Sparks in the Ring, Smiles at Heart

The stars twinkled faintly in the quiet night sky as Fiza made her way to her room. The day's laughter had given way to silence, and the stillness of the house felt heavy. She closed the door behind her, her movements slow and deliberate, as though the weight of her thoughts made every step difficult.

As she lay down on her bed, a familiar face filled her mind. A soft smile touched her lips for a fleeting moment, but it quickly crumbled into sobs. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she clutched her pillow tightly, her body shaking with every hiccup.

"I miss you so much, Bunny," she whispered, her voice breaking with grief. "I miss you so badly."

Memories came flooding back like waves crashing against the shore.

---

**Flashback**

The Alvi family was gathered in their opulent drawing room, a space that reflected their wealth and taste but was made truly alive by their warmth and laughter. Hafeez and Shazia sat on a plush sofa, their heads close together as they exchanged quiet words. The soft light highlighted the tenderness in their smiles as they occasionally glanced at their children.

On the other side of the room, Fiza and Aariz, the Alvi twins, sat sprawled on the carpet with their elder sisters, Uzma and Aqsa. They were huddled together in front of the television, engrossed in a thriller movie.

"Oh no, don't go there!" Fiza exclaimed, half-hiding behind a cushion as the protagonist entered a dark, eerie hallway on screen.

"You're such a scaredy-cat, Fizz!" Aariz teased, nudging her with his elbow.

"Am not!" Fiza shot back, her eyes wide with mock indignation. "I'm just… uh, analyzing the plot. Unlike you, who jumps at every loud sound!"

As if on cue, a jump scare flashed across the screen, and Aariz visibly flinched. The room erupted in laughter, with Fiza leading the charge.

"You walked right into that one, Bunny!" she teased, her laughter infectious. Aariz rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin.

Not to be outdone, Aariz waited until the next quiet moment in the film, then suddenly let out a loud, dramatic scream, sending Fiza and Aqsa jumping nearly a foot in the air. Uzma doubled over with laughter, while Aariz gave a smug bow.

"Not funny!" Fiza pouted, though her giggles betrayed her. "You wait. Payback is coming."

As the movie ended, the siblings turned toward their parents, who were still lost in their quiet conversation. Aariz and Fiza exchanged a mischievous glance.

"Lovebirds!" Aariz called out, earning a sharp look from Hafeez.

"What's this nonsense now?" Hafeez asked, though his lips twitched in amusement.

"We're just stating the obvious," Fiza said innocently, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Shazia laughed, swatting her husband lightly on the arm. "Ignore them, Hafeez. They're just jealous of how much we love each other."

Hafeez chuckled before turning serious. "Alright, enough teasing. Fiza, Aariz, don't forget tomorrow is your first day at college."

"Yes, Father," they chorused, though Fiza's tone had a hint of dismay.

"Why can't Zarvahn have co-ed schools?" she complained. "It's going to be so awkward without Aariz there."

Aariz sighed, sharing her disappointment. "I was hoping we'd at least get to stick together. Now I'll be stuck with the boring guys' group."

Hafeez smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Soulmates, huh? You two are inseparable."

"Father!" Fiza groaned, throwing a cushion at him, which he caught with ease.

---

Later that night, as the family dispersed, Fiza made her way to Aariz's room. She knocked once before barging in, a playful scowl on her face.

"You're coming to the bike race tomorrow, right?" she demanded, crossing her arms.

Aariz, lying on his bed scrolling through his phone, barely looked up. "Nope. Not interested."

"Bunny!" Fiza whined, sitting on the edge of his bed and shaking his arm. "You *have* to come. I'll be so mad if you don't!"

Aariz smirked, tossing his phone aside. "Fiza, you know I hate that stuff."

"Please!" she pleaded, her voice softening as she gave him her best puppy-dog eyes.

He sighed, shaking his head but unable to resist her. "Fine, I'll come. But only because you're annoying."

Fiza grinned, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "I knew you'd say yes! You're the best!"

Aariz laughed, ruffling her hair. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't crash tomorrow."

"I won't!" she promised, her excitement palpable.

---

**Present**

Back in her room, Fiza clutched her pillow tighter, her tears soaking into the fabric. The memories of Aariz's laughter, his warmth, and the way he could always lift her spirits felt like a cruel reminder of what she had lost.

"I'll make them pay," she whispered, her voice trembling with anger and pain. "For what they did to you, Bunny. I promise."

Her grief mingled with resolve, the once-bubbly, carefree Fiza now a shadow of her former self. But deep within her, the fire of justice burned brighter than ever.

-----

The warmth of the Sunday morning filled the Baig family farmhouse, casting a golden hue over its sprawling estate. Fiza emerged from her room, looking radiant and refreshed after her emotional night. She wore a soft pastel kurta, her hijab neatly draped over her shoulders, as she greeted everyone in the room.

"Assalam Alaikum, everyone," she said warmly, her smile lighting up the space.

"Wa Alaikum Assalam," came the chorus of replies, filling the room with cheer.

Aqsa, seated beside Zeyan, raised a questioning brow. Fiza smirked mischievously, her eyes glinting with playful challenge. "So, isn't today the big boxing match? Aqsa versus Zeyan?"

Everyone burst into laughter at her remark. Zeyan, feigning mock offense, crossed his arms. "I don't remember signing up for public humiliation."

"Oh, you didn't?" Aqsa quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Guess I'll have to remind you in the ring."

"Enough, you two," Shazia Alvi interjected with a soft chuckle. "Have your fun, but no real injuries, alright?"

After breakfast, which was filled with lighthearted teasing and stories, the younger generation prepared to leave for the boxing club. As they stood by the cars, Fiza grinned at her family.

"Are you sure you don't want to come and witness Aqsa's defeat?" she teased, her tone light but mischievous.

"Fiza!" Shazia scolded gently, giving her daughter a stern look. "Don't speak about your sister like that."

"Fine, fine," Fiza said, raising her hands in mock surrender. "But you're missing the drama!"

The caravan of cars made its way to the boxing club. Fiza rode in her sleek black Mercedes, leading the convoy, while Shazia and Hafeez followed with Aqsa. Uzma, her husband Ahmad, and their daughter Ziniya trailed behind, and Zeyan's family brought up the rear.

---

The boxing club buzzed with excitement as they arrived. Zeyan's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Baig, were chatting amicably with Hafeez and Shazia. Uzma kept an eye on little Ziniya, who was busy exploring the space with wide-eyed curiosity.

Meanwhile, Aqsa prepared for the match, donning her red boxing gloves and helmet. Her scarf was tucked neatly, complementing her sporty look with red baggy shorts and jeans. She exuded confidence, her radiant smile causing a stir.

"You're looking beautiful," Zeyan teased as he adjusted his gloves, his grin wide.

Aqsa shot him a sharp glare, though her cheeks hinted at a faint blush. "Save your compliments, Baig. They won't help you in the ring."

As the match began, the crowd, composed of their families, erupted in cheers. Aqsa's precise jabs and quick reflexes met Zeyan's calculated moves and deliberate dodges. It was a clash of skill and wit, with Aqsa refusing to back down, her determination evident in every punch.

Zeyan, on the other hand, seemed more focused on drawing the match out than winning outright. His playful smirk and exaggerated movements earned a mix of laughter and groans from the audience.

Finally, with a swift jab to his side, Aqsa landed the match-ending hit. The referee declared her the winner, and the room filled with applause. Aqsa raised her gloves triumphantly, her grin wide.

"You let her win, didn't you?" Fiza whispered to Zeyan as he stepped out of the ring.

"Of course not!" Zeyan protested, though his wink betrayed him.

Aqsa overheard and playfully smacked Fiza's arm with her gloved hand. "Don't ruin my moment, Fizz."

Fiza shot her an exaggerated glare, rubbing her arm dramatically. "Ouch, boxer! Save the punches for the ring."

---

The day continued with fun and games, the families bonding over laughter and good-natured banter. By the time night fell, they were all reluctant to leave but knew it was time to head back.

At the farmhouse entrance, Fiza stood for a moment, gazing at her family as they bid farewell to the Baigs. The joy on their faces was a balm to her heart. Quietly, she whispered a prayer, "Ya Allah, please keep my family this happy and safe, always."

The convoy split as they left. Fiza slid into her sleek black Mercedes, the engine purring softly as she took the lead. Shazia and Hafeez followed with Aqsa, while Uzma returned with Ahmad and Ziniya, and Zeyan left with his parents.

As Fiza drove through the quiet roads of Zarvahn, she couldn't help but smile at the day's memories. Despite the weight she carried, moments like these gave her strength. She resolved to cherish them, knowing they were the heart of everything she fought for.

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