*Chapter 1: The Unscripted Encounter*

Aisha's notions of love were forged in the dramatic worlds of her favorite K-dramas. She envisioned a slow-motion moment, violins swelling, her hair elegantly flowing. Reality, however, had other plans.

As she walked across campus with her best friend Sana, lost in thought, a rogue basketball bounced wildly toward her. Aisha dodged, but her sandal snapped, sending her tumbling. The world spun.

Sana rushed to her side. "Aisha, oh my god! Are you okay?"

A concerned voice pierced the haze. "Is she alright?" Zaid asked, leaning over her, his sharp jawline and expressive dark eyes etched with worry. His messy hair seemed straight out of a shampoo commercial.

Aisha's brain stalled. Words failed her.

Zaid whispered to his friend, "Did the basketball damage her brain?" His friend, Amir, chuckled.

                                                                         1

___________________________________________

Sana rolled her eyes. "No, she's just dramatic."

"No, I'm fine!" Aisha protested, scrambling up, only to trip over her broken sandal.

Zaid's firm grip steadied her. His warm touch sent shivers down her spine.

Their eyes locked, and for an instant, chaos receded.

Sana smirked. "Looks like someone's got a crush already."

Aisha's cheeks flushed. "Shut up, Sana."

Zaid smiled. "Maybe sit down?" He guided Aisha to a nearby bench.

As she caught her breath, Aisha realized her hair was tangled, her clothes disheveled, and her dignity bruised. Not exactly the romantic debut she'd scripted.

Sana plopped down beside her. "Spill the tea. What's his name?"

Zaid extended his hand. "Zaid. And you are?"

Aisha shook his hand, her heart racing. "Aisha. This is Sana."

Zaid's smile widened. "Nice meeting you both."

                                                                         2

___________________________________________

As Zaid sat beside Aisha, Sana excused herself to grab a snack.

"So, Aisha," Zaid began, "what brings you to campus today?"

Aisha's nerves dissipated. "Just grabbing library books. You?"

"Same. And rescuing damsels in distress," Zaid chuckled.

Aisha laughed, feeling a connection. "Thanks."

Their conversation flowed, covering books, childhood memories and favorite hobbies.

Sana returned, munching on a samosa. "How's the tea?"

Aisha blushed. "Interesting."

Zaid grinned. "We're getting along."

As they chatted, Aisha found herself drawn to Zaid's kindness and humor.

Zaid's phone buzzed. His expression darkened.

"Sorry, I need to go," he said abruptly.

Aisha's heart sank. "Everything okay?"

Zaid hesitated. "Personal stuff. Catch you around."

He vanished into the crowd, leaving Aisha curious.

Sana raised an eyebrow. "Sudden exit. What did you talk about?"

Aisha sighed. "Everything. And nothing."

^^^                 3^^^

___________________________________________

From the Author :-

"Thanks for reading Chapter 1! Stay tuned for the next twist in 'Tangled Roots'."

In future updates there will be more lengthy chapters. But it's first chapter, so I kept it short and sweet.

You will see twists and turns as the name suggests tangled roots. So Stay tuned for further episodes as it's just the beginning of a new story you would've never seen.

My self:- Author (ZAID)

Age :- 19

Country :- India

Introduction :-

*University and Course Information*

1. *Name*: Oakdale University

2. *Location*: Suburban New York City

3. *Type*: Private, co-educational institution

4. *Computer Science Program*: Accredited, renowned for producing innovative entrepreneurs and researchers.

*Aisha's Profile*

1. *Name*: Aisha Sheikh

2. *Major*: Computer Science (CS) - Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

3. *GPA*: 3.5/4.0

4. *Courses*:

1. Computer Architecture

2. Algorithms

3. Data Structures

4. Machine Learning

5. *Personality*: Determined, resourceful, witty

*Zaid's Profile*

1. *Name*: Zaid Khan

2. *Major*: Computer Science (CS) - Data Science/Cybersecurity

3. *GPA*: 3.7/4.0

4. *Courses*:

1. Computer Architecture

2. Algorithms

3. Data Mining

4. Network Security

5. *Personality*: Charismatic, intelligent, mysterious

^^^4^^^

___________________________________________

*Chapter 2: Beneath the Surface*

^^^MON, 7TH JUNE.^^^

Aisha grabbed a sandwich and headed to her usual table in the cafeteria, only to find it occupied. Scanning the crowded room, her eyes met Zaid's, already seated at a nearby table.

"Mind if I join?" Aisha asked, hesitant.

"Not at all," Zaid replied, smiling. "I could use some company. Besides, I heard the food here is better when shared."

Aisha sat, unwrapping her sandwich. "Computer Science homework killing you too?"

Zaid chuckled. "Trying to stay ahead. Professor Lee's algorithms class is notorious. I'm starting to think he enjoys watching us suffer."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, discussing professors, coding challenges, and favorite tech podcasts.

^^^5 ___________________________________________^^^

Maya, Aisha's friend, appeared, disrupting the budding connection. "Hey, Aisha! Studying hard, I see."

Aisha with a smile replied "Just enjoying lunch, Maya."

Zaid intervened, "Maya, care to join us?"

As they chatted, Zaid received a cryptic call, excusing himself briefly.

"What's going on?" Aisha asked upon his return.

"Just family stuff," Zaid replied vaguely.

Aisha sensed a deeper story but let it slide.

*Outdoor Moment*

Walking across campus, they discussed upcoming hackathons. Zaid's enthusiasm was infectious.

^^^6^^^

^^^___________________________________________^^^

"You're quite the tech enthusiast," Aisha teased.

"Guilty as charged," Zaid grinned.

As they stopped at Aisha's next class building, a stunning girl with piercing green eyes approached.

"Hey, Zaid!" she said, flashing a dazzling smile. "Long time no see."

Zaid's expression changed. "Zara! What brings you to Oakdale?"

Aisha's curiosity piqued. Who was this mysterious girl?

Zara's gaze locked onto Aisha. "Looks like you've got company, Zaid. Maybe I'll see you around, Aisha."

With that, Zara sashayed away, leaving Aisha wondering:

1. Who was Zara?

2. What history did she share with Zaid?

^^^7^^^

^^^___________________________________________^^^

To be continued...

From the author :- I hope you guys enjoyed chapter 2..

I know this chapter didn't had many twists and turns as it was just an introduction!

You will get a lot of twists in further chapters .

This chapter was short too but I will try to write big chapters from next chapter onwards so don't worry about that and if you have any suggestions which need improvement just message on instagram , I will try to improve and provide better quality to you guys!

*Prologue: Hackathon Announcement*

Oakdale University's digital bulletin board flashed exciting news:

"Hackathon Alert!

Get ready for Oakdale's annual hackathon!

- Date: June 15-16

- Theme: Innovative Solutions

- Prize: $10,000 and internship opportunities

- Registration: Find a partner, sign up by June 9

*Chapter 3: Hackathon Havoc*

Pre-Hackathon Tensions :-

Aisha sipped her coffee, scanning the crowded cafeteria for potential teammates. Her gaze landed on Zaid, seated with Zara, intensely discussing project ideas. Aisha's heart sank, hoping they'd collaborate.

Zaid beckoned her over. "Hey, Aisha! We're brainstorming. Want to join?"

Aisha hesitated, noticing Zara's focused expression. "I was thinking of working with someone else."

8

___________________________________________

Kabir, a junior from computer science, approached. "Mind if I join you? I've got innovative ideas."

Aisha's eyes lit up. "Perfect timing! Let's discuss."

Zaid nodded. "Good luck, guys. Zara and I will work on our project."

*Interactions with seniors!*

During lunch, Henry (senior) approached Zaid and Zara. "Hey, what's your project about? AI integration?"

Zaid smiled. "Exactly! We're developing an AI-powered chatbot."

Chloe overheard. "That sounds amazing! Can I see your design?"

Zara shared her laptop screen. "We're using natural language processing."

Amir joined them. "Zaid, how's progress?"

Zaid replied, "We're on track, Amir. Zara's coding skills impress me."

Sana sat with Aisha and Kabir. "Your VR therapy platform sounds incredible! Can you demo?"

Kabir launched the demo. "We're simulating calming environments."

^^^9^^^

^^^___________________________________________^^^

*University Politics*

Dean Patel announced new rules:

No external resources.

Strict coding guidelines.

Mandatory check-ins.

The room erupted in discontent. Zaid protested, "These rules stifle creativity!"

Zara whispered, "Zaid, let's adapt."

Dean Patel's expression turned stern. "Compliance is mandatory."

*Growing Friendships*

Zaid and Zara sat in the library, surrounded by stacks of coding books and empty coffee cups. Their laptops glowed with lines of code.

"Zara, how do you do it?" Zaid asked, impressed. "Your coding skills are incredible."

^^^10^^^

^^^___________________________________________^^^

Zara smiled. "Years of practice. And you, Zaid? Your entrepreneurial spirit is inspiring."

Their conversation drifted from coding to dreams:

"I want to revolutionize healthcare with AI," Zara shared.

"I'm working on sustainable energy solutions," Zaid replied.

As they brainstormed, their connection deepened:

Shared laughter at silly coding mistakes.

Late-night pizza and debate sessions.

Mutual respect for each other's strengths.

One evening, Zaid turned to Zara. "You're more than just a teammate, Zara. You're a friend."

Zara's eyes sparkled. "Same to you, Zaid. Let's crush this hackathon!"

^^^11^^^

^^^___________________________________________^^^

^^^*^^^

On The Other Hand*

Aisha and Kabir huddled in the computer lab, surrounded by humming machines. Their laptops displayed vibrant VR environments.

Kabir grinned. "Aisha, your design skills are mesmerizing."

Aisha blushed. "Thanks, Kabir. Your coding wizardry impresses me."

Their collaboration flourished:

Coding sessions: Sharing laughs and ideas.

VR demos: Kabir's eyes widened at Aisha's creations.

One evening, Kabir surprised Aisha with her favorite coffee. "Thanks for putting up with me, Aisha. You're an amazing partner."

Aisha smiled warmly. "Same to you, Kabir. We make a killer team!"

*Hackathon Day*

The morning of June 15th arrived. Oakdale University's auditorium buzzed with excitement.

^^^12^^^

^^^___________________________________________^^^

Dean Patel took the stage. "Welcome, students! Today, your innovative ideas will shine. Let the hackathon begin!"

The hackathon's opening ceremony concluded. Teams settled in, laptops aglow.

Suddenly, screens flickered:

"Game On, Hackers!"

The room fell silent. Zaid's eyes locked onto the screen. "What's going on?"

Zara's fingers flew across her keyboard. "Someone's hacking our systems!"

Aisha's eyes widened. "Our project!"

Kabir's voice rose. "We can't let them sabotage us!"

Lights flickered. Screens went black.

*To Be Continued...*

^^^13^^^

^^^___________________________________________^^^

Author's Note :- Hey I hope you all are enjoying the chapters! If you have any suggestions for me just message me on the profile or on my insta account!

About Chapter 4 :- So Who do you think is the Hacker? Is it someone from inside the college or an outsider? Stay Tuned to find out!