Chapter Four 

It started subtly, the way Ubeid began to notice my feelings. He didn’t say anything outright, but I could feel his gaze linger on me longer than usual. Sometimes, during quiet moments at home or in school, he would catch me staring at him and quickly look away, pretending not to notice.

We had just concluded lectures one afternoon, Ubeid approached me with a strange expression.

“Ami, you’re free this weekend, right?” he asked casually.

“Yes. Why?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“I want you to meet someone,” he said, avoiding my gaze.

“Someone? Who?”

“A friend of mine. His name is Adil. He’s a good guy—smart, kind, and he’s been asking about you.”

I froze. “Why would he be asking about me?”

Ubeid shrugged, the usual ease in his demeanor replaced with something I couldn’t quite place. “He’s seen you around campus and... well, I told him you’re great. He wants to get to know you better.”

The words stung, though I wasn’t sure why. “So you’re playing matchmaker now?” I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm.

“Ami, he’s a good guy. Just give him a chance,” Ubeid said, his tone almost pleading. Reluctantly, I agreed to meet Adil. He was polite and charming, everything one would look for in a potential partner. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t see him as anything more than a friend. During one of our conversations, Adil noticed my lack of enthusiasm. “You’re not really into this, are you?” he asked gently.

I sighed, shaking my head. “It’s not you, Adil. You’re great, but I think... I’m just not ready for this.” He smiled understandingly. “Fair enough. It was nice getting to know you, though.”

When I told Ubeid about it, he tried to hide his disappointment. “I just want you to be happy, Ami,” he said softly.

“And what if what makes me happy isn’t possible?” I wanted to ask but didn’t. Instead, I nodded, keeping my feelings locked away.