A NEW DAWN

Episode 13

A Memorable Evening

Time was passing slowly.

Evening was approaching.

At Jamal House, Ayesha was sitting comfortably, chatting with Saima.

Shanzay had already gotten up, and at Ayesha's insistence, she was eating a burger.

Just as she finished eating and stood up, Ayesha walked in:

"Shanzay, have you finished eating?"

Shanzay looked at Ayesha, who looked completely fresh and glowing.

"Yes, thank you," she replied.

"Oh great! Then get ready quickly, we're going out..." Ayesha said as she slipped her phone into her pocket.

"Right now? But I have so much work to do..."

Shanzay hadn't done anything since morning, and she was beginning to feel anxious.

"Oh come on! Who works on their birthday? Especially you... Let's go, Shanzay!"

Ayesha walked up to her and led her into the room.

Now both of them were standing in front of Shanzay's wardrobe.

"Yes, wear this one..." Ayesha said as she took out a suit for her.

It was a white frock with a loose shalwar that looked absolutely beautiful on Shanzay.

She held it and went to change.

Meanwhile, Ayesha went to her own room to get ready.

After a while, Shanzay returned, dressed up.

They stood side by side.

Shanzay picked up a comb, but Ayesha gently took it from her hand.

Shanzay moved her hand back shyly.

"Sha... Shanzay, can I comb your hair?

I really like your hair..."

Ayesha lifted her chin and looked into her eyes.

"Umm... sure, you can," Shanzay replied, scratching her head nervously.

Ayesha came closer and started brushing her hair gently...

Shanzay could see her reflection in the mirror —

So happy, so peaceful.

Something had changed, but Shanzay didn't know what.

Three years... what had really happened?

"What happened? Why are you looking at me like that, Shanzay?"

Ayesha asked when she noticed her staring constantly.

Shanzay straightened up: "Nothing... just like that."

Ayesha smiled at her, then drifted into thought.

This was the same Shanzay she once disliked deeply —

But now, she spent her entire day talking to her.

It was a strange feeling she experienced whenever she was around Shanzay.

Shanzay felt the same.

She was always a little cautious — afraid something she said might hurt Ayesha or make her upset...

Now, they were both fully ready.

Ayesha stepped outside after getting everything set.

Shanzay followed, making sure everything was in order.

As Ayesha stepped out, another car was waiting outside —

It was the one she had asked the driver to bring home.

When Shanzay stepped outside, she was surprised:

"Where did this come from? No guests came over... so then?"

Ayesha looked at her, smiled, and handed her the keys.

"Shanzay, this is your gift... for your birthday!"

She took her hand and led her to the car.

Shanzay kept looking at it in disbelief:

"This is for me? But... I don't even know how to drive.

And how did Ayesha know that this was the car I liked?"

"Shanzay, do you like it? Is the color okay?"

Ayesha could see the shifting emotions on her face.

"Yes... it's perfect. I love it."

Ayesha turned to her:

"I knew you'd like it. So, shall we go now? We were heading out, remember?"

"Okay, let's go."

They both got into the new car.

Everything felt so magical to Shanzay.

They drove out, and after a long ride, stopped at a restaurant to eat.

They ordered their favorite food and even got some packed to go.

It was evening now.

Shanzay was getting tired...

It truly had been a memorable day.

Behind them, the sun was setting...

Shanzay didn't even realize when she fell asleep —

Her head gently rested on Ayesha's shoulder.

Ayesha glanced at her and quietly kept driving, her hands steady on the steering wheel.

By the time they reached home, Shanzay had woken up.

"So... sorry, I..."

Shanzay began to speak when she realized her head was on Ayesha's shoulder.

"No, it's okay. You were really tired, that's all... Now come on."

Ayesha asked her to get out, and then carefully checked the car once more.