Destined Strangers

Chapter 18

"What is done in love, is done well."

Vincent van Gogh

🌙

"I'm coming..."

The sudden revelation feels like the ground has been pulled from under her feet, leaving her reeling for a moment. If Noor had shared this news a few days ago, she would have been over the moon, but now it is shocking.

Her mind races to reconcile the past and present, struggling to bridge the chasm between what she thought she knew and this new reality. The air is thick with unspoken questions, each one fighting for attention like a chorus of restless whispers.

"Sania?"

Noor's voice echoes from the other end, breaking the silence and bringing her back to reality.

"When are you coming?" she asks, attempting to sound nonchalant despite the turmoil brewing inside. But her voice betrays her, lacking the enthusiasm Noor expects.

"Day after tomorrow," she replies, dropping another bombshell, and Sania sits down on the nearby chair.

"Aren't you happy?"

"I'm happy," she says, forcing a smile, trying to sound convincing despite the knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. "I have a lot to talk to you about when you come." The words feel hollow, like a poorly crafted facade, but she hopes Noor won't notice the cracks.

Noor continues to share her plans, her excitement infectious and genuine, yet Sania listens silently, her mind racing with unspoken concerns. Noor has intended to visit since Sania moved, but some unknown reasons have delayed her. The anticipation has built up over time, and now, she is coming suddenly, like a gust of wind that could either bring relief or chaos.

After ending the call, Sania's mind becomes entangled in a web of worries. She picks up the phone again and dials, but no one answers. She sighs deeply and puts the phone down. 'He never answers when it is important, why would he now?' she mutters to herself.

Just then, a knock at the door breaks the silence. She responds, then busies herself gathering files. Adam walks in. She glances at him for a moment and returns to reading.

"Are you busy? Should I come back later?"

"No, you can stay," she replies, gesturing to the chair across from her.

He sits across from her, his expression as serious as always. But she senses he hasn't come to discuss work.

"Is everything alright?" she initiates the conversation.

"Yes..."

"Actually, in the market that day..."

"Leave it, Adam. I was just a bit troubled that day," she interrupts, knowing what he wants to say. She feels embarrassed again for her actions.

"What kind of trouble?"

Their relationship is strictly professional, she doesn't share personal life complexities with him. Still, she seeks appropriate words, not wanting to be rude. And she also needs to make amends for the scene she has made.

"Nothing special... just minor issues, and I wasn't feeling well that day," she replies in a calm, serious tone.

"I was worried about you."

"Why?" she asks, refocusing on the file. She isn't naive, she senses what is stirring in his heart. So, she makes a conscious effort to keep their interaction strictly professional.