Shayba's P.O.V.

"Shaybaaaaaa! Congratulations!!" Farhana almost blew up my eardrums.

"Huh? For what?"

"Stupid! Where are you? Our results are published!"

"Heeehhh??? Seriously? When?"

"Just now. You got 3.98 and stood first in this semester!"

"Really!?! WHAT? Oh my goodness! Oh gosh! I'm coming right now. Wait!"

I jumped from the bed screaming loud for my fantastic result. Yes, fantastic. I myself even can't believe such wonderful result. Alhumdulillah! It feels so good! Hurriedly informing mom and Annaba, I slipped into my abaya and rushed out of the door pinning my hijab and tying the niqab.

"Driver uncle! Bring out the car!"
"Oh oh why? What happened dear?" he laughed.
"Just quickly take me to university! I stood first!"
"Shukr Alhumdulillah! Who else will be hahhaha? This has to be our Shayba."
"Yeah right."I giggled all the way to my university thinking of my result. Mom was flabbergasted by my sudden outburst of happiness when I embraced her tight a while ago. She is still not over with Siam's refusal I guess.

One week ago when I came home from my trip, it was afternoon. I had no idea that Siam already said no to the wedding. So when mom ran into me infuriated, I was surprised. Not that I was unhappy with it, but it felt weird. I wished to leap out in exhilaration but I had to keep quiet. I asked mom the reason for his sudden change of decision and then she put all the blame on me for blowing up this excessively attractive proposal.

I was happy, I was sad, I was confused. Happy because it happened what I wanted. But perhaps I went overboard being too proud of myself as I thought I'd be the one to reject proposals, not the guy. This is what made me sad. Will I really atone for losing him?

But most importantly, I treated Siam as poorly as possible and he said no. There is nothing at all to be suspicious about. Then why am I confused? Siam left for his own good. But the thing is he disappeared showing no reason. At least as far as I expected, I assumed him to come to my mom and file a thousand of complaints against me. Then why leave without notice?

Anyway, this is not the time to ponder on the stupid history. Let me guess! Who will join as our assistant professor this year? Zawad bhai? Mithila apu? I don't know any other top student of his batch though. But I prayed heart and soul on my way to grant this place to Zawad bhai. He is the best!

I mean, yeah everyone likes him. He cared for me so much on that tour! He took care of all of us pretty well. Everyone was grateful to him for his perfect organizing capabilities. He would be the most eligible person for such post! The most popular teacher of the campus! My heart leapt in excitement.

The car halted outside my campus as I leapt out and rushed to the notice board. My eyes directly flung upwards and yes, the first name was 'Shayba Ahmed!" ME! Tears brimmed over at my ecstasy. Alhumdulillah! A couple of hands joined my shoulders as others patted my back but I was literally on my seventh sky in exhilaration. I couldn't hear the congratulatory words coming from my side being overwhelmed.

"Shayba! We want treat!"was the first line that went through my ears and I laughed.

"Sure! Sure!"I nodded grinning. "Whatever you command."

Wait! Where's the final year result? I turned around in an instant and ran to the other board.

"Hey, where are you going?!" Biva called aloud.

But I couldn't reply. I definitely need to see it myself. I don't know why I'm nervous and why my cold fingers are trembling but I definitely need to find out the result by myself.

I stopped before the board and looked up. The first name read, "Amir Abdullah." Heh? Not him?

Being a bit disheartened, I quickly slid down to the next one, "Iftekhar Rahman." Oh my Allah! Not this one too! My eyes automatically read the next one, "Zawad Abir Khan."

Third position?!?!

My heart slowly and silently sank deep. deep. down.
How many teachers are the authority going to employ this year? I heard two!
And where is he?

I wheeled around, "Biva, you saw the results?"

"Yeah. That's why I congratulated you."

"No. I mean, their result! Final year's!"

She frowned, "You came running for this? Unbelievable Shayba!"

"Biva you saw, Zawad bhai came in the third place."

"Yeah I did. Why are you being so upset over it? He isn't freaking out as you."

"Oh Biva, you won't understand! Have you seen him anywhere? Zawad bhai?"

"Huh??? Let me recall. No, he didn't come to see the results." She stopped and eyeing me for few seconds, added, "Like seriously Shayba? You are thinking about his result now? Have you forgot that you stood first? Is there anything going on that I don't know?"

"Argh no! Excuse me." I ushered to the canteen to find him in his regular table. Nope. Not here.

Then to his usual gossip place. Not here too. This guy! Why does he always hide himself when he is upset? I mean you have to open up! At least talk to your friends and tell them what are you grieving about!

I squandered around relentlessly but in vain. Maybe he is at his hostel room. Why should I care? What am I being pissed for?

Throwing up all cards, I walked to the library to get some new books being slightly cheesed off and gloomy. Cheer up Shayba! You stood first!

I rummaged through the bookshelves aimlessly to make myself busy. So I walked over the aisle of architecture department and suddenly found something I expected the least to be here. Zawad bhai. Sleeping peacefully with his head on his folded arms on a table. WHAT ON EARTH IS HE DOING HERE?!?! Like seriously? In the library? And that too sleeping?!! And here I was looking for him outside the campus!

I felt like throwing all the books one after another on his face. Has he any idea how much I sought for him?

Keeping my voice as low as possible, I whispered, "Zawad bhai!"

No move.

"Zawad bhai! Wake up!"

"Hmm."he replied, still absorbed in his slumber.

This time I pushed him slightly with my book, "Zawad bhai!"

"Huh??? WHAT??" he jumped back from the table shocked and then huffed with annoyance,"I knew it would be you. What happened?"

"What are you doing here? It's not only me, your friends are seeking for you too!"

He squinted his eyes at me with a look of vexation, "You could see I was sleeping!"

"Why would you sleep here in the library? There are plenty other places!"

"So what? It's not your property." he calmly said, again preparing for his sleep as he placed his head down on the table.

"Zawad bhai! Wake up. The results are out!"

"Go and leave me alone Shayba."

"Oh!" I stopped. Then mumbled guiltily. "Have you seen the results already?"

"Hmm."

Really? I murmured again, "Are you upset??"

"Nope."

You obviously are! That's why you secluded yourself in the library where no one will come to search for you!

"Don't worry. Maybe they will take more employees this year! You will get the job if Allah wills."

"Who said I'm worrying? It was obvious."

"Oh okay." I felt perplexed as he lifted his face up.

"Done with your sympathy?"

"Huh??? Hey! That's cruel. I thought you were upset! That's why I....."

"Shayba, I know I didn't study properly this year. I got stuffs to do at home. It was obvious! I knew this would happen! If I had studied well, I definitely would have got the job as well as the gold medal. But now the results are out and I'm completely done with my expectations. So just leave me alone, will you?"

I kept silent at his outburst.
"You know you should never say if I had done such and such, then such and such would happen. Rather say, Qadr Allah. Allah does whatever He wills."

He became a bit taken aback at my words and kept staring. Hey that's awkward man! I lowered my eyes hurriedly.

"You are unbelievable." he huffed.

Well, may be. I shrugged smilingly.

"Okay I will try." he nodded assuring.

I smiled. "Really? JazakAllahu Khair. Aren't you going to go out?"

"Shayba let me sleep now. I have a flight to catch in the evening." he stated and again placed his head down closing his eyes.

"Flight? Where are you going?"

"Home."

"Huh? You mean Chittagong?"

No reply.....

"Oh. Okay. Allah Hafez. Have a safe flight home."

"Hmm."

I whirled back gloomily. Is he going away forever? I mean will he join his business now? That means this might be the last time I am seeing him! Convocation, and then gone. Vanished forever. I gasped. Should I ask him? To be honest, no matter what he does or wherever he goes, I shouldn't be bothered. I stood first and that's what should matter right now. I an supposed to be partying around now, not sympathizing this boring person.

I had walked only three steps forward when I heard his call again, "Shayba!"

"Huh?"I pivoted around in an instant as if I was waiting for this, "What?"

"Congratulations on your result. I heard that." He gave a tight smile immediately making somewhere in my heart clench in pain.

Why is he trying to fake laugh in front of me? His hopes vanished in the air and here he is congratulating me? He thought I would not know how he is feeling?

"JazakAllahu Khair."saying this I couldn't wait for his reply as I rushed out.

My heart was agitated. My brain couldn't think straight. It was never supposed to be like this. Zawad bhai had to come first in the finals and earn the gold medal, then join this university as our tutor triumphantly. I would have been the one to congratulate him, not he. No one told me such thing but all of this was fixed ever since I got to know him. Everything was pre planned. We forgot, I forgot that Allah is the best of all planners.

As soon as I came out, my friends quite forcefully took me to Burger King celebrating my success. I had to give them treat and then finally I could return home in the evening. Again I was welcomed with balloons and confetti. Nawsheen and Annaba jumped on me from nowhere screaming "CONGRATULATIONS!" as they embraced me hard too.

"Oh Allah... Move you two! I can't.....breathe!"

"Tonight's gonna be the big night my dear! Save some energy for that."

"Hmm sure." I rolled my eyes and went upstairs to change.

After refreshing myself, I had to cut a congratulatory cake, take a hundred of photos and eat all the mouthwatering dishes mom made, not like I didn't want it though.

At night when finally we three lay on bed, it felt like decades! Such warm companies to comfort me!

I was cuddling with my blanket to make myself warm when Nawsheen was the first to speak, "Now tell me the truth. What happened?"

"Hehhh??" I frowned.

"Oh come on Shai! You can't be diddling with me. Something is definitely wrong."

How does she know? Oh of course! She is my sister from another mother! She can totally see through my head and mind.

"To be honest, nothing much. I am just...." I stopped confusingly as I decided to give up instead of puzzling around, "I was just glum for someone else. That's it."

"Huh? Who, sis?" Annaba added.

"You know who, Anu, I told you before. You both remember Zawad bhai right? The guy who helped me so much to get rid of Siam? He stood third in his finals and so won't get the job most probably as the University only employs the best one, sometimes two or more though, but it's rare. That's why I wasn't feeling well. He has been dreaming about it for so long!" I left a sigh.

The two of them kept quiet sharing a glance between them.

"That's his problem. Why are you sad about that?" Nawsheen was the first to ask.

"You know, it was his childhood dream! And probably I was the only one who knew about this! I prayed so much! But perhaps Allah wrote something different about his future."

"Wait wait wait wait wait!!! WHY are YOU the only one who knows about his so called DREAMS?" Naw frowned.

"Exactly." Anu added.

"Guys you are getting it wrong. Granted, he is one of the best people I have met here in this freaking crazy university life. Literally. But there's nothing else, absolutely nothing to misconstrue it. He treats me just like his own sister!"

"Oh wow! So why did HE help you to GET RID OF SIAM?"

"Hey! That's because at that time I was frustrated and freaking out every single moment! Therefore he helped me so that I could enjoy my trip. Nothing else! You know what? Every girl should have a brother like him." I clearly pointed out.

"Haah!!" Annaba fell on the bed sneering. "Sis, are we too smart or you are too dumb to know what's going on?"

"Mind your tongue Anu!"

"Yeah yeah whatever. Then please tell me why suddenly Siam bhai dissented to marry you just after that picnic?"

"THAT'S BECAUSE I TOLD HIM TO!" I yelled with annoyance, "I told him to give me some more time. But he didn't listen and interfered again and again. So I acted in the worst way possible! Why on earth will he give his consent then? Who will want to marry such an arrogant girl?!"

"Huh. You and your suitor!" Annaba turned around to sleep.

"Leave it upon her Annaba. Let's sleep. I hope she finds it out soon." Saying this, the two of them lay down together completely ignoring me.

"Find out what?"I snapped back but with less vigor this time.
I sat by the window pouting my cheeks as time passed by. There is no reason for me to be grave, or infuriated. I am not a girl to fall in love in the Haram way. Just because I appreciate a guy and pray the best for him must not be counted as infatuation, let alone love! Huh. This four letter word is too complicated for me to cherish in my poor heart.

Everyone is just so wrong about me!

Zawad's P.O.V.

"Look who is here! The love of my life!" Mom squeaked opening the door and immediately pulled me in her embrace.

"I heard the results are out?"she whispered keeping her chin on my shoulder.

"Who told you that?"

She pulled herself back from the hug, "What do you think of me? I'm the owner of the biggest drop shipping company of the country. Such trivial matters are my cup of tea!"

"Huh. Look who's talking! Definitely Tanveer or Rashed called you!"

"Well, yeah something like that." She dramatically rolled her eyes being caught and laughed, "So? How did you do?"

"3rd place."

"Aha."she silently nodded as if it were a very normal consequence as expected. "Great!"

"You don't have to do this mom. You know very well what I always wanted."I entered into my house trying to ignore her fake happiness.

"Hey! What's wrong with being third? Who cares for the gold medal anyway?"

Obviously I do! If not the medal, then the post.

"Moreover you were already to be the managing director of H2O! Why are you upset then?"

I wish you understood mom.
I began ascending the stairs without any response.

"Abir, you aren't listening."

Only if I got the chance, I would have never joined your business ma.

"Abir!" she shouted.

"WHATTT?!" I yelled in double her pitch.

"What are you thinking about?! No matter what your result was, you were always bound to take care of H2O, weren't you?! How could you then allow yourself to dream for a job of a master?"

"Master?" I mumbled to myself.

But she kept talking, "You are our only son. Who else would I have asked to do that? This is what I have always wanted. This is what your father wanted! Have you forgot that?" her voice raised. "You understand what I mean Abir?"

"Yes I do." I tried my hardest to keep calm.

"Good. Now go get fresh. Your dinner will be served in no time."finishing her sentence, she headed down. Evidently annoyed.

Haah! I threw my backpack on the floor. Wow! What a greeting.

I released my back on the bed. What she wanted? What Dad wanted? What about what I wanted?!? Has anyone ever asked me that? Just because I am the only child of the owner of the biggest drop shipping company of Bangladesh, my future was written ever since. A business man's son, will be a business man.

My fingers ran through my hair as frustration surrounded me from all sides. Why can't I be like others? Why the f**k was I even born in this family?! Why can't I be like Tanveer who does whatever and whenever he wants? No expectations, no regrets. Or born in a family like Rashed whose parents hardly managed money for his studies? At least then they would be proud that their son teaches at U.o.E, not criticize him for being a master!

My mom acts as if it was as tiny a job as a school teacher. My results mean literally nothing to her. She was only waiting when I would come and free her from maintaining such a big industry. To her, I am just a successor of this big rich family, who needs to pass this freaking business to generation after generation.

I threw the lampshade from my bedside table and got up. Ushering into the washroom, I locked the door and turned the facet of icy cold water. I need to calm myself down.

After taking a long shower, I sat down to have my supper with mom. While serving, she carefully avoided any eye contact with me as though she would erupt into her lava again if she looked through my eyes. Because she will immediately know what I'm thinking inside.

"Ma."

"What?"

"Why aren't you talking?"

"Who said I am not talking? Then what am I doing now?"her vexed reply came.

"You know what I'm saying. And yes, I know what you and dad wanted. Can we please drop that matter now?"

Silence.Then after a while she agreed with me as she spoke, "How many love letters did you get this time?"

I laughed,"Not a single one. You know it's outdated. Now people confess on facebook or instagram."

"Hmm. How's Shayba doing?"

"WHAT?!!?"I choked on my food and began to cough,"Why.... are... you... Asking about her?!!"

"Why are you choking? I know you like her! I guess something new happened?"

"Yes. Well."I tried to process my next sentence, "Umm I don't know what to say."

"Oh my goodness! You're in love! Is it mutual??"

"NOOOOO!!!! You know how pious she is! It's just.... err.. one sided. She always brotherzones me."

"Give me her mother's number. I am gonna give her this proposal right now! My son is the future M.D. of H2O and he fell in love! My prince will get whoever he chooses! Give me her address!"

I nodded in the negative, "No ma,"I got up to wash my hands, "I am yet not ready to send her such a proposal. I need to stand on my own feet first. Later I will think about it if Allah wills."
There was no reply. When I glanced back, I only found her grinning at me.

"What?"
"That girl changed you a lot Abir. I love it how you are considering such matters now. It indicates how much she means to you."

I stuttered but couldn't find a reply. But I did what I felt obligatory right now. Went upstairs and praying my Salah, I poured out all the agitations of my soul to my Creator. I begged to Him to show me the right way I should choose. And make my heart go along with it.

After spending quite a nice amount of time in the prayer mat, I got up and took my phone only to find an unexpected e-mail that changed my current situation completely and eternally.

Now I clearly know what to do.

_______________________________________

Assalamu Alaikum sweet buttons.

I suddenly entered into my wattpad app and saw more than 1K views on my book! Maybe that's not a big issue but it means so much to me!!!! THANKS A GAZILLION my lovelies!❤ Without you, I wouldn't have been here.😘

Anyway, it's been a long time since I don't get enough time to update my story. Sorry sorry sorry!!!! I missed you a lot but was really very busy you know (not that I'm free now though, exams are knocking at my door). Hence gifting you quite a looong chapter!

Anyway, can you guess what Zawad's email is about? Any guesses? ;)
Comment what you think!

And please tap that star button my squishy bunnies! It costs nothing but is worth a lot!

JazakAllahu Khairan.😀