Iram found herself walking restlessly through the corridors, searching for the wedding hall where her cousin’s ceremony was being held. She had only meant to take a quick trip to the washroom, but somehow, she got lost in the maze of winding hallways.

Her heartbeat quickened, sweat gathered on her forehead, and her heels clicked desperately against the marble floors as she struggled to balance herself in her heavy lehenga. Her dry mouth and furrowed brows reflected the growing panic inside her.

Amid her confusion, she sensed a silhouette silently following her. Fear struck her chest, and she broke into a run, only to stumble over the folds of her lehenga. Before she could fall, a pair of strong hands caught her, steadying her balance.

“ Are you okay? ” The man asked gently.

“ I am...Why are you following me? ” Iram managed to ask, nervously stepping back.

“ I have no intention to harm you," He said calmly. " I think you're lost. I just want to help. ”

She hesitated to take his help, then turned to look at him properly for the first time.

A neatly trimmed beard framed his face, and a small mole rested near his right earlobe. His thick lashes brushed his cheeks when he blinked, and his dark brown eyes held a quiet depth. Straight, light eyebrows crowned his calm, respectful aura, an aura that somehow eased her fear, even though her heart still raced.

" Hmm? " He cleared his throat, pulling her back to the present.

" Yeah? " She said, quickly turning her back to him again.

" May I help you with the directions? " He offered.

" I remember the directions from the parking lot... If you can take me there, please... " She replied softly.

Her sweet, nervous voice made his heart unexpectedly light. He nodded and motioned for her to follow.

The walk to the parking lot was about twelve minutes through silent hallways that passed quietly, yet their hearts spoke louder.

Secret glances, tiny smiles... an unspoken energy buzzed between them. He couldn't help but smile widely the whole time, even if she didn’t notice.

At last, reaching a familiar corridor, he opened a door for her.

“ That’s the parking lot. " He said, pointing ahead.

“ Thank you. ” She said with a bright smile, making his heart skip unexpectedly. She stepped forward, and suddenly a familiar voice called out.

“ Iram!! ”

She froze. That voice she didn't expect here.

Turning, she saw him—her first love.

" What are you doing here? ” She asked, feeling a sharp rush of anger rise in her chest.

“ Listen... I’m sorry about what happened that day. I shouldn't have denied my feelings. I loved you too, it's just, I was scared. My family had already arranged a match for me and...”

“ But? ” She cut him off, daring to meet his eyes without fear, without tears, unlike the last time.

“ But now that match is over. ” He whispered.

“ So? ” She raised an eyebrow.

“ Now you think it’s convenient to come back to the girl who loved you the most? "

" Yeah... you love me, right? " He asked, desperate.

“ No. ” She said firmly, chuckling dryly.

“ When I confessed and my mother asked for the proposal, you rejected it, with valid reasons. You made it clear that our paths were different. You said I deserved better. And you were right. I thought about it even before you said it. I realized... I was wasting my time on the wrong person. And I moved on. "

Her voice was steady, her heart clear.

“ But...” He started.

“ But what? ” She asked, cutting him off again.

" Not anymore. That chapter is closed, long closed. It’s better if we don’t meet again. Goodbye. " Iram made her statement very clear.

Her eyes drifted to the man who had guided her moments ago, now laughing warmly with her mother and brother. Her heart softened at the sight.

" That... " She thought.

" That’s the kind of bond I deserve. That’s what I prayed for. "

“ Iram, just one chance, please...” Her first love begged.

“ I’m sorry. I reject your proposal. ” She said without hesitation.

“ Iram, please...”

“ I’m already engaged. ”

The words slipped from her lips instinctively, and for the first time in a long while, she smiled genuinely as she walked away.

She glanced one last time at the stranger who had unknowingly saved her and her future.

" Thank you," She whispered under her breath.

---

"Iram!!"

"Iram, wake up!"