The next day in class, Iqra and Zaviyaar found themselves seated next to each other, their conversation from the cafeteria still fresh in their minds. Despite their previous animosity, there was a newfound sense of camaraderie between them as they exchanged a knowing glance.

As the teacher began the lesson, Iqra and Zaviyaar found themselves actively participating in the discussion, bouncing ideas off each other and offering insightful perspectives. Their classmates looked on in surprise, impressed by the sudden change in their dynamic.

Iqra and Zaviyaar found themselves engaged in a playful banter, their previous animosity replaced with teasing camaraderie.

Iqra smirked as she nudged Zaviyaar with her elbow.

"So, Zaviyaar, did you manage to come up with any more brilliant ideas overnight, or are you still riding on yesterday's success?"

Zaviyaar chuckled, shaking his head.

"Oh,butterfly , always so quick to dismiss my brilliance. You'll see, my ideas are like fine wine – they only get better with time."

Rolling her eyes, feigning annoyance. Iqra leaned back in her chair.

"Oh please, Zaviyaar. Fine wine, huh? More like vinegar, if you ask me."

Zaviyaar raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye.

"Ya ALLAH, yeh sun ne ke liye apne mujhe yaha bheja h?." faking his tear n wiped with his finger and flicked in the air.

"butterfly, you wouldn't want to hurt the feelings of your esteemed partner, would you?"

Iqra laughed, unable to hide her amusement.

"Oh, please, Zaviyaar, I think your ego can handle a little teasing."

We both know that I'm the brains of this operation. You're just here to provide the muscle," she joked, nudging him playfully with her elbow.

Zaviyaar laughed, raising an eyebrow in mock offense.

"Hey now, don't sell me short, butterfly. I may not be the brains, but I've got plenty of charm to make up for it," he quipped, flashing her a grin.

Iqra couldn't help but laugh at his response, a genuine smile spreading across her face. Despite their differences, she had to admit that there was something undeniably charming about Zaviyaar.

Their playful banter continued throughout the class, each comment and quip building on the camaraderie that had begun to develop between them. As they worked together on their project, they found themselves bouncing ideas off each other, each one more inspired than the last.

By the end of the class, Iqra and Zaviyaar had made significant progress on their project, their playful banter giving way to genuine collaboration. As they gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, they exchanged a knowing smile, a silent acknowledgment of the newfound camaraderie that had formed between them.

Walking out of the classroom together, Iqra and Zaviyaar couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. Despite their initial differences, they had discovered a shared passion and a mutual respect that promised to take their partnership to new heights. And with that understanding, they set off on their journey, ready to tackle whatever challenges came their way, together.

Cafeteria

Iqra and Zainab sat together in the bustling cafeteria, the clatter of trays and chatter of students filling the air around them. They were engrossed in their meal when Kabir, their friend, abruptly broke the comfortable silence.

"Hey guys, did you know that this Sunday our college seniors are throwing a party for everyone?" Kabir announced, his excitement evident in his voice.

Zainab, with a hint of boredom in her tone, turned to Iqra and remarked,

"Please wear something sexy this time."

Iqra responded with a playful pout, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"You know how much I love traditional," she teased.

Kabir, always ready to jump into the conversation, chimed in,

"Come on, she's not like you, a boyish girl," earning himself a sharp glare from Zainab.

In his attempt to speak, Kabir accidentally choked on his water, causing him to sputter and spray droplets onto Zainab's face, much to her irritation.

Amused by the situation, Iqra couldn't contain her laughter as she moved behind Zainab, knowing that Kabir was in for it now. Bursting into laughter, she found Zainab's annoyed expression only adding to her amusement.

"Oh god, I can't control it," Iqra managed to say between giggles, her hand pressed against her mouth in a futile attempt to stifle her laughter.

Zainab, wiping the water from her face, retorted, "Laugh as much as you want."

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Iqra playfully replied,

"Okay, ma, let's go attend the next class."

After finishing their meals, the trio headed off to their respective classes, leaving behind the chaos of the cafeteria. As the day came to an end, they made their way home, the excitement of the upcoming party lingering in the air.

During the journey, Kabir attempted to persuade Zainab to attend the party, but she remained steadfast in her decision, her determination unwavering.

Upon reaching home, Iqra retreated to her room, following her usual routine of study and relaxation.

After dinner, Iqra retired to her room once more, finding solace in the pages of her favorite novel, "MOHABBAT YAH JUNOON by angel_writs.".

Lost in the world of fiction, she eagerly devoured the latest chapter before drifting off to sleep, her mind filled with anticipation for the adventures that awaited her at the upcoming party.

NEXT DAY

Iqra woke up in the morning and went through her usual routine before heading to her friend Zainab's house to get ready for the party.

It took them 30 minutes to reach their destination, and they arrived at 5:30 PM. Outside the venue, Kabir and Hira were already waiting for them. As they approached, Kabir was on a call, so Iqra and Zainab waited with Hira.

Suddenly, something caught Iqra's eye. A man in a suit was standing nearby, staring at her intently without blinking. She nudged Zainab and gestured towards the man.

Zainab exclaimed in shock, "Doesn't he look like your fictional man?"

"Yes, but why are you so excited?" Iqra asked, feeling a mix of surprise.

"Because he's looking at you just like those fictional characters do," Zainab replied.

"But those things only happen in the fictional world, not in real life,baaki yeh toh lafanga h na baat krne ki tamiz hain na khane ka total idiot"

Iqra sighed, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

Before Zainab could respond, Kabir came over and said, "Come on, let's go inside."

They followed him into the venue, leaving behind Zaviyaar who had captured Iqra's attention.

Iqra and Zainab, along with Kabir, Hira, entered the venue and found themselves amidst a lively atmosphere. Some were engaged in lively conversations, others were dancing to the music, and some were enjoying drinks.

As the party progressed, everyone settled down as the formal function began. Iqra found herself seated between kabir and Zainab, with Hira being his usual clingy self, sticking close to Zainab.

The event commenced with a speech from the seniors, followed by a welcome dance. Iqra and her friends watched a few performances before deciding to explore and enjoy the party further.

After a couple of hours, they found themselves sitting together when suddenly, an intoxicated stranger approached them and grabbed Zainab's hand. He leered at her and crudely propositioned her for a one-night stand. Innocently, Zainab asked what he meant, unaware of the vulgar connotation.

Iqra's anger boiled over at the man's inappropriate behavior towards Zainab. He punched the drunkard, sparking a brawl. Despite attempts to intervene, the situation escalated, and they had no choice but to forcibly remove the troublemaker from the premises.

Concerned for everyone's safety, Iqra instructed kabir to take Zainab home, while Hira left with her father. Kabir offered to accompany Iqra, but she reassured him that she would be fine alone. Despite her protests, kabir remained persistent before eventually leaving her to make her own way home.

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📚 Note to Readers 📚

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