𝐙𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐌 ~ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 ♡

39 GRADUATION

The morning of graduation was alive with excitement. The school courtyard buzzed with students in their gowns, families gathering to celebrate, and the promise of a new chapter ahead.

In her brightly lit room, Fatima stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her hijab. She had chosen a light hijab to complement her gown, but each fold had to be perfect. Beside her, an open makeup palette lay on the dresser, with brushes and lipsticks scattered around.

Her usual minimalist routine was abandoned as she tried different looks, debating whether to go bold or subtle.

"It's the last big day," she mumbled to herself, carefully applying eyeliner.

Across the room, Maryam was equally engrossed. She went with soft, natural makeup. Yet, she spent far too long debating over the tiniest details such as if she needed more blush or did the hijab style looked good on her. Every so often, Fatima would call out to Maryam for her opinion, and Maryam would yell back her approval or disapproval, their mutual excitement and nerves filling the air.

Meanwhile, in Zaid's room, Zaid stood in front of his wardrobe, his Armani suit already laid out on the bed, his polished leather shoes gleaming on the floor. Amr lounged on the armchair nearby, fiddling with a cologne bottle in one hand.

"Should I go with this one?" Amr asked, spraying a bit into the air and sniffing it critically. "It's classic, but maybe a little too sharp."

Zaid smirked, holding up a different bottle. "This one's better. Subtle but memorable." He sprayed it onto his wrist and handed it to Amr. The two spent a solid ten minutes debating the finer points of fragrance as though their entire future depended on it. They joked about their outfits, but the pride in their appearance was undeniable. Both of them were immaculately dressed, their expensive suits fitting perfectly, their shoes polished.

As they stepped out of the room, both of them turned around to look at the room for the one last time. Everything was nearly packed except for the clothes they would travel in. The rooms were sweeped, mopped and dusted. Amr smirked at Zaid.

"Reminds me of the first day I picked you up, huh." Zaid glanced at Amr and realized he was right. It did felt like the day Amr picked him up. The room was a whole mess back then, but with a little makeover, they were able to make it a little bit more homey. That was the day, Zaid met Maryam again, after years.

They won't be seeing much of each other anymore. Maybe this is a goodbye for good. Maybe today was the last time they'll see each other again. Zaid shook his head, coming out of his thoughts. He had to make it out of this, this day and then, behold to what the future held.

Maryam and Fatima were stunned when they saw the boys walking in from their own dorm, looking very stylish and posh. Even Amr, who rested in a cardigan and sweatpants every day didn't seem the same anymore. They looked....good.

Amr made a cheesy joke about their appearance that earned a slap across his back from Fatima and an innocent glare from Maryam. Zaid noticed that the pastel shade Maryam chose suited her face perfectly and fitted her complexion. He also noticed there was an unusual amount of blush on her pale cheeks, which brought out her light green eyes. Their eyes met momentarily but both shifted their gazes as quick as wind.

As Zaid, Maryam, Fatima, and Amr arrived, their eyes immediately caught the sight of luxury cars and paparazzi near the entrance. Zaid's family, had arrived in style, drawing attention from everyone. Cameras flashed, capturing every move, while Zaid tried to remain composed, sweat running through his forehead.

Kasim and Zuleikha Khalid looked immensely proud of their son as they pressed him in for a long hug. Sarah and her husband, Faizal, had come with Noor who was asleep on Sarah's shoulders. Faizal made sure to cover her face with a handkerchief, to remove the gazes of her face from the paparazzi. They exchanged a few congratulatory words with Zaid. Bella was not present, of course.