WebNovels

Chapter 11 - I already knew her

[Late Night – Zara's Room]

Zara lies on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

The room is dim, quiet — only the soft light of her phone screen glowing beside her.

She opens her AI chat app.

Zara (typing):

Hi Chamo... do you really think I already know ZAYAN?

She pauses, waiting for the screen to blink back.

A moment passes. Then Chamo replies.

Chamo:

Yes, Zara.

You may not remember him with your mind…

But your heart never forgot.

That feeling you get around him?

The peace… the pull… ?

That's not imagination.

That's a memory your soul kept safe, even when everything else faded. 

Zara stares at the screen, Chamo's words echoing in her mind.

Zara (to herself, softly):

"No… that's not possible.

How can I know him?

And if he did know me, he should have recognized me…

I'm the one who lost part of my memory, not him."

She pauses, thoughts racing.

Zara:

"But why does he seem so familiar?

Like I've already known him… long before now."

She glances out the window, lost in thought.

Zara:

"I think I should go to the doctor tomorrow."

Maybe he helps me. OK Zara now close your eyes and try to sleep. 

Zara closes her eyes and tries to sleep. 

_ sara s room 

Sara sitting alone in her room lost her thoughts . Her eyes are red like she cries alot .Her chest is heavy and she wants to shout-out but her words can't reach her. 

Finally she put out her dairy and start writing 

Why would you choose him when you already know that he's obsessed with someone else ? But I try to make a place in his heart but still can't . Is she more beautiful or perfect than me? That's why Wali chose her over me . 

Suddenly , someone locks on her door 

Sara : yes 

Ali : it's me did you sleep yet 

Sara open her door 

Ali: I think you should go to bed.

Sara: nope, not now.

Ali notices her eyes 

Ali: Are you okay? 

Sara hugs his brother and start crying 

Ali : Sara are you okay? 

Sara don't respond 

Ali: Okay it's okay if you don't want to share I will not force you to speak up. Sometimes emotions also need to flow just like rain.

But 

 Don't worry I am here for you, now brother here for you. 

Sara : Please don't leave me, again Ali. Because.. because it's very hard to live without you.

Ali: I promise to you kiddo, I never leave you alone again.

Ali hug her more tightly 

Ali with himself: I feel your pain, because I am still struggling with it.because I know how it feels when you love someone with all your heart but still can't get that person.

[Wail's Room – Late Night]

Wail lies on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

The room is dark, quiet — except for the storm inside his mind. Sara's words are echoing in his mind. His chest became heavy . It's difficult for him to hold that pain but still he try to hold that Strom inside.

Wali ( to himself) : I didn't want to play with her emotion's but still I do.maybe I don't have that kind of intensions but..? 

What the hell? It's too complicated,these things drive me crazy.

Ok wali shah don't overthink , just leave everything.

Wali close his eyes, 

But what about her? Did I really love? Maybe but I don't leave her she is one who leave me. Who choice someone else over me. Just like … just like my mom's do. She also choice Zayan over me. 

Before a tear falls his eyes he stop them.

He pulls the blanket over his face, trying to shut his thoughts out.

Wali (softly):

"Stop thinking this nonsense, Wali.

Love… it's not made for you."

He turns to his side, closes his eyes…

and forces himself to sleep.

Next Morning – Zara's House

Zoya comes rushing downstairs, shouting loud enough to wake the neighborhood.

Zoya:

"Zara! Zara! Zara!

Where are you, girl? We're getting late for school!"

Ayesha comes out of the kitchen, holding a tray.

Ayesha:

"What the hell, Zoya?

Why are you screaming like that this early?"

Zoya looks confused.

Zoya (panicking):

"Mom, where's Zara?"

Ayesha (frowning):

"What do you mean, where is she?

She must be upstairs—with you."

Zoya:

"If she was with me, would I be shouting her name like a maniac?"

Suddenly, Javed walks into the room, adjusting his tie.

Javed:

"What's going on here?"

Zoya and Ayesha turn toward him, unsure what to say.

Before Ayesha can answer, the doorbell rings.

Zoya runs to open the door—

It's Zara, standing outside calmly.

Zoya (hugging her tight):

"Girl! Where were you this early?"

Javed (concerned):

"Zara?

What are you doing out there?"

He glances at Ayesha.

Javed:

"She left the house?"

Zara (gently):

"Uncle, it's not Aunty's fault.

I just went out for a walk."

Javed (softens):

"It's okay, dear.

But next time, let someone know before going out. Okay?"

Zara:

"Okay."

Javed:

"Ayesha, set the table.

Girls, hurry up or we'll all be late."

They all sit for breakfast, laughter and clinking plates filling the room.

But Zoya's eyes stay locked on Zara.

Zoya (to herself):

"She's hiding something…

But what?"

Scene – School Gate, Morning

Zayan stands near the school gate, waiting for someone.

He spots a familiar face walking in casually.

Zayan (firmly):

"Wali ! Stop right there."

Wali turns his head lazily.

Wali :

"What now?"

Suddenly, Ahmed appears with his usual energy.

Ahmed:

"Wali bro! What's up!"

He throws an arm around Wail's shoulder.

Wali (coldly):

"Remove your hand.

Before I remove it permanently."

Ahmed (blinking):

"Whoa, bro…

Did you eat red chilies for breakfast or what?"

Zayan (stepping forward):

"Wail, I'm talking to you.

Where were you the whole day yesterday—

Wali smirks, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Wali: 

That's non of your business.

Zayan : it is wali,you are my brother.

Wali: Oh really, that's good, at least you remember me.

Anyway you don't need to worry about me, go and check on your sweetheart.because she needs you more than me .

He walks off—calm, proud, leaving stunned silence behind him.

Ahmed (blinking fast):

"Wait—

Do you really have any sweetheart? 

Zayan clenches his jaw.

Zayan (gritting teeth):

"That brat…

Always talking nonsense."

Zayan also leave meanwhile Ahmed 

Ahmed: Why does it sound like these shah brothers blast boom again.

Anyway Ahmed let's go to the class.

Scene – class room scene 

Zara as and Zoya entry in the class 

Zayan (calling out):

"Zara! Zoya!"

Zoya pauses and turns to look.

But Zara keeps walking straight toward the class—ignoring him completely.

Zayan (softly):

"Uhh… good morning?"

Zoya (half-smiling):

"Good morning, Zayan 

Zayan watches Zara disappear into the classroom.

Zayan (frowning):

"Is she okay?

I mean… she didn't even respond."

Zoya (shrugging):

"She's fine.

Just a little quiet today."

Zayan: oh I see 

Zoya : You should ask by yourself.Maybe she tells you.

Zayan : me? 

Teacher entry the class,

Teacher: Good morning students 

Students: Good morning 

Teacher: Okay let's start our class without wasting half a minute.

The teacher is writing something on the board, explaining the lesson.

Meanwhile, Ahmed leans toward Sara.

Ahmed (whispering):

"Sara… why didn't you come yesterday?"

Sara (coldly):

"That's none of your business."

Ahmed (mock offended):

"Whoa…

You're so rude—just like the King of Devils."

Sara (raising an eyebrow):

"Who?"

Ahmed (smirking):

"Of course… Wali Shah."

Sara smacks Ahmed's face with her notebook.

Teacher (turning around):

"What happened, Sara?"

Sara (innocently):

"Mam… there was a fly on Ahmed's face.

I was just trying to remove it."

Ahmed (groaning):

"Girl, you weren't removing a fly.

You were trying to ruin my handsome face!"

Wali (from the corner, relaxed):

"He's right, buddy.

Switch your seat before she destroys your entire look."

The class bursts into giggles.

Ahmed (to the teacher):

"Mam, should I go sit with Wail?"

Teacher (sighing):

"Fine, go.

Just stop disturbing the class."

Topper (annoyed):

"Yeah, Mam.

They're wasting our time."

Wali (grinning):

"Chill, dude.

Give your mind some space—

Or else it'll explode.

Wait…

You already lost it!"

Everyone laughs loudly.

Topper:

"Mam!!"

Teacher (fed up):

"That's enough, Wali!

Get out of my class!"

Wali (saluting):

"Gladly. Thank you!"

He walks out like a celebrity exit.

Class continues.

Zara silently watches Zayan from her seat, her fingers lightly tapping her desk.

Flashback 

Doctor: so, did you remember moments with your parents or not? 

Zara: not really doctor, still some 

memories fade .I try my best to recall them but can't.

Doctor : It's okay, you will recover soon,stay positive.

Zara: thank you doctor, doctor I have a question . There is a boy in my school.I don't know but his face always feels similar like I already knew him. 

Doctor: I think you should talk to him. Maybe you know him. 

Present time 

Zara turn back and look at him 

Zara: 

Zara (to herself):

"The doctor was right.

I need to talk to him…

and clear this mess before it grows worse."

[Scene – School Cafeteria: Lunchtime]

The cafeteria buzzes with laughter, trays clatter, and students chatter everywhere.

At one table, Sara, Ahmed, and Wail are already seated with their food.

Sara (waving):

"Zayan! Come on, sit with us!"

Zayan joins them but keeps glancing around, searching for someone.

Wail (teasing):

"She's not here yet."

Zayan (acting clueless):

"Who?"

Wail (grinning):

"Your lifeline."

Sara (shocked):

Wait? What?

Ahmed (smirking):

"Bro… seriously? You got a girlfriend?"

Zayan (coolly):

"Why don't you ask my brother?

He seems to know everything."

Wail (with a wink):

"Yes, I do."

Sara:

"Boys… please!

Zayan, just eat."

Suddenly, Zoya rushes over, looking a little worried.

Zoya:

"Zayan, have you seen Zara?"

Zayan:

"No, not yet. Why?"

Zoya (worried):

"She's not in class either. Where'd she go?"

Wail (sarcastically):

"Maybe you should install a GPS on her.

Would make it easier to track your sister."

Ahmed (laughing):

"Solid one, Wail!"

Zoya (snapping):

"Can't you shut your mouth for two seconds?!"

Zayan (getting up):

"Forget him. Let's check around the school together."

Sara (calmly):

"Relax. She's probably somewhere in school.

She's not a kid anymore."

Zoya : I know but still I am worried about my sister

Wail (offering a cupcake):

"Hey, Zoya. You want a cupcake?

They're seriously good."

Zoya ( irritated voice) : Are you dumb? Can't you see the situation.

Wali: Easy girl, I am just offering.

Zoya: you know wali.you are the most toxic person on the earth.

Wali(cold smile) :oh really, but still lives in many hearts at once.

Ahmed: OMG bro, someone on fire today.

Zoya: because you know very well how to dump people in the name of love. Let's Zayan.

Zayan: ok I go this direction and you go there.

Wali's expressions are changed. Zoya's words are hitting him hard.

Ahmed: leave her, you know her .

Wali: I am leaving, enjoy your meal.

Ahmed: Wait, wali? 

Sara: Do your lunch 

Ahmed: ok.

Scene from rooftop 

Zayan and Zoya finding her suddenly, Zayan phone rings.

In roof Zara waiting for zayan

Zayan comes to Zara

Zayan : Are you okay why you are calling me there

Zara look at him : Do you know me

Zayan with confused eyes : of course we 

are classmates and also friends maybe

Zara : zayan stop it, I am not talking about present time I was talking about past time

Zayan freezes that moment he didn't how to reply her

He paused for a moment

Zayan : nope I don't, I met you first time in I at our school

Zara looked at him : Are you sure? I hope you are not making me fool.

Zara paused and says 

Just forget about it.

She leaves from there

But zayan still stand there

His eyes hold tears with pain he fell on his knees 

The wind brushes past him, but he doesn't move. His heart feels heavier than his silence.

 

Zayan to himself : I want to tell you the truth but I can't. Because it destroys you and I can't afford it.

Zara walks away from the rooftop, her steps steady, but her heart wavers with every beat.

Zayan's words echo in her mind like an unfinished melody.

> "Nope, I don't. I met you for the first time in at our school."

She pauses at the staircase, placing her hand on the railing. Her eyes close for a second.

Zara (to herself):

"No… something's not right. I don't know how, but I've seen those eyes before. That silence. That pain. He's hiding something…"

She exhales deeply, trying to calm the storm inside her chest.

Zara (whispering):

"Why does my heart remember what my mind can't?"

And then — with a shake of her head — she forces herself to walk down the stairs.

But the doubt refuses to leave her.

Scene: After school – lawn – evening light falling

Wail sits alone, eyes lost in the grass. His father, Faisal Shah, quietly joins him.

Dad:

"Finally, I see my son's face after so long."

Wail:

"Come on, Dad. It's just been two or three days.

Besides... you should be used to it by now — sometimes we don't even meet once a year."

Dad: (scoffs)

"Don't act smart in front of me. If I didn't work hard, you wouldn't be living this luxurious life."

Wail: (nods slowly)

"Hmm... you're right."

Dad:

"Just remember one thing, son — to live, you need money. And money demands sacrifice."

Wail: (quietly)

"Dad… can we buy love with money?"

Dad:

"Of course. You can buy anything with money — even people."

Wail looks at his father, half-smiling. A little broken.

Dad:

"By the way, your birthday's coming. What do you want? A car? A new bike? Something cooler this time?"

Wail: (gets up slowly)

Myself 

Faisal : Don't be dramatic in front of me .

 

Wali looks at his dad face 

Faisal shah : Anyway, call your brother downstairs, we all go out for dinner. 

Wali : okay 

Wali stood up and moved from there. 

Scene: Zayan's room — evening

Zayan sits alone on his bed, staring at old photographs — images of him and Zara when they were kids in London.

Zayan (to himself, voice cracking):

"I wish... I had the courage to tell you the truth — just once."

Suddenly, a knock.

Wail:

"Zayan?"

Zayan quickly wipes his tears and shoves the photos under a pillow.

Zayan:

"Yeah?"

Wail:

"Get ready. We're going out."

Zayan:

"Where?"

Wail:

"Dinner. With Dad."

Zayan:

"Alright."

Zayan heads to the restroom. As he leaves, a photo slips off the bed an

d lands on the floor unnoticed.

Wail walks in, spots it, and bends down to pick it up.

Wail (to himself, stunned):

"What the hell is this?"

His hands tremble slightly. It's a photograph of Zayan and Zara, both as kids, smiling together in a London school uniform.

Wail (to himself):

What the hell? It's zara and Zayan. But what do they do here? Do they know each other but if really? Then why do they act like they don't? I have to unfold that story. 

His grip tightens around the photo, his heartbeat rising. For the first time, Wail isn't angry—he's scared. Scared of what he doesn't know.

 

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