The Unwanted Marriage

Chapter 23

Zayd's POV

Today was my bike race. Racing had always been my passion. Since starting my business, I had not only competed professionally but also funded and organized these events. I'd been a professional racer since I was 18, and even now, it gave me the same rush.

Saad and I had planned to meet at Layla's campus before heading to the race. As I pulled up to the entrance, I spotted them standing there-Saad, Layla, and... Amina.

I stopped my bike beside her, swinging off smoothly. Removing my helmet, I ran a hand through my hair as it fell across my forehead.

"As-salamu alaykum, brother. Why didn't you come with Amina?" Layla asked, breaking the silence.

"Wa-alaykum as-salam. I had some work to finish," I replied curtly, keeping my tone even.

I turned to Saad, not in the mood for more questions. "Let's go, Saad. We're getting late," I said, mounting my bike again.

Saad nodded, getting onto his own bike.

"Brother, even we want to see your race! Right, Amina?" Layla chimed in, looking between me and Amina.

I glanced at Amina, whose head was bowed, silent as ever. Her quiet demeanor always left me wondering what was going through her mind.

"Fine," I said after a pause. "The race starts at 4 PM. I'll send a car to pick you both up."

Layla's face lit up with excitement. "Okay, brother!" she said enthusiastically.

For a fleeting moment, my gaze flicked to Amina. Our eyes met briefly before I turned away and slipped my helmet back on.

I revved the engine, the familiar growl filling the air as I pulled away. Saad rode beside me, and the convoy of bodyguards followed close behind. The roar of the wind and the thrum of the bike beneath me were all I needed to clear my head.

Soon, all the racers were lined up at the start line. The crowd roared with excitement, their cheers filling the air as anticipation built.

Did she come? The thought slipped into my mind unbidden. I shook my head. Zayd, focus. This isn't the time to get distracted. I sighed, gripping the handlebars tighter as I refocused on the race.

The signal blared, and the race began. Engines roared to life as we surged forward, the crowd's cheers and the announcer's commentary blending into the background. A cameraman followed behind us, capturing every moment for the big screen.

I quickly pulled ahead of the pack, riding with precision and speed. This was my domain-where everything else faded away, and it was just me and the road.

Two hours later, as the race neared its end, I crossed the finish line first, with Saad following in third. The crowd erupted into applause, but my attention was elsewhere.

As I removed my helmet, my gaze fell on Amina walking toward us with Layla beside her. I watched her carefully, though I couldn't quite explain why.

"Congratulations, brother!" Layla said excitedly, throwing her arms around me.

"Congratulations," Amina said, but not to me. She was looking at Saad, her tone polite as she offered a small smile.

My chest tightened inexplicably. Why didn't she congratulate me?

"Shukriya, bhabhi," Saad replied with a grin, his tone lighthearted.

I frowned, my mind catching on the unfamiliar word. Shukriya? I wasn't sure what he meant, but it pricked at me nonetheless.