When the call finally ends, Sania feels a wave of relief wash over her. That's what old friends are for-always keeping a place for each other in their hearts. With them, laughter flows freely, unfiltered and genuine.

__

Later that evening, the sky is a soft gradient of fading light and gathering clouds. The mist rolls in, clinging to the cobblestones and wrapping the city in a cool, damp embrace.

Sania stands near the airport's receiving area, the cool air nipping at her cheeks. She pulls her coat tighter around her, scanning the crowd. Nour had sent her a picture of her cousin along with his flight details, which had landed an hour ago. She taps her foot lightly against the ground, impatient but resigned.

The airport is buzzing with activity, people hurrying past with luggage in tow, families reuniting. Sania watches it all, but her thoughts are elsewhere. The mist seems to swallow everything, blurring the edges of the world around her. She feels a strange sense of anticipation, though she can't place why.

Then, out of the blur of travelers, she spots him. He's walking toward her, looking around as if searching for something-or someone. Without thinking, Sania waves, a reflexive gesture. He catches her eye, and in that moment, he smiles. It's the kind of smile that has the power to disarm even the coldest of hearts.

His brown eyes are warm and flickering with an intensity that draws her in. There's something about them, something that feels deeply familiar, as if they hold secrets of a past she can't quite remember.

As he approaches, his eyes crinkle at the corners, deepening the fine lines etched into his face-lines that suggest he's lived, that he's experienced life in ways that few have.

" Salam," he says, his voice warm and welcoming, as if they aren't strangers at all.

And in that moment, standing in the mist and fog, something shifts inside her, though she can't quite explain what it is.

*****

This is just the beginning, and I can't wait to share more with you. If you enjoyed this chapter, feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, or favorite moments-I'd love to hear from you! Your support means the world to me as I continue this journey.

Until next time, [Rida Fatima]