The morning sun streamed through the partially drawn curtains, casting gentle golden rays across the muted colors of Zian's minimalist bedroom. He sat up gradually, rubbing his forehead.
A dull ache pulsed at his temples, and a slight fever dulled his senses, yet he remained unfazed. Pain was a constant companion, easily dismissed. There were meetings to attend and decisions to be made. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and reached for the remote to pull the blinds open wider.
The sudden brightness made him squint momentarily before he grabbed his blazer from the stand. Zian had built his empire from scratch-transforming code into contracts, enduring sleepless nights, and erecting skyscrapers that bore his name. Today was just another chapter in the life he had forged through determination.
He walked past the mirror without a glance.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, in a sunlit room adorned in soft beige hues, a pair of eager eyes flitted between her phone and the mirror.
Arshiya spun around, her hijab elegantly styled, and her outfit modest yet striking-perfectly prepared for her interview.
Her phone vibrated. Zara's name lit up the screen, prompting a smile.
Zara: "I know you'll shine. Go and conquer. Allah tumhara saath de!"
Arshiya (replying): "Ameen! I'll text you right after!"
She picked up her folder, the name of the company-"Z Tech Innovations"-neatly printed on her invitation.
Her heart raced with a blend of excitement and anxiety. This was no ordinary company; it was among the finest. Deep down, she had always aspired to build her career in a place that would challenge and inspire her.
She whispered a brief prayer before stepping out the door.
---
Back in Zian's sleek glass building, the lobby buzzed with activity.
Zian entered, tall and composed, his expression unreadable. His team greeted him with quiet respect, careful not to mention the faint flush on his cheeks or the subtle weariness in his eyes.
He made his way directly to the top floor-his office, his domain.
Unbeknownst to him, just a few floors below, Arshiya stepped into the building where destiny awaited.
➥
The Entrance of Z-Tech Innovations
Arshiya found herself in front of the towering, shimmering glass structure of Z-Tech Innovations, her heart racing softly beneath her professional attire. The contemporary design sparkled in the morning light, showcasing sharp angles, reflective surfaces, and the company's logo in bold silver: "Z"-sleek, straightforward, and impactful.
Taking a deep breath, she walked through the doors.
Inside, the space was stunning-smooth black marble floors, minimalist white walls adorned with abstract digital artwork, and a grand chandelier with geometric lights gently rotating from the ceiling.
Her heels made a soft clicking sound as she made her way to the elevator, clutching her file and resume tightly against her chest.
Ding. The elevator doors opened.
A group of employees, all dressed sharply, were already inside. She stepped in and positioned herself at the back, nervously adjusting her scarf. A few people glanced her way, intrigued by the newcomer, but no one spoke.
At that moment, three young interns, likely just a year or two older than her, began chatting excitedly in low voices.
Girl 1 (whispering with enthusiasm):
"Hey, did you see Zian Sir is here today? He looked a bit under the weather, but wow, still so attractive."
Boy:
"I heard he hasn't taken a single day off since the company launched... total commitment, man, he even works when he's sick."
Girl 2:
"And get this, he's only 26... and already runs one of the biggest AI startups in the city. Self-made. No wealthy parents. No family support. Just pure grind. Major respect."
Arshiya listened intently, trying to act casual, but her interest was piqued.
"Zian..." she thought.
The Z in Z-Tech? The same guy she saw last night in the hospital lobby?
Her heart raced.
No-it couldn't be him.
The man who barely acknowledged her, the one she offered a ride to? That quiet, enigmatic figure?
No way. It couldn't be.
She shook her head. Coincidences happen. Not everything needs to feel like a movie.
Ding. The elevator arrived at the 10th floor. The sign read "HR & Recruitment." She stepped out.
The atmosphere in the room was calm and professional. Soft instrumental music played gently in the background. Two rows of cozy grey chairs were set up in a waiting area next to a wooden desk marked Reception.
Behind the desk sat a friendly woman with her hair neatly pinned up, wearing a Bluetooth headset and typing quickly on her computer.
Arshiya walked over, putting on her most confident smile.
Arshiya (softly):
"Good morning. I'm here for the 10:00 a.m. interview. Arshiya Khan."
The receptionist looked up, nodded, and checked a printed list next to her.
Receptionist:
"Yes, Miss Khan. Please have a seat in the waiting area. Someone from HR will be with you shortly. Do you have your documents?"
Arshiya (handing over the folder):
"Yes, here they are."
As she settled into her seat, her gaze wandered to the wall opposite her, which was adorned with photos showcasing the company's achievements, award ceremonies, and articles displayed in glass frames. In every picture, there was one man.
Dressed in a sharp suit. Exuding quiet confidence. With that same intense stare.
Zian.
Her fingers turned cold.
Yes, it was him.
The same guy from last night.
The one she had offered a ride to.
And he's... the CEO?
Arshiya swallowed hard, her thoughts racing.
What if he recognized her?
What if he thought she was unprofessional?
What if her chances were already ruined?
She tried to steady her nerves, adjusting her dupatta and sitting up straight.
Just then, a staff member opened a door and peeked into the waiting area.
Staff:
"Miss Arshiya Khan?"
Arshiya stood up, file in hand.
"Yes?"
Staff (smiling):
"Please follow me. The interview panel is ready."
As she walked down the hallway, her thoughts whispered again-
"Ya Allah... What if he's in that room?"
➥
Outside the Interview Room - Z-Tech Innovations
Arshiya was just about to enter the hallway when a woman in a formal blue blazer-Zian's assistant-approached her quickly, wearing a polite and apologetic look.
Assistant (gently):
"Excuse me, Miss Khan?"
Arshiya (stopping in her tracks):
"Yes?"
Assistant (with a slight smile):
"I'm really sorry, but the Director has called an urgent board meeting. We can't continue with the interviews at this moment."
Arshiya (taken aback):
"Oh... um, is it just a short delay or-?"
Assistant (shaking her head softly):
"It seems like the meeting might take some time. Would you be able to wait, or perhaps come back tomorrow morning? I completely understand this is inconvenient."
Arshiya (nodding politely, trying to stay composed):
"That's fine. I can return tomorrow... at the same time?"
Assistant (smiling):
"Absolutely. We'll make you our top priority. I'll make sure your spot is reserved."
Arshiya:
"Okay. Thank you."
The assistant nodded respectfully and moved away to handle the situation, while Arshiya turned back toward the elevator, her curiosity piqued even more than before.
➥
Outside the Elevator - Z-Tech Innovations
Arshiya stood by the elevator, taking a deep breath to steady herself after the unexpected wait. She was about to hit the button when the doors chimed open.
Just as she was about to step inside, a trio-two men and a woman, all clearly employees-approached, deep in conversation. Among them was Zian Ali.
Arshiya froze in place.
It felt like time had slowed down.
Zian, dressed in a sleek black suit with slightly tousled hair, exuded an effortless authority. His expression was calm yet inscrutable, and he drew attention like a magnet. Arshiya felt her breath hitch in her throat.
Employee 1 (whispering to the other):
"That's him... Zian Ali. Wow, he's even more attractive in real life."
Employee 2 (smirking):
"Forget the looks; he built this company from the ground up! I heard he hasn't taken a day off in years."
Arshiya instinctively stepped back, hiding behind a decorative pillar against the wall, trying to remain unnoticed.
Zian was oblivious to her presence.
His brow was slightly furrowed, focused on something ahead as he casually entered the elevator with the others. One of the employees was speaking to him.
Employee 3 (to Zian):
"Sir, the board documents have been sent via email. I'll bring the hard copies to the conference room."
Zian (nodding):
"Great. Let's keep the meeting on schedule."
The elevator doors closed.
As soon as they did, Arshiya exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
➥
Outside Z-Tech Innovations - Late Morning
Arshiya was in the back seat of her cab, gazing out the window with her lips tightly pressed together. The engine hummed softly, but her thoughts were anything but calm.
Arshiya (thinking to herself):
"Why me, Allah? What was that all about? Why do these things always happen to me?"
She leaned back, briefly covering her face with her hands before letting out a sharp breath and dropping them.
As the cab pulled away from the parking spot, her mind lingered behind, caught in a web of confusion and disbelief.
And then-
A sudden memory hit her.
[Flashback - The Night Before]
In a quiet, dimly lit hospital lobby, Zian stood by the reception desk, looking a bit pale with one hand pressed to his forehead. He held a file in the other hand and appeared exhausted.
Nurse:
"Sir, please take a seat. You have a fever, and your blood pressure is low."
Zian shook his head.
"I'm fine," he muttered, heading toward the elevator, brushing off the nurse's concern.
At that moment, Arshiya walked into the hospital, flustered and holding the wrong prescription she had just picked up from the pharmacy.
Their paths crossed at the elevator doors.
Arshiya (to herself):
"Seriously? What kind of hospital can't label things correctly-"
She bumped into him slightly.
Arshiya (bluntly):
"Oh, sorry! Can't people pay attention to where they're going?"
Zian turned to her, his expression unreadable.
But he didn't say a word.
Just a small, weary shake of his head as he stepped aside to let her pass.
He left quietly.
She entered, feeling frustrated.
Neither of them noticed.
Neither recognized.
They were already familiar with each other... yet somehow, they didn't know it yet.
[End of Flashback]
Back in the cab, Arshiya blinked and pressed her fingers to her forehead.
Arshiya (muttering):
"I was so unprofessional. But he didn't say anything... didn't even seem mad. Ugh, what's happening to me..."
She sighed deeply and turned her gaze back out the cab window.
➥
Arshiya's Home - Afternoon
The moment Arshiya got home, she hurried to her room, tuning out her mom's voice calling from the kitchen.
Farah Khan (from the kitchen):
"Arshiya, dear, lunch is ready. Can you come here for a second?"
Arshiya (feeling drained, speaking softly):
"Mom, please... I just need a little time alone."
She slipped into her room, quietly shut the door, and collapsed onto her bed. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her phone and called Zara for a video chat.
Zara (answering, dressed in office attire and sipping tea in the canteen):
"Arshiya? Is everything okay?"
Arshiya (voice a bit shaky):
"I'm not sure, Zara... I just really needed to talk. The interview tomorrow... I don't feel prepared at all."
Zara (gently):
"Take a deep breath. Start from the beginning and tell me everything."
Arshiya:
"I got to the office on time. But just as I was about to walk in, the assistant said there was an emergency meeting. They pushed my interview to tomorrow."
Zara:
"That happens. High-pressure companies often have last-minute changes... But that's not the real reason you're feeling off, is it?"
Arshiya (pausing):
"I saw him, Zara. Zian Ali. In the elevator. Thankfully, he didn't see me. But I totally freaked out."
Zara (calmly):
"The same Zian from last night?"
Arshiya (nodding):
"Yeah. I didn't expect to run into him again... especially not at my dream job. I felt so embarrassed. What if he remembers how I acted at the hospital? I was... rude and blunt, not professional at all."
Zara:
"Arshiya, listen. You had every right to react the way you did. You were trying to help. And honestly, even if he does remember... professionals don't judge based on one awkward moment."
Arshiya (softly):
"I don't know... it just felt like everything fell apart for a second. I'm scared, Zara. What's going to happen tomorrow?"
Zara (reassuringly):
"What's going to happen is you'll walk in there with your head held high. You'll be prepared, poised, and confident. You've worked hard for
Arshiya (lets out a deep breath):
"Yeah... you're right. I really just needed to hear that."
Zara (offers a warm smile):
"I'll always be here to remind you, as often as you need. You're not alone, Arshi. You're way stronger than you realize."
Arshiya (grinning a bit):
"Thanks... really. You're like my anchor in all this chaos."
Zara (glancing at her watch):
"I wish I could stay and chat longer, but my break is almost up. I need to get back for a client review."
Arshiya:
"Go ahead. I'm already feeling better. Can we catch up tonight?"
Zara:
"Insha'Allah. And please promise me-no overthinking. Just be yourself tomorrow. That's more than enough."
Arshiya (chuckles softly):
"Allah Hafiz, Zara. Thanks again."
Zara:
"Allah Hafiz, Arshi. You've got this."
The call ends.
Arshiya set her phone down gently and leaned back. Her mind was still swirling with uncertainties, but Zara's encouraging words had given her just enough courage to tackle tomorrow.
☆_____ _____☆
➥
H.M. Engineering Corp - Boardroom - Morning
The boardroom exuded a sleek, modern vibe, filled with an unspoken tension. A long mahogany table shone under the gentle glow of overhead lights, while projectors displayed slides about upcoming infrastructure projects. Ayhaan Malik, clad in a sharp navy-blue suit, stood confidently at the head of the table-authoritative yet composed.
His keen eyes swept over the room, which was occupied by department heads and clients, all sitting upright, attentive, and a bit daunted by his presence.
Ayhaan (with conviction):
"Our next phase demands more than just figures and deadlines. It calls for commitment. Discipline. Professionalism. We're not merely completing a project; we're establishing a benchmark."
He took a moment, clicking the remote to advance to the next slide.
Ayhaan:
"Any delays or a laid-back attitude-from the design team or our external partners-will not be accepted. We operate as a cohesive unit. Is that clear?"
A chorus of nods and murmurs of agreement filled the room.
Client 1 (clearing throat):
"Mr. Malik, regarding the Jaipur site inspection-can we expect a revised schedule by Friday?"
Ayhaan (nodding slightly):
"You'll receive it by Thursday. And I expect you to be there in person. No delegating this time."
Client 1 (anxiously):
"Absolutely."
At that moment, his phone lit up next to the laptop. A WhatsApp message from Meera, his secretary, read:
> "Sir, Mr. Rehan Malik has arrived. He's waiting in your office as you requested."
Ayhaan glanced at the message, his jaw tightening for just a moment before he locked the screen and turned back to the group.
Ayhaan (addressing the team):
"Alright, we'll resume the financial briefings after lunch. For now, please review the updated legal compliance documents and prepare your departments accordingly. You're dismissed."
The room buzzed to life as chairs scraped back and conversations began as employees filed out. Ayhaan remained behind, setting down the clicker and shutting his laptop.
Team Lead (approaching):
"Sir, just a quick note-HR has finalized the new intern list."
Ayhaan (walking toward the door):
"Send it straight to Meera. I'll scan it by EOD."
Team Lead:
"Got it, sir."
Ayhaan gave a curt nod and headed out of the boardroom. His mind was already shifting gears-business mode to personal mode-as he made his way to the executive office lounge, where Rehan Malik, his father, was waiting .
➥
Ayhaan Malik's Office - Late Morning
The executive office was spacious and simply designed, featuring clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a soothing grey color scheme. As Ayhaan entered, he spotted his father, Rehan Malik, already seated on the stylish couch, casually reading a newspaper and looking as composed as ever.
Ayhaan adjusted his posture slightly, keeping his usual calm demeanor.
Ayhaan (politely):
"Assalamu Alaikum, Dad."
Rehan Malik (looking up and folding the paper):
"Wa Alaikum Assalam, Ayhaan." (He offered a slight smile.) "I noticed the boardroom lights were still on. I take it you're working hard on your empire?"
Ayhaan (with a half-smile, moving toward his desk):
"Always. Would you like some water?"
He signaled to the intercom without waiting for a response.
Ayhaan (into intercom):
"Meera, could you please bring in some water?"
Rehan Malik (watching him with a calm demeanor):
"You always keep things so formal, even with me."
Ayhaan (settling into his chair):
"Old habits die hard. And I know you're not just here for a casual chat."
Rehan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his expression serious yet composed.
Rehan Malik:
"You're right. I came to let you know that we've arranged a dinner with the Ali family for tonight. You'll be joining us."
There was a brief pause.
Ayhaan (looking directly at him, his expression unreadable):
"Is that really necessary?"
Rehan Malik (nodding firmly):
"Yes, it is. You know why."
Ayhaan (calmly):
"I assume Zara will be there too."
Rehan Malik (standing up and adjusting his coat):
"She will be, along with her parents. Everything is set."
Ayhaan remained silent, his gaze drifting to the glass wall beside him, his thoughts hidden. Rehan picked up his phone from the coffee table and headed toward the door.
Rehan Malik (turning back before leaving):
"See you at dinner. Make sure you're on time, Ayhaan. No excuses."
With that, the door clicked softly shut, leaving Ayhaan alone with his thoughts.
Ayhaan let out a heavy sigh, tilting his head back against the chair. A brief flash of annoyance broke through his usual calm demeanor. He grabbed his phone, stared at the blank screen for a moment, then set it back down on the table.
His gaze drifted to the corner of his screen-it was time for Salah.
Without saying a word, he got up and headed to the washroom to perform wudhu, the silence trailing behind him.
Scene fades out.