Chapter 2

The suburban locality on the city's outskirts was small yet densely populated. Most of its inhabitants led simple lives, earning their income through traditional means like farming, cattle grazing, and working in small cottage industries. These industries ranged from minor food processing plants to handicrafts and the production of daily-use products. Despite being somewhat removed from the urban core, the community was closely connected to the city, regularly supplying their goods to urban retailers.

Zarmeena grew up in this environment. She belonged to a small family that included her grandmother (Dadi), her mother (Amma), and her brother, Ahmed. Ahmed was an intermediate-level student, and both siblings excelled academically. Zarmeena's father had served as a low-ranking army man and had owned a modest piece of land. However, a few years ago, tragedy struck when her father unexpectedly passed away due to cardiac arrest. The loss was devastating, especially for Zarmeena, who had been very close to him. Her father's sudden death left her emotionally shattered. The family struggled to accept this harsh reality, sinking into a state of denial and trauma.

As time passed, they gradually began to heal. Amma and Dadi, who had previously only managed household chores, took over the responsibilities of the farm. Initially, they were inexperienced in this field, but as time passed, they slowly honed their skills. Though the productivity of the land was not as abundant as before, at least they managed to earn a modest income that allowed them to survive.

Alongside their vegetable farming, they also started supplying homemade frozen food items to nearby restaurants and retailers in the city. Gradually, life began to move forward again.

"Salaar!" Someone called out his name loudly. Both Salaar and Zarmeena turned their gaze in the direction of the voice. A boy with pleasant facial features, about the same age as Salaar, was hurrying toward them. By the time he reached them, he was almost out of breath. He inhaled some air and started, "Sorry, sorry, I'm late. The principal called me to his office." He exclaimed apologetically and warmly hugged Salaar.

"Welcome, brother. I hope you arrived safely." Salaar rolled his eyes at his relaxed tone. "I was calling you, but you didn't pick up," Salaar uttered, his tone slightly gloomy. Although he was extremely annoyed at his late arrival, if it weren't for him, he wouldn't have encountered this mannerless girl.

"I had my phone on silent during the lecture, so I missed your call," the boy explained with a sheepish grin, scratching his head. This was Fahad, Salaar's cousin. Fahad was a student at the same university and had persuaded Salaar to join him there. "The guard told me everything. Please forgive me for the inconvenience caused," Fahad continued, addressing both Salaar and Zarmeena.

"First, let me introduce you two," Fahad said, turning to Salaar. "Salaar, this is Zarmeena, a third-year BS Mathematics student. And Zarmeena, this is my cousin Salaar. He's a final-year MS Business student, recently transferred here from Cambridge University, England."

Zarmeena, who had been in an aggressive mood just moments earlier, suddenly softened her tone. "Cambridge University?" she almost choked on her words, her eyes widening in amusement. "My God, no wonder! I was curious about who had the guts to take a mid-session admission at our university. After all, our university has quite a reputation in the city," she said proudly. It was indeed true that it is one of the renowned universities in the country.

Throughout the conversation, Salaar had spoken only a few words, remaining mostly quiet. He took note of this and observed her closely. She was dressed in a light purple qameez paired with faded jeans, and her dupatta was wrapped around her neck like a muffler. Despite wearing worn-out sneakers, she carried herself with confidence, giving off a tomboyish vibe.

Before leaving, she exclaimed, "Bro, I apologize, but as I mentioned earlier, I can't afford to give any trouble to my 'Rajah.' The side area is vacant; you can park your car there." She pointed towards the space.
She was about to leave when she suddenly turned back to Salaar. "If you need anything, you can come to me. Fahad knows me well-I can fix anything and solve any problem. Till then, ta-ta!" She waved her hand and walked away.

Salaar couldn't shake the feeling that there was something unusual about that girl. She appeared to be an ordinary girl with ordinary looks, yet there was something extraordinary in the way she carried herself.