Time flowed like a gentle stream, transforming days into weeks, and college life settled into a familiar rhythm for Zainab. She would at times give up on her favorite hobby to watch her northern star from a far. But at tough times his presence and smile bought her peace.

An announcement echoed through their department, a competition designed to showcase the talents of the students—poetry, essays, singing, and more awaited those brave enough to step forward.

Zainab thought, could this be a chance to let him know of my presence. But fate smiled at her knowing all to well that she's going to love the story it weaved for her.

Compelled by a mix of curiosity she decided to give it a try and gives her name for poetry. She glanced over the name list in a hope to find his name but to her dismay there weren't any names that started with 'H'.

"What's with the long look? Didn't find him?" Her new found bond, Kashi asked her as she accompanied Zainab. She nodded her head in disappointment and thought that this whole thing was of no use. But Kashi interrupted her train of thoughts.
"It's fine he's got his name on the essays!" Hearing this Zainab squeaked in excitement. Kashi smiled at her friends behavior and they headed to their favorite spot.

'The site zone' whatever that meant they spent their free times judging each and every person that walked past them.

"Look at her. She thinks she's miss world and that guy over there must've believed the lie when his mom told him that he was handsome" They both laughed at their commentary and got weird looks but of course they didn't give a damn.

The day of the competition dawned, charged with excitement and impatient butterflies that where ready to explode in Zainab's chest. Hassan came along with his friends and expected to be grouoed in the same class as Zainab's but to his dismay they categorized each competition in seperate classrooms.

With a sulk in his soul and a pout on her lips they parted ways into different classes.

As the prize distribution unfolded, Hassan's gaze swept across the room, searching for a familiar face. Then, he spotted her—Zainab, seated across the hall, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity that sent a thrill through him.

In that instant, a spark ignited between them, and the world around them faded into a blur. Their eyes exchanged a silent conversation filled with surprise, admiration, and an unspoken curiosity. Hassan's heart raced as Zainab's lips formed a soft smile, a warmth that radiated even through her black veil, her eyes sparkling with unvoiced emotions.

He averted his gaze, overwhelmed by an inexplicable bond that seemed to tether them together. The emcee's voice shattered the moment, announcing the winners and pulling him back to reality.

Hassan stepped toward the stage, their paths drawing closer. As he accepted his award, he felt the weight of the crowd's attention, a mix of exhilaration and anxiety coursing through him.

No words passed between them, yet the connection lingered in the air like a whisper. They parted ways, each lost in their own thoughts.

Hassan found it hard to dismiss the feeling that their lives were on the brink of intertwining in unforeseen ways. He replayed their brief encounter, wondering if Zainab felt the same electric pull.

As they exited the auditorium, Hassan cast a glance over his shoulder, hoping to catch another glimpse of Zainab. She had already slipped away, lost amidst the throng of people.

In the days that followed, the rhythm of life settled into a routine of lectures, assignments, and spirited group discussions. Occasionally, they both would find themselves in the same space, their eyes meeting for just a moment before darting away. But even those little moments mend their souls like a crochet work.

The air between them was thick with unspoken words, a silent acknowledgment of a connection that lingered just beneath the surface. It was as if they both sensed that their bond was worthy of exploration, yet neither had the courage to break the silence.

Will they ever find their words to unveil their feelings?

Only the passage of time held the answer.

I reclined in my chair, releasing a deep, heavy sigh that seemed to echo the weight of my thoughts. It was undeniably one of the most remarkable days I had ever experienced.

The brief glances we exchanged were imbued with a purity that lingered in my mind. Memories of the competitions and events we joined, all in the hope of sharing the same space, danced vividly before me. Winning was never our priority; the mere act of being together transformed our efforts into a quiet triumph.

Yet, those accolades were mere tokens, meant to mask the inevitable sorrow that would follow our separation.

With each turn of the page, the book grew heavier in my hands, making it increasingly difficult to continue reading the unfolding story.

And yet, a part of me longed to revisit those moments, to embrace the bittersweet ache one last time.

I carefully placed the diary back on the shelf, marking my spot with a delicate feather that had drifted in through the open window.

Descending the stairs, I resolved to visit my cousin, who lived just a stone's throw away. In times like these, she became my confidante, a silent companion with whom I could share the weight of my thoughts without the need for words.

I almost lost my way, but the sight of her moving about in her room brought back the familiar path. She caught my eye through the window and greeted me with a warm smile and a wave.

That evening, I spent precious hours with her. We climbed to the terrace, where we watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of colors.

In the embrace of nature, life felt a little less burdensome.

"I have spent my life resisting the desire to end it."

-Franz Kafka