Chapter 5 :- Shadow Play!

*CHAPTER 5 :- SHADOW PLAY*

Zaid's whispered words hung in the air: "The server room, Aisha. Meet me there tonight."

Aisha's heart raced. "What's going on, Zaid?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

Zaid's eyes locked onto hers, intense and urgent. "Just come."

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Zaid swiftly released Aisha, stepping back into the shadows.

"Tonight," he mouthed, disappearing into the crowd.

19

___________________________________________

*Midnight, Oakdale University Server Room*

Aisha slipped into the dimly lit server room, the hum of machinery enveloping her. Zaid stood amidst the rows of servers, his eyes fixed on her. The air was thick with anticipation.

*"What's going on, Zaid?" Aisha asked, her voice barely above a whisper.*

Zaid's expression turned grave. "Amir was manipulated, Aisha. He wasn't the mastermind." His voice was laced with a mix of emotions - concern, frustration, and determination.

Aisha's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" She took a step closer, her curiosity piqued.

Zaid led her to a console, displaying a decrypted message:

"Trap set. Sorry, Z. -A"

"This was hidden in the server logs," Zaid explained, his fingers flying across the keyboard. "Amir left it for me. He knew I'd find it."

20

___________________________________________

Aisha's mind reeled. "Who could be behind this?" Her eyes scanned the room, as if searching for answers.

Zaid's jaw clenched. "That's what I aim to find out." His determination was palpable.

Aisha's gaze shifted to Zaid's jaw, where Amir's punch had landed. A faint bruise still lingered. "You should've let me take that hit," she said, her voice tinged with anger and concern. Her fingers instinctively reached out, tracing the bruise.

Zaid's expression softened. "I couldn't risk it." His voice was low, gentle.

Aisha stepped closer, her eyes blazing. "You idiot. You could've gotten seriously hurt." Her words were laced with frustration, but her touch betrayed her concern.

Zaid's hands cradled her face, his thumbs tracing her cheekbones. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat," he whispered, his eyes locking onto hers. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

21

___________________________________________

Aisha's lips parted, her breath catching. Zaid's gaze dropped to her lips, his eyes burning with intensity.

Zaid's lips brushed against Aisha's, sending shivers down her spine. The world around them melted away, leaving only the hum of the servers and their racing hearts. The tension between them ignited, sparking a passionate kiss.

Aisha's hands slid up Zaid's chest, her fingers tangling in his shirt. Zaid's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. Their lips moved in perfect sync, the connection between them palpable.

As they broke apart for air, Aisha's eyes sparkled. "You're reckless," she whispered, her breath catching.

Zaid smiled, his eyes crinkling. "For you, I'd risk everything," he whispered back, his voice filled with emotion.

Aisha's heart skipped a beat. No one had ever made her feel this way. Zaid's hands framed her face, his thumbs tracing her cheekbones.

22

___________________________________________

Just then, footsteps echoed outside. "Someone's coming," Aisha whispered urgently.

Zaid swiftly pulled Aisha behind a nearby server rack, his arms wrapping tightly around her. They held their breath, hearts pounding in unison.

Dr. Hassan's voice echoed through the server room. "Zaid, are you here?"

Zaid's grip on Aisha tightened. "Stay hidden," he whispered.

Dr. Hassan approached the server rack, scanning the area. "Zaid, I know you're working on something. Your cryptic messages have me worried."

Zaid cautiously emerged from behind the server. "Dr. Hassan, perfect timing."

Dr. Hassan's eyes narrowed. "What's going on, Zaid?"

Zaid swiftly briefed him on Amir's decrypted message and the mysterious mastermind. Dr. Hassan's expression turned grave.

23

___________________________________________

"We need concrete evidence," Dr. Hassan said. "Can you access Amir's email records?"

Zaid nodded, rapidly typing on the console.

Aisha slipped out from behind the server, curiosity etched on her face.

Dr. Hassan's eyes widened. "Aisha! I didn't know you were involved."

Zaid's protective instincts kicked in. "She's with me, Dr. Hassan."

*E-MAIL DECRYPTED*

Zaid's eyes widened as he read the cryptic email: "Phoenix rising... Eclipse imminent."

24

___________________________________________

Suddenly, Amir's account automatically logged out. The screen flashed: "Access Blocked. Security Protocol Engaged."

Dr. Hassan's expression turned grave. "Phoenix... I know this name. It's connected to an old project. I'll investigate discreetly."

Zaid's curiosity peaked. "What do you know, Dr. Hassan?"

Dr. Hassan hesitated. "Not here. I'll contact you when I uncover more. Be cautious, Zaid."

Aisha's voice trembled. "What's Phoenix? What does it mean?"

Zaid's eyes locked onto the blocked screen. "We'll find out soon enough."

Dr. Hassan vanished into the night, leaving Zaid and Aisha with haunting questions:

*To Be Continued...*

25

___________________________________________

Author's Note :- Hey Guys! I hope you all are doing well. So , did you liked the plot? And ahm... The first kiss? And yeah what about Dr. Hassan? ( a new character) we will get to his intro in the next chapter for now assume him as Zaid's ally.

I have tried to make a big chapter hoping you all don't find it boring but if you still do let me know in comments! And as always I am open to suggestions!

That is it for today's chapter! Stay tuned for more updates.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***