Halima came back home lethargic and heartbroken. With tears on her face, she went straight to bed pour out her self to the poor pillow and then sleep. She met with Hakim but she couldn't say anything to him and that's uncalled for. Hakim was the only person apart from Walida she find herself so close to, they share everything together.

He met her at the school cafeteria after school where she was about to grab a bottle of water to quench her thirst. He heard about her coming to school the day so he hastily came to see her but what shock him was how Halima react. "Lima, how have you been, I have been trying to to reach you but it wasn't reachable," he said from her back hearing and recognizing his voice, she jolted out in fear and jitter. She had been expecting him all the school time but now seeing him in front of her send shivers down her spine. "I'm good," she replied shortly, fidgeting her thumbs and the middle fingers.

He observes her closely, she didn't seams to be happy seeing him and that was something. Halima will always be excited and ebullient when around him, her cute, broad smile in display with her eyes shimmering with joy. But the Halima standing in front of him looks like she want to be anywhere but there. She force out a smile which he he knows it was fake. He can see right through her maybe because of their attachment to each other or the love they have for each other.

"I gotta go, I will talk to you later." She said when they stood their with no words coming from their mouths. They have a lot to say but they all kept shut. She wanted to tell him that they are no more that she is now married but found her word stuck in her throat. It would not be even pleasant telling him at the moment after a mouth of not seeing each other.

"Okay then, but we have to resume our tutorial because we are left behind and we have no much time. You need to buckle up," he said trying to conceal his dissatisfaction, he excused her of she's  still  grieving. Abdulhakim Mainasara was a son from a richest family, studying accounting in the university. There friendship started from a mere crush Halima had for him, she used to be admiring him as he was her senior and because of his high intelligence. He was known as the school guru when its came to calculations. One day, Halima approached him to help her solve a problem in further mathematics and just like that, they clicked. He agreed to tutor her since he also has a feeling for her but trying to conceal it. No one can approach Halima Yusuf Turaki, maybe because of her brother or her stolid personality.

"Yes, I will get going then," she said when her eyes falls on the palace guard roaming around in search of her. It's already closing hours and every student was trying to leave for home.

"Bye," he waved. And that's how she found herself in tears and heartbroken. She sprawled on the bed the moment she was back not caring to get change or eat.

She heard a movement in the room making her to stir in her sleep, screeches of cufflinks and watch colliding with the oak table close to her, a strong cologne suffocating her.

"Wake up," she heard a masculine, husky and deep voice.

With a frown and a tired yawned, she let her eye open in order to see who was trying to cut short her nap.

Nouman stare at her tired, hungry and tears marred face, still in her uniform. That was enough to tell him she came straight to bed when she returned from school. "You? When have you came back," he heard her hoarse voice still lace with sleepiness.

"Just now, why are you still in uniforms" he said whilst loosing his silk ties that was no doubt damn expensive.

She sat up and stretched out her arms, "I was tired to get change," she responded doing away her knee length socks, her pale fair leg coming in view.

"Get changed and come downstairs, I got a gift for you," he chose to ignore tears marred face not wanting to know more about or was just trying to avoid the conversation at the time, knowing fully what's the reason behind them.

"Really, can I see it now?" Her eyes twinkled in delight, she love gifts. No one will say no to a gift though, when you give her one, you will be continue to be in her best lists. She was about get down from the bed when he stopped her, "not until you freshen up, get change and say your missed prayers." He says and that maid her pouts. Nouman look away from her pouty lips not to arouse what she couldn't handle.

She rushed to the restroom to freshen up, this time she didn't waste much of time. Changed into a peacock-colored shirt that shimmers with shades of blue and green, she exudes confidence and style. The vibrant colors of her shirt catch the light, drawing attention to her fashionable choice. Paired with the shirt, she wears an arctic bubble skirt that adds a playful and whimsical touch to her look. The skirt's voluminous and puffy shape creates a sense of fun and adds a hint of drama to her ensemble. With simple accessories and designs, she effortlessly enhances her outfit without overpowering it. Her choice of accessories perfectly complements her overall look, adding just the right amount of sparkle and charm. It's clear that she has a great eye for fashion and knows how to make a statement with her unique sense of style.

After praying, she grinned at Nouman who was now out of his black suit pant and black buttons up long sleeves shirt to a freshly pairs of outfits. He looks incredibly comfortable and relaxed in his chosen attire. Nouman is wearing a cozy pair of jogger pants made from soft, breathable fabric that allows him to move freely. Paired with the joggers, he has opted for a simple and comfortable t-shirt, perfect for lounging around. The shirt has a relaxed fit, providing ease of movement and a laid-back vibe. To complete his resting outfit, Nouman slips on a pair of plush slippers, giving his feet a break from the constraints of shoes. His hair is tousled, reflecting the relaxed nature of his attire.

"Let's go then," he said. He would have asked her to eat first but seeing the eagerness in her eyes, he let her be.

They walk downstairs with her behind him, the tense air between them is still noticeable even she is trying harder to get used to his presence. She just couldn't do that, Nouman wasn't some one one will try to get close to him due to his cold nature, he possesses an intriguing aura that captivates those around him. His enigmatic nature draws attention, leaving others curious about the depths of his personality. There's a certain air of mystery that surrounds him, making him intriguing and alluring. Nouman's demeanor exudes a sense of confidence and self-assurance, which can be both intriguing and slightly intimidating. He has a commanding presence that demands respect, and his reserved nature adds an air of sophistication to his character. While some may perceive him as distant or cold, there's an underlying depth to Nouman that only a select few have the privilege of witnessing. His words are carefully chosen, and his actions are deliberate, reflecting a thoughtful and introspective nature. Nouman's magnetic personality is like a puzzle waiting to be unraveled, and those who take the time to delve deeper will discover a fascinating and multi-faceted individual.

Halima's face lit up with a mix of anticipation and reluctance as she approached the center table. There, proudly standing, were two colossal gift boxes that seemed to command attention. These were no ordinary gift boxes; they were a visual feast for the eyes. The first box beckoned with an air of elegance and refinement. Its exterior was wrapped in a velvety embrace, a deep shade of midnight blue that shimmered under the soft glow of the room's ambient lighting. Intricate golden filigree adorned its edges, adding a touch of regal splendor. The second box, in stark contrast, exuded an aura of playfulness and whimsy. Its vibrant colors danced across the surface, a kaleidoscope of swirling patterns that seemed to come alive.

Halima's heart skipped a beat as she carefully opened the first box, revealing a treasure trove of photography and videography equipment. The box seemed to hold a world of possibilities within its confines. Nestled within plush velvet compartments, a collection of high-end lenses awaited their moment to capture breathtaking shots. Each lens designed to bring out the finest details and nuances in every frame. From wide-angle lenses that expanded the horizon to telephoto lenses that brought distant subjects closer, the possibilities were endless.

Next to the lenses, a sturdy tripod stand stood tall and proud. Its sleek design and adjustable height made it the perfect companion for capturing steady shots and creating captivating time-lapse videos. Halima couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship that went into creating such a versatile and reliable piece of equipment.

Illuminating the box were the mesmerizing ring lights, their soft glow casting a flattering and professional light on any subject. She could already imagine the captivating portraits and beautifully lit videos that could be created with these essential tools.

But the surprises didn't end there. As Halima delved deeper into the box, she discovered a collection of other expensive items that would elevate her photography and videography game to new heights. A state-of-the-art drone with advanced aerial capabilities promised breathtaking aerial shots and stunning panoramic views.

And tucked away in a secure compartment, the latest iPhone awaited, and that has her heart already. She let a sequel when she picked it up to unbox it, "thank you, thank you" she chanted.

Each item was meticulously arranged, showcasing their sleek designs and advanced features. The lenses were labeled with their respective focal lengths and aperture ranges, providing Halima with the information she needed to choose the perfect lens for any situation. The tripod stand boasted smooth, precise adjustments, allowing for effortless composition and stability. The ring lights featured adjustable brightness levels, ensuring the perfect lighting setup for every shoot.

Halima couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as she surveyed the contents of the second box. It held a plethora of accessories and gadgets that would enhance her photography and videography experience. From memory cards with ample storage capacity to professional-grade microphones for crystal-clear audio capture, every item was carefully chosen to meet her needs.
They held the tools and equipment she needed to bring her creative vision to life. "All this are mine?"

Every time Halima smiled, it was as if the whole world stopped and took notice. Her smile had this irresistible power to beguile and bewitch, reaching deep into Nouman's heart and captivating his soul. It was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, bringing warmth and joy to his life.

"You should eat now, I know you're hungry" he said, sliding down on the couch near him.

"I don't think I have space in my stomach to take in food right now. I will sort out this first" she replied, her eyes still on the boxes, roaming all over again.

Follow me on Instagram @Haniyyerh-X for more updates