Chapter 2 - Chapter # 2

📖 Chapter Two — Two Worlds, Same Storm

Noor leaned back against the small balcony railing, the evening breeze brushing against her face. From the third floor of their house, she could see the quiet neighborhood streets. Not too rich, not too crowded—just enough to keep peace. Her home was simple, built with care. Cream walls, big enough for comfort, small enough to remind her of reality.

Her room reflected her — grey-themed walls, minimal furniture. A wide wooden study desk with neat files stacked on the side, a small prayer corner in the corner, a simple sofa by the window. Nothing extra, nothing wasted.

Downstairs, the small garden Hafsa tended looked fresh. Kids' laughter echoed as Areeba and Daniyal chased each other. Inside, the smell of Hafsa's evening chai floated around.

Noor smiled faintly, but her mind wasn't here.

Her mind was upstairs — on the 32nd floor of Zayd Enterprises, on the cold voice of Rayyan Zayd, and on the challenge she'd taken head-on.

📍

Meanwhile, on the other end of the city, in a completely different world, Rayyan Zayd walked through his mansion—white exterior walls, tall glass windows, modern structure stretched wide like power standing tall. His mansion wasn't just big; it was designed for silence and control.

He passed through the black marble hall, into his room. Charcoal grey walls, dark wooden shelves, sleek glass partitions. No clutter—just high-end furniture, soft lighting, and the occasional expensive watch box on the side.

Rayyan opened his glass door and walked into his private garage. There, his cars stood like kings — BMW, Mercedes, and his favorite black Audi. He touched the Audi's shiny front, feeling calm.

His phone rang.

"Umer Shah," Rayyan said as he answered.

Umer's voice was happy, "So… how was your meeting?"

Rayyan sat down on a tall black chair in the garage. "Different," he said simply.

"Different good or different boring?" Umer joked

Rayyan stayed quiet for a moment. "Different interesting. Not scared. Didn't try to please me."

"That's rare," Umer said, amused. "Are you interested?"

Rayyan smiled a little. "I'm curious. Let's see how far she goes."

Umer chuckled, "She shook the great Rayyan Zayd. I need to meet her."

Rayyan turned to his cars. "Let's not get too excited. It's just business."

Umer teased, "You don't smile like this for business."

Rayyan didn't reply, just walked back towards the main house.

📍

Noor picked up her phone. Aiza had messaged, "How's life after meeting Mr. Cold?"

Noor grinned, typing back, "Normal. Just a man with too much power and too little smile."

📍

Rayyan leaned by his glass window, watching the city lights, phone in hand.

"She's trouble," he said softly to himself.

But for the first time in a while… it didn't feel like a bad thing.

Noor walked downstairs after changing into a simple hoodie and sweatpants. The smell of biryani filled the house. Her sister, Hafsa, was setting plates on the dining table while her brother-in-law, Ahmed, helped the kids wash their hands.

"Finally, the boss is here," Hafsa teased.

Noor smiled and sat down beside Daniyal, who quickly grabbed a chicken piece and grinned.

"Any trouble today?" Ahmed asked while passing the salad.

"Normal day," Noor replied, keeping it short. But inside, her head still spun with the day's meeting.

📍

Far away, Rayyan just came out of his bathroom, drying his hair. His room was silent, just like he liked it. Before he could sit, there was a soft knock.

"Come in," Rayyan said.

His mother stepped inside, holding a mug of coffee. "You missed lunch, now skipping dinner too?"

Rayyan took a long sip of his strong coffee. "I don't skip food… I skip bad food. And tea," he said with a slight grin.

His mother sighed. "You'll turn into a coffee machine at this rate."

"Good. At least coffee listens," Rayyan replied simply.

His mother gave him a knowing look. "Your face says you're thinking about someone."

Rayyan almost laughed. "Work, Ammi… just work."

She smiled gently and left after placing the coffee down.

📍

Noor's house was full of noise. The kids laughed, Hafsa kept reminding them to eat slowly, and Ahmed talked about some funny story from work. Noor quietly listened, eating slowly, feeling calm around her small but happy family.

The morning sun slid through the big glass windows of Rayyan's room. Inside, everything was quiet and neat. Rayyan stood in front of the mirror, fixing the collar of his jet-black shirt. His suit jacket was already pressed, shoes shining, and the soft glow from his expensive black watch reflected in the mirror.

Black. Simple. Sharp. His favorite.

He clipped his silver watch on his wrist, ran a hand through his clean, slightly messy hair, and grabbed his file.

Downstairs, in the white modern kitchen, his younger brother, Zayaan, sat with toast stuffed in his mouth, scrolling through his phone.

Rayyan sat opposite him, taking just a small omelette, a piece of bread, and—of course—a tall mug of black coffee.

Zayaan smirked, "No lectures today?"

Rayyan glanced up, "No talking during breakfast."

Zayaan only grinned wider. Rayyan focused on his meal, his usual quiet routine before business mode switched on.

📍

On the other side of the city, Noor was running late. Her alarm had screamed at her but she barely heard it. Last night's overthinking, worrying about her presentation, had pulled her into deep sleep after Fajr prayer.

She jumped out of bed, grabbed her grey suit, quickly pinned her hijab, skipped breakfast, grabbed her bag and files, and rushed out of the house with a quick "Khuda Hafiz" to Hafsa.

📍

At Zayd Enterprises, employees greeted Rayyan with "Assalamualaikum, sir," as he walked through the lobby, sharp and confident.

Noor entered a few minutes later, breathing hard, fixing her sleeves while running toward the lift. Just as the doors were closing—she reached out and pressed the button.

The lift stopped. Rayyan's black eyes looked up as Noor stepped inside, catching her breath but keeping her face calm.

"Late," Rayyan said quietly, raising an eyebrow.

"Not scared," Noor replied, standing tall beside him.

Silence.

Tension.

📍

In the boardroom, everyone was already waiting. Noor placed her files confidently, noticing the nervous glances from others. Her suit was grey with neat cuts, her hijab styled effortlessly — modest but smart.

Presentations started, people talked numbers and reports, but when Noor spoke, her voice was calm, her ideas bold. Even Umer, sitting at the end, nodded quietly, impressed.

After the meeting, people slowly left. Rayyan stood up to leave when Umer walked straight toward Noor.

"You handled them well," he said, nodding.

"Thanks," Noor replied, adjusting her file.

"Keep this energy. Not many survive their first meeting," Omer joked lightly, then walked away.

Noor headed back to her office. The floor was quiet, most people were at lunch. She placed her things neatly on the desk and walked to the small side room for wudu before Zohar.

📍

After a quick lunch, Rayyan walked across the hall, cup of coffee in hand. His steps slowed near Noor's office. He didn't plan it, but somehow… ended up standing by her door.

It was slightly open. He stepped inside, without knocking, casually looking around.

Her office was simple but clean. Light grey walls, a glass desk, files lined up neatly, a soft prayer mat folded on the side, a corner shelf with books, and a small plant near the window.

He walked slowly, taking it in. The quietness felt different.

📍

In the washroom attached to her office, Noor finished freshening up after wudu. She wiped her hands and came out—only to freeze halfway.

Rayyan stood there, checking her desk like it was his own place.

Noor cleared her throat. "You know… people knock before entering."

Rayyan turned, realizing her presence for the first time. His usual straight face stayed, but his eyebrow lifted slightly.

"I don't knock," he replied calmly, sipping his coffee.

Noor walked over to her prayer mat, unfazed. "Clearly."

Rayyan's eyes followed her quietly, watching as she spread her prayer mat.

"I'll pray now," Noor said softly, not asking, just stating.

Rayyan stood still for a moment, then placed his coffee cup on the corner table. "I'll wait."

📍

Silence filled the office, broken only by the soft sound of prayer. Rayyan sat on the side, arms crossed, eyes distant… yet focused.

For the first time, the loudest thing in the room… was peace.

Noor folded her prayer mat neatly and placed it back in the corner. She turned to see Rayyan still sitting there, calmly sipping his coffee, his gaze steady on her.

"You waited?" Noor asked, surprised.

Rayyan shrugged lightly. "I said I would."

Noor moved to her desk, adjusting her files. "I didn't expect the CEO of Zayd Enterprises to have this much free time."

Rayyan stood, walking towards her desk with slow steps. "I don't. But I make time… when something interesting happens."

Noor crossed her arms, her tone cool. "And you think I'm interesting?"

Rayyan's lips tugged into a small, sharp smile. "You're different… that's not something I see every day."

Noor held his stare, not moving back. "Different doesn't always mean good."

Rayyan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Sometimes… it means exactly that."

There was a quiet pause.

Noor shifted her tone, lighter, "Is this your style? Intimidate people, then confuse them with strange compliments?"

Rayyan actually smiled—more amused than before. "Maybe. I'm still figuring you out."

Noor walked around the desk and opened her file, not letting his words affect her. "Good luck with that. I'm not simple."

Rayyan's smile stayed. He picked up his coffee cup and headed for the door.

"Exactly why I'm curious," he said calmly, before stepping out.

Noor stood there for a second, her heart steady but her lips turning up just a little.

Maybe this challenge… wouldn't be so boring after all.

Noor placed the last file on her desk as Rayyan paused near the door, turning back slightly.

"There's a company gathering tomorrow evening," Rayyan said, voice calm.

Noor looked up, one eyebrow raised. "A party?"

"Not just any party," he replied. "It's for the team that worked on the recent deal… celebrating the success. Few investors will join too."

She nodded, understanding. "I'm new. I don't think I fit in."

Rayyan's black eyes stayed fixed on her. "You handled the toughest board members today. You fit in better than most."

Noor gave a small smile, "Is that your way of saying I'm invited?"

"It's not a request," Rayyan said simply. "You're expected to be there."

Noor leaned slightly on the desk, arms folded. "You should know, I don't enjoy loud parties."

Rayyan shrugged. "It's formal. No loud music. Just business people pretending to relax."

"Even worse," Noor teased softly.

Rayyan smiled for a second, sipping his coffee. "Don't worry, you won't be bored."

"Why? You planning to make it interesting?" Noor asked, challenging slightly.

"Maybe," he replied, turning towards the door. "Or maybe you'll make it interesting."

Noor chuckled lightly. "We'll see."

Rayyan opened the door, stopping briefly. "7 PM sharp. Don't be late."

Noor replied, "You might be surprised. I'm very good at showing up late."

Rayyan just smiled and walked out, leaving Noor slightly amused.