Beyond the game

The café was a quiet, elegant place in the heart of the city, filled with the comforting aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries. Azra and Rahma sat at a corner table, waiting. Rahma had been tapping her fingers against the table impatiently while Azra remained composed, stirring her tea slowly.

"I can't believe he made us come early just to be late himself," Rahma muttered.

Azra glanced at her watch. "He's only five minutes late. Be patient."

Before Rahma could respond, the entrance door opened, and a tall man with sharp features, neatly styled hair, and a warm smile walked in. His presence immediately caught attention, but his gaze was focused on one thing—them.

"Jamal!" Rahma jumped up excitedly.

Jamal grinned and walked over, pulling Rahma into a tight hug. "Look at you, Rahma. You haven't changed at all."

Rahma playfully pushed him. "Of course, I haven't! But you—you've turned into some rich businessman or something."

Jamal chuckled, then turned his attention to Azra. His smile softened. "Azra."

Azra stood up, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other. The years apart had changed them both, yet something familiar lingered in the way Jamal gazed at her.

"You're finally back," she said, her voice calm.

Jamal nodded. "For good this time."

Azra gave him a small smile. "Welcome back, Jamal."

They sat down, and Jamal leaned back in his chair, studying them both. "So, tell me everything. How have you two been?"

Rahma launched into an animated story about their lives, filling Jamal in on all the little details he had missed. Azra mostly listened, occasionally adding a few words. She wasn't cold—just reserved.

Jamal, however, kept sneaking glances at her. She had always been distant, but now there was a quiet strength about her, something he admired even more.

As the conversation flowed, Jamal finally asked, "So, Azra, anyone special in your life?"

Rahma smirked. "Oh, you should see—"

Azra shot her a warning look. "No one."

Jamal raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Azra nodded. "I've been too busy with medical school."

Jamal leaned forward slightly. "That sounds like you. Always focused, always determined."

Rahma suddenly clapped her hands. "Alright! Enough of the serious talk. Jamal, since you're back, you should treat us to dinner soon!"

Jamal laughed. "Of course. Just say the time and place."

Azra checked her phone. It was getting late. "I should go."

Jamal stood up with her. "Let me drop you off."

Azra shook her head. "No need. I'll take a taxi."

Jamal sighed but didn't insist. "Alright. But next time, no excuses."

Azra simply nodded before walking away.

As she left, Jamal watched her with an unreadable expression. He had come back expecting familiarity, but something had shifted.

And he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

—

Meanwhile, Yuzarsif sat in his office, scrolling through his phone.

A message popped up from one of his men.

"Jamal Ameer is back."

Yuzarsif smirked.

Interesting.