Chapter 01: I am sorry!
Tokyo International Airport – Morning
The airport buzzed with life—announcements echoed through the halls, the whir of luggage wheels punctuated hurried footsteps, and snippets of conversations in various languages filled the air. Zara Siddique stood at the baggage carousel, her scarf slightly askew, her sharp features softened by fatigue. Despite the weariness of her long flight, her presence exuded confidence.Across the carousel, a man leaned casually against the wall, scrolling through his phone. Aryan Khanna. His messy hair and easygoing demeanor hinted at someone who didn't sweat the small stuff. His eyes flicked to Zara occasionally, drawn to the way she adjusted her scarf with a practiced flick.The carousel clattered to life, spewing luggage onto the belt. Zara stepped forward, spotting a sleek black suitcase. So did Aryan.Their hands collided."Excuse me!" Zara snapped, her voice sharp. "Yeh mera bag hai!"Aryan straightened, his brow quirking in amusement. "Excuse me, this is mine."She glared. "Stealing someone's bag? Tum dhikne mai toh acche lag raho !" acche ghar ho lagta??he replied "what you mean ?" mai acche hi hhoo.Zara levelup her pitch and says,"itne acche ho toh chori kyu karrahe thee "He smirked, unbothered. "Madam, relax. Let's just check.""Check?" she hissed, incredulous. "Aur kitna drama karoge? Open it. Now."Aryan sighed, bending to unzip the bag when a security officer approached, his presence commanding."what's the issue?" the officer asked, his tone all business.Zara turned to him, dramatic as ever. "Woh mera bag chura raha tha!"..he was stealing my bagAryan held up his hands, exasperated. "Sir, this is a misunderstanding—"the people around them was watching this whole sccene and from one of them said he was troubling the girl sir, i have seen ..we all have seenZara make a innocent face and says, "yes officer he was misbehaving with me please help me.." Aryan was totally in heaven the way He was looking to Zara, seems like Mohabbat is knowing his heart. he is in day dreaming he is just observing the Zara her way of talking her style her eyes her hair.. Aryan jahan hi nahi para ki woh kuch bol kyu nahi para yaha zara usse kya kuch nahi kaharahi hai par woh ik jawab nahi de para.... Shayad isse hi paheli nazar ka pyar kahete hai "Bas. Aap hamare saath chaliye," the officer interrupted, gesturing for Aryan to follow him.As Aryan was led away, he glanced back. Zara's lips twitched, a victorious smile threatening to break free. Aryan smirked, shaking his head.
Zara's Apartment – Evening
Zara's Tokyo apartment was warm and welcoming, a perfect mix of modern minimalism and personal touches. Her cousin, Dua, greeted her at the door, pulling her into an enthusiastic hug."Zara Siddique in Tokyo! Safar kaisa tha?" Dua chirped, her excitement infectious.Zara sighed, dropping her bag onto the couch. "Safar toh thik tha, lekin ek ajeeb insaan mil gaya."Dua's eyebrows shot up. "Kya hua?""Woh mera bag chura raha tha!" Zara declared, her tone dramatic. "Mujhe usse police ke hawale karna pada."Dua burst into laughter. "Zara, tumhare safar hamesha Bollywood ki flim kyun ban jaati hain?"Zara huffed, unzipping her suitcase. Her fingers brushed against a luggage tag. She froze. Aryan Khanna."Oh no..." she muttered.Dua peeked over her shoulder, her grin widening. "Yeh kya kardiya zara? abb..Zara and Dua are fully tensed unable to understand what should they do now Zara heart is full of guilt..
Police Station – Evening
The stark fluorescent lights of the police station were as unwelcoming as the officers' stares. Zara clutched Aryan's suitcase tightly, her steps faltering as Dua nudged her forward.Aryan sat in a holding cell, one arm slung lazily over the back of the bench. His casual posture screamed confidence, but his eyes lit up with curiosity when he saw Zara."Tumhara bag galti se mere paas chala gaya," she began hesitantly, her voice softer than before. "Mazrat chahti hu."Aryan stood, approaching the bars with a smirk. "Mazrat?" he repeated, his tone teasing. "Ab kya hai? Aur kay chahiye? Galti kar ke baad insaan pachtata hai bhai mafi mangta sorry bolta hai ..parr tum kon ho bhai, mujse hi aur chije maag rahi .Tumse ye umeed nahi nahii thi.. wase kya chahiye tumhe yase nikal ne ke baad koshis karuga woh lane mai..okay! Zara face of full tensed guilty sad turned into a laugh and replied I am sorry! mazrat ka matlab sorry hota hai .both zara and aryan are laughing on their situation as we see the ice is break between them"Interesting word hai, 'mazrat.' Chalo, maaf kiya," he said, his voice dropping to a gentler pitch.Zara rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath as Dua stifled a laugh.
Outside the Station Sun is setting
The night air was crisp, carrying with it a faint hint of rain. Zara and Aryan found themselves seated on opposite ends of a bench outside the station. Dua had excused herself to take a call, leaving them in awkward silence."Naam toh batana chahiye tha, abb hum friend jho hai," hai na? Aryan said, breaking the quiet. His tone was light, almost playful.Zara hesitated, then relented. "Zara Siddique."He extended a hand, a crooked smile on his face. "Aryan Khanna."Zara stared at him, her eyes widening slightly. "Tum... India se ho?"Aryan tilted his head, his smile softening. "Aur tum? Pakistan?"Their gazes locked, the weight of their shared histories palpable. For a moment, neither spoke.Aryan leaned back, glancing at her thoughtfully. "Zara Siddique... interesting naam hai."Zara turned away, her heart fluttering inexplicably. "Aryan Khanna... Indian?" she thought to herself.The bench between them felt like a chasm, and yet, something unspoken connected them.