CHAPTER 21: GRADUATION DAY

Amna woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Today was her graduation day, and the last day of school. She couldn't believe how fast time had flown by.

As she got dressed and ready, she thought about how much she wanted to make this day special. She didn't know when she would see her friends and classmates again, and she wanted to make memories that would last a lifetime.

She arrived at school, and the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, taking photos and hugging each other tightly. Amna joined in, laughing and joking with her friends as they took their final photos together.

As they filed into the auditorium for the graduation ceremony, Amna's heart swelled with pride. She had done it – she had finally graduated.

As the principal handed her her diploma, Amna felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. She looked out at the sea of faces, searching for Shahmeer's familiar gaze.

And then, she saw him – standing in the back, his eyes fixed on her with an unreadable expression.

After the ceremony, Amna made her way over to Shahmeer, her heart pounding with excitement. "Hey," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Congratulations, graduate."

Shahmeer's expression softened, and he smiled slightly. "Congratulations to you too, Amna".

As they parted ways, Amna felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was glad to have made it through the graduation ceremony without any more awkward encounters.

To her, Shahmeer was just a friend - a distant and sometimes rude one, but a friend nonetheless. She had never thought of him in any other way, and she couldn't understand why he always seemed so cold and detached around her.

Little did Amna know, Shahmeer had been harboring feelings for her for a long time. He had tried to push them aside, to see her as just a friend, but he couldn't help the way he felt.

As he watched her walk away, Shahmeer felt a pang of regret. He had never told her how he felt, and now it seemed like he never would. He sighed and turned away, lost in his own thoughts.

Meanwhile, Amna was oblivious to Shahmeer's feelings. She was too busy celebrating her graduation and looking forward to her future to think about him in any other way. And so, the two friends went their separate ways, each unaware of the other's true feelings.