Morning light filtered gently into the small apartment Anisa and Zayan called home.
The scent of freshly brewed tea filled the kitchen as Zayan adjusted the strap of his bag, glancing at the clock on the wall. Anisa stood by the window, her hair loosely tied, sketchbook resting against her arm as she reviewed a design idea one last time. šš
Before leaving, Zayan walked toward her with a soft smile.
"Be ready this evening," he said gently. "Let's go out. A movieā¦ and dinner. Somewhere nice." š
Anisa looked up, surprised, then smiled; warm, genuine, and full of love. "On a weekday?" she teased.
"Especially on a weekday," he replied. š
He leaned forward, placing a tender kiss on her forehead, lingering just long enough to make her close her eyes. It was a small gesture, but it carried years of affection, comfort, and unspoken promises.
"I'll be back soon," Zayan whispered before stepping out the door. š
Anisa watched him leave, her heart light and hopeful. She spent the rest of the day working with unusual excitement,choosing an outfit, planning her hair, imagining the laughter they would share in a dark movie theater and over warm food afterward. š
Evening came quietly.
Anisa was almost ready when her phone rang. š±
Zayan's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey," she answered, smiling.
There was a brief pause on the other end.
"Anisaā¦ I'm sorry," Zayan said, his voice strained. "A client meeting came up suddenly. It's urgent. I don't think I'll make it this evening." š£
Her smile faded, replaced by a moment of disappointment she tried hard to hide.
"Oh," she said softly. "That's okay. Work is important."
"I promise we'll do it another day," he added quickly. "I didn't forget." š¤
"I know," Anisa replied, though a quiet ache settled in her chest. "Justā¦ don't be too late."
After the call ended, Anisa sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the dress she had chosen so carefully. š©
She told herself it was nothing.
Just one evening postponed.
Yet, somewhere deep inside her, a strange unease stirred; soft, fleeting, and easy to ignore.
For now. ā