Moeez stood in front of Sanaya's house, lost in thought. For the past fifteen minutes, one question kept swirling in his mind: If I ring the bell, there's no going back. Doubt gnawed at him. Will this decision bring any good, or will I end up regretting it?
The cool, slow breeze of a fall evening brushed against him, adding to the weight of the moment. Then, with a deep breath, he made up his mind. Lifting his hand, he pressed the doorbell and whispered to himself, "Sigh, jo hoga dekha jayega. Aur koi choice bhi nahi hai mere paas."
Ding Dong!
The sound of the bell echoed through the house. Moeez stood there, his shirt wrinkled, sleeves rolled up, and tear stains visible on his cheeks. His appearance was as disheveled as his mind. It had been a year since he moved to this city, and the illusion of having real friends had shattered.
He didn't want anyone's pity or help. The thought of explaining his situation to anyone felt like too much of a burden. He couldn't bear the questions, the judgment, the sympathy.
Sanaya, however, had always been different. She didn't ask questions. She didn't force him to explain. She was just… there. And yet, even with her, there was that nagging feeling of being a burden. After all, men aren't supposed to be a burden. That's how he'd been raised to feel.
For two hours, he'd wandered the streets, his mind as restless as his feet. The only conclusion he came to was that there wasn't a single person in this world he could rely on. That's just the reality for men like him. Sure, there were friends back home who would have done anything for him, but they weren't here. They couldn't help him now.
And then it hit him—Sanaya was the only person he could turn to. He didn't know her all that well, but the fact that she didn't press him for answers or demand explanations made all the difference. Her words kept echoing in his mind: "Stay."
Clack! Clack!
Several minutes passed, and still, no one came to the door.
Maybe she's asleep, he thought with a sigh. He turned to leave, feeling defeated once again.
But just as he was about to walk away, he heard the door creak open. He glanced back to see Sanaya's face peeking out. Her glasses were off, and she looked almost surprised to see him there.
Relief washed over Moeez. He'd turned around, ready to give up, but now, a flicker of hope stirred inside him.
Sanaya opened the door fully, her expression calm, almost like she had expected him to come back all along. Without saying a word, she stepped aside, giving him room to enter.
"Upar jaake first room mein fresh ho jao. Kapre bhi rakhe hue hain wahan," she instructed in a firm, almost commanding tone.
Moeez nodded, not daring to speak. He knew better than to argue with her right now. Silently, he walked inside, and Sanaya closed the door behind him.
1 Week Later
It is 10 in the morning, A car stopped in front of the university, immediately drawing attention due to its sleek and expensive look. A few students couldn't help but glance at it.
University was bit rushy at the moment, mostly class had there exams started today to this was the understood situation.
Moeez sat in the car in the passenger seat next to Sanaya. Its been a whole week they are living together, now they had this close connection between them. There much changes in both of them and on the other hand Moeez was more obervative and open minded.
After few glances he noticed his class fellows at the gate. A smile formed on his face as he saw the person he wanted to see at the moment. it was like he planned the whole moment.
"Moeez, call me when you are free. I'll pick you up, okay?" Sanaya said softly as Moeez opened the door to step out.
"Nahi, nahi, main khud chala jao wese bhi mene to Cafe jana hai yaha sy," he replied before exiting the car.
After getting out, he bent down to look at Sanaya again. With a small smile, he glanced at his watch and said, "Bye, and thanks for dropping me here."
Sanaya smiled back, "Byee, and good luck for the exam," she wished him before starting the car and driving off.
This brief exchange caught the attention of some familiar faces nearby. The interaction gave off a certain vibe—something more than casual. It left them surprised, as each person interpreted the scene differently based on their own perspectives.
#POV Change – Wajahat
Wajahat had just arrived at the university, having walked from his nearby flat. Lost in thought, he was wondering about his friend who always helped him in the exams and now he was worried who is gonna help him. He called some people where he can go as he went to the friends for enjoyment and study purpose but the response he got that he is not there.
He was worried to what happened him, he should at least come back we can talk things out but it was like he gone from the world. But his thoughts were interrupted the moment he saw Moeez step out of the car. His eyes widened in disbelief. Moeez, who had been out of touch for days, not answering calls, suddenly reappeared—stepping out of an expensive car. His clothes looked different—stylish, expensive.
Wajahat's eyes flickered toward the driver—a stunning woman. He saw both of them chatting casually.
"Aik hi week mein yeh sab kya ho gaya hai!?" he muttered under his breath.
#POV Change – Khadija
Khadija was sitting near the university gate, a register in hand, casually studying. She wore baggy blue jeans and a loose shirt, a look she often sported.
Her attention drifted from her notes to the fancy car that had just stopped outside. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Moeez stepping out. She, along with Hafsah, had been trying to reach him for the past week with no luck. Now here he was, talking to a woman in the driver's seat.
Something about him felt... different. The way he dressed, the way he carried himself—it didn't seem like the Moeez she knew.
#Back to Moeez
Moeez stood in front of the university for a moment. He noticed both Wajahat and Khadija from the corner of his eye but kept his expression calm. Without acknowledging them, he flat this joy in his mind as it happened what he wanted, he wanted to show this Wajahat knowing his personality very well.
He began walking towards the entrance. He was dressed in black pants and a crisp white shirt not tucked in the pants. The day wasn't particularly cold, but the overcast sky and cool breeze gave the air a slight chill.
Scene Change
Moeez sat in the exam hall, his pen gliding effortlessly across the paper. This exam was far easier than he'd anticipated, and now, as he finished up, he found himself with time to spare. With a satisfied sigh, he closed his pen and glanced around. Almost everyone was still busy scribbling away. It seemed he was one of the few who had finished this early.
As his eyes roamed the room, he spotted Wajahat, who sat staring at his paper, clearly lost. Wajahat hadn't prepared for the exam and it showed. Moeez then turned his attention to Mahnoor, seated far from him. She was engrossed in her work, her forehead creased in concentration, stress visible in her every movement. He watched as she pushed aside a strand of hair that kept falling in front of her face, unable to take his eyes off her.
Suddenly, he stood up and muttered under his breath, "Sigh, feelings never change…"
Shaheer, his classmate, who was sitting next to him, threw him a desperate look, hoping for some last-minute help. But before Moeez could respond, the invigilator caught sight of him.
"Beta, paper ho gaya hai?" the invigilator asked.
Moeez nodded.
"Toh le aao na, beta," the invigilator gestured.
As Moeez walked up to submit his paper, he noticed Hafsah—dressed in a red suit adorned with white flowers—rising to submit her own. Hafsah was known for her academic prowess, so her early finish wasn't surprising. They handed in their papers simultaneously and walked out of the exam hall together, casually chatting.
As they reached the door, Moeez glanced back at Mahnoor, who was now looking up at him. He then turned and walked out behind Hafsah.
With a teasing grin, he called out Hafsah and said, "Paper toh acha hi hwa hoga,",
Hafsah smiled as she rolled her eyesa and said, "Aisi baat nahi hai ab."
"Toh aur kya? Khud ki GPA dekho, mere se zyada hai," he said with a teasing smile.
Before Hafsah could reply, she playfully punched him in the chest, "Tum exam chhoro, yeh batao, tum itne din kahan thay?!"
Moeez looked down, avoiding her gaze, "Bas kya bataoon..."
"Are you okay?" Hafsah asked, her tone shifting to one of genuine concern.
"Well, agar nahi hota, toh yahan aise khara has raha hota kya?" he said with a light-hearted grin.
Hafsah smiled, "Hmmm..."
"Btw, din ba din khoobsurat hoti ja rahi ho. Kya baat hai?" he teased.
Before she could respond, Mahnoor's voice echoed from behind, "Moeez!" She hurried towards him, her tone sharp with frustration.
Both Hafsah and Moeez turned towards her. Sensing the tension, Hafsah whispered, "Main chalti hoon, phir baat karte hain," and made a move to leave.
But Moeez quickly grabbed Hafsah's hand, stopping her in her tracks. "Tum kahan chali?" His voice had a sudden assertiveness to it, one that surprised even Hafsah.
Mahnoor, now standing close, was visibly upset. "Tum mera phone kyun nahi utha rahe thay?" she demanded, but Moeez and Hafsah continued to ignore her, caught up in their own conversation.
"Hafsah, chai piyo gi? Meri treat," Moeez said casually, still not acknowledging Mahnoor's presence.
This blatant disregard made Mahnoor furious. She stepped directly in front of them, "Main kab se tumse baat kar rahi hoon! Jawaab kyun nahi de rahe?!" she yelled, grabbing the attention of nearby students.
Moeez's expression darkened. His smile faded, replaced by a cold, serious look. "Listen, Mahnoor," he said, his voice steady but firm. "Jo kuch maine dekha, us ke baad koi baat nahi reh gayi hai. So why not we part ways?" He removed his watch and placed it in her hand. "Mahnoor, it's a break-up. I'm breaking up with you. Goodbye."
Stunned, Mahnoor stood there, speechless, as Moeez turned his attention back to Hafsah. He gestured towards the stairs, silently signaling for them to leave.
As they exited the department, the tension hung heavy in the air. Moeez finally broke the silence. "SORRY, Hafsah... sigh... kaise explain karoon?" he muttered, walking ahead while Hafsah followed.
Moeez stopped in his tracks and glanced back at her, a small smirk on his face. "Lagta hai main class mein famous ho gaya hoon," he chuckled.
"Nahi, kisi aur ko nahi pata, sirf mujhe... aur..." Hafsah trailed off, hesitating to name the person.
"Mujhe andaza ho raha hai kiski baat kar rahi ho," Moeez said, watching her closely for any reaction. When Hafsah flinched, he nodded knowingly. "Yep, it's her."
Both of them entered the café, climbing the stairs to the second floor. As they reached their table, Hafsah paused, her voice hesitant, "Moeez, can I ask you something?"
"Haan, haan, zaroor," he replied, pulling out a chair for her.
"Tum bohot change ho gaye ho... kya hua hai? Kahan thay tum?" she asked in one breath, her eyes filled with concern.
"Hosla, hosla. Kahin bhaga thodi ja raha hoon," he teased, smiling. "Pehle tum yeh batao, tum din ba din khoobsurat hoti ja rahi ho... koi raaz hai? Koi mil gaya kya?" he added playfully.
"Baat mat badlo, Moeez!" Hafsah pouted, turning towards the window.
"Maine toh sirf tareef ki thi!" Moeez laughed, taking a seat across from her.
She was about to respond when her phone rang. It was Khadija. After a brief conversation, Hafsah turned to Moeez, "Moeez, mujhe ab jaana padega..."
Before she could finish, Moeez interrupted with a playful grin. "Jaa sakti ho, lekin agar agle weekend mere saath coffee pe chalo toh." He stood up, extending his hand toward her.
A smile crept onto Hafsah's face as she looked at his outstretched hand. She took it and got up, her heart light. "Why not," she said, her smile widening.
Later, as dusk settled in, Moeez stood outside the café, the warm glow of the streetlights casting long shadows on the ground. He hadn't been here in a week, and he couldn't help but wonder what Eman would say to him.
He walked in, noticing how quiet the café was. His focus, however, was solely on Eman, who stood behind the counter, dealing with a customer. She saw him but didn't acknowledge him. He moved closer, waiting for the customers to leave.
The moment customer left and she turned towards him, he gave her a beaming smile, "Hi."
Moeez who was not expecting any reply, suddenly got one.
"How may I help you, sir?" Eman replied coldly, her anger evident.
"Uh… I'm sorry, Eman...," he began, realizing how much he'd upset her by not being in touch for a whole week.
"Achaaa, sorry lekin tum ho kon?" she said.
"Yaar, wo main bohot down tha... isliye—," Moeez tried to explain, but she interrupted him sharply.
"Oh, tum down thay? Aray wah, to phir café bhi down tha kya? Aur main bhi sad thi, lekin hum band nahi huay," she mocked, her tone biting.
"Achha naa, sorry! Abse aisa nahi hoga, please maaf kar do," Moeez said, his tone apologetic as he grabbed his ears in a gesture of genuine regret.
Seeing him like that made Eman's anger soften. "Moeez, I was really worried. Banda aik call toh kar deta hai," she said, her concern breaking through.
"I know, aur main is baat pe sharminda hoon. Ab se aisa nahi hoga," Moeez promised sincerely.
"Toh phir batao, kahan thay itne din?" Eman asked, still curious.
"Puri kahani baad mein sunaoonga, lekin abhi apron de do. Tumhare Abu aa gaye toh meri job se haath dhona padega," Moeez joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Acha, acha, yeh lo," Eman handed him the apron, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her earlier frustration.
Moeez didn't want to burden Eman with everything he had been through. He cared for her too much to make her worry. As he slipped on the apron and began his shift, he couldn't help but think about how complicated things had become.
Sanaya's POV
Sanaya was late to the café, held up by a meeting. Today felt different; her heart raced at the thought that Moeez would be riding back with her, and they would be spending more time together. There was an excitement in her chest, but she couldn't quite place why.
As she approached the café entrance, her eyes landed on Eman and Moeez. They were standing close, too close for her liking. The excitement in her chest turned into a tight knot of anger. She wanted to storm in, pull Moeez away, and demand answers.
But something stopped her. Sanaya forced herself to breathe and regain control over her emotions. She realized that she was slipping back into the same pattern she had followed all her life—letting feelings take over when they shouldn't. This time, it had to be different. It had to be about controlling her desires, not letting them control her.
Without another thought, she turned around and walked back to her car. She drove off, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She reached home faster than usual, her heart still heavy with confusion and regret over her actions.
Scene Change
Sigh!
Moeez entered the room, tossing his bag onto the sofa beside the bed with a heavy sigh. Today he came back in his bike which he left on the cafe. Also there was this unusual situation, that today Sanaya called and said she wouldn't coming to the cafe so today he was on his bike.
He sat down, his mind clouded, when suddenly the door creaked open. His eyes flicked up, expecting a simple exchange, but what he saw stunned him.
Sanaya stepped in, her cheeks flushed, wearing something unexpected—a light silk robe that barely covered her shoulders and the deep V-neck elegantly showed her cleavage, her long black hair cascading down and hiding much of her front. It wasn't her usual modest night attire, and Moeez couldn't help but feel his breath catch. He glanced at her, from her delicate neck to the curve of her hips, feeling a mix of emotions he didn't expect.
Sanaya, now standing in front of him, held his gaze with a piercing look. Her eyes searched his, as if waiting for something.
"Moeez... do you not like living here?" she asked softly, her voice almost daring him to respond, as she kneeled on the bed beside him.
Moeez was overwhelmed by the dominant aura she is trying to exude, but instead of answering, a slight smirk crossed his face. He knew her well enough by now, and this wasn't a moment for words.
Without warning, she gently pushed him back onto the bed, straddling him. The weight of her presence, her unspoken command, sent a rush through him. She unbuttoned his shirt with slow, deliberate movements, her eyes never leaving his. Despite her age, there was a youthful tension in the way she moved, as if this moment held something more than just physical connection.
"So... tell me," she whispered, her voice barely audible as her fingers undid the last button. "Why are you thinking of leaving?"
For a moment, Moeez couldn't speak. Her boldness, her warmth—it was all consuming. But then, in an instant, he flipped her onto the bed beneath him, the air between them charged.
Sanaya's breath caught as she found herself looking up at him now, her pulse quickening. Moeez grinned, leaning in just close enough that their faces nearly touched.
"Were you always this shy? Or is it just tonight?" he teased, his voice low and playful.
Sanaya's response was silent, but the heat between them said everything.
To be continued…