Matters Of The Heart

𝟐. 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭.

𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘺𝘢  𝘈𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘒𝘩𝘢𝘯.

❝ Okay, Sarah, you go ahead, I'll catch up later... Fine, bye, see you later ❞ I said, ending the call. I rushed downstairs, where my brother was enjoying his breakfast. I was already running late for class, and I needed to hurry to catch the bus. I gave my little brother Rehan a quick kiss on the cheek and bid my mom a hasty goodbye. My dad had likely already left for the office, and my sister was probably still sleeping, enjoying her day off from classes. With a swift glance around the house, I grabbed my bag and dashed out the door, racing against time to make it to class.

As I arrived at the college, a mere ten-minute journey, my gaze was drawn to a sleek car parked prominently in the middle of the grounds. My eyes widened in surprise, and I felt a flutter in my chest. Leaning casually against the vehicle was a man, his phone cradled in his left hand, while his right hand was tucked nonchalantly into his pocket. The pose was straight out of a Bollywood film.

My eyes roamed over his chiseled features, taking in the charcoal grey suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and tall, athletic build. His brown hazel eyes seemed to gleam in the morning light, complemented by light brown hair that framed his face. His pointed nose, straight lips, and perfectly arched eyebrows all contributed to a stunning visage. As I drank in his handsome appearance, I couldn't help but whisper a reverent
❝ Ma Sha Allah ❞– an expression of admiration and awe.

My admiration was interrupted by a group of giggling girls, who were busy snapping photos of the mysterious stranger. It seemed he was accustomed to being the center of attention, and I couldn't deny that he was indeed captivating. However, what struck me as amusing was the way he leaned against the car, striking a pose like a Bollywood hero, knowingly giving the girls a show. I rolled my eyes and whispered under my breath, ❝ Idiot, ❞ chuckling at his apparent awareness of his own charm. It was clear he was used to being admired, and he seemed to be lapping up the attention with ease. I shook my head, smiling wryly at the scene unfolding before me.

I was so captivated by the scene before me that I didn't notice the middle-aged woman, likely in her 40s, standing in my path. Before I knew it, I had accidentally bumped into her, sending papers flying from her hands to the ground. ❝ Oh no, I'm so sorry! ❞ I exclaimed, as I frantically tried to gather the scattered papers. But with a glance at my watch, I realized I was running perilously late for class, and Sarah would be waiting for me.

❝ Pick up all the papers right now, ❞ the woman commanded sternly, her glare still fixed on me. I hesitated for a moment, taken aback by her tone, but knew I had to make amends. I hastily gathered the remaining papers and handed them to her, apologizing again.

As I turned to leave, she grasped my wrist, her grip surprisingly firm. I looked up at her, confusion etched on my face, wondering what she wanted now. Her eyes seemed to bore into mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us palpable.

As I stood there, frozen in mortification, the woman's demand cut through the air like a whip:  ❝ Take ten sit-ups before leaving! ❞ My eyes widened in incredulous shock, wondering if she'd momentarily lost her sanity. Where was the logic in such a bizarre punishment? I summoned a courage I never knew I possessed and dared to question her, my voice laced with a hint of defiance.

But before I could utter another word, a deep, velvety voice intervened, sending a shiver down my spine. I turned to behold the handsome stranger from earlier, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he stepped into the fray. His chiseled features were set in a gentle smile, as if he'd been waiting for the perfect moment to enter the scene. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as he took center stage, leaving me wondering what would happen next.

❝ Whoa, hold up, lady! She's not the one who's guilty here, you're the one who's totally busted ❞ Mr. Handsome stranger stepped in, his voice firm but dripping with sass. ❝ You were so glued to your phone, you didn't even see her coming! So, granny, take a hike before I call the popo! ❞

I was still reeling from the shock, my mind racing like a runaway train. But when he threw some shade at the lady, I was like, ‘Yaaas, sir, you better tell her!’ And then it hit me - did this fine stranger just save me from that cranky lady's wrath? I thought to myself, ‘Did he just have my back? What's good, mysterious hero?’

He cleared his throat to catch my attention, and I offered him a subtle smile.  ❝ Sorry, I would have respected her, but she doesn't deserve it, ❞he said, his words unexpected but laced with conviction. I bit my lip, taken aback by his forwardness.

I paused, choosing my words carefully to avoid any potential embarrassment. A thoughtful smile spread across my face as I responded,  ❝ No, it's totally fine. You didn't have to stand up for me, but thank you. ❞ My voice was laced with genuine gratitude, and I hoped my words conveyed my appreciation for his chivalrous act.

He flashed me a dazzling smile, his eyes locking onto mine before drifting down to my outfit. I felt a flutter in my chest - was he actually checking me out? The thought sent a wave of self-consciousness washing over me, and I couldn't help but blush. Why was I reacting like this?

I tried to compose myself, eager to make a quick escape. ❝ Thanks, Mr..? ❞ I trailed off, hoping he'd fill in the blank.

❝ Zayyan Hussain Malik.❞ He introduced himself, his smile still radiating warmth. The way he smiled at me made me feel like I was drowning in its depths, my heart skipping a beat. I felt like I was melting under his gaze, and I couldn't look away.

❝ I'm Madiya Ahmed Khan, ❞ I replied, returning his smile. I thought I heard him murmur,  ❝ Nice name, ❞ under his breath, but I couldn't be sure. Was I just overthinking again? I pushed the thought aside and made a hasty exit.  ❝ I need to go, bye, ❞ I said, already turning to leave.

As I walked towards my class, I couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of wonder about the enigmatic Zayyan Hussain Malik. His smile still lingered in my mind, making me feel all fluttery inside. I shook my head, chuckling to myself. Focus, Madiya, focus! You have a long day of boring lectures ahead of you.