Mijko Ishq Hua
Part One — The Love I Believed In
The evening was slowly turning into night.
The sky was painted with soft shades of orange and pink, while the streets were becoming brighter with the lights of shops and cars.
Ayan stood outside a small coffee shop, checking his phone for the fifth time.
He looked at the entrance.
Then at his phone.
Then at the entrance again.
Finally, a smile appeared on his face.
She was coming.
A few seconds later, Areeba stepped out of a car.
Ayan's face immediately lit up.
"Areeba!"
She looked toward him and smiled.
"Sorry, I’m late."
Ayan shook his head.
"It's okay. I wasn't waiting that long."
Areeba raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Really."
She looked at him suspiciously.
"Then why did you send me six messages asking where I was?"
Ayan became quiet.
Areeba laughed.
"I knew it!"
"Okay, fine. I was waiting."
"How long?"
"Maybe..."
"How long, Ayan?"
He smiled.
"Forty minutes."
Areeba's eyes widened.
"Forty minutes?!"
"Don't worry. I survived."
She laughed again.
"You are crazy."
"Only because of you."
For a moment, Areeba stopped laughing.
Ayan looked at her.
Their eyes met.
There was something in his expression that made her smile disappear for a second.
Then she looked away.
"Let's go inside."
Ayan smiled.
"After you."
They entered the coffee shop together.
Ayan had been waiting for this evening all week.
Because Areeba wasn't just a girl he liked.
He was deeply in love with her.
At least, that's what he believed.
They sat at their usual table near the window.
Areeba picked up the menu.
"What are you having?"
"The usual."
"Coffee?"
"Obviously."
"You're so boring."
"And you're still sitting with me."
Areeba looked at him.
"Maybe I have no choice."
Ayan put a hand over his heart dramatically.
"That hurt."
"Good."
He laughed.
Their conversations had always been like this.
Small arguments.
Little jokes.
Long conversations.
And those quiet moments when Ayan simply looked at her while she was talking.
Areeba noticed it.
"What?"
Ayan blinked.
"What?"
"Why are you staring at me?"
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm just listening."
"You don't listen with that smile."
Ayan smiled even more.
"Maybe I like listening to you."
Areeba rolled her eyes.
"You say very cheesy things."
"But you like them."
She didn't answer.
Ayan leaned back.
"See?"
"See what?"
"You didn't deny it."
Areeba smiled.
"Don't get too confident."
The waiter brought their drinks.
Ayan pushed Areeba's coffee toward her.
"Careful. It's hot."
She looked at him.
"You remember?"
"Of course I remember."
"What?"
"That you always burn your tongue because you can't wait for your coffee to cool down."
Areeba stared at him for a moment.
Then she smiled softly.
"You remember everything about me."
Ayan's expression became serious.
"Everything."
For a second, neither spoke.
Areeba lowered her eyes.
Ayan's heart beat faster.
He had wanted to tell her for months.
But somehow, every time he tried, he became nervous.
He wanted to say that she was the first person he thought about when he woke up.
The person he wanted to tell everything to.
The person whose messages could change his entire mood.
The person he could imagine beside him years from now.
But he was afraid.
Afraid that if he said everything, he might lose what they already had.
Areeba suddenly asked,
"What are you thinking?"
Ayan smiled.
"Nothing."
"Liar."
"I'm thinking about you."
She stared at him.
"Ayan..."
"What?"
"Stop."
"Why?"
"Because you know what happens when you talk like this."
Ayan's smile disappeared slightly.
"What happens?"
Areeba looked away.
"I start believing you."
Those words stayed in Ayan's mind.
He smiled again.
"Then believe me."
Areeba didn't reply.
Instead, she reached across the table and took his hand.
Ayan froze.
He looked down at their hands.
Then at her.
Areeba smiled.
"Why are you looking like you've seen a ghost?"
"Because..."
"Because?"
"Nothing."
She laughed.
Ayan couldn't stop smiling.
For him, that small moment meant everything.
Later that evening, they walked outside together.
The weather had become cooler.
Areeba crossed her arms.
"I'm cold."
Ayan immediately took off his jacket.
"Here."
She looked at the jacket.
"No."
"Areeba."
"I said I'm fine."
"You just said you're cold."
"I can handle it."
Ayan held the jacket toward her.
"Take it."
She sighed.
"You're impossible."
"And you're cold."
Finally, she took the jacket.
"Happy?"
"Very."
She put it on.
It was slightly too big for her.
Ayan looked at her and smiled.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Again?"
"You look cute."
Areeba pushed his shoulder.
"Shut up."
He laughed.
They continued walking.
Areeba suddenly stopped.
"Ayan."
He turned around.
"What?"
She looked at him for a few seconds.
Then said quietly,
"Do you really like me?"
His smile faded.
He knew this question would come one day.
"Yes."
"How much?"
Ayan looked at her.
"More than I should."
Areeba's expression changed.
She stepped closer.
"Ayan..."
"I know you might think I'm joking sometimes."
"I'm not saying that."
"I know."
He took a breath.
"But I'm serious about you, Areeba."
She didn't say anything.
Ayan continued,
"I don't know what you think about me. I don't know what will happen tomorrow. But I know what I feel."
Areeba looked into his eyes.
Then she smiled.
"I like you too."
Ayan's heart skipped.
"Really?"
She laughed.
"Why are you so shocked?"
"Because I wasn't expecting that."
"Why?"
"Because you're impossible to understand."
"Maybe you don't understand me because you don't try hard enough."
Ayan smiled.
"I've been trying for months."
She looked at him.
"And?"
"And I still don't understand you."
Areeba laughed.
Ayan joined her.
For a while, everything felt perfect.
Areeba rested her head lightly against his shoulder as they stood beneath the streetlights.
Ayan became completely still.
He didn't want to move.
He didn't want the moment to end.
He quietly looked at her.
This was enough for him.
Or so he thought.
That night, Ayan dropped her home.
Before getting out of the car, Areeba looked at him.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For today."
Ayan smiled.
"Anytime."
She opened the door.
Then stopped.
"Ayan?"
"Hmm?"
"Don't change."
His smile softened.
"Why would I?"
"Just don't."
She stepped out.
Ayan watched her walk toward the gate.
Before entering, Areeba turned around and waved.
He waved back.
Then she disappeared inside.
Ayan leaned back against his seat.
A huge smile spread across his face.
He took out his phone.
A message from Areeba appeared.
Reached safely?
He immediately replied.
Yes. You?
Her reply came quickly.
I'm home. Goodnight.
Ayan typed:
Goodnight. Take care.
Then he stared at the screen.
He wanted to type something else.
Something bigger.
Something that could explain everything he felt.
But he didn't.
Instead, he put his phone away.
Ayan didn't know that while he was driving home with a heart full of happiness, Areeba was sitting in her room with another phone in her hand.
A different phone.
Ayan's name was nowhere on that screen.
Someone else's name was.
Areeba looked at the message.
I miss you. When are you coming to see me?
She stared at it.
Then typed:
Soon.
A second message arrived.
What about that boy?
Areeba's fingers stopped.
She looked at the name saved in her phone.
Ayan.
She had just spent the entire evening with him.
She had held his hand.
She had let him believe that she liked him.
She had even told him that she liked him too.
Areeba sighed.
Then replied:
Don't worry about him.
The response came immediately.
You aren't serious about him, right?
Areeba looked at the screen.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
Of course not.
She put the phone down.
Meanwhile, Ayan was lying on his bed, looking at the photo Areeba had sent him earlier.
He smiled.
He had no idea that the girl he had just started dreaming about was already sharing a relationship with someone else.
For Ayan, this was the beginning of love.
But he didn't know that for Areeba...
It was only the beginning of a game.
And he was the only one who didn't know the rules.
The Truth That Broke Him
The next few weeks passed like a beautiful dream for Ayan.
At least, that was what he thought.
Areeba had become a part of his daily routine.
A good morning message.
A random call during the day.
A short conversation at night.
Sometimes they met for coffee.
Sometimes they simply walked around the city and talked about meaningless things.
For Ayan, even meaningless conversations with Areeba meant something.
One evening, Ayan was sitting in his room when his phone rang.
Areeba.
He immediately answered.
"Hello?"
"Where are you?"
"In my room."
"Doing what?"
"Thinking about you."
There was silence on the other side.
Ayan smiled.
"Why are you quiet?"
"Because you're becoming too cheesy."
"You made me like this."
"I did?"
"Yes."
Areeba laughed.
"Come outside."
Ayan sat up.
"Now?"
"Yes, now."
"Where?"
"I'll send you the location."
"Areeba, it's almost eight."
"So?"
"So my mother will ask where I'm going."
"Tell her you're meeting a friend."
Ayan smiled.
"Are you my friend?"
Areeba paused.
Then said,
"Maybe."
"Only maybe?"
"Come first. We'll decide later."
The call ended.
Ayan shook his head with a smile.
"Crazy girl."
He quickly changed his clothes and left.
Areeba had asked him to meet her at a small park near a busy shopping area.
When Ayan arrived, he saw her sitting on a bench.
She was looking at her phone.
He walked toward her.
"You called me here just to sit on your phone?"
Areeba looked up.
"You're late."
"I'm five minutes late!"
"Seven."
"You're counting?"
"Of course."
Ayan sat beside her.
"Okay, Madam. Why did you call me?"
Areeba didn't answer immediately.
She looked strangely nervous.
Ayan noticed.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Areeba."
"I'm fine."
"You're not."
She looked at him.
"You know me too well."
"Unfortunately."
She smiled slightly.
Then she leaned back.
"I just wanted to see you."
Ayan's expression softened.
"That's all?"
"Yes."
"Then you could have said that."
"What would you have done?"
"Come running."
Areeba laughed.
"You're really crazy."
"Only for you."
She looked at him.
This time she didn't make fun of him.
Instead, she quietly said,
"I know."
Ayan looked at her.
There was something strange in her voice.
But before he could ask, Areeba's phone rang.
She immediately looked at the screen.
Her smile disappeared.
Ayan noticed.
"Who is it?"
"No one."
She rejected the call.
A few seconds later, the phone rang again.
Ayan looked at her.
"Important?"
"No."
She rejected it again.
Ayan didn't ask anything else.
He trusted her.
That was his biggest mistake.
The next day, Ayan called Areeba.
No answer.
He called again.
Still nothing.
He sent a message.
Are you okay?
No reply.
Ayan became worried.
Hours passed.
Finally, at night, her message arrived.
I'm busy. Don't call me again and again.
Ayan stared at the screen.
He felt strange.
He typed:
I was just worried.
Areeba replied:
You don't need to worry so much.
Ayan didn't understand.
A few weeks ago, she had been the one asking him to come outside just because she wanted to see him.
Now she was irritated because he had called twice.
Still, Ayan didn't complain.
Okay. Take care.
He put the phone down.
The next morning, Areeba was completely normal again.
She called him as if nothing had happened.
"Good morning."
Ayan smiled despite himself.
"Good morning."
"Are you angry?"
"No."
"Liar."
"I'm not."
"You sound angry."
"I'm just tired."
"Then meet me today."
Ayan sighed.
"Again?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I want to see you."
That was enough.
Ayan smiled.
"Okay."
And just like that, his doubts disappeared.
Or at least he tried to make them disappear.
A few days later, Ayan went to a shopping mall with his friend Hamza.
They were walking through the parking area when Hamza suddenly stopped.
"Ayan."
"What?"
"Isn't that Areeba?"
Ayan turned.
His eyes immediately searched through the crowd.
But Areeba wasn't there.
"Where?"
"Forget it. Maybe I'm wrong."
Ayan frowned.
"Where did you see her?"
"Over there."
Hamza pointed toward the other side.
Ayan looked.
There was a girl standing beside a car.
But it wasn't Areeba.
"That's not her."
"I told you I might be wrong."
Ayan laughed.
"You scared me."
"Why?"
"Because I thought she was here."
Hamza gave him a strange look.
"Why would that scare you?"
"It wouldn't."
"Then why—"
"Let's go."
Ayan walked away.
He didn't know that just a few minutes later, Areeba actually entered the same mall.
With someone else.
That evening, Ayan called her.
"Where were you today?"
"At home."
Ayan stopped.
"All day?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
"Why are you asking?"
"Nothing."
Areeba became quiet.
Then asked,
"Do you trust me?"
Ayan immediately answered,
"Yes."
"Then don't ask me questions like that."
Ayan felt guilty.
"Sorry."
"It's okay."
The call continued for another twenty minutes.
Ayan didn't mention his suspicion.
Because he trusted her.
He trusted the person who was slowly destroying that trust.
Two days later, Ayan was at a café with Hamza.
They were discussing work when Hamza suddenly looked at his phone.
"Ayan..."
"Hmm?"
"Don't get angry."
Ayan frowned.
"What happened?"
Hamza hesitated.
Then turned his phone toward him.
There was a picture.
Ayan looked at it.
His smile disappeared.
His entire face changed.
In the picture was Areeba.
And she wasn't alone.
She was standing beside a boy.
Very close to him.
Ayan stared at the screen.
Maybe there was an explanation.
Maybe the boy was her cousin.
Maybe her brother.
Maybe a friend.
Anything.
He looked at Hamza.
"Where did you get this?"
"Someone posted it."
"When?"
"Today."
Ayan looked at the picture again.
His heart began beating heavily.
"Maybe he's her cousin."
Hamza didn't answer.
Ayan immediately understood.
"Say something."
"I don't know, bro."
"Then don't assume anything."
"I'm not assuming."
"Good."
Ayan took out his phone.
He called Areeba.
She didn't answer.
Again.
No answer.
He sent a message.
Areeba, I need to talk to you.
Seen.
No reply.
Ayan stared at the word.
Seen.
His fingers tightened around the phone.
He called again.
This time she answered.
"Hello?"
"Who is he?"
Silence.
Ayan closed his eyes.
"Areeba, I'm asking you something."
"Who?"
"Don't do this."
Another silence.
"The boy in the picture."
Areeba's voice became cold.
"You saw that?"
"Yes."
"And?"
Ayan couldn't believe her reaction.
"And? Areeba, what do you mean and?"
"Why are you questioning me?"
"Because I care about you!"
"I never asked you to."
Those words hit him harder than he expected.
Ayan went silent.
Areeba sighed.
"Look, Ayan..."
"Tell me the truth."
"There's nothing to tell."
"Are you with him?"
Silence.
Ayan's heart sank.
"Answer me."
Areeba finally said,
"Yes."
Everything around Ayan seemed to become quiet.
He couldn't speak.
He didn't know what to say.
Areeba continued,
"I was going to tell you."
"When?"
"Eventually."
Ayan laughed bitterly.
"Eventually?"
"Ayan, please don't make this dramatic."
"Make this dramatic?"
His voice cracked.
"You told me you liked me."
"I do like you."
"Then how can you be with someone else?"
"I never promised you anything."
Ayan went completely silent.
She was right.
She had never officially promised him anything.
But she had held his hand.
She had told him she liked him.
She had called him whenever she wanted company.
She had let him believe there was something real between them.
Ayan whispered,
"Then what was I?"
Areeba didn't answer.
"Tell me."
"You're a good friend."
Ayan closed his eyes.
Friend.
That one word broke everything.
He had imagined a future with her.
And she had never even imagined him as part of hers.
Areeba said,
"I don't want to fight."
Ayan laughed quietly.
"I'm not fighting."
"Then let's just stay friends."
"No."
"What?"
"I can't."
Areeba became annoyed.
"Why?"
"Because I can't pretend that I'm okay with this."
"Ayan..."
"I need some time."
"Fine."
The call ended.
Ayan stared at his phone.
He waited for another call.
Another message.
An explanation.
An apology.
Nothing came.
That night, Ayan didn't sleep.
He kept remembering every little moment.
The coffee shop.
Her hand in his.
Her head on his shoulder.
Her wearing his jacket.
Her saying she liked him.
And now...
He realized that perhaps those moments had meant everything to him and almost nothing to her.
The next few days became difficult.
Ayan stopped going out.
He stopped answering most calls.
He barely talked to Hamza.
Whenever his phone rang, he hoped it was Areeba.
It never was.
One evening, he finally received a message.
From Areeba.
We should talk.
Ayan stared at it.
He didn't reply.
Another message appeared.
Please.
He finally typed:
What is left to talk about?
Her reply came quickly.
I don't want to lose you.
Ayan's eyes filled with tears.
He wanted to believe her.
That was the problem.
He still wanted to believe her.
He typed:
You already lost me.
Then he switched off his phone.
Ayan walked out of his house.
He didn't know where he was going.
He just needed to breathe.
His mind was full of questions.
Why wasn't he enough?
Why had she done this?
Why had he trusted her so completely?
And why did losing someone who had never truly belonged to him hurt this much?
He walked without noticing where he was going.
The road was crowded.
His thoughts were louder than everything around him.
Then suddenly—
A car stopped nearby.
A girl stepped out.
She looked at him.
"Hey!"
Ayan didn't respond.
She walked closer.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"You don't look fine."
"That's none of your business."
The girl stared at him.
"Wow."
Ayan finally looked at her.
She had an annoyed expression on her face.
"What?"
"I was trying to help you."
"I didn't ask for help."
"Fine."
She turned around.
Then stopped.
She looked back at him.
Ayan was standing there with a completely broken expression.
The girl's annoyance disappeared.
She sighed.
"Okay. Forget what I said."
Ayan frowned.
"Then what do you want?"
"To make sure you get somewhere safe."
"I'm not a child."
"Then stop acting like one."
Ayan stared at her.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
He couldn't believe her.
He had just been betrayed by the person he loved, and now some complete stranger was lecturing him.
"Who are you?"
The girl crossed her arms.
"Why should I tell you?"
"Because you're interfering in my life."
"And you're making it my problem by standing here looking like you're about to collapse."
Ayan became quiet.
She looked at him carefully.
Then her voice softened.
"Look, I don't know what happened to you."
"You don't know anything."
"Exactly. I don't."
She took a breath.
"But whatever happened, you shouldn't deal with it alone."
Ayan looked away.
The girl noticed his eyes.
She didn't ask unnecessary questions.
Instead, she simply said,
"Come on."
"Where?"
"Somewhere you can sit."
"I don't want to."
"Okay."
She started walking.
Ayan remained where he was.
After a few steps, she turned around.
"Are you coming?"
"No."
"Fine."
She walked another few steps.
Then looked back again.
"You're really stubborn."
Ayan couldn't help it.
A small laugh escaped him.
The girl smiled.
"There. You can smile."
Ayan immediately stopped.
"I didn't smile."
"You did."
"No."
"Fine. You didn't."
She turned around again.
Ayan watched her.
For the first time in days, someone had made him forget his pain for a few seconds.
He didn't know her name.
He didn't know why she cared.
And he definitely didn't know that this strange girl standing in front of him would eventually become the most important person in his life.
Right now, however, Ayan only knew one thing.
He was annoyed by her.
Very annoyed.
And the girl?
She was already annoyed by him.
Neither of them knew that their first meeting had just changed both of their lives.
And neither knew that one day...
The same two people who couldn't stand each other would fall hopelessly in love.
But that day was still far away.
For now, they were strangers.
And enemies waiting to happen
The Girl I Couldn't Stand
The next morning, Ayan woke up with a headache.
For a few seconds, he stared at the ceiling, trying to remember what had happened the night before.
Then everything came back.
Areeba.
The betrayal.
The conversation.
And that strange girl.
Ayan sat up.
"Why am I even thinking about her?"
He rubbed his face.
He didn't even know her name.
And honestly, he didn't want to.
He had enough problems already.
His phone buzzed.
A message from Hamza.
Where are you?
Ayan replied:
Home.
Another message came.
Coming out?
Ayan stared at the screen.
No.
Hamza immediately called.
Ayan answered.
"What?"
"Why are you angry with me?"
"I'm not."
"You sound like you want to murder someone."
"Don't exaggerate."
Hamza laughed.
"Come out. We need to talk."
"About what?"
"You know exactly what."
Ayan went silent.
He knew.
Areeba.
He didn't want to talk about her.
But after a few seconds, he agreed.
"Fine. Give me twenty minutes."
Ayan met Hamza at a small café.
The moment he sat down, Hamza looked at him carefully.
"How are you?"
"Fine."
"That's a lie."
"I know."
Hamza sighed.
"You need to stop thinking about Areeba."
Ayan looked down at his coffee.
"I'm trying."
"Trying isn't enough."
"Then what should I do?"
"Move on."
Ayan laughed.
"Easy for you to say."
"Of course it is. I'm not the one who fell for the wrong person."
Ayan looked at him.
"Thanks for the reminder."
"You're welcome."
Ayan almost smiled.
Then suddenly, someone walked past their table.
Ayan didn't notice her at first.
But Hamza did.
He looked behind Ayan.
Then his eyebrows went up.
"Ayan."
"What?"
"Don't turn around."
Ayan immediately turned around.
Hamza groaned.
"I literally said don't."
Ayan ignored him.
And froze.
It was her.
The girl from last night.
She was standing at the counter, arguing with the waiter.
"Excuse me! I ordered a chocolate shake, not a chocolate disaster!"
The waiter apologized.
She shook her head.
"Never mind."
Ayan stared.
Hamza looked at him.
"You know her?"
"No."
"Then why are you staring?"
"I'm not."
"You are."
"Shut up."
The girl suddenly turned.
Her eyes landed on Ayan.
She recognized him.
Her expression changed immediately.
"Oh no."
Ayan frowned.
"What?"
She walked toward their table.
"You."
Ayan pointed at himself.
"Me?"
"Yes, you."
Hamza looked between them.
Ayan stood up.
"Do I know you?"
She stared at him.
"You don't remember?"
"Should I?"
She narrowed her eyes.
"Wow."
"What?"
"Yesterday I tried to help you, and today you don't even remember me."
Ayan crossed his arms.
"I remember."
"Good."
"But I don't know your name."
She paused.
"That's because I never told you."
"Exactly."
"Then why did you say you remembered?"
Ayan stared at her.
Hamza covered his mouth to hide his laughter.
Ayan looked at him.
"Don't."
Hamza raised both hands.
"I'm saying nothing."
The girl looked at Hamza.
"At least your friend has manners."
Ayan immediately said,
"Don't involve him."
"Why?"
"Because."
She rolled her eyes.
"Whatever."
She turned to leave.
Ayan called after her.
"Wait."
She stopped.
"What?"
Ayan suddenly realized he had no idea why he'd stopped her.
He looked at her.
She looked back.
"Well?"
"Your name."
Her eyebrows lifted.
"Why?"
"Just tell me."
"Why do you want to know?"
"I don't."
"Then why ask?"
Ayan's jaw tightened.
"Forget it."
She smiled.
"My name is Maira."
Ayan repeated quietly,
"Maira."
"Yes."
"Okay."
"Okay."
They stared at each other.
Neither moved.
Finally, Maira said,
"Anything else?"
"No."
"Good."
She walked away.
Hamza waited until she was gone.
Then burst out laughing.
Ayan glared at him.
"What?"
"You two are going to kill each other."
"She's irritating."
Hamza smiled.
"And you just learned her name."
"So?"
"So nothing."
"Stop smiling."
"I'm not."
"You are."
A week later, Ayan went to a bookstore.
He wasn't looking for anything particular.
He simply wanted to get away from everything.
He walked toward the fiction section.
And stopped.
Maira was there.
Ayan stared at her.
Maira looked up.
Her face fell.
"You again?"
Ayan raised an eyebrow.
"This is a public bookstore."
"I know."
"Then why are you surprised?"
"Because apparently I can't escape you."
Ayan laughed.
"Trust me. I feel the same."
Maira crossed her arms.
"Then go somewhere else."
"You go somewhere else."
"I was here first."
"So?"
"So leave."
"You are unbelievable."
"And you're annoying."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I know."
Maira rolled her eyes and turned back toward the shelves.
Ayan tried to ignore her.
He picked up a book.
Maira reached for the same book.
Their hands touched.
Both immediately pulled away.
"You take it," Ayan said.
"No, you."
"I'm not interested."
"Then why were you holding it?"
"Because I wanted to see it."
"Then see it."
Ayan handed her the book.
Maira took it.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
She looked at him.
"Was that difficult?"
"Extremely."
Maira smiled.
Ayan frowned.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Why are you smiling?"
"Because you're funny when you're angry."
"I'm not funny."
"You are."
"I'm leaving."
"Good."
Ayan turned around.
Then stopped.
He looked back.
Maira was already reading.
For some reason, he smiled.
Then immediately stopped himself.
"No."
Maira looked up.
"What?"
"Nothing."
He walked away.
The universe seemed determined to put Maira in Ayan's path.
They met at the bookstore.
Then at the café.
Then at a grocery store.
Then outside a college building where Ayan had gone to meet someone.
Every time they saw each other, one thing happened.
They argued.
"You again?"
"Don't blame me."
"Why are you everywhere?"
"Maybe you're everywhere."
"That's impossible."
"Apparently not."
And slowly, something strange happened.
Their arguments became familiar.
Ayan began recognizing Maira's expressions.
He knew when she was angry.
He knew when she was pretending not to care.
He knew she became quiet when something bothered her.
And Maira had started learning things about him too.
She knew Ayan drank coffee when he was stressed.
She knew he became quiet when he was upset.
She knew he pretended to be fine when he wasn't.
Neither of them admitted it.
But they were beginning to notice each other.
One afternoon, Maira was walking through a crowded street when she suddenly heard someone calling her.
"Maira!"
She turned.
Ayan.
She immediately sighed.
"Please don't."
Ayan reached her.
"Don't what?"
"Whatever you're about to say."
"I haven't said anything."
"Your face says you're going to annoy me."
Ayan smiled.
"You're very observant."
Maira rolled her eyes.
"Why are you here?"
"Buying something."
"Okay."
She started walking.
Ayan walked beside her.
Maira stopped.
"Why are you following me?"
"I'm walking."
"Go walk somewhere else."
"Why?"
"Because I don't like you."
Ayan stopped.
For some reason, her words bothered him.
He covered it with a smile.
"Good."
Maira looked at him.
"Good?"
"Because I don't like you either."
"Perfect."
"Perfect."
She walked away.
Ayan watched her.
Then quietly muttered,
"Why did that bother me?"
A few days passed.
Ayan had started feeling better.
Not because he had forgotten Areeba.
He hadn't.
But he was slowly learning how to live without her.
Maira had somehow become part of his routine.
Not a friend.
Definitely not someone he liked.
Just...
Maira.
The annoying girl who somehow appeared whenever he needed a distraction.
One evening, Ayan was sitting alone in a park.
He was staring at his phone.
Areeba's old messages were still there.
He hadn't deleted them.
He wasn't ready.
A voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Still thinking about her?"
Ayan immediately locked his phone.
He turned around.
Maira.
"What are you doing here?"
"Walking."
"Why do you always walk where I am?"
Maira sat on the other end of the bench.
"Maybe you follow me."
Ayan scoffed.
"Very funny."
"I know."
Ayan looked away.
Maira glanced at him.
"You okay?"
"Yes."
"You're lying."
Ayan sighed.
"Can you stop doing that?"
"Doing what?"
"Acting like you know everything."
"I don't know everything."
"Then don't ask."
"Fine."
Silence.
A minute passed.
Then another.
Maira didn't ask again.
She just sat there.
Ayan looked at her.
"You're not going to say anything?"
"You told me not to ask."
"I didn't say you couldn't talk."
"Then talk."
Ayan looked away again.
"There's nothing to say."
Maira nodded.
"Okay."
Ayan frowned.
"That's it?"
"Yes."
"You're not going to give me advice?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because you don't want advice."
Ayan stared at her.
Maira continued,
"Sometimes people don't need advice. They just need someone to sit beside them."
Ayan became quiet.
Those words touched something inside him.
He didn't say thank you.
Maira didn't expect him to.
They sat there quietly.
For the first time, there was no argument.
No teasing.
No irritation.
Just silence.
Ayan looked at Maira again.
She was staring at the trees.
There was something peaceful about her.
Something different.
He didn't know what it was.
And he didn't want to find out.
Because finding out meant getting closer.
And Ayan had already learned what happened when you gave someone your heart.
He wasn't ready to do that again.
The next morning, Ayan received a message.
From Maira.
Don't forget your coffee.
Ayan stared at it.
He replied:
Why?
Her response came:
Because you become unbearable without it.
Ayan smiled.
He typed:
You're unbearable even with it.
Three dots appeared.
Then:
I hate you.
Ayan stared at the message.
His smile grew.
He replied:
Same.
Maira sent:
Good.
Ayan put his phone down.
Then picked it up again.
He stared at their conversation.
Why was he smiling?
He didn't know.
And that scared him a little.
Because for the first time since Areeba had broken his heart...
Ayan had smiled because of someone else.
Not because he was in love.
Not yet.
But something had changed.
Something small.
Something neither of them noticed.
And perhaps that was how it always began.
Not with love.
Not with a confession.
Sometimes...
Love began with two people saying,
"I can't stand you."
While secretly becoming unable to stay away from each other.
Somewhere Between Hate and Love
Ayan had a problem.
A very annoying problem.
Her name was Maira.
He didn't understand how someone could irritate him so much and still somehow become the first person he wanted to talk to.
Every morning, he checked his phone.
Not for Areeba.
Not anymore.
He checked it for Maira.
And whenever he saw her name, he smiled.
Then he immediately reminded himself:
"She's annoying."
That was his favorite excuse.
One morning, his phone buzzed.
Maira: Are you awake?
Ayan replied:
No. I'm sleeping.
Her reply came instantly.
Then why did you reply?
Ayan smiled.
Sleep talking.
Very funny.
I know.
Meet me at ten.
Ayan frowned.
Why?
I need help.
His expression changed.
What happened?
A few seconds passed.
Just come.
Ayan immediately got up.
He didn't even stop to think about why he was suddenly worried.
At ten, Ayan reached the café.
Maira was already there.
She was sitting at a table surrounded by papers.
Ayan walked toward her.
"What happened?"
Maira looked up.
"You're late."
Ayan stared at her.
"You called me saying you needed help!"
"I know."
"Then why are you complaining?"
"Because you're late."
"I came as fast as I could."
Maira smiled.
Ayan narrowed his eyes.
"Wait."
"What?"
"You weren't actually in trouble."
"No."
Ayan stared at her.
"Maira!"
She laughed.
"Relax."
"You scared me!"
The moment those words came out, Maira stopped laughing.
Ayan stopped too.
They looked at each other.
Maira's expression softened.
"You were worried?"
Ayan immediately looked away.
"No."
"You just said—"
"I said nothing."
"You literally said you were scared."
"Because I thought something happened."
Maira smiled.
"That's called worrying."
"Don't make it a big deal."
She leaned back.
"Okay."
Ayan sat across from her.
"So what do you actually need?"
Maira pushed the papers toward him.
"Help me with this."
Ayan looked at them.
"You're serious?"
"Yes."
"You called me here for homework?"
"Not homework."
"Then?"
"Work."
Ayan sighed.
"You could have asked someone else."
"I could have."
"Then why me?"
Maira looked at him.
"Because I knew you'd come."
Ayan became quiet.
That answer was strangely comforting.
He looked down at the papers.
"Fine. Give me that."
Maira smiled.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet."
"Why?"
"You'll probably regret asking me."
"Too late."
For the next hour, they worked together.
They argued over almost everything.
"This is wrong."
"No, it isn't."
"It is."
"Prove it."
"I don't have to prove it."
"Then you're wrong."
"Maira!"
"Ayan!"
People at nearby tables turned toward them.
They both became quiet.
Then Maira started laughing.
Ayan tried not to laugh.
He failed.
Soon both were laughing.
And neither realized how naturally they had begun fitting into each other's lives.
A week later, Ayan was walking through a shopping mall when he saw someone familiar.
Areeba.
He stopped.
She saw him too.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then Areeba walked toward him.
"Ayan."
"Hi."
"How are you?"
"Fine."
She looked at him carefully.
"You look different."
Ayan smiled faintly.
"People change."
Areeba's expression became serious.
"Are you still angry with me?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Then why did you disappear?"
"Because I needed distance."
Areeba looked down.
"I missed you."
Ayan's heart gave a small reaction.
But it wasn't the same anymore.
He didn't feel the old excitement.
He didn't feel that desperate need to hear her voice.
He simply felt...
sad.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because it's true."
"Areeba..."
"I know I hurt you."
Ayan looked at her.
She stepped closer.
"I made a mistake."
"With him?"
She nodded.
"We're not together anymore."
Ayan remained silent.
Areeba watched his face.
"You don't even care?"
Ayan looked away.
"I cared too much once."
Her eyes became wet.
"I want another chance."
Ayan looked at her again.
Before he could answer, a voice came from behind him.
"Ayan!"
He turned.
Maira.
She walked toward them holding two cups of coffee.
She stopped when she saw Areeba.
Then looked at Ayan.
"Am I interrupting?"
Ayan stared at her.
"No."
Areeba looked at Maira.
"Who is she?"
Maira answered before Ayan could.
"His biggest problem."
Ayan frowned.
"Excuse me?"
Maira handed him his coffee.
"You heard me."
Ayan looked at the cup.
Then at her.
"You remembered my coffee?"
Maira rolled her eyes.
"Don't make it emotional."
Areeba watched them.
Something changed in her expression.
She looked at Ayan.
"You two are together?"
Ayan immediately said,
"No."
Maira said at the same time,
"Absolutely not."
They looked at each other.
"Why did you answer?"
"Why did you?"
"Because you were taking too long!"
"I wasn't!"
Areeba stared at them.
Then gave a small smile.
"Interesting."
Ayan frowned.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Areeba looked at Maira.
"Can I talk to Ayan alone?"
Maira looked at Ayan.
Ayan hesitated.
Maira immediately understood.
"Sure."
She turned around.
Ayan watched her leave.
Areeba noticed.
"You're watching her."
Ayan looked back.
"No, I'm not."
Areeba smiled.
"You've changed."
"Maybe."
"Because of her?"
Ayan didn't answer.
Areeba stepped closer.
"Do you like her?"
Ayan laughed.
"Maira?"
"Yes."
"She's impossible."
Areeba's smile faded.
"That wasn't my question."
Ayan looked toward Maira.
She was standing near a shop, pretending to look at something.
But he knew she was waiting.
A strange feeling filled his chest.
"I don't know."
Areeba became quiet.
"You don't know?"
"No."
"Then find out."
Ayan looked at her.
"What does that mean?"
Areeba smiled.
"Nothing."
She walked away.
Ayan stood there, confused.
But his eyes went back to Maira.
She turned at exactly that moment.
Their eyes met.
Maira raised her coffee.
Ayan raised his.
Then she made a face at him.
Ayan laughed.
And suddenly he forgot Areeba was standing behind him.
That evening, Ayan sat in his car.
Maira was sitting beside him.
She was angry.
Very angry.
"You left me waiting for twenty minutes."
"I was talking."
"To her."
"Yes."
"Fine."
Ayan looked at her.
"Why are you angry?"
"I'm not."
"You are."
"No."
"Maira."
"What?"
"You're jealous."
Her eyes widened.
"What?!"
Ayan smiled.
"You are."
"I am not jealous!"
"Then why are you angry?"
"Because you left me waiting!"
"That's jealousy."
"That's called being annoyed."
"Same thing."
Maira stared at him.
"I cannot stand you."
Ayan smiled.
"You say that a lot."
"Because it's true."
"Sure."
Maira turned toward the window.
"Don't talk to me."
"Okay."
Silence.
One minute.
Two minutes.
Three.
Maira looked at him.
"You're actually not going to talk?"
"You told me not to."
"I didn't mean it."
Ayan smiled.
"I know."
Maira stared at him.
Then suddenly laughed.
Ayan laughed too.
The anger disappeared as quickly as it had come.
And neither of them noticed how easily they forgave each other now.
Days turned into weeks.
Ayan and Maira became inseparable.
They still argued.
They still irritated each other.
But something else had entered their relationship.
Care.
If Maira didn't eat, Ayan would complain.
If Ayan worked too much, Maira would force him to take a break.
If one of them was upset, the other somehow knew.
One rainy evening, Maira called Ayan.
"Where are you?"
"At home."
"Come outside."
"No."
"Why?"
"It's raining."
"Exactly."
"That's not a reason to come outside."
"It is for me."
"Maira, I'm tired."
"Fine."
She ended the call.
Ayan stared at his phone.
He knew that tone.
She was upset.
He sighed.
"Why do I care?"
Ten minutes later, he was outside.
He found Maira standing beneath a shop's roof.
The moment she saw him, her face brightened.
"You came."
Ayan frowned.
"You knew I would."
"Maybe."
"Why did you call me?"
Maira looked at the rain.
"I just wanted to walk."
"In this?"
"Yes."
Ayan stared at her.
"You're crazy."
"You came."
"Because you're crazy."
She smiled.
They began walking slowly.
The rain became heavier.
Maira laughed as she ran ahead.
Ayan called after her.
"Don't run!"
"Why?"
"You're going to fall!"
"I'm not a child!"
A few seconds later, she slipped slightly.
Ayan immediately grabbed her arm.
Maira froze.
Ayan froze too.
For a moment, the noise of the rain seemed to disappear.
They were standing very close.
Ayan looked at her.
Maira looked at him.
Neither spoke.
Then Maira quietly said,
"Leave my arm."
Ayan immediately released her.
"Sorry."
"It's okay."
They continued walking.
But something had changed.
Neither knew what to call it.
That night, Ayan lay in bed.
He couldn't sleep.
His mind kept replaying the moment.
Maira slipping.
His hand catching her.
The way she'd looked at him.
Ayan covered his face with a pillow.
"No."
He sat up.
"No, no, no."
He didn't like this.
He couldn't like this.
Maira was his friend.
An irritating friend.
A very irritating friend.
That was all.
He picked up his phone.
He opened their chat.
He typed:
Are you awake?
Then deleted it.
He typed again:
Goodnight.
Deleted.
Finally, he put the phone down.
A second later, it buzzed.
A message from Maira.
Goodnight, idiot.
Ayan stared at it.
A smile appeared on his face.
He replied:
Goodnight, annoying girl.
Her reply:
I hate you.
Ayan typed:
I hate you more.
He put the phone down.
But his smile remained.
The next morning, Ayan met Hamza.
Hamza took one look at him.
"You're smiling."
Ayan immediately stopped.
"No."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You've been smiling since I saw you."
"Maybe I'm happy."
Hamza stared at him.
"Why?"
Ayan became quiet.
He didn't know.
Then Hamza asked the question Ayan had been avoiding.
"Is it Maira?"
Ayan looked at him.
"What about her?"
"You know."
"No, I don't."
Hamza smiled.
"You're falling for her."
Ayan laughed.
"Don't be stupid."
"I'm serious."
"She's just my friend."
"Then why do you smile whenever she messages you?"
"Because she's funny."
"Why do you get angry when someone talks badly about her?"
"Because she's my friend."
"Why do you notice when she's upset?"
Ayan became silent.
Hamza leaned closer.
"And why did you leave your house in the rain after saying you were tired?"
Ayan had no answer.
Hamza smiled.
"Exactly."
Ayan looked away.
"She's not Areeba."
The smile disappeared from Hamza's face.
"No."
Ayan looked down.
"That's the problem."
Hamza frowned.
"Why is that a problem?"
"Because..."
Ayan stopped.
He couldn't finish.
Because Maira was different.
She didn't play with his feelings.
She didn't make him question where he stood.
She didn't promise him things she couldn't give.
She simply existed in his life.
And somehow...
That was enough.
That evening, Ayan received a message from Areeba.
Can we meet?
Ayan stared at the screen.
He didn't know why, but this time his heart didn't race.
He replied:
Why?
Areeba:
I need to talk to you.
Ayan thought for a moment.
Then:
Okay. Tomorrow.
He put the phone down.
A minute later, Maira called.
"Where are you?"
"Home."
"Come out."
"Again?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
Ayan smiled.
"You know, one day I'll say no."
"That day hasn't come yet."
He laughed.
"Fine. Where?"
Maira gave him the location.
Ayan stood up.
As he picked up his keys, he glanced at his phone.
Areeba's message was still there.
Tomorrow, he would meet the girl who had once owned his heart.
Tonight, he was going to meet the girl who was quietly taking it.
And Ayan still hadn't realized it.
He was no longer trying to forget Areeba.
He was falling for Maira.
Slowly.
Naturally.
Without even knowing when it had happened.
Maybe love didn't always arrive with a confession.
Sometimes...
It arrived through arguments.
Through coffee.
Through unexpected meetings.
Through someone sitting silently beside you when you were broken.
And sometimes...
You didn't realize you were in love until the thought of losing that person suddenly became more frightening than the thought of being alone.
The One I Was Afraid to Lose
Ayan sat across from Areeba in a quiet café.
He had imagined this meeting many times before.
He had imagined himself asking questions.
He had imagined demanding explanations.
He had even imagined telling her how much she had hurt him.
But now that she was actually sitting in front of him...
He felt nothing like he had expected.
Areeba looked at him.
"You've changed."
Ayan gave a small smile.
"You said that before."
"I mean it."
"People change."
"Because of Maira?"
Ayan's expression became serious.
"Why do you keep bringing her up?"
"Because she's always around you."
"She's my friend."
Areeba looked away.
"Just a friend?"
Ayan didn't answer immediately.
Areeba noticed.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"You really do like her."
Ayan leaned back.
"I don't know."
"You're lying."
"Why does it matter to you?"
Areeba looked at him.
"Because I still care about you."
Ayan's expression hardened.
"You had your chance."
"I know."
"And you chose someone else."
"I made a mistake."
"You keep saying that."
"Because it's true."
Ayan stared at her.
Areeba reached across the table.
Her fingers touched his hand.
Ayan immediately pulled it back.
Areeba looked hurt.
"You used to love when I did that."
Ayan quietly said,
"That was before."
"Before what?"
"Before I realized what we actually were."
Areeba lowered her eyes.
"Can we start again?"
Ayan shook his head.
"No."
Her face changed.
"Why?"
"Because I don't want to."
"You don't love me anymore?"
Ayan remained silent.
Areeba waited.
Finally, he said,
"I don't know what I feel about you anymore."
That answer hurt her.
But instead of accepting it, something else appeared in her eyes.
Determination.
"Okay."
Ayan frowned.
"Okay?"
She stood up.
"I'll give you time."
"Areeba—"
"But I'm not giving up."
She walked away.
Ayan watched her leave.
He didn't know that Areeba had already made her decision.
If Ayan wouldn't come back to her willingly...
She would make sure he lost the person standing between them.
Maira.
That evening, Maira was waiting for Ayan.
She had bought two coffees.
One for herself.
One for him.
When Ayan arrived, she immediately held his coffee out.
"You're late."
Ayan took it.
"Seven minutes."
"Eight."
"You counted?"
"Of course."
Ayan smiled.
"You're obsessed with me."
Maira nearly choked on her coffee.
"What?"
Ayan laughed.
"I'm joking."
"Don't joke like that."
"Why?"
"Because I might actually throw this coffee at you."
Ayan smiled.
"You're so violent."
"And you're irritating."
They started walking.
For a few minutes, everything felt normal.
Then Maira suddenly asked,
"Did you meet Areeba?"
Ayan looked at her.
"Yes."
Maira's smile disappeared slightly.
"What did she want?"
"To talk."
"About?"
"Us."
Maira stopped walking.
"Us?"
Ayan stopped too.
"She wanted another chance."
Maira looked away.
"And?"
"I said no."
Maira's expression softened.
"Okay."
Ayan noticed.
"Why did you look worried?"
"I didn't."
"You did."
"I didn't."
"Maira."
She looked at him.
"She's your past. I'm not going to interfere."
Ayan frowned.
"Who said you were interfering?"
"No one."
"Then why are you saying this?"
"Because I know you still have feelings for her."
Ayan became quiet.
Maira continued,
"And I don't want to become the girl you use to forget another girl."
Ayan's face changed.
"Is that what you think?"
"I don't know."
"Then ask me."
Maira looked at him.
Ayan stepped closer.
"I don't think about Areeba when I'm with you."
Maira's heart skipped.
She tried to hide it.
"You don't have to explain."
"I want to."
She looked at him.
Ayan hesitated.
For the first time, he almost said it.
Almost told her that she had become important.
Almost told her that he looked for her messages.
Almost told her that he was happier when she was around.
But he couldn't.
So he simply said,
"You're different."
Maira smiled faintly.
"Different isn't always good."
"For you, it is."
She looked at him.
For a few seconds, neither spoke.
Then Maira smiled.
"Come on."
"Where?"
"Coffee."
"We already have coffee."
"Another one."
"You're going to make me poor."
"Good."
Ayan laughed.
They walked away together.
But someone had been watching them.
Areeba.
From inside her car.
Her hands tightened around the steering wheel.
She watched Ayan smile at Maira.
The same smile he used to give her.
And she made a decision.
The next day, Maira received a message from an unknown number.
We need to talk.
Maira stared at it.
Who is this?
A reply came.
Areeba.
Maira's expression changed.
She didn't answer.
Another message came.
It's about Ayan.
Maira hesitated.
Finally:
Where?
Maira arrived at the café.
Areeba was already waiting.
Maira sat across from her.
"What do you want?"
Areeba looked at her calmly.
"I want to talk."
"About Ayan?"
"Yes."
"Then talk."
Areeba took a breath.
"I know you like him."
Maira became quiet.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't lie."
"I'm not."
"You think Ayan is over me."
Maira looked at her.
"Isn't he?"
Areeba smiled.
"Not completely."
Maira's expression changed.
Areeba continued,
"You've become important to him. I know that."
"Then what's the problem?"
"The problem is that I know him better than you."
Maira said nothing.
Areeba leaned forward.
"Do you know what he was like after I left him?"
Maira's face became serious.
"Yes."
"Do you know how badly he was hurt?"
Maira didn't answer.
"Do you know how many nights he couldn't sleep?"
"Stop."
"You weren't there."
Maira's eyes became wet.
Areeba continued,
"I was."
Maira looked away.
Areeba saw her reaction and knew she had found the weak point.
"You think you're helping him."
"I am."
"Maybe."
Areeba paused.
"But perhaps you're making him depend on you."
Maira frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"You became his comfort after I broke his heart."
Maira became still.
Areeba lowered her voice.
"That's not love."
Maira looked at her.
"You don't know what we feel."
"Maybe I don't."
Areeba smiled sadly.
"But I know Ayan."
She stood.
"And I know that if he ever has to choose between the girl he loved first and the girl who appeared when he was broken..."
She paused.
"Eventually, he'll choose me."
Maira stared at her.
Areeba walked away.
Maira remained sitting there.
She hated herself for letting those words affect her.
But they did.
Because somewhere inside her, she had the same fear.
What if she was only a temporary person in Ayan's life?
What if he was only close to her because he was lonely?
What if, one day, Areeba returned and he realized that Maira had never really mattered?
Ayan noticed the change immediately.
Maira stopped calling.
She stopped sending random messages.
She stopped asking him to meet her.
At first, Ayan thought she was busy.
Then one day passed.
Then two.
Then three.
He finally called her.
No answer.
He called again.
Nothing.
He sent a message.
Where are you?
No reply.
Another message:
Are you angry with me?
Nothing.
Ayan became frustrated.
He went to the place where they usually met.
Maira wasn't there.
He went to the café.
She wasn't there.
The bookstore.
Nothing.
He called again.
This time she answered.
"Hello?"
Ayan's voice softened immediately.
"Where are you?"
"Home."
"Why haven't you been answering?"
"I've been busy."
"You've been busy for three days?"
"Yes."
"Maira."
"What?"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Don't lie."
"I'm not."
"You are."
Silence.
Ayan sighed.
"Did I do something?"
"No."
"Then why are you avoiding me?"
"I'm not avoiding you."
"You're literally avoiding me."
Maira closed her eyes.
"Ayan, I think we need some distance."
His heart dropped.
"Why?"
"Because."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only one I have."
"Did someone say something to you?"
Maira went silent.
Ayan immediately understood.
"Areeba?"
"No."
"Maira."
"I said no."
"Then look me in the eye and tell me."
Maira looked toward the window.
She couldn't.
Because if she saw him, she knew she'd lose the courage to leave.
Ayan's voice became quieter.
"Please."
Maira's eyes filled with tears.
"Maybe we got too close."
Ayan froze.
"What?"
"We should stop meeting all the time."
"Why?"
"Because it's not good."
"Not good for whom?"
"For both of us."
Ayan laughed bitterly.
"Since when?"
"Since now."
"Maira, I don't understand."
"I know."
"Then explain it."
"I can't."
"You can."
"I don't want to."
Ayan became quiet.
Then he asked the question he was most afraid to ask.
"Do you regret becoming my friend?"
Maira's heart broke.
"No."
"Then why are you leaving?"
She couldn't answer.
Ayan waited.
Finally, Maira whispered,
"Because sometimes caring about someone means knowing when to walk away."
Ayan's eyes filled with tears.
"Don't do this."
Maira closed her eyes.
"I have to."
"No, you don't."
"Ayan—"
"Tell me what happened."
"Nothing happened."
"Then stay."
Maira couldn't.
Because she knew that if she stayed, she would tell him everything.
She would tell him about Areeba.
She would tell him that she was afraid.
She would tell him that she had fallen in love with him.
And she wasn't ready to hear what he felt in return.
So she whispered,
"Goodbye, Ayan."
The call ended.
Ayan stared at the phone.
"Maira?"
No answer.
He called again.
Switched off.
He tried again.
Nothing.
Ayan sat down.
He didn't understand why it hurt this much.
He had lost Areeba once.
That had broken his heart.
But losing Maira...
This felt different.
Worse.
Because Areeba had taken something from him.
Maira had given him something.
Peace.
Laughter.
Comfort.
A reason to smile again.
And now she was gone.
Days passed.
Ayan became quieter.
Hamza noticed.
One evening, he found Ayan sitting alone.
"Still thinking about her?"
Ayan didn't answer.
Hamza sat beside him.
"Maira?"
Ayan finally said,
"I don't know what happened."
"Did you ask her?"
"She won't tell me."
"Then give her time."
"I don't want to."
Hamza looked at him.
"Why?"
Ayan stared at the ground.
"Because I don't want to lose her."
Hamza became quiet.
Ayan whispered,
"I already lost Areeba. I thought I could handle it."
He looked up.
"But Maira..."
His voice broke.
"I can't."
Hamza understood.
"Then maybe you should stop asking yourself whether you love her."
Ayan looked at him.
"What?"
"Ask yourself why losing her hurts more than losing the girl you once thought you couldn't live without."
Ayan went silent.
He didn't need an answer.
He already knew.
That night, Ayan opened his phone.
He went through his old conversations with Maira.
Her stupid jokes.
His sarcastic replies.
Their arguments.
The coffee messages.
The rainy evening.
Everything.
He smiled at some.
Then his eyes filled with tears.
He whispered,
"When did you become this important?"
He opened the message box.
Typed:
I miss you.
He stared at it.
Then deleted it.
Typed again:
Please come back.
Deleted.
Finally, he typed the truth.
Maira, I don't know what happened between us, but I know that my life feels empty without you. I don't want to pretend I don't care. I do. More than I should.
His finger hovered over send.
Then he sent it.
The message was delivered.
Ayan waited.
One minute.
Five minutes.
Twenty.
No reply.
He put the phone down.
Across the city, Maira sat on her bed staring at his message.
Her eyes filled with tears.
She wanted to reply.
She wanted to run to him.
She wanted to tell him everything.
But Areeba's words kept repeating in her mind.
Maybe you're only his comfort after I broke his heart.
Maira wiped her tears.
"No."
She whispered,
"I can't go back."
She switched off her phone.
And for the first time, both of them spent the night missing each other...
while believing that staying apart was the right thing to do.
Neither knew that Areeba was already preparing her final move.
Because she had succeeded in separating them.
Now she only needed Ayan to believe that Maira had left him willingly.
And once that happened...
Areeba planned to walk back into his life.
But she had made one mistake.
She had forgotten one important thing.
Ayan was no longer the same boy who had once fallen blindly in love with her.
He had learned what real care felt like.
And even though Maira had walked away...
His heart had already chosen her.
He just hadn't said it out loud yet.
Mijko Ishq Hua......
Three weeks had passed since Maira had disappeared from Ayan's life.
Three weeks.
And somehow, every day felt longer than the one before.
Ayan had tried everything.
He called her.
He texted her.
He went to the places where they used to meet.
He even visited the bookstore where they had their first ridiculous argument.
But Maira was nowhere.
It was as if she had completely erased herself from his life.
And Ayan hated it.
He hated waking up without her messages.
He hated drinking coffee alone.
He hated walking past the café and remembering how she used to complain whenever he was late.
Most of all...
He hated how much he missed her.
One evening, Ayan sat with Hamza.
His friend watched him for a while before finally speaking.
"You need to accept something."
Ayan looked at him.
"What?"
"You love her."
Ayan looked away.
"I know."
Hamza's eyebrows rose.
Ayan sighed.
"Yes. I love her."
There.
He had finally said it.
The words he'd been running from for weeks.
"I love Maira."
Hamza smiled.
"Finally."
Ayan frowned.
"Don't look so happy."
"I've been waiting for you to admit it."
Ayan looked down.
"I should have told her."
"Then tell her."
"I don't know where she is."
"Find her."
Ayan looked at him.
"What if she doesn't want me anymore?"
Hamza shrugged.
"Then at least you'll know you tried."
Ayan remained silent.
Then his phone rang.
Areeba.
He stared at the screen.
He didn't want to answer.
But something made him pick up.
"Hello?"
"Ayan."
"What?"
"Can we meet?"
"Why?"
"I need to tell you something."
Ayan sighed.
"Fine."
Ayan met Areeba at the same café where they had once spent so many evenings together.
But this time, the place felt completely different.
Areeba was already sitting there.
The moment Ayan sat down, she said,
"You look terrible."
Ayan gave her a tired look.
"Thanks."
"I didn't mean it like that."
"Then why did you say it?"
Areeba sighed.
"You haven't moved on."
Ayan stared at her.
"From Maira?"
Areeba became quiet.
That was enough.
Ayan leaned back.
"You know where she is."
Areeba looked away.
"Ayan..."
"You know."
"I don't."
"Don't lie to me."
She looked at him.
"Why are you so obsessed with finding her?"
Ayan's voice became quiet.
"Because I love her."
Areeba froze.
Ayan didn't look away this time.
"I love Maira."
Areeba's face changed.
"You're confused."
"No."
"You're only saying this because she left."
"No."
"You don't know what love is."
Ayan gave a bitter smile.
"Maybe I didn't."
Areeba stared at him.
"But I do now."
Silence.
Ayan continued,
"And I know the difference between someone who wants me when she's bored and someone who stays when I have nothing to give."
Areeba looked hurt.
"You're talking about me."
"Yes."
She looked down.
Ayan stood up.
"Where is Maira?"
"I told you, I don't know."
"Areeba."
"I don't know!"
Her voice became louder.
People around them looked over.
Areeba lowered her voice.
"I don't know where she is."
Ayan stared at her.
"Then why did you look scared when I mentioned her?"
Areeba said nothing.
Ayan understood.
"Something happened between you two."
"Nothing happened."
"Tell me the truth."
Areeba looked away.
Ayan stepped back.
"Fine."
He turned to leave.
Then Areeba finally said,
"She met me."
Ayan stopped.
Slowly, he turned around.
"When?"
"Before she left."
"What did you say to her?"
Areeba remained silent.
"What did you say?"
"I only told her the truth."
"What truth?"
"That you still had feelings for me."
Ayan stared at her.
"You told her that?"
"Because it was true."
"No."
Areeba looked at him.
"No?"
"I did have feelings for you."
Areeba's expression softened.
"But that was before Maira."
Ayan continued,
"And you knew exactly what you were doing."
Areeba shook her head.
"I didn't make her leave."
"You did."
"No. She chose to leave."
"Because you made her believe she was only a replacement."
Areeba became silent.
Ayan's eyes hardened.
"That's what you wanted, isn't it?"
She didn't answer.
"You wanted her gone."
Still nothing.
"And then you planned to come back into my life."
Areeba finally looked at him.
"I wanted you back."
Ayan shook his head.
"You didn't want me back."
She frowned.
"What?"
"You wanted the version of me who was still running after you."
Areeba stared at him.
Ayan continued,
"But that boy doesn't exist anymore."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"I loved you."
"I know."
"I still—"
Ayan stopped her.
"Don't."
She became silent.
"I don't hate you, Areeba."
He paused.
"But I can't go back."
Areeba wiped her eyes.
"Because of her?"
Ayan smiled faintly.
"Because of me."
He turned around.
This time, he didn't look back.
Ayan spent the entire night trying to find Maira.
He searched through old messages.
He called people who knew her.
He went to the café.
The bookstore.
The park.
Every place that had become part of their story.
Nothing.
Then, early the next morning, Hamza called.
"Ayan!"
"What?"
"I found something."
Ayan immediately stood up.
"What?"
"Remember Maira's cousin I met once?"
"Yes."
"She posted something."
Ayan's heart stopped for a moment.
"What?"
"A wedding invitation."
Ayan's face changed.
"Whose?"
"Maira's."
The world seemed to stop.
Ayan couldn't speak.
Hamza continued,
"Her wedding is tomorrow."
Ayan's phone almost slipped from his hand.
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
Hamza gave him the address.
Ayan didn't wait for another word.
He grabbed his keys.
"Ayan!"
He stopped.
"What?"
Hamza said,
"Are you sure?"
Ayan looked at him.
For the first time in weeks, there was certainty in his eyes.
"I've never been more sure about anything."
The wedding hall was filled with lights.
People were walking around.
Music played softly.
Guests were talking and laughing.
Everything looked beautiful.
But Ayan noticed none of it.
He stood outside the hall, breathing heavily.
He had come without knowing what he would say.
He only knew one thing.
He couldn't let Maira leave without telling her the truth.
He walked inside.
A few people looked at him.
Ayan ignored them.
His eyes searched the crowd.
Then he saw her.
Maira.
She was standing with her family.
Ayan froze.
For three weeks, he had imagined seeing her again.
But nothing had prepared him for this moment.
Maira looked beautiful.
But what caught Ayan's attention was her expression.
She wasn't happy.
She looked tired.
Sad.
Then Maira turned.
Her eyes landed on Ayan.
She froze.
For several seconds, neither moved.
Maira's face went pale.
She whispered,
"Ayan?"
He walked toward her.
Maira immediately stepped back.
"What are you doing here?"
Ayan stopped in front of her.
"I came to talk to you."
"You shouldn't have come."
"Why?"
"Because this is my wedding."
"I know."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Then leave."
"No."
"Ayan..."
"I've been looking for you for three weeks."
Maira looked away.
"You shouldn't have."
"I know."
"Then why did you?"
"Because I love you."
Maira froze.
Ayan's voice was shaking, but he didn't stop.
"I love you, Maira."
She looked at him.
He continued,
"I don't know exactly when it happened."
A small, sad smile appeared on his face.
"Maybe it happened when you started sending me those stupid coffee messages."
Maira's lips trembled.
"Maybe it happened when you sat beside me without asking questions when I was broken."
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Maybe it happened when we started fighting about everything."
Ayan smiled.
"You were so annoying."
Maira laughed through her tears.
"You still are."
"I know."
He stepped closer.
"But somewhere between all those arguments, all those coffees, all those unexpected meetings..."
His voice softened.
"I fell in love with you."
Maira shook her head.
"Don't."
"Why?"
"Because you're too late."
"I know."
"You should have told me before."
"I know."
"You let me believe that I didn't matter."
Ayan's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm sorry."
Maira looked away.
"I thought you still loved Areeba."
"I did."
Maira looked at him.
Ayan continued,
"I loved the person I thought Areeba was."
He paused.
"But you showed me what real care felt like."
Maira whispered,
"Ayan..."
"And when you left..."
His voice broke.
"I finally understood that losing you hurt more than losing anything I'd ever lost."
Maira cried silently.
Ayan looked at her.
"Tell me I'm too late."
She remained silent.
"Tell me you don't love me."
Maira couldn't.
Ayan waited.
Finally, she whispered,
"I hate you."
Ayan smiled through his tears.
"That's not what I asked."
"I hate you for coming now."
"Fair enough."
"I hate you for making me fall in love with you."
Ayan's smile disappeared.
He stared at her.
Maira's eyes filled with tears.
"And I hate you because even after everything..."
She took a shaky breath.
"I still love you."
Ayan couldn't believe what he had heard.
"Maira..."
She stepped closer.
"I tried to leave you."
"I know."
"I tried to forget you."
"I know."
"I told myself you would eventually go back to Areeba."
"I won't."
"How do I know?"
Ayan looked directly into her eyes.
"Because I don't want her."
Maira stared at him.
"I want you."
Silence.
The noise of the wedding seemed far away.
Maira whispered,
"What about the wedding?"
Ayan looked at her.
"Do you want this wedding?"
Maira became quiet.
That was the answer.
Ayan understood.
He didn't grab her hand.
He didn't force her to make a decision.
He simply said,
"Then don't marry someone you don't love."
Maira looked at him.
"And if I choose you?"
Ayan smiled.
"Then I'll spend the rest of my life reminding you how annoying you are."
Maira laughed through her tears.
"You're impossible."
"And you're still annoying."
She shook her head.
"Nothing has changed."
Ayan smiled.
"Everything has changed."
Later that evening, Maira stood outside the hall with Ayan.
The wedding had been called off.
It wasn't easy.
There were questions.
There were angry faces.
There were explanations.
But for the first time, Maira didn't run away from what she wanted.
And Ayan didn't stay silent about what he felt.
They stood together beneath the lights.
Maira looked at him.
"So..."
"Hmm?"
"When did you actually fall in love with me?"
Ayan pretended to think.
"I don't know."
"Ayan!"
"Maybe when you bought me coffee."
"I bought you coffee once!"
"Exactly. Life-changing."
Maira laughed.
"You are such an idiot."
Ayan smiled.
"Your idiot."
She immediately stopped laughing.
Ayan raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You liked that."
"No."
"You did."
"Shut up."
Ayan laughed.
Maira looked at him and shook her head.
Then her expression became softer.
"Do you regret meeting me?"
Ayan didn't even hesitate.
"Never."
"Even though we fought all the time?"
"Especially because of that."
"Why?"
Ayan smiled.
"Because if we hadn't fought, I might never have realized how much I loved you."
Maira looked at him.
"And Areeba?"
Ayan looked toward the lights of the hall.
"She's part of my past."
Then he looked back at Maira.
"You're my future."
Maira smiled.
Ayan held out his hand.
"Come?"
She looked at his hand.
"Where?"
"Anywhere."
Maira placed her hand in his.
"Okay."
They started walking.
After a few steps, Maira stopped.
"Ayan."
"Hmm?"
She looked at him.
"One thing."
"What?"
"Don't ever make me regret choosing you."
Ayan's smile faded into something sincere.
"I won't."
Maira nodded.
"Good."
They continued walking.
Ayan looked at their joined hands.
He had once believed love was the feeling he had for Areeba.
The butterflies.
The waiting.
The desperate need to be chosen.
But Maira had taught him something different.
Love wasn't just about wanting someone.
It was about being understood.
Being respected.
Being able to laugh after crying.
Having someone beside you when life became difficult.
It was finding a person who didn't need to promise you the whole world.
Someone who simply stayed.
Ayan looked at Maira.
She noticed.
"What?"
He smiled.
"Nothing."
"Why are you looking at me?"
"Because I still can't believe you're actually here."
Maira rolled her eyes.
"Don't get emotional."
"Too late."
She laughed.
And Ayan laughed with her.
He had once thought his first heartbreak had ended his story.
He had been wrong.
Sometimes, the person who breaks your heart isn't the end of your love story.
Sometimes...
They are simply the reason you finally recognize the person who was meant to stay.
Ayan squeezed Maira's hand.
She looked at him.
And this time, neither of them said they hated each other.
Because they both knew the truth now.
Somewhere between their arguments, their coffee, their unexpected meetings and their endless teasing...
Mijko Ishq Hua. ❤️
So, how did you like “Mijko Ishq Hua”? ❤️
Did you enjoy Ayan and Maira’s love story? Tell me in the comments—I’d love to know your thoughts! 🥰
And don’t forget to rate the story if you enjoyed it. ✨
