Chapter 1: Before Everything Changed
Daniyal leaned back in his chair, the faint hum of office chatter surrounding him as his phone lit up in his hand.
It had only been a week since he had joined this new workplace, yet it already felt like a world very different from the one he was used to.
His fingers moved quickly across the screen.
Daniyal:I love you, Komal. And nothing—no one—can ever change that.
He paused for a second before pressing send.
Almost immediately, his phone buzzed.
Komal:I know. And I love you more.
A soft smile settled on his face, the kind that came effortlessly when her name appeared on his screen.
"Still messaging?" Naveed's voice came from beside him.
Daniyal looked up, slightly amused. "It's Komal."
Naveed smirked. "Of course it is."
Across the room, Usman clapped his hands loudly.
"Boys, listen up!"
The chatter died down.
"Weekend plan," Usman announced. "Fishing trip. Just us. No distractions."
Imran leaned back in his chair. "Finally, something peaceful."
Babar added, "And away from calls, please."
Usman pointed at Naveed. "You're coming."
Naveed shook his head immediately. "No chance."
"Why?" Sufian asked.
"My wedding is in a month," Naveed replied. "End of December. I'm not getting sunburnt right before that."
Laughter broke out.
"Excuses," Usman teased.
Before anyone could continue, Daniyal spoke calmly,
"I'll come."
Usman grinned. "Good. Daniyal's in."
Daniyal nodded, already glancing back at his phone.
Komal:How's the new office?
He typed back quickly.
Daniyal:It's fine. Still getting used to things.
He paused, then added—
Different people… different environment.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Saaniya Sikandar lived life on her own terms.
At twenty-four, she carried responsibilities that most people avoided. She worked at a call center, handled sales with ease, and took on online work to support her family.
She was hardworking. Focused. Sharp.
But what truly set her apart was something else entirely.
She was fearless.
She raced cars—and won.She danced like she didn't care who was watching.She walked into any room with a presence people couldn't ignore.
She wasn't quiet.She wasn't reserved.And she never tried to be.
People admired her.
Some even feared her.
And Saaniya never bothered to change that.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
"Friday night at Sean's place," Babar said, scrolling through his phone. "Food, music, everything."
Usman looked up instantly. "Did you call her?"
Babar smirked. "Relax."
He dialed.
After a moment, he spoke, "You coming?"
A confident voice replied from the other side, "Of course. Don't make it boring before I get there."
Babar laughed. "Wouldn't dare."
He hung up and looked around.
"She's coming."
The reaction was immediate.
"Now it's a party.""Finally."
Daniyal glanced up briefly but said nothing, his attention returning to his phone.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sean's apartment was alive with noise by the time Daniyal arrived.
Music filled the space, conversations overlapped, and laughter echoed from every corner. People moved freely, dancing, talking, completely at ease.
Daniyal stood near the side, observing quietly.
Naveed nudged him. "Relax. You look like you're attending a meeting, not a party."
Daniyal smiled faintly but didn't respond.
His phone buzzed again.
Komal:What are you doing?
Daniyal:Just at a gathering with colleagues.
Inside, the energy kept rising.
"Where is she?" Usman asked again, glancing at the door.
"On her way," Fahad replied.
And then—
SCREECH!
The sharp sound of tires echoed outside.
The entire room reacted instantly.
"She's here!""Saaniya's here!"
Daniyal looked toward the door for a brief second—but before anything could catch his attention, he stepped away, moving toward the balcony.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Inside, the door opened to loud cheers.
"Finally!""You're late!"
Saaniya walked in, effortless and confident.
Long boots. Open hair. Western outfit.
She didn't hesitate.
Didn't pause.
Within moments, she was surrounded—then pulled toward the dance floor.
And just like that, the energy of the room shifted.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Outside, Daniyal leaned against the balcony railing, scrolling through his phone.
Komal:Are you enjoying?
He smiled slightly.
Daniyal:It's okay. Just a bit loud.
He glanced inside through the glass once or twice, catching movement, lights, shadows—but nothing clear.
No faces.
No details.
And inside—
Saaniya never noticed him.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
An hour passed.
The music softened.
Daniyal remained outside when sudden movement on the road caught his attention.
A few guys walked toward their cars.
Engines started.
Then another car door opened.
A girl stepped in.
He couldn't see her face.
The engines roared louder.
And then—
They raced.
Daniyal straightened slightly, watching.
The cars sped forward—but one stood out.
Sharp turns. Control. Speed without hesitation.
It circled back, overtaking the others with ease.
Daniyal frowned, surprised.
"That's… something."
A voice from behind said, almost casually,
"That's Saaniya."
Daniyal looked on as the car disappeared into the night, the sound of the engine fading.
He exhaled quietly and looked back at his phone as it buzzed again.
Komal:So? How's the new place really?
He typed after a moment.
Daniyal:It's different.People are more… open here.Very social. A lot of gatherings.
He paused, then sent it.
For a moment, he stood there in silence.
Inside, the music rose again.
Outside, the night settled.
And somewhere between the noise and the quiet—
A story had already begun.