The morning sun poured through the open windows of the classroom, warming the desks and filling the air with a faint hum of activity from outside. The day felt alive, brimming with the energy of students hurrying to and from classes, laughter echoing in the corridors, and the soft rustle of notebooks being flipped open. It was the kind of day that made you want to learn—or at least pretend to.
In their ICT class, however, pretending wasn't necessary.
Mr.Ahmed stood at the front of the room, effortlessly commanding attention. His voice was calm yet dynamic, weaving through complex concepts like algorithms and programming logic, breaking them down into simple, digestible ideas.
Nuha sat at the edge of her chair, her notebook open and her pen moving quickly to keep up with his explanation.
Nuha: (scribbling furiously) "I swear, Sana, it's like everything he says just makes sense".
Sana: (nodding, her eyes on the whiteboard) "Same. Honestly, I didn't care about ICT before this, but his way of teaching… (pauses) It's like he brings it to life".
Mr.Ahmed paused, scanning the class with a small smile.
Mr.Ahmed: (pointing to a student) "Yes, you there. Can you explain the difference between procedural and object-oriented programming?".
Nuha glanced at Sana, who gave her a subtle thumbs-up as the student fumbled to answer.
The class carried on, Mr.Ahmed skillfully navigating through questions and making sure no one was left behind. When the bell finally rang, there was a collective groan—not of relief, but disappointment that the class was over.
As students began packing up, Nuha leaned over to Sana.
Nuha: (closing her notebook) "I think Dua's in the canteen. Let's go find her".
Sana: (sliding her notebook into her bag) "Good idea. Plus, I'm starving".
The two made their way out of the classroom, the buzz of conversations from their peers filling the hallway. The day outside seemed even brighter now, and the anticipation of seeing Dua made Nuha's steps a little quicker.
The canteen bustled with energy as students shuffled in and out. Nuha and Sana scanned the tables until they spotted Dua waving enthusiastically.
Dua: (beaming, gesturing dramatically) "Finally! I was beginning to think you two got lost on the way!".
Nuha: (chuckling, settling into the seat) "We were in Mr. Ahmed's class. You know how time flies when he starts his lectures."
Sana: (eyeing the table) "Forget the lecture; I'm here for the food. Dua, tell me you ordered the chicken fry already."
Dua: (grinning) "Of course, it's on the way. You two take your seats, and let's dive in when it comes."
Moments later, a plate of sizzling chicken fry arrived, filling the air with its irresistible aroma. Sana's eyes lit up as she grabbed a piece without hesitation.
Sana: (munching, blissfully) "This is happiness on a plate. Honestly, I'd marry food if I could."
The three burst into laughter, attracting a few curious glances from nearby tables.
Dua: (sipping her drink) "So, tomorrow's the weekend. What say we hang out at my place? We can eat and chill".
Nuha: (smiling) "Sounds perfect. What do you think, Sana?".
Sana: (smiling) "I'm in."
The next day, they gathered at Dua's house. The cozy room was filled with laughter as they lounged on the carpet, sharing snacks.
Dua: (serious, leaning in) "You know, I feel so lucky to have you two in my life. My gut feeling says we're going to stick together through everything."
Nuha: (smiling softly) "Same here. Ever since you two entered my life, it feels like I'm finally living my best days. I can't thank you enough."
Sana: (teasing) "Don't get too emotional now. We still have a movie to pick."
Nuha: (grinning) "Speaking of movies, let's watch romance! Something with a heart-melting love story."
Dua: (clapping excitedly) "Yes! A cheesy, feel-good rom-com is just what we need!"
Sana: (frowning) "You two can't be serious. Romantic movies are so predictable. Let's watch a thriller instead."
Nuha: (mock gasp) "A thriller? Sana, why do you love serial killers so much?"
Dua: (giggling) "Yeah, it's like you're secretly rooting for them. Should we be worried?"
sana: (rolling her eyes, smiling) "You two are impossible. Just pick something decent, okay?"
The three friends dissolved into laughter, their banter echoing through the room as they finally decided on a compromise.
The movie flickered across the screen, but Nuha's mind drifted elsewhere. Sandwiched between Dua and Sana, she felt an unshakable sense of peace—a warmth that settled deep within her chest. For the first time in ages, she felt like she truly belonged. Her gaze shifted to her friends. Dua's eyes sparkled with excitement as she pointed out a romantic moment, while Sana sat back, munching on popcorn, her expression calm but engaged.
Nuha's heart swelled with gratitude. These weren't just friends—they were her anchors. She thought back to her time with Lina and sighed softly. She used to think Lina was the definition of a best friend. Their endless gossip, spontaneous shopping trips, and superficial conversations had once seemed like everything friendship was supposed to be.
But now, looking back, those memories felt hollow. Real friendship wasn't about laughing at silly jokes or flaunting a new dress. It was about sharing your soul—your fears, your hopes, your failures. It was about being there when words weren't enough, when silence spoke louder than anything else. Dua and Sana had shown her what it truly meant to be understood, to feel safe.
A pang of sadness rippled through her as her thoughts shifted to Rayan. What if things had been different? If Lina and Hana had been better friends—more supportive, more present—would she have needed to lean on Rayan the way she did? Would their story have unfolded differently?
She clenched her fists at the memory of him. No matter the circumstances, what Rayan did had left scars she was still learning to heal. Her life now was brighter, steadier. Rayan was a closed chapter, and she was grateful for that. Or so she told herself.
Because deep down, there were moments like this—quiet, fleeting moments—when his name surfaced like a ghost from her past. She hated it, the way her mind betrayed her, bringing him back into her thoughts. She shook her head lightly, brushing the feeling away. No. She didn't want Rayan or anyone else from that time to return. Her life was finally hers again.
But even as she told herself this, a sliver of unease crept in. Could she be certain the past wouldn't come knocking? That it wouldn't seep into the present she had worked so hard to rebuild?
Nuha's stomach tightened slightly as Dua nudged her, pulling her back to the movie. She forced a smile, joining her friends in laughter, but her mind lingered on the question. Was it truly over?
Nuha stepped inside her house, the familiar scent of home immediately comforting her. She took off her shoes, tossing her bag aside, and headed towards the kitchen, where her mother was talking about her day.
Nuha: (laughing) "I told you, Ma, the semester is almost over. I can finally get some rest!"
Her mother smiled warmly, not noticing how Nuha's mind was already drifting elsewhere.
Mother: (chuckling) "That's good to hear. You look happy these days."
Nuha: (grinning) "I am, Ma. I really am."
Her phone, which she had left charging in her room, buzzed from the other side of the house. It was a soft vibration, almost as if it was hesitant to interrupt their conversation. Nuha barely glanced at the phone and continued chatting with her mother, her mind focused on the present, but with a nagging thought of her phone still lingering in the background.
A few moments later, after finishing their conversation, Nuha excused herself, her mind now fully aware of the phone in her room. She slowly made her way there, her footsteps soft against the floor as she entered, the light from her phone screen flashing in the dim room.
She hesitated for a moment, a flicker of unease passing through her. Her phone rarely stayed silent when she was with her friends, and yet now, as she picked it up, the screen glowed with an unexpected name.
Rayan.
Her stomach clenched. She stared at the message, her breath catching in her throat.
Rayan: "I need to tell you something important. It's about… us."
The words blurred as her vision tunneled. The sense of peace she had felt just minutes ago vanished, replaced by a rush of emotions she couldn't control.
Suddenly, the room seemed quieter, almost too quiet. The usual hum of the house felt distant, as if the world around her had paused. Nuha stared at the message for a long time, her heart pounding in her chest.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she read the words over and over again, as if the message might change with each glance. The weight of the past settled over her, wrapping around her like a heavy blanket. Memories she had long buried, things she thought she had left behind, crept back to the surface. The old pain, the confusion, the heartbreak—everything rushed back in a wave.
Nuha stood frozen, her mind a blur. She thought she was over all of it. She thought she had left that chapter behind. But now, as she stared at his name, everything started to shift again. The uncertainty began to creep in, making her question everything she had built in her new life.
Why did this feel so unsettling? Why did it feel like a part of her was still attached to something she had promised herself she'd never think about again?
She had promised herself she wouldn't let the past intrude. But the question lingered, unspoken: Why now?Why, after everything, did this message matter?
Her heart raced, and her breath caught in her throat. The message blinked on the screen, almost as if it was waiting for her response—waiting for her to decide if she was ready to confront the past once again.
Nuha's heart pounded as she stared at the screen. The message felt like a storm cloud, looming over her peace. She couldn't stay alone with this—not when her mind was already spiraling into a whirlwind of confusion and unease.
She grabbed her phone tightly and headed out of her room, her steps quick and slightly uneven. Her breath hitched as she opened the group chat with Sana and Dua, her thumbs hovering over the keyboard. A part of her hesitated. What would she even say? Would they understand the weight of what she was feeling right now?
Finally, she started typing, her words spilling out before she could overthink them.
Nuha: "I need to talk to you both. Something just happened, and I don't know what to do."
She hit send and immediately regretted how vague it sounded. But she couldn't bring herself to explain everything in text—not yet.
As the three dots popped up on the screen, signaling Dua's reply, Nuha felt a small surge of relief. If there was anyone who could help her make sense of this tangled mess, it was them.
Dua: "What happened?".
Nuha: (typing, then hesitating) "Rayan messaged me".
Dua: (typing quickly) "What? Why now? What did he say?".
Sana: (concerned) "Nuha, are you okay?".
Nuha: (staring at her phone, voice shaky) "I... I don't know. It's like everything just came rushing back".
Dua: (pauses, then responds softly) "I get it, Nuha. I know you liked him a lot. Ignoring him now, after everything... It's gotta be so tough. But remember, what your heart says, listen to that. It's your choice".
Sana: (nodding, her tone steady and kind) "Whatever you decide, Nuha, we're by your side".
Nuha: (looking up, feeling a mix of emotions) "I don't know if I should reply. My mind says no, but my heart... I'm still confused".
Dua: (gently, with a reassuring smile) "Take your time. We'll be here to help you figure it out. Just remember—you've already come so far".
Nuha sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at her phone. The room was quiet except for the soft rustling of the curtains, and yet her heart felt strangely light—like a small weight had been lifted off her chest. For so long, she had bottled everything up, convinced that no one would truly understand the storm inside her. But today… today was different.
Dua and Sana hadn't dismissed her feelings. They hadn't teased her or made her regret opening up. Instead, they had listened—truly listened—and their words had been like a balm to her weary heart.
"You can take your time, Nuha. Whatever you decide, we'll support you."
Their voices still echoed in her mind, filling the spaces that had once felt so hollow. A warmth spread through her chest, and for the first time in what felt like ages, Nuha allowed herself to smile. She wasn't alone in this anymore. She had them—her friends, her sisters in every way that mattered—and their understanding was the kind of comfort she hadn't even realized she'd been craving.
They believe in me, she thought, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. They're here for me, no matter what. I never had this before—not with Lina, not with Hana. Maybe this is what real friendship feels like.
But even with their unwavering support, the decision ahead was hers alone to make. Her gaze drifted back to Rayan's message, the words etched into her mind:
I need to tell you something important. It's about… us.
Nuha took a deep breath, forcing herself to think logically. What had Rayan done to her? He had disappeared when she needed him most, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. He had been accused of saying things about her—cruel, cutting words that Hana and Lina had relayed with such conviction. Even now, the memory of those conversations stung like salt in an open wound.
She had listened, stunned and speechless, as they recounted every detail. And yet, a part of her hadn't believed them. As much as she had wanted to defend him, she hadn't been able to deny the possibility that they were telling the truth. After all, why would Hana and Lina lie? They had no reason to.
But now, as she sat here with Rayan's message in front of her, those doubts came rushing back. Could he really have said those things? Had she been wrong about him all along? Or had she been too quick to believe what others told her without hearing his side?
Her logical mind screamed, "No, you don't owe him anything. He hurt you once; he'll hurt you again." But her heart, stubborn as ever, whispered something different.
"You liked him, Nuha. You liked him deeply and truly. Maybe you should give him a chance—not for him, but for yourself. You deserve answers. You deserve closure."
The conflict within her grew, tugging her in two opposite directions. She thought about how far she had come since those days—how much she had built for herself in this new chapter of her life. Did she really want to risk reopening old wounds? But another thought surfaced, one she couldn't ignore:
"What if I don't reply? What if I never know the truth?"
Nuha hugged her knees to her chest, her mind swirling with memories and possibilities. What if Rayan truly regretted his actions? What if he had an explanation for everything—something that could finally put her doubts to rest? And even if he didn't, didn't she owe it to herself to find out?
"This isn't about him," she realized, her heart pounding in her chest. "This is about me. About what I need to move forward."
After a long moment of silence, with a deep breath, she opened the message from Rayan again. The words he had sent still weighed heavily on her, but this time, she had clarity. It was time to reply.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, trembling as she typed a simple reply. She stopped and deleted it, then tried again. The words felt heavy, but she knew they were necessary.
Nuha: "I think we need to talk. I need some answers."
After hitting send, she leaned back against the pillows, her heart pounding in her chest. She had done it. Now all she could do was wait for his reply.
A few moments later, her phone buzzed with a message in her group chat with Sana and Dua. She opened it, feeling a sense of urgency to tell them what had just happened.
Nuha: "I replied to Rayan."
The message was barely sent before Dua replied.
Dua: "What did you say?".
Nuha took a deep breath before typing her response.
Nuha: "I told him we need to talk, to clear things up. I thought about it, and I think I deserve to hear him out."
A moment of silence passed before Sana replied.
Sana: "And then what happened? What did he say?"
Nuha's fingers hovered over the keyboard. She glanced at the message from Rayan again, still waiting for his response.
Nuha: "He hasn't replied yet."
Dua: "But why did you decide to reply now? What changed your mind?"
Nuha sat for a moment, trying to find the right words. She was unsure of how to explain it, but she knew her friends deserved to hear the truth.
Nuha: "I've been trying to move on for so long, but something about it still lingers. I thought I could just ignore it, but I can't. I need closure. I need to hear what he has to say for myself. I don't want to keep wondering what could've been."
Sana was the first to respond.
Sana: "I understand. It's not about him anymore, it's about you. You deserve to know what happened."
Dua: "Exactly. Whatever happens, you need to do this for your own peace of mind".
Nuha smiled softly, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. Her friends weren't judging her, they were simply there—supporting her decision, no matter what came next.
Nuha spent the entire day at college, but as the hours passed, she found herself drifting in and out of focus during her classes, unable to escape the swirl of thoughts surrounding Rayan. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling about what his message meant. She had convinced herself she was done with him, but now, everything felt uncertain again.
Sana noticed the distraction and couldn't help but address it. They were walking out of class together, the hallways filled with chatter, but Nuha seemed miles away.
Sana: (with a hint of concern) "Nuha, still stuck on him?"
Nuha: (hesitant) "I... I don't know. I just can't stop thinking about it. What does it mean that he reached out after all this time?"
Sana: (raising an eyebrow, trying to keep it serious) "Look, I get it, but you're letting him take up way too much space in your head. You've been through so much, and you've come so far."
Nuha: (biting her lip, torn) "But I'm still confused. I don't know what's right."
Sana: (sighing, softer now but still firm) "Nuha, you can't keep going back to him every time things get uncertain. Focus on yourself. If it's meant to happen, it will. But you have to move forward first."
Nuha: (glancing at Sana, unsure) "I don't know how to stop thinking about it."
Sana: (pausing, her tone more understanding) "You don't have to figure it all out right now. Just... don't let it get in the way of your own peace. You're strong. Don't lose yourself in this."
Nuha nodded, taking in Sana's words, though she still felt torn inside. The rest of the day felt heavy with questions she didn't know how to answer.
Nuha arrived home after a long day at college, her mind still preoccupied with Rayan. As she settled in for the evening, her phone buzzed, signaling a new message. It was from him.
Rayan: "Hey! How are you?"
Nuha: (frowning at the screen) "It's good. You?"
Rayan: "Fine. How's your study going?"
Small talk? Seriously? Nuha's fingers hovered above the keyboard, her heart pounding. Why is he even asking this? After everything that happened?
Nuha: "It's going well."
Rayan: "So, what I wanted to ask... Do you like me the same way you did before?"
The audacity. Her breath hitched as her chest tightened.
Do I still like him? How could he even ask that so casually? How does he not realize the storm he left behind when he walked away—when everything just... broke?
Memories of Lina and Hana's words flooded back. The accusations that he bad-mouthed her. She hadn't wanted to believe them, but they came from her friends. Her closest ones.
But weren't they the same friends who always seemed to bask in her unhappiness? Why had she ignored the way they looked at her pain like it was a source of entertainment? Still... Rayan? Could he?
Her hands trembled slightly. Why now? Why bring this up now? She forced herself to focus, to push the chaos in her mind aside. And yet, the tiniest flicker of something—hope, maybe—lingered in the corner of her heart.
Nuha: "Do you even know how I liked you before?"
Rayan:(pausing) "Nope... but the way you approached me, it looked like yeah, you liked me a lot."
The heat rose to her face, her stomach knotting with a mix of anger and hurt.
Nuha: "I wasn't desperate if that's what you're trying to say."
Rayan: "Whoa, easy. I'm not here to debate with you."
Nuha: (letting out a shaky breath) "I'm not debating".
She pressed her lips together, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to spill over.
Nuha: "To be honest, I don't even know how I approached you. We never really talked about it back then. But one thing I do remember..."
Her voice caught as she typed the next words.
Nuha: "That day. The last time we spoke. You just... walked off. You left. Do you know how that felt? Like I wasn't even worth an explanation."
A long pause. Her words seemed to hang heavy in the air, even across the screen.
Rayan: (after a moment, his tone softer) "Yeah, I know... I shouldn't have."
He hesitated, and for the first time, Nuha thought she caught a flicker of guilt in his words.
Rayan: "Things were... tough back then."
His words hit her like a wave, but they weren't enough. Not yet. She clenched her fists, the ache in her chest growing unbearable.
Nuha: "Something happened?".
Her question hung there, but the silence that followed felt like a knife twisting in her heart.
Nuha: (taking a deep breath, her anger building again) "If you're not going to say anything, then I will. There's something that's been haunting me for a long time."
Rayan:"Sure, go ahead."
And she did. Word by word, she poured out the pain she had carried for so long—how Lina and Hana had told her about his conversations at Kareem's house, the things he'd supposedly said about her. How much it had hurt, how it had stayed with her like a shadow she couldn't escape.
Nuha: "They said you called me the meanest girl you've ever met. That I spread rumors about you all the time. And that you bad-mouthed me".
Her heart raced, her chest tight with both relief and terror as the truth was finally out.
Rayan: (immediately, his tone sharp) "What the— First of all, I've never been to Kareem's house."
Nuha: (blinking, stunned) "What? But you were his best friend..."
Rayan: "We were good friends, yeah. But I never went to his house. If you don't believe me, I'll prove it."
Seconds later, a screenshot appeared. It was a conversation between him and Kareem.
Kareem: "Nah bro, you never came to my place. I kept inviting you, but you always bailed."
Rayan: "Here you go. I hope this clears it up."
Her mind raced, her heart pounding. If this was true, then... Lina and Hana? Why would they lie? What would they gain?
Nuha:"Rayan, they were my friends. Why would they tell me something like that?"
Rayan: (carefully) "I can't tell you why they'd lie. I just know they did. And one thing I can promise you—you can trust me. I don't lie about these things."
Her heart twisted. She wanted to believe him. And hadn't she, deep down, always doubted Lina and Hana's words? But if they were wrong, what did that say about her judgment? About the choices she'd made since then?
Rayan: "I know it's hard for you to process this. But Nuha, whatever they said... it wasn't true. You don't have to believe me right now. Just... don't let it hurt you anymore. Please."
His words were calm, yet tinged with something deeper—guilt, maybe? She couldn't tell. But the sincerity in his tone was undeniable.
Her mind spiraled. The weight of the truth—or what she thought was the truth—pressed down on her. Lina and Hana were gone from her life, but the scars they left remained. Could she trust Rayan now? Could she even trust herself?
Stay tuned for the next part, where Nuha confronts the storm of emotions and wrestles with the fragile thread of trust that could change everything.