Chapter 11: Unspoken emotions

Aayat found herself engulfed in a relentless pursuit of truth, desperately seeking answers to the events that had unfolded three months ago, catapulting her life into an unexpected turn. The burning desire to uncover the truth consumed her, driving her to employ someone skilled in the art of investigation. No obstacle would deter her; she was resolute and unwavering.

Once surrounded by friends who stood by her side, Aayat now felt a sense of solitude. There was no one left to fight her battles, and she had come to accept that she must face them alone. The weight of her emotions was almost suffocating, but she refused to let it break her spirit. Instead, she channeled all her energy into her work in the lab, using science as a refuge, a sanctuary where she could momentarily forget the turmoil within.

In the midst of her quest for truth, Aayat also found herself deeply concerned about her dear friend, Zinat. Days spent together unveiled the evident deterioration in Zinat's health. Aayat couldn't help but notice how her friend's once vibrant spirit seemed to wane, and she appeared to be gaining weight inexplicably. A wave of concern washed over Aayat, but she hesitated to approach Zinat about it. The timing didn't feel right, and she didn't want to add to her friend's burden.

While Aayat grappled with her suspicions, Abyad was on an entirely different trajectory. With his exams now behind him, he wasted no time booking the next available flight to bridge the distance between them. The anticipation of seeing Aayat again made the wait seem excruciatingly long, but he endured it with memories of their moments together. Each cherished memory became a lifeline, keeping him grounded and fuelling his determination to face whatever lay ahead.

*Flashback*

One year had passed since Aayat's painful self-harm, and during that time, Abyad had deliberately avoided any contact with her. The remnants of their once beautiful relationship seemed irreparable. However, fate had an unexpected twist in store for them. Irshad, the compassionate TA of Abyad's chemistry class, took it upon himself to suggest that Aayat join their class to mend their broken bond. Initially hesitant, Aayat couldn't resist when Abyad expressed a wish to share the same class on his birthday, prompting her to rearrange her entire timetable to make it happen.

Unbeknownst to Aayat, Abyad found himself engrossed in a conversation with his beloved cousin Jannah, whom he cherished like a sister. Despite glimpsing Aayat from afar, Abyad restrained himself, haunted by Dafne's cautionary words. He couldn't bear to jeopardise her life once again. As his attention turned toward another girl, Aayat sensed that it was best to keep her distance, choosing to sulk at the front of the class. Yet, the solace of chemistry and the comforting presence of Irshad provided some relief amidst the emotional turmoil she endured.

The girl beside Aayat exuded beauty, captivating Abyad's attention. Aayat engaged in a delightful exchange with her newfound friend when Irshad playfully intervened, teasingly referring to her as "Munchkin." Blushing, the girl playfully inquired if Irshad was Aayat's boyfriend. Amused by the assumption, Aayat couldn't contain her laughter, her cheeks flushing with warmth, a sight that further piqued Irshad's interest. His playful response insinuated that someone was more likely to "murder" him.

In the midst of this light-hearted banter, Abyad couldn't resist but interject nervously, rubbing his neck as he inquired about the girl named Izza. Unperturbed, Izza warmly greeted Abyad, revealing that she thought he was occupied with another girl. Amusement twinkled in Irshad's eyes, while Aayat couldn't help but conceal her true emotions by averting her gaze.

As Abyad suggested that Izza join them at the back, she politely declined, expressing her contentment with Aayat's company. Abyad, though uncertain, relented, intending to return to his place. But fate had different plans, for Izza called him back, gently reproaching him not to be rude. Aayat, attempting to appear unaffected, couldn't hide her hurt as she witnessed Abyad's apparent indifference.

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Aayat struggled to maintain a façade of indifference. Recognising her pain, Irshad attempted to comfort her, but his role as a TA called him away to assist the lecturer. Unable to concentrate, Irshad asked Aayat questions, hoping to divert her attention, while Izza gave her space, allowing her to open up in her own time. The emotional tapestry between Aayat and Abyad remained complex and raw, with the weight of past mistakes and unspoken feelings casting a shadow over their present interactions.

In the days that followed, Aayat and Abyad found themselves thrown together in the same classes, their paths intertwined once more. Abyad couldn't help but steal glances at Aayat, his heart torn between remorse and longing. The desire to mend what was broken clashed with his fear of causing her further pain. Meanwhile, Aayat struggled to maintain her composure, attempting to move forward while her heart still clung to the love she once held for Abyad.

As Abyad continued to observe Aayat from afar, he couldn't ignore the blossoming friendship between her, Izza, and Irshad. Jealousy tugged at his heartstrings, but he swiftly suppressed the emotion, acknowledging that he had no right to feel possessive. Before attempting to mend their relationship, he knew he had to confront and heal his own inner demons.

After the class ended, only Izza, Aayat, Abyad, and Irshad remained in the room. Concerned about Abyad's strange behaviour, Izza approached him since they were close, having known each other through their parents' friendship. Abyad had always treated Izza like a little sister. Sensing that something was amiss, Izza asked him if he was okay, but he responded coldly, seemingly lost in his thoughts as he watched Irshad comforting Aayat.

Poking him playfully, Izza reminded Abyad of their rule to be open and honest with each other. Breaking his cold demeanour, Abyad revealed that Aayat was the girl he had been in love with. The revelation left Izza more confused, especially as she noticed Aayat's obvious love for Abyad and how his indifference was affecting her. Just then, Zinat, Aayat's protective friend, stormed into the class, clearly annoyed about something.

Zinat couldn't stand to see Aayat crying and Abyad looking frustrated. Without hesitation, she marched up to Abyad and punched him in the face, leaving Izza and Abyad shocked. Irshad tried his best not to laugh, while Aayat found the situation amusing, wondering what Abyad had done to ignite Zinat's anger this time.

Zinat accused Abyad of cheating on Aayat, showing them something on her phone screen as evidence. A shocked Izza and Irshad wanted to know the truth, but Aayat immediately took Abyad's side, firmly believing that he couldn't have done it.

An argument ensued between Aayat and Zinat, with Zinat questioning Abyad's care and concern for Aayat. Tensions rose, and Abyad finally asked Izza to take Aayat out of the class to avoid further conflict. Although reluctant, Aayat complied.

Once Aayat and Izza left the class, Abyad confronted Zinat, passionately insisting that he never cheated on Aayat. Irshad offered a possible explanation, suggesting that the evidence might be fake, but Zinat was too furious to care.

As Zinat threatened Abyad not to hurt Aayat again, Irshad couldn't help but be both shocked and amused by the fiery scene. After Zinat stormed off, Irshad had a heart-to-heart with Abyad, asking him why he was hurting himself by pushing away the one he loved.

Annoyed, Abyad retorted, "Why do you care?”

Irshad acknowledged that Abyad didn't know him well, but he believed that Abyad would eventually regret his actions. Without saying another word, Abyad left the room, while Irshad stayed behind to prepare for the next class.

In the days that followed, Abyad couldn't escape the turmoil within his heart. His emotions were a tempest of love, regret, and uncertainty. He felt torn between the desire to reconcile with Aayat and the fear of causing her more pain. The accusation of cheating had left him hurt and bewildered, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to be truthful and transparent.

Aayat, too, found herself grappling with conflicting emotions. She knew that her heart still yearned for Abyad, but she couldn't ignore the pain she felt when he appeared indifferent to her. Trust was a fragile thing, and she was unsure if she could open herself up to him again, despite her unwavering support during the confrontation with Zinat.

Summoning his courage, Abyad decided it was time to take a step forward. After class one day, he approached Aayat, his nerves fluttering like a thousand butterflies in his stomach. "Aayat, can we talk?" he asked hesitantly.

Aayat turned to face him, her heart pounding in her chest. "I suppose so," she replied, trying to sound unaffected.

Acknowledging his past mistakes, Abyad began, his voice laced with regret, "I know I messed up before, and I can't change that. But I want you to know that I still care about you, and I never stopped loving you.”

A whirlwind of emotions churned inside Aayat as she listened to his heartfelt words. Part of her yearned to believe him and give their love another chance, while another part feared the potential pain that lay ahead. "Abyad, it's not that simple," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I know, but I want to try," Abyad insisted, his eyes pleading for a second chance. "I want us to start anew, to leave the past behind and build something better.”

Aayat's heart wavered, torn between the lingering pain of the past and the glimmer of hope for a future with Abyad. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I need time, Abyad," she finally said. "I need to figure out if I can trust you again.”

"I understand," Abyad nodded, his heart sinking slightly. "Take all the time you need, and I'll be here, waiting for you.”

*Flashback ends*