Soul of lights

A New Encounter : Chapter 6

The afternoon sun was soft, spreading a golden hue across the college courtyard.

Rooh was walking with Laiba, their steps slow and unhurried. Laiba was telling Rooh about a new course, but her eyes kept scanning the crowd ahead.

Suddenly, her gaze fell on Zayan standing near the library stairs, talking to a classmate. His calm posture and gentle smile touched Laiba’s heart in a way she had never experienced before.

Laiba paused for a moment.

Laiba (thinking): Why does he seem… different today?

Rooh noticed her pause.

Rooh (softly): “Tired? We can sit for a while if you want.”

Laiba (quickly): “No, no… I’m fine.”

But her eyes betrayed her. For a moment, she couldn’t help but admire Zayan’s effortless gestures and the quiet confidence in his tone.

Zayan’s gaze briefly shifted toward them. He ended his conversation with his friend and slowly stepped toward Rooh.

Zayan (smiling at Rooh): “How was your lecture today? You look a little sleepy.”

Rooh (with a faint smile): “Not sleepy… just a bit lost in thought since morning.”

Zayan (gently): “You’re always lost in thought.”

Laiba watched silently. There was a softness in Zayan’s tone meant only for Rooh. Her heart felt the moment deeply, but her face only carried a faint, controlled smile.

Laiba (thinking to herself): The feeling in my heart… I can’t admit it. Because she will always come first.

The bell rang, scattering the crowd. Rooh and Laiba walked toward their class, but for Laiba, that moment lingered far longer than the sound of the bell.