The calm before the storm always feels like peace.

Zoya’s days had settled into a rhythm.

Class, Aarfa’s bad jokes, late-night snacks in the apartment kitchen, Akif’s quiet glances from across the library, and the way her heart always skipped a beat when he looked at her like she mattered.

Nothing had been said.

Nothing had been confessed.

But something had started.

And it was beautiful.

---

That morning, the air in Mumbai felt heavy.

Zoya didn’t notice it when she left for college. She was too busy smiling at the good morning text Aarfa sent her from the next room, and too distracted by the way Akif had sent a .GIF of a sleepy cat to say "See you in class."

She stepped into the campus gates, unaware of the shadow standing just across the road.

---

Aarfa met her near the canteen, eyes sparkling. “Guess what? Ayaan’s planning something for the fest. And he told me NOT to tell anyone, so of course, I’m telling you first.”

Zoya giggled. “You’re a horrible secret keeper.”

“And you’re a horrible liar when Akif walks into the room,” Aarfa teased, nudging her.

Zoya blushed. “Stop ittttt—”

But then she stopped.

Frozen.

Eyes wide.

Because standing near the main corridor...

Was her eldest brother.

Same face. Same eyes. But darker. Colder.

“...Zoya?” Aarfa whispered, following her gaze.

Before she could say anything, he began walking toward them.

---

“Zoya.”

She couldn’t speak.

“You’re coming with me,” he said, voice hard. “Right now.”

“No,” Aarfa stepped forward instantly. “You don’t get to—”

“It’s a family matter,” he snapped. “Stay out of it.”

Zoya’s voice finally broke free. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to take you back. Pack your things. You’re going home.”

“I am home,” she said quietly.

He grabbed her arm.

And that was when Akif appeared.

---

“Let her go.”

The voice was low. Controlled. But deadly.

Her brother turned.

Tall. Calm. Cold eyes. Akif Malik didn’t yell — but his presence did.

“Who the hell are you?” her brother demanded.

“Someone who knows she’s not leaving unless she wants to,” Akif said simply.

Zoya’s heart slammed against her ribs.

The students nearby started whispering.

A teacher was walking over. The tension crackled like fire.

“Zoya,” her brother said again. “This is your last warning.”

But this time, she pulled her hand away.

“I’m not going back.”

His eyes darkened. “Fine. Then you’ll regret it.”

He turned and walked away.

But the storm had just begun.

---

That night, Aarfa’s apartment felt suffocating.

Zoya was silent. Too silent.

Akif messaged her.

> Akif: “Are you okay?”

> Zoya: “No.”

> Akif: “Want me to come?”

> Zoya: “Yes.”

He was there within 10 minutes.

Zoya opened the door and stood there quietly.

And then — without a word — she hugged him. Tight. Despera

te.

“I’m scared,” she whispered.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he replied.

---

But the next day, it happened.

She was gone.

---

A swip turn huh? Keke🤭🎀