Beyond the game

Days passed in their usual rhythm, each one blending into the next. Azra's life was a delicate balance of responsibilities and moments of fleeting joy. Her mornings were spent at the orphanage, caring for the children, her afternoons at college, and her evenings dedicated to her work. But there were also the little breaks she had with Yuzarsif—quiet picnics, casual meet-ups, and moments that felt like a peaceful oasis amidst her busy life. It was in those moments that she felt most herself, the weight of the world momentarily lifted as she allowed herself to enjoy the growing bond between them.

However, one afternoon, Azra found herself in a situation she hadn't anticipated. She'd stopped by her favorite café to grab a quick coffee, only to run into Jamal, who was sitting at a table near the window, absorbed in a stack of papers. His gaze lifted when she entered, and he smiled warmly.

"Azra," he greeted her with a nod, waving her over. "Come, sit with me for a moment."

Surprised by the encounter but not bothered by it, Azra made her way to the table. Jamal gestured to the empty seat in front of him.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here," Azra remarked, settling into the chair.

"Same here," Jamal replied. "But it's good to see you. How have you been?"

"Busy, as usual," Azra answered with a smile. "You know, work, college, the orphanage. Keeping busy keeps me grounded."

Jamal nodded thoughtfully. "I can imagine. You've got a lot on your plate." He paused, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "I've heard about your... new relationship, by the way."

Azra's heart skipped a beat, but she remained composed. She knew what he was talking about—Yuzarsif. There was no reason to hide it. "Yes, Yuzarsif and I are seeing each other," she said simply.

Jamal raised an eyebrow, not in surprise but more in curiosity. "I'm happy for you," he said genuinely. "It's nice to see you with someone who makes you happy."

Azra didn't know how to respond immediately, so she gave a small nod, appreciating his words. Jamal continued, his tone casual but with a hint of something deeper beneath.

"You two seem like a good match," he added, leaning back in his chair slightly. "I know it's not easy to find someone who truly understands you, but it looks like you've found that."

Azra gave him a warm smile. "He does. It's... different with him. It just feels right."

Jamal's expression softened, and for a moment, his gaze lingered on her with an unreadable emotion. Then, he shifted his focus back to the papers on the table, but not before a quiet sigh escaped his lips.

"Yeah, I can see that," he said. "I'm glad for you, Azra. Really. I'm sure Yuzarsif will treat you well."

Azra didn't miss the brief flicker of sadness in his eyes. She knew Jamal well enough to recognize the subtle signs of unspoken feelings. But there was no need for guilt. There had never been anything between her and Jamal beyond friendship, and there was no reason for her to feel guilty for following her heart.

"Thanks, Jamal," she said softly, her tone sincere. "I appreciate you saying that."

The two of them sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, the conversation drifting toward other topics. Azra could tell that Jamal was genuinely happy for her, despite the faint undercurrent of something unspoken.

Eventually, they stood up to part ways, and Jamal gave her one last look.

"Take care of yourself, Azra," he said. "And don't forget to take time for yourself, too."

"I won't," she replied, smiling. "You too, Jamal."

As Azra walked away from the café, the encounter left her with a bittersweet feeling. She didn't regret her choice or feel guilty. Jamal was a good man, and they'd always have their friendship, but she had her own path to follow now.

Her heart was with Yuzarsif, and that was all that mattered.

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