Bhadrak College was glowing under the afternoon sun. Outside the gate, students filled the air with noise — some laughing, some talking on their phones. But among that crowd, one girl stood out effortlessly.
Noor.
She wore a blue college uniform, a white hijab resting softly over her head, and a touch of kajal in her eyes. There was no heavy makeup on her face, only a simple, natural glow. She didn't walk timidly. With her head held high, a sparkle in her eyes and a gentle smile on her lips, she moved toward her bicycle.
Noor's home was about thirty minutes away from college, so she traveled every day on her cycle. She placed her bag in the basket, adjusted her dupatta, and slowly began to pedal.
Just then, a black Rolls-Royce stopped quietly on the road.
Inside the car sat Azlan Khan.
Manali's young business tycoon. Meetings and deals were part of his daily life. But the moment his eyes fell on the girl in the hijab, his thoughts froze.
Azlan lowered the car window slightly.
Noor rode past the college gate, sunlight shining over her hijab. The breeze played gently with her dupatta.
A strange silence settled in Azlan's heart.
The driver said,
"Sir, it's time for the meeting."
Without taking his eyes off Noor, Azlan replied softly,
"Find out about that girl properly."
The car moved ahead,
but Azlan's heart kept traveling with Noor's bicycle.
Noor was lost in her own little world. Sometimes she rang her cycle bell, sometimes she thought about buying vegetables for mom, about showing Haya a new dress. Her life was simple, yet her heart was wide and warm.
When she reached home, Noor parked her cycle.
A cat wrapped itself around her feet.
Laughing, Noor said,
"Oh my queen, were you waiting for me again today?"
From the kitchen, mom's voice came,
"Noor, wash your hands and face first, dear."
Noor adjusted her hijab and walked inside with a smile.
She had no idea…
that the road she traveled every day with a smile
was the same road that would lead her into Azlan Khan's world.