章 8: Unveiling Dreams and Doubts

In the following days, my determination to be there for Zaiba grew stronger. The revelation of her hidden health condition deepened our bond, and I was resolved to be her pillar of strength through whatever challenges lay ahead.

As I take a bus to school together one morning, Zaiba's parents drop her at school seeing. I get off the bus and greet them and they talk to me with a pleasureful smile, which had made my day already.

We bid Zaiba's parents and set off to our classroom. As Zaiba and I enter our class our classmates look at us and give us a surprised look as though they have seen something astonishing.

I turned around to see if there was anything but it turns out my classmates were shocked seeing me and Zaiba walk together. I sigh and walk to my seat and so does Zaiba.

We get back to our places and our English teacher enters our class and

reminds us that we have ten more days left for the Event "Indian Culture", A buzz of excitement fills the classroom. As we locked eyes, Zaiba and I couldn't help but feel thrilled at all the potential opportunities that lay ahead.

In the days leading up to the event, our classroom transformed into a hub of creativity and preparation. Students worked tirelessly on their projects, rehearsals, and decorations. Zaiba was with her friends and I was with mine, Every minute we looked back and forth at each other and gave faint smiles.

Days passed and the bond between me and Zaiba was going great Every night we had long conversations through our window, laughing and having the moments of our lives and then it was the event day "Indian Culture". Everyone was ready and excited with their scripts, intricate decorations, and an air of festivity. Students bustled around, putting the finishing touches on their exhibits and performances.

The event had started and after multiple events, it was our turn and I was worried if Zaiba would be able to handle her anxiety among the crowd as she had the main role of "Queen". She enters nervously and speaks to the king, while I silently lament not being the king. As I was dreaming about bringing the king Queen called out "Butler I want you to take this man out of here and provide him with the finest dish we got" I replied "Sure My Lady" and walked out. Then I realised something wasn't right. Zaiba was stuttering as she had a hug crowd watching and she was getting nervous.

I was scared thinking "What if she forgets her lines and messes up and later people will laugh at her" and I couldn't let that happen. Later after five minutes as her part was over and she came backstage I called her and asked her what was wrong and as expected it was the crowd that was making her nervous.

I just kept thinking about what had to be done to make her feel better. I had an idea so I told her if you do this well and make sure everything goes according to plan I will give her something special. She was confused but she did agree and told me she would do her best. As she was leaving as it was her scene I told her "I believe in you Zaiba, Do your best I'll sit here and cheer for you and imagine the audience as potato heads which will help you not get nervous". She blushed and smiled and nodded which was the cutest thing I could have seen. Meanwhile, my friends looked at me talking to her with a glare on their faces.

Zaiba was ready to showcase our hard work. As the event kicked off, I noticed that my words did a good job and Zaiba rocked the stage and noticed the genuine interest and curiosity of our classmates. It was heartwarming to see Zaiba's confidence shining through as she eloquently did a beautiful play on Indian culture. I was jumping in the air seeing Zaiba do this well when she had problems with making friends and enacting a play in front of a huge crowd.

As the event concluded, our English teacher commended the students for their dedication and enthusiasm. The principal also extended her gratitude to everyone who had contributed to the success of the event. It was a moment of pride for all of us. But the biggest pride moment for me was when Zaiba listened to my words and didn't give up.

The event was over and just like that Zaiba was already popular among the students seeing from a distance getting crowded made me happy and also scared. I returned back to my class and it was already the end of school hours. I picked up my bag and came to zaiba to call her but she was in another class surrounded by boys and some girls. Which made me overthink if I was good enough for her as she seemed very happy with them.

I just walk out and go home trying to think I did a good job. I catch an auto and go back home I am going to lie down on my bed. I kept thinking and thinking and fell asleep.

After 3 hours.....

I suddenly hear someone calling Affan, Affan, I get up with sleepy eyes to check and notice it was Zaiba calling me through the window. I gradually go and open the window and she smiles and thanks me for what I did back at school. I just kept nodding and welcomed her. Later when I tried to go she started a conversation on how she made new friends from different classes. Thinking that made me think "What if they become good friends and then get closer, and she gradually stops talking to me?".

Later on, I just hide it and show that I'm very happy for her and she did well today. After bidding her goodnight, I lay down on my own bed, my mind still racing. The room was cloaked in darkness, with only the dim glow of the moon seeping through the curtains. I stared up at the ceiling, but my thoughts were anything but tranquil.

As the minutes turned into hours, I found myself lost in a labyrinth of overthinking but I had to stop so I tried and went back to sleep.

The next day of school as I entered the classroom I immediately sensed an air of anticipation next to my table when I walked by and checked it out I was shocked to see...