Arish regularly drove Zayra to school and back, a routine that had become well-known to their peers. One day, a basketball competition was scheduled between their schools, and participation was mandatory for all students to represent their respective schools.

On the day of the competition, Zain noticed Zayra dozing at her desk. Worried, he gently approached her. "Zayra, are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?"

Zayra stirred and replied softly, "I'm okay. Just a little stomach ache."

"If you need anything, I can take you to the nurse or get some medicine," Zain offered, concern coloring his voice.

"No, really, I'm fine. Thank you for caring. Let's go to the sports field; it's almost time," Zayra insisted gently.

"Are you sure you can join in? I can speak to the teacher if you're not up for it," Zain persisted, his worry evident.

"Don't worry, Zain. I'll be alright. Let's go," Zayra reassured him with a warm smile.

Reluctantly, Zain and Zayra made their way to the sports ground. Zain, renowned as the star player and captain of their school's basketball team, had a flawless record, never having lost a game. Today, they were facing Arish's school, where Arish also held the role of team captain.

Zain stood out as the indisputable leader on the court, known for his strategic prowess and unmatched skill. In contrast, while Arish was a capable captain for his team, Zain's reputation as the best player in the league made him appear superior in every aspect of the game.

As Zain changed into his basketball uniform, he overheard Aryan, Arish's friend, talking with others from their school about Zayra. Aryan, sitting casually on a basketball, remarked arrogantly, "I could totally ask out Zayra. She's so innocent and beautiful, and Arish won't mind."

Zain's anger flared at Aryan's disrespectful tone. He kicked the basketball out from under Aryan, causing him to stumble to the ground. "Don't even think about it," Zain warned sharply. "Zayra isn't someone you can just talk about like that."

Aryan got up, brushing himself off with a smirk. "I don't care about your thing with Zayra. I made a deal with Arish. If I win this game today, I get Zayra for a night. Arish can't play because of his injury, so it's up to me to win."

Aryan's entitled attitude and crude words only fueled Zain's frustration, knowing that someone like Aryan saw Zayra as an object to be won rather than a person to be respected. Zain stormed out with one goal in mind: to defend Zayra's honor and protect her from anyone who dared to disrespect her.

Zain's face flushed crimson with rage. Consumed by fury, he stormed onto the basketball court and confronted Arish. "Do you even consider Zayra as family? What kind of despicable deal did you make?"

Suddenly, a loud gasp rang out, catching Zain's attention instantly. He turned to see Zayra collapsing, her body sinking to the ground. Without a second thought, Zain rushed to her side, his heart pounding with worry. He lifted her gently into his arms and hurried through the surprised crowd to get her to the infirmary quickly. People watched in awe as Zain carried Zayra, his eyes fixed on her face, his concern evident in every careful step he took.

In the infirmary, the nurse informed Zain that Zayra had fainted due to low blood sugar. Zain stayed close to her, his concern clear in his eyes. As Zayra lay unconscious, Zain's gaze fixed on her peaceful face, silently praying for her swift recovery. On the other side, Arish hovered nervously, but Zain's steadfast presence spoke volumes of his deep concern and growing affection for Zayra.

Finally zayra opened her eyes

"Zayra, are you okay?" Zain asked with concern.

"Yes, I'm fine," Zayra replied weakly, her gaze shifting between Zain and Arish. "What happened?"

Arish quickly intervened, his voice urgent. "Zayra, Zain attacked me out of nowhere. He was furious, and I have no idea why."

Zayra's eyes widened in disbelief and anger. As the proof was clear about the assault on Arish's cheek. "Zain, is this true? Did you hit Arish?" Her voice trembled with disappointment and support for Arish, as she struggled to grasp why Zain would act this way.

Zain clenched his fists, frustration and anger boiling inside him. "I did, but only because Aryan said he had a deal with Arish to spend a night with you if he won the game."

Arish put on a look of innocence. "That's ridiculous, Zayra. I would never make such a deal."

Zayra looked confused and hurt. "Arish, is this true?"

Aryan was called in to confirm the story. "Aryan, tell the truth. Did you say those things?" Zayra demanded.

Aryan shook his head. "No, Zayra. I don't know why Zain is making up such lies. Arish and I never had such a deal."

Zayra turned to Zain, her eyes filled with anger and disappointment. "Zain, how could you? Arish is my cousin, he could never do that.

Zain finally connected the puzzle about the relationship between Zayra and Arish. However zain realized, that this was all a plot by Arish.  It seem that Arish had a weird obsession with Zayra.He had been manipulated and made to look like the villain. "Zayra, you have to believe me. This was all planned by Arish."

Zayra's voice shook with emotion. "I don't want to hear any more. I don't want to see you, Zain. Just stay away from me."

Zain's heart sank as Zayra turned away from him, her trust shattered. Arish stood by, a smug look on his face, knowing his plan had worked perfectly.

As Zain left the infirmary, he vowed to find a way to prove the truth and win back Zayra's trust, no matter how long it took. But for now, he was left alone, isolated once again, with only his determination to uncover the truth keeping him going.