Chapter 1: Introduction
Hasan sat at the same desk, in the same seat for the third day in a row, trying to look as if he didn't care. Trying to fool himself, more like it.
Mind you, there was nothing wrong with the class, nor the university. He loved his studies in electrical engineering, loved the challenge, and most of all, loved that tingly feeling when he finally grasped a complicated concept and saw the light of success dawn in his mind.
It was her. Specifically, Hanaa.
She sat at the desk opposite his. Each day, he would find himself glancing over towards her, watching her sip on her coffee from a delicate porcelain cup, the steam swirling around her like a cloud of mystery.
Hanaa, on her part, seemed unaffected by his staring, her cool eyes always engaged with whatever she was working on. But there was something about her, some fascination that pulled him in like a tractor beam.
He found himself thinking about her hours after the class, in the middle of his next class, and even in the middle of the night. Was this what they called a crush? Or just the simple fact that she was beautiful and alluring, a mystery he wanted to unravel?
As the days passed, Hasan found himself drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He had to know more about her, had to break the barrier of their separate desks and get to know her.
He decided to reach out to her on WhatsApp, something simple and casual so as not to come on too strong.
"Hey, I'm Hasan, from our electrical engineering class. I love your coffee cup, where did you get it?"
It was a dorky message, but it would have to do. He hit send and waited for her response, drumming his fingers nervously on his desk.
Within minutes, his phone buzzed with a new message.
"Hanaa. It's a family heirloom, actually. Thanks for noticing. How's your class going?"
A jolt of excitement surged through him. She had replied! She had even used his name, which meant she had remembered him.
"It's going well, thanks. I wanted to ask if you wanted to meet up to discuss the coursework sometime?
I’m having a bit of trouble with the latest assignment. A friendly voice, anything to hear more of her.
“Sure thing, I don’t mind helping you out. How about tomorrow at the campus cafe around 3pm? I’ll be the one with the porcelain cup.”
A smile spread across my face, unable to contain my delight. “Perfect, I’ll see you then.”
I had to admit, I couldn’t focus on my work for the rest of the day. My thoughts were consumed by Hanaa and the possibility of getting to know her better.