CHAPTER 23: A STRANGER

Amna had been living in the United States for a few years and was doing well in her marketing job. Her boss, Rachel, called her into her office one day and said, "Amna, I have a special project for you. Our biggest client, Shahmeer Enterprises, needs help with a new product launch. I want you to lead the team."

Amna was excited and accepted the challenge. But she couldn't believe her ears when she heard the name "Shahmeer Enterprises". Shahmeer was her good friend from school, and they had lost touch after graduation. She had no idea where he was or what he was doing.

The next day, Amna and her team went to the Shahmeer Enterprises office to meet with the client. As they set up, a familiar face walked out of the corner office. Amna's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Shahmeer himself, her old friend from school.

But Shahmeer's expression remained cold and stern, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for something to disapprove of. He greeted Amna's team with a curt nod, his voice firm and authoritative.

"Let's get down to business," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "We have a lot to discuss, and I expect nothing but the best from all of you."

Amna felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that Shahmeer was not just cold and strict with her, but with everyone. His employees seemed to cower in his presence, and even Rachel, her boss, seemed intimidated by him.

As the meeting progressed, Amna saw how Shahmeer's strict demeanor affected his team. They were all on edge, nervous and fumbling over their words. Amna began to wonder if she had misremembered their friendship or if something had happened to change him.

As the meeting ended and they parted ways, Amna felt a pang of disappointment. She had been hoping to rekindle their friendship, but it seemed like Shahmeer had become a different person. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a complicated and challenging journey.

As Amna walked home from the meeting, she couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and confusion. She had been thinking about Shahmeer all day, wondering what had happened to him.

She remembered the times they spent together in school, laughing and joking around. She remembered how Shahmeer would always be there for her, listening to her problems and offering advice. But now, he seemed like a completely different person.

Amna couldn't understand what had caused such a drastic change in Shahmeer. Had he always been this cold and strict, and she just didn't notice it before? Or had something happened to him that made him this way?

As she lay in bed that night, Amna's mind was racing with thoughts of Shahmeer. She couldn't stop wondering what had happened to him, and whether she would ever be able to reconnect with the friend she once knew.

Despite feeling tired and exhausted, Amna couldn't fall asleep. She kept thinking about Shahmeer and the meeting, replaying the events of the day in her head.

Finally, after hours of tossing and turning, Amna drifted off to sleep, her mind still filled with thoughts of Shahmeer and the mystery of his changed personality. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would uncover secrets and surprises she never could have imagined.