Destined Strangers

Chapter 27

"Let your self be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you love. It will not lead you astray."

  --- Rumi

🌙

It's a new day, a fresh start. The early morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow. Sania feels lighter. The man who once haunted her subconscious, whose presence made her uneasy, now is in front of her eyes. The fear that once gripped her seems distant, replaced by the calm that comes with familiarity-perhaps because of the unexpected friendship life has given her.

Just like always, the day begins with breakfast, but unlike the usual routine, Hassan still hasn't come downstairs. Sania sets the table with delicate care. After a few moments, she decides to head upstairs, her steps light. She opens the door to his room without knocking, a mistake she instantly regrets.

Hassan stands there, droplets of water falling from his freshly washed hair, shirt half-buttoned. His eyes meet hers, and for a brief moment, neither of them moves, time seemingly suspended in that breathless space. Her face flushes and heat rises to her cheeks.

"Sorry, I'll come back later," she murmurs, her words rushed as she turns to leave, eager to retreat from the awkwardness she feels beneath her skin. But before she can escape, his voice cuts through the tension, calm but commanding, pulling her back in.

"No, come in now."

His voice is soft but firm. As he finishes buttoning his shirt, he steps closer, stopping just in front of her. Sania clenches her fist lightly, stopping herself from doing something impulsive. The stray thought of brushing his hair back lingers, but she quickly pushes it away. Crossing that line wasn't an option.

"I came to call you for breakfast," she says, her voice steady but tinged with awkwardness, making an effort to keep her tone neutral. Hassan's lips curve into a faint smile, his eyes warming as they meet hers.

"Good morning."

For a fleeting moment, Sania holds his gaze, her heart fluttering in response to the simple greeting. She can't hold his gaze, so she looks away, focusing on the door, a desperate attempt to regain control.

"Yeah... good morning."

Hassan's smile deepens.

"By the way, I've noticed something..."

"What?" Sania asks, eyebrows raised, turning from the door to glance at him with curiosity.

"That you've gotten so comfortable with me that you just walk in without knocking anymore."

His tone is light, playful, with no hint of reprimand.

"I'll be more careful next time," she responds, trying to keep a serious face.

"I don't mind," Hassan says, his voice lowering just slightly as he steps even closer, his damp hair still clinging to his forehead, a few stray drops tracing paths down his skin. Sania's eyes involuntarily follow the water droplets, her thoughts momentarily lost in the tiny details that now feel amplified under the strain of their closeness.

"You know, I've noticed something too," she says, finally unclenching her fist.

"What?"

He asks, as if curious about her observation. Sania glances at him, then back at the door, before a smile tugs at her lips.

"That you're getting more shameless by the day."

She pushes him lightly, her hand resting briefly on his chest, putting a small distance between them. Hassan chuckles, the sound fills the space between them.