Maryam's POV

Roshni holds out her notebook, eyes sparkling. "Will you give me chocolate after this?"

I smile. "You'll get cavities eating that much chocolate."

Roshni grins mischievously. "There's nothing like that; you're saving that chocolate for yourself."I chuckle listening that.

"Let's go," Anaya says, approaching us.

"Hold on, I need to give them their homework," I reply, hurrying to prepare the assignments.

As a government teacher , Anaya dedicates her days to educating young minds. After school, she volunteers at this NGO, sharing her passion for learning.

When I moved to Delhi, I joined her here, and now we teach kids together in the evenings.

As I glance at my phone, a notification catches my eye - a message from an unknown number.

"Who's this?" I ask, curiosity piqued.

"Alia Kamal," the response reads. "Have you forgotten?"

I smile, recognizing the name. "Alia! How are you?" I text.

"I'm amazing, thanks! What about you?" she replies.

"I'm good," I respond, intrigued by her sudden message.

Just then, Anaya interrupts from the driver's seat, "Have you made a boyfriend?" she teases.

"Astagfirullah!" I exclaim.

I still can't believe how quickly Alia and I connected. Just a week ago, she was a stranger; now, she's my best friend.

Our daily chats have been enlightening, and I've found myself sharing things I never thought I'd tell anyone so easily.

My passion for abolishing the dowry system, my reluctance to marry due to it, and about Roshni and NGO - Alia listened attentively, offering unwavering support.

Her genuine interest and empathy have created a safe space for me to open up.
I am really serious about her because i cant make friedns easily but with Alia ,everything feels so easy and smooth.I want to strenthen our bond.

Today, I'm eager to take our friendship to the next level, meeting her for brunch.

I glance at my watch, anticipating her arrival.I am excited to see her when all the week we just talk through text.

I pace beside the window, checking my watch.

"Where is she?" I ask Anaya, growing restless.

"Calm down, she's probably stuck in traffic," Anaya reassures me from the couch.

Sunday mornings are usually relaxed, but today i feel anxious.

"My prelims are just two months away; I need to study after this brunch." I remind Anaya.

Just then, a sleek car pulls up outside.

Alia steps out, radiant in a sunny yellow dress.She dress western.

"Sorry about the delay!" she exclaims, hurrying towards me.

I slide into the car beside her, feeling at ease.

Her driver nods in greeting before pulling away.

As we drive, Alia asks, "How's your study prep going?"

"I'm getting there," I reply, smiling.

We drive to the brunch spot, but Alia is quiet. It's different from our lively chats.
In chats she is so talkative but its different here maybe its because people are more comfortable over chat.

We arrive at a beautiful coffee shop. Alia knows the place well.

She orders coffee and breakfast for us. The coffee is amazing!

"This is the best coffee I've ever had," I say.

Alia smiles. "Glad you like it."

As we eat, a familiar voice interrupts our conversation. "Hi Alia."

I turn to see Rayan, flashing his charming smile.

"Hi Maryam," he says, his eyes locked on mine.

"Have you forgotten me?" he teases, noticing my silence.

I smile, feeling a slight blush. "Hi."

Rayan looks stunning in an all-white outfit, accentuating his lean yet athletic build.

Rayan slides into the seat beside me, effortlessly joining our conversation.

"I came with friends, glad I found you," he says with a smile.

The way he is talking to me makes me feel like we've known each other for years.

After brunch, Rayan turns to me. "You're new to Delhi, right? Let me show you around."

He plans an small tour, taking us to Humayun's Tomb and Lodi Garden.

I'm thrilled, having just read about their stunning architecture in my Art and Culture texts.

At Humayun's Tomb, he listens carefully when I explain things i read in my notes about Humayun fort.

He even takes my picture at every place.I had this prejudice about rich people being arrogant and show off.But Rayan and Alia are so different.

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