CHAPTER DEDICATED TO @AnsaraKhan love love love you so much, love! Thank you for always and always being there!!!!

: i don't need no light to see you shine

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ziyanah's p.o.v:

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More often than never, I tend to give myself no credit for the things I am capable of bringing to the table, and even so, more often than not, I tend to give myself all the goddamn boost of overestimation for the things I'm absolutely a straight zero at.

Remember how I once mentioned, that I had finally succeeded in building my confidence? Yeah well, today is probably the day it goes down the drain. 

Funny. Wish I could laugh too.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the moot courtroom, a meticulously crafted replica of a proper courtroom, my heart echoing the resonance of my footsteps. The wooden doors creaked slightly as they closed behind me, immersing me in an atmosphere that mimicked the gravity of a real legal setting. The air holding a certain tension, a blend of anticipation and the weight of impending arguments.

I felt like vomiting.

Wiping my cold, non-sweaty hands on the fabric of my black trousers, and giving one last skim to my white, slightly oversized satin shirt, I tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. My eyes immediately stopping at my own reflection in the glass windows, making me tighten my high pony, and take in the scene in front of me.

 I moved towards the prosecution's table, its polished surface reflecting the ambient light. The familiar scent of legal documents and leather filled the air, triggering a surge of nerves and excitement. Rows of chairs, each labeled with the role it played in this simulated trial, extended before me, waiting to be occupied by aspiring lawyers and curious onlookers alike.

No wonder the actual law students act like some kind of nobility. To think that all of this is just a setup, it's such a nail in the coffin of my trust issues. 

I glanced at the judge's bench, an elevated seat that commanded authority, imagining the not-so-stern Prof.Deb, who would soon preside over our moot court proceedings. 

The opposing counsel's table stood at a measured distance, a reminder of the adversarial nature of our practice. Of his practice.

Taking a deep breath and swallowing the lump at the back of my throat I took my place at the prosecution's table, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. This wasn't something that would affect me by any means and yet the fact that I still hold someone else's career in my hands felt so burdening and yet powerful. 

I knew I was the last person Kayzaad would ever need, he was unbeatable alone in himself, but we were in this together, and there was no way I would in any way let this be a setback for him and his future prospects.

A subtle smile played on my lips as I thought of him, and how passionate he was about his work, this was his forte and I was all candies to watch him do what he loved the most. Knowing Kayzaad, he didn't seem like the type to even be fazed by this intimidating setup but knowing myself, I'm pretty sure he must know how much of a wreck I am from inside. 

But at least he'll be by my side. 

To manage if I fuck up that is.

Honestly, if this had just been us, the judge and opposition, I don't think I would've been such a nervous wreck, but the fact that we actually had an audience, basically the other students, just made me want to jump out of the goddamn window. 

Shaking my head, I couldn't help but fidget with the objects so neatly kept on the table before me before I meticulously arranged my notes when the courtroom door swung open, immediately guiding everyone's attention towards the new intruder, and there he was right behind professor Deb- Kayzaad Alkazi the scream supreme, standing right at the door in all his glory. 

I didn't miss the multiple small gasps that filled the room, the very moment he stepped in. Come to think of it, until yesterday I always thought that maybe the reason why he always brings out such drastic and dramatic reactions from people was because they feared him, but now, I can't help but come to the realization that I probably just didn't give enough credit to those godly genes he was gifted with. His white shirt, neatly pressed, seemed to just fit him in absolute perfection, carving at his arms and biceps like a second skin, while his straight black pants, just added more to his height and looks of course. Hair a little more tidy than usual, stubble the same, and his presence, well his presence exuding the oh-so-calm confidence that instantly anchored the room. 

I looked at him and the way his eyes reeked through the room before immediately stopping at mine and I couldn't help but grin. The Cheshire cat grin, that is.

He obviously didn't say a word and simply joined me at the prosecution's table, a subtle nod acknowledging the gravity of the moot court proceedings. His gaze swept across the courtroom, taking in the carefully replicated details of a genuine legal setting and I could practically feel the gears turning in his mind as he absorbed the environment, mentally preparing for the verbal joust that awaited us.

With a shared glance, we exchanged a few quiet words to synchronize our approach. The hushed conversations around us fading into the background as we fine-tuned our strategy.

Just kidding, my mind was in shreds.

a. at the pressure.

b. at his stupid cologne.

"I think I'm going to vomit," I couldn't help but say as I slowly dipped down on my chair, head resting on the desk as I looked at him.

"Later," was all he replied with instead. 

I sighed, "This is so annoying! Remind me again who on Earth gave Sir the goddamn bright idea to start with the last group again? Why should we go firs-"

"Me," I stopped talking the moment that single dreadful word escaped his mouth. This time as he looked at me from above those sheets.

I couldn't help but straighten up, my mouth remaining agape.

"You did no--" 

"Yes. yes, I did." 

If getting annoyed just by seeing someone's face was a paid job, I would've been at the top of the game. Bill Gates who?

I looked at the man who oh-so seriously, with a static face, said the most dreading words that any sane student with a sane mind would try to attempt murder for instead.

"Why would you--"

"Alright class, enough time for preparations, let us begin with the first group of the day now," Professor Deb called for our attention.

"Kayzaad, Jahnvi, let's begin with your groups, shall we?" The two nodded and I felt my heart starting to beat loud almost threatening to come out of my ribs.

Joining my hands together, I just rested them on top of my lap, attempting to give my cold concrete palms some warmth, when I felt someone place a white piece of cloth on top of them. 

I frowned looking at the handkerchief, and then at him, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged, like he too was unsure of his actions, "This should keep you warm," he muttered, slowly folding his palm into a fist, rubbing the pad of his thumbs on his nails, before taking something out of his bag- riding gloves, as he placed them on the desk in front of me. "In case it doesn't,"

Wait wha-

Did he really just-

I looked at him and then at the handkerchief that still lay on my cold hands, and then at the glove, before coming back to him, this time as an amused smile splattered across my face, did he really just do that for me?

It's cute! Too cute!! 

I couldn't help but grin his way, like a really wide grin,"Thanchyuee so much, Mr. Alkazi! That's very kind of you!" I batted my lashes, it's cute how hard he tries to always keep his tough exterior, but I've seen him a few times acting like the sweet silent boyfriend everytime he is with his girlfriend. 

Who more often than not is always somewhere sneaking around in the corridors, every time she has to be around him, that is. 

Not that I care. 

But well... the cat in me is always curious.

He of course didn't say anything while I simply secured the handkerchief around my palm.

How? How on Earth do people in their sane mind, find someone so adorable, anything even close to being scary??? Like are people really blind these days?? 

He wears white! Is brilliant in his studies! Is good with the teachers! And most of it all! He is sweet, respectful, and caring!! Okay he might come off as intimidating but still! Minus his 'I can't tolerate humans' behavior that is.

At least I haven't seen his violent side once, in all these months. 

Shaking my head, I physically had to drag my mind out of Kayzaad Alkazi and his affairs as I focused back at the real case ahead. With one last glance at Kayzaad, I took a deep breath before going ahead with the opening statement. 

"Your Honor, we stand here today to seek justice and uphold the law. The defendants, SR Foods and Fertiliser Industries and OTMYS, have caused irreparable harm to our environment and endangered the lives of countless individuals." I started, while he continued. 

"Indeed, Your Honor. The evidence before us is clear and compelling. The defendants have flagrantly violated environmental regulations, putting profit above the welfare of the people and the sanctity of our natural resources."

Why does he always sound so... business?

I looked at Jahnvi as she rose up from her seat, "Your Honor, we respect the prosecution's concerns, but we must stress that our clients have taken all necessary precautions to comply with existing regulations. This case is riddled with ambiguities, and we will prove that our clients are not liable for the alleged damages."

Did she? Did she really say the exact things Kayzaad said she would? I felt the softest of chuckle escape my mouth, For someone who acts like he never pays attention he surely knows where his classmates come from.

"Your Honor, the defense attempts to create a smokescreen, diverting attention from the undeniable facts. We have substantial evidence, expert testimonies, and meticulous research that clearly establish the defendants' culpability," Kayzaad replied, sharp on point. 

Oh this is so much more fun than I thought!

. . . 

"Knock it off already," I heard the annoyed voice that came out in a whisper from right behind me. 

I didn't care. I couldn't!

Guilty.

Guilty!

GUILTY! 

"Did I just win the first-no! THE FIRST case of my life!" I couldn't help but semi-scream the words out of my mouth, while I could practically feel the man behind me roll his eyes.

I turned on my heels looking in his direction only to have him hold the door open, as his palm rested on the small of my back, practically pushing me out the court room.

"It wasn't even real," He stated the obvious but there was no way I was letting his practicality ruin my mood today.

"Are you kidding me!? What part of all these months of preparation do you think was fiction!?" I giggled, my legs having a mind of their own as I hoped my way on the pin-drop silent, and empty corridors. Spreading my hands out I grinned at the ceiling before once again turning around to look at the lifeless-lonely boy-legal-lunatic. "Although I do feel like a main character! You know! like Alicia Florrick or something" A giggled making his brows shoot up. "Sure,"

I scoffed, "What? You don't think I was good or what?"

"I think-"

"Forget it! I don't wanna know!" I replied instead, doing my oh-so-favorite hair flip as I looked at him in the most bitchy face I could muster.

He didn't reply. OF COURSE, but at least I saw the most microscopic twitch of his lips. 

"It was real! So real and you know what!?" I stopped in my tracks, making him do the same. 

"We researched, we worked hard, we won so now...?"

"Now..?"

"We CELEBRATE!" I giggled, clapping my hands as I jumped on my place. He just looked at me like I had grown two heads as he shook his head.

"No."

"Yes."

"Nope,"

"Yep!"

"Nada."

"Oh yeah!"

He shook his head, "Bad idea,"

I bobbed mine, grinning, "Great idea!"

 "Worst. Idea."

"Best. Idea."

He sighed, "What are you? Four?"

"What are you? Forty?" I bit back. 

He just shook his head, his hand crossing in front of his chest as he narrowed his eyes at me. "You do realize, whom you're talking to, right?"

"Of course! And guess what lucky for you, I, The Ziyanah Alit, am nice and kind enough to make you an offer of a lifetime. You're really one lucky star you know! My treat, ice cream. Right now." I said joining my hands behind my back as batted my lashes like some dramatic drama queen, slightly tilting my head for emphasis. 

"I don't like sweets, firefly," he muttered slowly leaning forward, bending down to match my eyes.

"Well then, you'll just have to make an exception for me, Mr Alkazi," I gittered, getting on my toes.

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end of chapter / 15

Okayyyy what do we think? Before you all tell me the court scene was bizarre and all I am sorry!!! I just wrote it out of idk what I'm not exactly a law student, so your girl's knowledge is limited guys... But test still do tell me what you feel about this chap though??? 

Please do vote and leave a comment guys it really really means the world to me!

Me loves you always!

xoxo
it's sheewholoved!

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