LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 48

Amal's room looked like a battlefield of ambition-papers everywhere, highlighted notes, rough calculations, and her CA textbooks open like warriors waiting for command.

She sat on the bed in a simple black kurti and trousers, her hair tied back in a rubber band, glasses resting neatly on her nose.
Her phone was pressed to her ear.

"Allah ka lakh lakh shukar (Thank God a hundred thousand times), Asma," she said softly, smiling. "Finally... you agreed. I can't believe you actually said yes."

Asma's shaky voice came through the speaker.
"I know... but Amal, I'm scared. I don't know how he'll react. What if he thinks I'm too forward? Too-"

Amal interrupted instantly.
"Asma, not again. Please. You overthink way too much."

"Amal, wait-don't hang up! Ruk jao ruk jao (wait, wait)!" Asma panicked.

Amal exhaled slowly, releasing the frustration building in her chest.
"Fine. Say it."

"We... we're leaving now," Asma whispered.

Amal leaned back, relief washing over her.
"Good. That's better. So it's final?
No changing your mind again?"

"It's final," Asma breathed. "I promise."

"Great. I'm coming."

"Come quickly..."

"Two minutes," Amal replied, getting up. "I just need to change."

She ended the call, fixed her glasses, grabbed her dupatta, sprayed a bit of perfume, and headed downstairs.

Within minutes, her Range Rover pulled out of the Syed driveway, moving steadily through the calm morning roads.

Ten minutes later, she parked outside Asma's house.

Asma rushed to the car and slipped inside, breath slightly uneven.

"Amal..." she whispered, "Will everything really be okay?"

Amal reached over and held her hand.
"Everything will be okay. Barosa rakho (Stay calm). Insha'Allah, it will all fall into place."

Asma nodded, but the fear in her eyes stayed.

They drove again, quiet streets passing by, neighborhoods slowly changing.
A few minutes later, Amal slowed near Junaid's lane.

She parked a little distance away.

Asma stared at the house, her heartbeat loud even in the silence.

"Amal... what if aunty misunderstands me?
Aunty kuch ghalat toh nahi sochegi? (Will aunty think something wrong?)"

Amal smiled a little, almost teasing.
"Asma, you're thinking too much. She'll only think you're his friend. That's it."

Asma sighed, not fully convinced.

Amal leaned her elbow on the steering wheel and looked at her carefully.
"Just talk to him properly, okay? Be honest. Jo bhi dil mein hai, sab keh dena (Whatever is in your heart, say it all).
And trust me-when he hears you... he's going to be happier than you expect."

A small smile finally broke across Asma's lips.
"Really?"

"Really," Amal said with confidence.

Suddenly, Asma leaned forward and hugged her tightly.
"Thank you, Amal... really."

Amal patted her back.
"Okay, okay... go now. Jaldi. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

Asma stepped out of the car, nervous but determined.
She turned around once and gave Amal a small thumbs-up.