----******Chapter 25******----

The university was bustling with activity; everyone seemed busy from head to toe. The sports gala was only fifteen days away, followed closely by final exams, leaving no one a moment to breathe. Zarmeena was the busiest of all, as she had to juggle responsibilities both at home and in the field.

Salaar was now the president of the swimming club. He had selected a limited number of members based on merit. Since it was the first time swimming was included in the sports event, he didn't have much time to train everyone, but they still needed practice to polish their skills. Due to the limited time, they even scheduled evening sessions for practice.

Dadi had been discharged from the hospital but was still not fully recovered. She needed complete nursing care. Since they couldn't afford to pay a nurse-and even a nurse couldn't care for her as much as Zareena could-Zareena took on the responsibility wholeheartedly.

Majida, who frequently visited with Fareed, offered financial help, but Zareena politely declined. She was already very grateful to Fareed for covering the hospital dues and didn't want to burden them further. Although she insisted on repaying the money, Fareed refused to take it.

Fareed didn't like Salaar's offer of friendship to Zarmeena. To him, Salaar seemed like a spoiled aristocrat who relied only on his wealth to win everything. One day, unable to hold back any longer, he asked Zarmeena, "Who was that boy in the hospital?" He questioned calmly, though he felt a storm inside.

"That was my senior at university," Zarmeena replied, unconcerned as she sorted through Dadi's medicines.

"He asked a question; did you think it over... or have you already accepted it?" Fareed questioned hesitantly, breaking up the pauses between them.

"I barely know him, so friendship is out of the question," Zarmeena replied offhandedly. Her answer did little to ease Fareed's concerns, as his own overprotectiveness continued to raise alarms. He was unsure if this was just brotherly concern or something more.

Every day, Salaar woke up with the hope that Zarmeena would respond positively, but he felt her becoming more distant. Time was running out, and his stay at the university was nearing its end, yet Zarmeena remained aloof.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Fahad sat in front of Dadi, anxiously waiting for her to speak.

"Fahad, what did you do with the task I gave you?" Dadi demanded sternly.

"Which task, Dadi?" Fahad asked innocently, hastily finishing the refreshments Dadi had brought him.

"I told you to get me Zarmeena's biodata and details. Are you having memory issues, or are you pretending?" Dadi asked, annoyed, regretting asking for his help.

"Oh, that. I have everything at my fingertips," Fahad assured her, putting the empty plate on the table and continuing, "Zarmeena is one of the top students in our university. She's a third-year BS Mathematics student, multi-talented, and everyone calls her an all-rounder. She's also known for helping students. She even has a group that deals with bullies. But one thing about her-she's extremely anti-romance. She even slapped me for helping Salaar." Fahad blurted rapidly, stopping to rub his cheek as he remembered the slap.

"Warda, did you hear the qualities of your future daughter-in-law?" Dadi grinned at Warda, who had just walked in.

"Yes, Amma," Warda replied amusedly, and they both chuckled, enjoying Fahad's embarrassment.

"Are you two really on Salaar's side? Salaar is struggling, and you two are laughing. I feel sorry for him," Fahad said with a hint of surprise, shaking his head.

"My dear Fahad, do you think your friend can win over Zarmeena?" Fahad shook his head, certain Zarmeena would never enter a relationship with anyone.

"That's why we've planned Level 2 for him," Dadi explained, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"What do you mean?" Fahad asked, puzzled, looking from Warda to Dadi, wondering what they were planning.

"I mean, we're planning to take his proposal to Zarmeena's family. This is the only way Zarmeena will trust Salaar," Dadi explained.

"Hmm, you're right, but keep in mind that anything can happen with her. Don't get your hopes too high," Fahad warned them. "I have her address; I'll give it to you, but first, I must tell you that Zarmeena's family isn't wealthy," he added cautiously.

"Leave that to us. We already have one daughter-in-law from a wealthy family, and seeing the consequences, we don't need another. So, rest assured," Warda said, seizing the chance to complain about Nazli.

Fahad took out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and sent Zarmeena's home address to Warda and Dadi.

"Fahad, don't let Salaar know about this proposal. We want it to be a surprise. Oh, he'll be so happy with this unexpected gift from his mom and Dadi," Warda said with anticipation, clapping her hands.

"Okay, but make sure he doesn't get a shock instead. Salaar hates surprises," Fahad warned them again, well aware of Salaar's nature.

"Warda, Fahad is right. We should go with Salaar's consent," Dadi agreed, but Warda was confident.

"Oh, Ami, no one would reject Salaar. He's wealthy, good-looking, smart, and intelligent. People would be thrilled with a proposal like this," Warda said, her voice laced with pride.

---

The next day, Warda began preparations to visit Zarmeena's home. She ordered the best sweets from the town's famous bakery, bought high-quality outfits for Zarmeena's family, and set off. She liked Zarmeena not only for Salaar but also because she believed Zarmeena could keep Leena in check and put Nazli in her place. She knew only a strong girl like Zarmeena could manage that. Learning that Zarmeena came from a modest family pleased her even more, as it seemed there would be fewer chances of rejection.

Dadi couldn't accompany her due to a spike in her blood pressure, and Faizan was too weak from chemotherapy, so they decided that Warda would go with Fahad. They chose a time when Zarmeena wouldn't be home, as Fahad refused to visit if she was present; he still remembered the slap.

Using Google Maps, they arrived at an old but well-maintained house after a lengthy route. They got out of the car in front of the iron gate. Warda looked around, appreciating the peaceful, nature-surrounded suburban town with green fields nearby.

Inside, Zareena, who had just returned from spraying fertilizers in the field, had taken a bath and was preparing tea for herself and Dadi. When she saw a beautiful lady in branded clothing and a well-dressed young man approaching the gate, she was surprised but welcomed them, offering recently polished wooden chairs.

"Zareena, bring refreshments for the guests," Dadi exclaimed courteously. Zareena, a bit surprised by the unknown guests, nodded and left.

"I'm sorry; I didn't recognize you," Dadi said, slightly puzzled.

"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Warda. Zarmeena must have mentioned Salaar; I'm his mother," Warda replied confidently.

"No, she didn't, but if she's hurt your son, I apologize on her behalf. She can be a bit much sometimes," Dadi said apologetically, assuming they were there to complain.

"No, no, you're mistaken. I'm actually here to ask for Zarmeena's hand for my son Salaar," Warda said casually, leaving Dadi and Zareena in shock.

It felt like a bombshell to Fareed. His fears had taken shape in reality. He had just entered the gate but, without letting anyone know of his arrival, turned back, his body shuddering. Just then, Dadi's words brought him back.

"I am very grateful that you consider our daughter worthy of your son, but I'm sorry; we have already chosen someone for Zarmeena," Dadi said humbly, stunning Warda and Fahad with her refusal.

It felt like a bombshell to Fareed; his fears had taken shape in reality. He had just entered the gate, but without letting anyone know of his arrival, he turned back, his body shuddering. Just then, Dadi's words brought him back.

"I am very grateful that you consider our daughter worthy of your son Salaar, but I'm sorry; we have already chosen someone for Zarmeena," Dadi said humbly, stunning Warda and Fahad with her refusal.

Fareed sighed in relief, as if tons of weight had been lifted from his nerves. A brief grin touched his face as he turned, knowing exactly how to respond to his mother's persistent pestering. He then headed home.