Two Benches Away
Aliya's prove:-
I was going to my first class with my friends when I saw him again today.
Same white shirt. Same quiet face. Same seat two benches away from mine.
His name is Ayaan, and we've been in the same class for three months now.
We've never spoken.
Not once.
"Aliya, stop staring," Ayat whispered beside me.
I blinked and looked away quickly. "I wasn't staring."
"You always stare."
"No, I don't," I said, opening my notebook even though the page was still empty.
Noor, sitting behind us, giggled. "You're so obvious."
I ignored them.
Ayaan didn't look at me. He never does.
He just sits there - serious, focused, like the world outside his books doesn't exist.
But here's the funny part.
The part my friends don't know.
My mother is talking to his mother.
And one day, I might be his wife. After class, I packed my books slowly, hoping he'd look at me.
He didn't.
Ayaan just walked out with Rayaan, laughing about something.
That was the first time I saw him smile.
And I hated how my heart noticed it.
Outside, Ayat was already waiting near the canteen.
"So, did your future husband say anything today?" she teased, sipping on her cold coffee.
I rolled my eyes. "He's not my future husband."
"Yet," she smirked.
I stayed quiet. Because I knew the truth.
Our families were already talking.
At night, my mother said, "Aliya, wear something nice tomorrow. Ayaan's mother might visit."
I froze.
Visit? Already?
I didn't even know what his voice sounded like.
Ayaan's Prove:-
I was sitting in class, but I wasn't really there.
I don't know what Mama said last night - something about looking for a girl for me.
A rishta.
Like I'm ready for marriage?
I'm only 21. I'm still trying to pass my exams. I can't even decide what to eat for lunch - how can I choose a wife?
My thoughts were all over the place when Rayaan tapped my shoulder.
"Bro, are you okay?" he asked.
"Huh? Yeah... I'm fine," I mumbled.
But I wasn't.
I looked up. I was sitting just one row away from Aliya.
She was writing something in her notebook.
She never looks at me. I never look at her.
But sometimes... I do.
After class, I started packing my books.
Rayaan and Zayd were waiting outside, joking around like usual.
The moment Zayd saw me, he pulled me into a big hug.
"Broooo, long time no see!" he shouted.
"I can't breathe," I said, pushing him off.
He just laughed.
I reached home around 6 PM.
The sun was setting, the house smelled like daal, and I just wanted to sleep.
But the second I opened the door, Ammi came running and hugged me.
"Beta! Wear something nice tomorrow!" she said with a smile.
"We're going to meet your soon-to-be wife."
My heart?
Gone.
I stood there, backpack still on my shoulder, wondering...
Is it her?
