Episode 2: A New Beginning

Episode 2: A New Beginning

The mysterious letter remained hidden inside Areeba's notebook, but its words refused to leave her mind.

"Do not trust everyone..."

She read the sentence over and over until Eman's cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Areeba! You're walking so fast. Wait for me!"

Areeba smiled faintly.

"I'm sorry. I was just thinking."

"Thinking about classes already? Relax! It's only our first day."

Eman linked her arm with Areeba's, and the two girls walked across the beautiful university campus. Students filled every corner, laughing, taking photos, and introducing themselves to new classmates.

"I've never seen such a huge library," Areeba said.

Eman laughed.

"You'll spend half your university life there."

"I hope so."

"And the other half?"

"Studying."

Both girls burst into laughter.

"You really are different," Eman smiled.

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No... it's actually refreshing."

For the first time since finding the mysterious letter, Areeba felt her heart grow lighter.

Their next lecture was English Literature.

Professor Haris entered the classroom carrying several books.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, sir."

"I don't just teach literature," he said with a smile. "I teach you how stories reveal human nature."

His words caught Areeba's attention.

Throughout the lecture, one student answered almost every question with confidence.

It was Zayan.

He never tried to show off.

He simply answered politely and respectfully.

When another student struggled to explain Shakespeare's famous quote, Zayan quietly encouraged him instead of correcting him.

"That's a good point," he said. "Maybe we can also look at it from another perspective."

The professor smiled proudly.

"Excellent, Zayan."

Areeba noticed something unusual.

Despite being the brightest student in the class, he never sought attention.

After class, Eman suggested visiting the university café.

As they entered, every table was occupied except one.

To Areeba's surprise, Zayan was already sitting there, reading a book.

He looked up immediately.

"You can take the table," he said politely.

"No, it's okay," Eman replied. "We'll find another one."

"There isn't another one."

He stood up.

"I was leaving anyway."

Without waiting for thanks, he picked up his books and walked away.

Eman watched him leave.

"He's strange."

Areeba smiled.

"I think he's just quiet."

That evening, Areeba returned home.

After praying Maghrib, she opened her notebook again.

The old envelope was still there.

She carefully unfolded the letter.

Suddenly...

Something slipped out from inside.

A tiny piece of paper.

It hadn't been there before.

With trembling hands, she picked it up.

Only three words were written on it.

"Don't trust H."

Areeba stared at the message in disbelief.

"H..."

Was it the person who signed the letter?

Or someone else entirely?

Before she could think any further, her phone vibrated.

An unknown number.

A single message appeared on the screen.

"You were not supposed to find the second note."

Areeba's heartbeat stopped.

She looked around her room.

The window was slightly open.

Outside...

Someone was standing in the darkness.

To Be Continued...

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