It was a boring day. Zainab hated the lectures, classes where boring once again her friend Kashi bailed on her. Zainab was cursing under her breath at Kashi for not informing her beforehand that she wasn't going to make it today. With a heavy sigh she gazed over the passing cars and bikes but no sign of her brother.

She rolled her eyes and turned around only to be met with a motorbike that stopped inches away from her. The sun bathed her in a warm embrace, its golden rays illuminating her face while her hijab danced playfully in the gentle breeze.

She couldn't believe her own eyes. He was there. Riding in on his bike with a friend at the helm. He looked up to meet her gaze, nervousness kicking in, and in that fleeting moment, their eyes locked, igniting a spark of recognition.

"Hey," Hassan murmured, his voice a soft whisper against the backdrop of the engine's hum.

Zainab offered a subtle nod, her gaze flitting about to ensure their exchange remained private.

He tried to voice out his words but had no courage. His friend in the front decided to take the lead.
"He needs your instagram handle. Would you want to talk with him?" He inquired, his tone casual.

A sly smile graced her lips. "I’ve already sent him a message."

Hassan's eyebrows arched in surprise. He quickly unlocked his phone, fingers dancing over the screen as he scrolled through his requests.

His heart raced as he stumbled upon Zainab's message, sent a day earlier.

Their eyes met again, and in that moment, the air crackled with unspoken words.

Without uttering another syllable, Hassan nodded, a silent agreement passing between them.

Zainab turned to leave, her smile lingering in the air.

Hassan watched her retreating figure, his thoughts a whirlwind of possibilities.

As he rode off, a sense of wonder enveloped him, the feeling that this was merely the beginning of something extraordinary.

Later, he found himself replying to her message;

"Apologies for the delay. You caught me off guard."

Her response was swift;

"Off guard? How so?"

A grin spread across his face as he typed;

"You took the lead."

Their conversation flowed like a river, each message a new discovery.

"I didn’t expect you to reach out first," he confessed.

"Why would you think that?" She challenged playfully.

"You come across as... a bit intimidating," He teased.

Her laughter rang out, bright and clear. "Only when the situation calls for it."

As their messages continued, he found himself enchanted by her sharp wit, her humor a delightful surprise.

What began as light banter deepened into something more profound.

Her mind echoed the sentiments of Hassan.

In that moment, she sensed a profound recognition, a deep understanding, and a genuine appreciation.

What they shared transcended mere attraction; it was a burgeoning fire, eager to ignite.

The conversation unfolded like a reunion with a cherished soulmate, a bond that seemed to stretch across the years, as if they had shared countless moments together.

As they concluded their conversation, Hassan's lips curled into a warm smile.

"Take care."

"You too."

Now that the story has begun, they were yet to face the twists and turns of the fate.