Chapter 1 :- The Unscripted Encounter...

*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.

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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."

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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."

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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

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