Chapter 5:The Alien Code and a Jealous CEO
The sun rose with its usual indifference, casting golden hues across the skyline of the bustling city. But in one pink-themed corner of the world—above a cozy cafe called Cafe Luna—the energy was anything but ordinary.
Eman Shah sat cross-legged on Andaleeb's bed, a small glowing device in her hand. Her fingers danced across it, faster than any human eye could follow. Andaleeb, still in her pajamas, peeked over her sister's shoulder, chewing on a biscuit.
"So... what is it? A tracker? Translator? Teleporter?"
Eman grinned. "All three. Plus it plays old Earth music. Want to hear something called 'Beyoncé'?"
"Yes! Human rhythm is weird but addictive," Andaleeb giggled.
The song began playing softly, a beat-filled anthem about independence. Eman rolled her eyes. "Humans worship heartbreak like it's an achievement."
Andaleeb sipped her tea. "Maybe that's the only way they understand emotions. Through music, coffee, and romantic disasters."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Zareen's voice floated up. "Andi! Breakfast rush! I need you downstairs in five or you're cleaning toilets today."
Andaleeb jumped. "Coming!"
Eman sighed. "Your Earth disguise is exhausting."
"Welcome to my world, Miss Knows-Everything," Andaleeb replied, grabbing her apron. "Let's go serve caffeine to clueless humans."
---
Downstairs in Cafe Luna
The cafe buzzed with morning energy. Laughter, gossip, clinking mugs.
Andaleeb was taking an order when Zareen waved her over. "Your favorite grump is here."
"Who?"
"Mr. CEO, Mr. Dark-and-Broody. Mr. Heartless himself."
Andaleeb turned to find Zayan Khan sitting in a corner booth, dressed down in jeans and a leather jacket. Still intimidating.
She walked over, arms crossed. "This isn't your office, Mr. Khan."
Zayan sipped his coffee. "Didn't know you moonlighted as a waitress."
"And I didn't know billionaires ate breakfast like peasants. We're all discovering things today."
He smirked. That rare, fleeting smirk.
She blinked. "Did you just smile? Is the world ending?"
"Only my patience," he replied. "Black coffee. Extra strong. And none of that burnt water you call tea."
She rolled her eyes and went to prepare it. From across the cafe, Eman watched closely.
"He's... observing her," she whispered.
Haroon Dar, who had joined her for breakfast, leaned in. "You mean Zayan? Yeah, he watches her like she's a puzzle he can't solve."
Eman tilted her head. "He's already emotionally compromised."
Haroon raised an eyebrow. "You talk like a robot sometimes."
She blinked. "Do I?"
He smiled. "It's cute."
---
Later That Day – At Khan Global Enterprises
Aryan walked into Zayan's office holding a thick file.
"You have to see this. Marketing stats are up by 15% since the new intern joined."
Zayan didn't look up. "Coincidence."
"She also solved two logistic errors, saved your portfolio, and crashed into you. That's practically marriage in CEO language."
Zayan finally glanced up. "I do not like her."
"No one said you did. But your schedule mysteriously clears up every time she's in the pantry."
Zayan picked up a pen. Snapped it. "Drop it, Aryan."
---
Back at Cafe Luna – That Night
The girls sat together, legs tangled like always. Eman had lit up the ceiling with a silent, invisible hologram of their galaxy.
"Do you ever miss home?" Eman asked softly.
Andaleeb looked at the stars above. "Sometimes. But Earth is strange. They love fast food, cry during movies, and think money can fix hearts."
"And yet you're attached to it."
"I'm attached to a coffee-hating, overworked storm cloud who doesn't even like me."
Eman smiled. "That's called attraction. Or self-destruction. Still figuring it out."
Andaleeb lay back. "I work for a man who never smiles, never thanks anyone, and looks like he hasn't hugged anyone since birth."
Eman whispered, "And yet you saw something in him. Didn't you?"
Andaleeb nodded. "Yes. I saw... loneliness. Same as mine."
---
Meanwhile at Aleena Hashmi's Office
Aleena was not happy.
"She fell on you again?" she asked Zayan during a scheduled call.
"It was an accident."
"Twice isn't an accident. It's fate—or obsession. Either hers or yours."
Zayan remained quiet.
Aleena narrowed her eyes. "You're slipping, Zayan. Since when do you tolerate this nonsense?"
"Since when do you monitor my personal space?"
"Since you let interns ruin your suits."
Zayan ended the call without another word.
---
Midnight – Rooftop of Cafe Luna
Eman adjusted the antenna of her signal tracker. A low hum buzzed in the air.
Andaleeb joined her with two cups of tea.
"Any sign from Command?"
"No. But I did detect a new satellite pattern. Someone might be watching us."
Andaleeb shivered. "Earth's already complicated. I don't need alien spies too."
Eman handed her a small glowing stone. "Keep this with you. If things get worse... teleport."
Andaleeb held the stone, warm in her palm. "What about you?"
"I'll be right behind you. Always."
They hugged.
And as they did, Zayan sat alone in his office, sipping jasmine tea.
He didn't know why he liked it now.
He didn't know why he kept staring at her file.
He just knew that chaos had a name.
And it was Andaleeb Shah.