Author’s POV –

The next morning, when Dua went to college, her eyes continuously searched for Ruhan. She felt guilty for snapping at him yesterday, but Ruhan was nowhere in sight—or perhaps he didn’t want to appear in front of her.

She attended her classes as usual and then went to the canteen with her cousin and friends. Sitting with them, she ate while engaging in light conversations, though her mind wandered.

Suddenly, someone called Ruhan’s name, catching her attention. She looked toward the entrance of the canteen and saw him talking to another guy. Their conversation paused as his eyes briefly fell on her. Dua stared back, contemplating whether she should approach him. She wanted to apologize and thank him, but something held her back; he looked away quickly, returning his focus to the other person.

Biting her lips, she kept staring at her food. After gathering some courage, she stood up, only to see him bidding the guy goodbye and walking out of the canteen.

"I will be back," she whispered to herself, and followed the path he had taken.

"Ruhan!"

Hearing his name, Ruhan stopped and turned toward her. Dua slowly made her way to him.

"Yes, Dua?" he asked politely.

"Uh… um… I… I want to… talk to you," she stammered. She had never felt this nervous speaking to someone, especially on her own. Her words tumbled out hesitantly, and he couldn’t help but smile at her nervousness.

"Sit here," he said, motioning toward a nearby bench. "Now tell me what you wanted to talk about." They sat at a safe distance, and he spoke softly.

"I’m sorry," she began, taking a deep breath. "I know I shouldn’t have snapped at you when you were only helping me. I should have thanked you, but instead I got angry. So… I’m sorry." She lowered her head as she finished.

"I’ll forgive you," he said, "but I have one condition."

Dua frowned at his demand but nodded anyway.

"Accept the invitation of my friendship." He pulled out a card and handed it to her. Before she could respond, he added, "If you come to my party, I’ll consider it your acceptance of friendship, and then there’ll be no need for thanks or apologies."

"I can’t come! I don’t even know you, and you’re asking for friendship… and a party? No. I won’t come," she said, stunned. This was probably the first time they were talking, and his request seemed too bold for a stranger.

"The party is on the weekend, so we have five days to get to know each other. Plus, everyone in our batch is coming—Rabiya, Amy, and Laiba will be there too," he said, adding the last part to reassure her. She remained silent.

"Okay, now it’s up to you. But remember, this friendship is important if you want a smooth, beautiful university journey," he said, walking away.

Dua sat there, thinking about him and contemplating what to do.

I should ask Momin, she thought.

---

Maham’s POV

"Maham, are you ready? I’m getting late," Momin knocked on the door.

After applying lip gloss, I checked my appearance one last time, took a deep breath, and opened the door. I smiled at him, and he feigned a glare, showing his watch.

"Sorry," I mouthed, pinching my ears. He shook his head, and we walked toward the main door.

"Mama, we are going," I called out on the way.

"Come back early, and call someone! Don’t come back alone!" she shouted from the kitchen.

We sat in the car, and Momin drove away.

"Momin, do you know my friend Ramiza? She got engaged," I tried to make conversation.

"Your friend? As in a 17-year-old girl?" he asked, surprised. He probably didn’t know her, and maybe her engagement at such a young age shocked him.

"Yeah… she got engaged to her cousin and will marry in a couple of years," I said, smiling. Momin just nodded. He was a man of few words, speaking only when necessary—especially with anyone besides Dua. I sighed, staring out of the car window.

He stopped in front of my friend’s house.

"Take care. Call me or your dad to pick you up—don’t come alone or with any stranger," he said with a soft, caring tone. My heart fluttered. Momin’s caring nature always made my heart

skip a beat. I nodded, smiling, before stepping out of the car.

************

Dua’s POV

"So… what have you decided?" Maham asked.

"I… I don’t know," I replied, unsure. It had been two days since Ruhan invited me to his party.

"You should go, Dua. You need to make new friends, and you have to do that to survive the next four years here. You can’t always stay in Rabiya’s wing—you have to make your own friends," Maham said. I thought about her words—they were right to some extent.

"Befriend Ruhan," Maham added slowly. I nodded, considering her advice.

*"Hmm… I should go to that party. And Rabiya said she and our classmates will also be there, so I think I should go and…" I trailed off.

"And what?"

"I was thinking… to tell this to Momin and ask him if it’s okay to be friends with Ruhan. He knows more than me what’s best for me," I confessed.

"No!" Maham almost shouted. "…I mean… you know how Momin is. He’ll never allow you to be friends with any boy. You shouldn’t tell him about this—he’ll be upset and angry." Maham was right again.

*"Uh… okay. You’re right. Anyway, tell me how everyone is and how your studies are going…" I said, changing the topic. And we chatted about sisterly things for another half an hour.

I wasn’t fully convinced about being friends with Ruhan, but for the time being, I pushed the thought aside.

---

The next day at the university, Ruhan sat beside me. I felt a strange flutter in my chest, but ignoring it, I let it go.

"This is boring!" Ruhan groaned after some time.

"Then why did you join this class? You hardly attend Miss Robert’s lectures," Rabiya asked, sitting across from us.

"Hmm… because I promised I’d try to meet some special people before the party," he muttered, looking at me with a smile. My cheeks burned, and I looked down.

"By the way, Dua, how are you in history?" Ruhan asked.

"She’s terrible," Rabiya replied, chuckling. My eyes widened.

*"No… I… I…" I stammered.

"It’s okay. I hate history too," he whispered, as if sharing a secret, winking at me. I smiled softly. "You look beyond beautiful when you smile," he whispered again, staring at me. I glanced toward the professor to hide the blush creeping onto my cheeks.

Throughout the class, he continued small conversations and sprinkled compliments, making me blush repeatedly.

"I’m done," Ruhan said as soon as the class ended. "This is torture, man." He gathered his bag and turned to me.

"Where?" I asked, confused, gathering my books and bag.

"To the canteen or library—wherever you want. Just let’s get out of this depressing room." I couldn’t help but giggle at his overly miserable expression. He truly hated history.

"If you hate it this much, why did you choose this subject?" I asked as we walked. Rabiya went to the canteen after informing me, and I was tempted to follow, but something made me want to stay with Ruhan.

"My dad chose my classes. He thinks I’m not capable of deciding what’s best for me," Ruhan said, rolling his eyes.

"Parents are always right," I said, and he looked at me.

"What?" I frowned.

"You’re a parent-obedient girl," he stated.

"Hmm… kind of. But I do as I please often. I’m a little spoiled by my family," I whispered the last part.

"Ahhan… I like spoiled girls," he winked, making me laugh.

"You’re such a flirt," I shook my head, smiling, and we continued toward the canteen.

---

That night was the party. Most girls in my hostel were getting ready. Ruhan had invited almost everyone, and excitement buzzed in the air.

I agreed after debating with myself. Maham’s words echoed in my mind—she was right. I needed friends, and this party was a good way to interact with new people.

After getting ready, I found Rabiya waiting for me. She went to the parlour with her friends, but I refused—I believed I was beautiful enough to attend any party without makeup. Momin’s words came to mind:

"I love you the way you are. These fancy dresses and looks never do justice to your beauty."

I smiled and shook my head. I needed to call Momin—I hadn’t talked to him since yesterday.

---

"Welcome! Welcome, my new friend!" Ruhan beamed in front of everyone, making me blush.

"Thank you," I said, smiling faintly. He came forward, held my hand, and before I could react, kissed my knuckles. My eyes widened.

"You look stunning, Dua. The most beautiful girl I have ever laid eyes on," he said. His compliment made a knot form in my stomach—but in a good way.

I wasn’t used to compliments from boys other than Momin and my family. This was new, and it felt… intoxicating.

I couldn’t pull my hand away as everyone around started staring, giving us their full attention. Somewhere deep inside, I liked it.

He guided me to the center of the hall. I felt uncomfortable.

"Don’t be uncomfortable, Dua. Just enjoy. No one’s here to judge you."

"I… I need a drink," I stammered and walked to the counter. Ruhan trailed behind.

"What would you like?" he asked.

"Anything without alcohol," I said, noticing people drinking as if it were water. He chuckled and ordered soft drinks for both of us.

---

I sat on a bench, staring at the night sky. I felt tired and bored, needing fresh air. I had learned a lot today, especially about Ruhan. He didn’t have a girlfriend, disliked relationships, and avoided committed girls. Some even said he was interested in me because he thought I was single and the most innocent girl in the university.

I felt uneasy hearing this but decided not to react.

"Hey!" I was interrupted by Ruhan as he sat beside me. "Are you bored?"

I bit my lips, unsure whether to admit it. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

"Uh… um… no… I was just… alone there," I mumbled, looking away.

"Hmm… You won’t believe it, but I got bored at my own party," he said softly.

*"You also got bored? So I’m not the only one finding this party boring…" I started, then realized what I’d said. I covered my mouth, feeling guilty. To my surprise, he laughed.

"Dua… Dua… you’re so cute," he tapped my nose, smiling. "And you suck at lying."

I looked away, tugging my hair behind my ear, blushing. He stared at me for a few silent minutes before speaking.

"You never lie?" he asked.

I thought for a moment, remembering the biggest secret of my life—my Nikah—but I hadn’t technically lied. I shook my head.

"But you should know how to lie occasionally. Lying is fun. One should know how to lie." My eyes widened.

"What? Lying is fun? Are you serious? Lying only brings guilt and restlessness," I asserted.

"Don’t talk like an oldie, Dua. You’re a young, beautiful teenage girl—this age is for fun and experiences. One of those is lying," he said, staring into my eyes. "If you hide something without guilt or cheating, it’s thrilling."

I thought about it. He was right. Hiding my Nikah and secretly meeting Momin was thrilling.

"I… I would…" I started.

"Just try once. You’ll feel ecstatic," he said, standing, extending his hand toward me. *"Did you accept my friendship? If yes, hold my hand and come with me inside. If not…" He shrugged. "Ten seconds."

I thought of

everything he had said—and did something I knew I shouldn’t. I placed my hand in his. He gripped it tightly, smiling.

Trying doesn’t hurt.

★★★★