Shattered illusions

4:Reflections

Manchester, England.

Hanan woke up to a sunny morning, grateful for a free lecture day. She stretched, feeling refreshed.

After completing her morning routine, hanan settled into her cozy bed, scrolling through social media.

Her phone buzzed with hooriya's call.
"Hey, girl! I need a break from med school. Let's catch up, I will send you the location."

Hanan agreed, eager to share her law school experiences.
"Okay, sounds good! By the way, I'm calling mubaid to join us too."

Oohh, isn't that annoying mubaid again?" Hooriya said.
"I won't interfere between you guys " hanan chuckled.
"Ugh, thanks for nothing. Hooriya groaned.
"Anyway, I"ll see you later! We can finalize the plans then."
"Alright,bye!"

They hung up, promising to meet later.

Haan got dressed, choosing an elegant grey open Abaya crafted from luxurious silk, flowed elegantly around her, accentuating her refined features. Her feet were clad in a pair of sleek, black Dior shoes, the iconic logo subtly embossed on the side. Completing her look was a chic, black Dior handbag, it's sleek design and gold hardware adding a touch of glamour to her overall appearance she styled her hair and wrapped her veil around her head into a hijab and applied light makeup completing her look.

As always hanan looked absolutely elegant, her impeccable style commanding attention without seeking it.

Hanan then called mubaid.
"Hey ya mubaid . Hooriya and I are meeting up at a cafe want to join us?"
"Yeah sure, I'll bring Aamir along too." Mubaid's warm voice filled the line.

At the cafe hanan and hooriya hugged, laughing about their matching abayas. Hooriya wore the same style but in a beautiful shade of green.

"What's the odds? "Hooriya giggled. Over coffee, they shared stories about law and medical school.

Just then, mubaid and Aamir walked in their eyes met, and they exchanged warm smiles and joined them.

"What's the debate today?" Mubaid asked.

Hooriya smirked."just discussing how med school is for superior to football."

Mubaid chuckled. "You think saving lives is harder than scoring goals."

Hooriya rolled her eyes. "Apples and oranges mubaid."

Aamir intervened, "Hey, let's not start a war. We're here for a break."

They ordered their meal and engaged in lively conversations.

As their orders arrived the group debated football vs. law, with hanan and Aamir engaging in a playful argument.

"Lawyers are boring, "Aamir teased .

"Boring? Hanan raised an eyebrow. "We're the guardians of justice."

Aamir chuckled. "You're just trying to convict me of being wrong."

As the afternoon wore on, mubaid glanced at his watch. "Aamir, we should head to our apartment to freshen up."

Aamir nodded. " Thanks for the lunch girls, we'll pick you girls up at hooriya's apartment later for a movie night."

Hooriya's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect ! I need a break from studying."

Hanan agreed, " me too. my head's been buried in books nonstop."

The group made plans for a 7am pickup. The guys left after settling the bill.

Later that evening, mubaid and Aamir arrived at hooriya's apartment.
The group headed to the movie theater, laughing and joking.

As they settled into their seats, the movie theater's cozy darkness enveloped them.

"What's the movie about again?" It's a rom-com. I figured we could all have some light-hearted fun. "Aamir said."

"Perfect choice! Hooriya nodded I need a break from med school stress."

Mubaid chuckled, "And I need a break from football practice.... And hooriya's constant nagging."

Hooriya playfully rolled her eyes. "I'm Just keeping you in check."

"Someone's got to keep you humble, hooriya. Mubaid teased.

"Humble? You're the one who needs humility, hooriya shot back.

Aamir and hanan exchanged amused glances.

The movie started, and they immersed themselves in the story.

During the film, Aamir whispers to hanan, "what do you think of the lead actor?"

He's charming, but the lead actress is amazing." Hanan smiled.

"Yeah, she's talented, Aamir agreed.

As the movie progressed, hooriya and mubaid engaged in a heated debate about the plot.

"I knew it! I told you he'd fall in love with her! Hooriya exclaimed.

"But the twist was unexpected." Mubaid countered.

"You're just mad because you didn't predict it", hooriya teased.

I'm not mad I'm just intellectually superior. Mubaid retorted.

"Intellectually superior? You're just superior in your own mind."

After the movie, they strolled through the park. The cool evening breeze carried the scent of flowers.
They reflected on their day, grateful for the much-needed break and each other's company.

The guys dropped hanan and hooriya saying their goodbyes grateful for the movie night.

As Hanan returned home, she smiled feeling rejuvenated. She began her skincare routine, listening to a podcast. As she applied a face mask, she realized the day has been a perfect reminder of the importance of refreshing and taking breaks.

As she drifted off to sleep, her mind replayed the encounter with Aamir. His piercing gaze, the gentle way he spoke, and the unexpected connection they shared lingered in her thoughts.

—————
The sound of her alarm blaring jolted her awake. Hanan rubbed the sleep from her eyes, feeling a mix of dread and determination. She had to face the day ahead.

After a quick prayer and refreshing herself, hanan headed to the kitchen to full up for the day. She sipped her coffee, scrolling through her phone for any important school notifications.

The reminders flooded her screen:
•8:00AM: first lecture.
•12:00PM: Meeting with academic advisor.
•2:00PM: Group study.

She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself. She finished getting dressed and ready for the day, slipped on her bag, grabbed her stuffs, and stepped out.

The walk to campus was invigorating and hanan felt a sense of purpose with each step. She was ready to tackle the day, but a part of her wondered.......

Would she see Aamir again?

And what did yesterday's encounter truly mean for her future?.....

As Hanan approached her first lecture of the day, she steeled herself for the challenges ahead- academic and emotional.

Hiii guys, I just wanted to apologize for the late update. I'm currently writing exams, and it's been a bit challenging to balance studying and writing . Please bear with me,as  updates might not be frequent. I appreciate your patience and understanding💕
So...let me know what your thoughts about this chapter.
Vote, comment and share🫶🏼

With love, Maryam💕