LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 13

Zain was returning from college, his mind occupied with the day's events, when he unlocked the front door and stepped into the house.

As he entered, he froze in his tracks.

There, sitting comfortably on the sofa, was Noah.

She was scrolling through her phone, but the moment she noticed him, her face lit up with a big smile.

“Zain!” she exclaimed, jumping up from the sofa and rushing towards him.

Before he could react, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

Zain stiffened, completely taken aback.

He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and stepped back, holding her at arm's length, his face a mixture of shock and confusion.

“Noah? You? What are you doing here? I mean… how are you here?”

Noah grinned cheekily, clearly pleased with his reaction.
“Surprise!” she announced.

“I wanted to see the look on your face when you saw me. Totally worth it!
So, tell me, how was my surprise?”

Zain blinked, still trying to process her presence.
“Noah… but… how? And why? You didn’t tell me anything—”

Before he could finish, Noah interrupted, waving her hand dismissively.
"Oh, come on, Zain! Stop with the questions.
I already talked to Uncle and Aunty. I told them I'd be staying here for a few months, and they were perfectly fine with it.
Plus, I've always wanted to visit Pakistan. You know that!"

She paused for dramatic effect before adding with a playful smirk,
"Oh, and guess what? I've joined the same college where you're teaching! Isn't that amazing?"

Zain's jaw tightened as he stared at her, his mind racing.
"What do you mean, the same college?"

Noah tilted her head and grinned.
"Relax, Zain. It's only for a few months."

Zain ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.

He knew Noah too well to believe her excuses.

The whole "exploring Pakistan" story didn't sit right with him.

He was sure there was more to it than she was letting on.

But what could he say?

She was a close friend, and now she was here.

He couldn't exactly turn her away.

Swallowing his frustration, he forced a smile and said,
"Hmm... fine. Let me show you your room. You must be tired after the journey."

"Oh, wow!" Noah exclaimed as she stepped into the guest room.

She twirled around, taking in the decor.
"This is beautiful! Did you decorate it?"

"No," Zain replied flatly.

Noah plopped onto the bed with a sigh of satisfaction, then looked up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"By the way, can I see your room too? I'm curious!"

Zain gave her a sharp look.
"Noah, rest for now. You've had a long journey. You can explore later."

Without waiting for her response, he stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

Back in his own room, Zain let out a frustrated groan.

He grabbed his phone and dialed his mother.

She picked up after a few rings.