Monday morning. Daniyal reached the office a little late, slipping quietly into his cubicle. He logged in just behind Saaniya, who was already immersed in her work. Around her sat Shehla, Shanaya, and Sabohi, chatting lightly while attending their calls.
Saaniya was on a call, her voice calm, precise, and confident. Daniyal watched, mesmerized. Her calculations were quick and flawless, her tone polite yet assertive. He didn't notice himself leaning forward slightly, captivated by her focus.
As the call ended, Daniyal spoke before he could stop himself:
Daniyal: "You're a master at this."
Saaniya glanced at him briefly, smiling politely.
Saaniya: "Thank you."Then she turned back to her screen, completely unbothered.
The day passed, and Daniyal kept noticing small details: the way she spoke to every customer, her quick humor, the effortless confidence she carried. At one point, wanting to ask her a small work-related question, he blurted:
Daniyal: "Hey… uh… can you tell me… how do you handle your client's refunds sister? I mean… —"
Saaniya's eyes snapped to him, sharp and unamused.
Saaniya: "Hello? I have only two brothers, and they're at home. My name is Saaniya—it's meant to be used. Not my 'sister.'
Daniyal froze. How could a girl just say that to a guy? It was bold, sharp, almost intimidating—but there was no malice in it. Just… Saaniya being Saaniya.
Shehla noticed Daniyal trying to join their conversation, smiled, and included him effortlessly. The shy, composed girl immediately warmed up to his presence, making the dynamic around Saaniya more complex. Daniyal found himself laughing along, enjoying the camaraderie, but his eyes kept drifting to Saaniya. Every introduction, every quick joke she made… he observed, memorized, and even tried to mimic her style quietly.
When Yashar, the head of the department, approached Saaniya's station and commended her for speed and accuracy, Daniyal could only nod in awe. She handled every call with the grace of someone who had been doing it for years.
Saaniya: "Where did you work before this?"
Daniyal: "Ah… a few other call centers. Nothing as… dynamic as here."
Saaniya nodded politely, uninterested, but welcoming. That was just who she was—strong, independent, and unshakable.
Meanwhile, Daniyal's phone buzzed repeatedly, but he ignored it, fully absorbed by observing her, learning her style, and getting a glimpse into the energy she brought to the office.
When the shift ended, Daniyal approached Saaniya.
Daniyal: "It was… nice talking to you today."
Without looking up, Saaniya replied with her usual composure.
Saaniya: "Likewise."
Daniyal walked away, still replaying the "sister" incident in his mind. He had never met anyone quite like her.
Back home, he freshened up and collapsed onto his bed. His phone buzzed incessantly—18 messages from Komal. He immediately called her.
Daniyal: "Hello, my dearest! I'm sorry, the phone was on silent, it was such a busy day."
Komal: "It's okay… I was just worried."
Daniyal: "I know. But work kept me fully occupied. Today was my first morning shift, and… it was hectic. The girls handle it so effortlessly. There's one girl, Saaniya… she's… so strange. I wanted to ask her about a work process and—by accident—I called her 'sister.' She immediately snapped at me."
Komal laughed softly, already picturing the scene.
Daniyal: "She said, 'I have only two brothers, and my name is Saaniya—it's meant to be used.' Can you imagine? I was speechless. I didn't even know what to say!"
Komal giggled.
Daniyal: "And it's funny… she's not just sharp at work. She dances, drives, races cars… She was at Naveed's wedding. Every time I see her, she surprises me. But at work, flawless—'Hello, Saaniya Sikandar here, how may I help you?' Every call… perfect. Even Yashar came and praised her speed and accuracy."
Komal's voice softened.
Komal: "I missed you the whole day."
Daniyal realized he had been talking too much, lost in recounting Saaniya's quirks.
Daniyal: "I… I missed you too."
He smiled to himself, realizing that despite the intrigue of Saaniya, his heart and mind always returned to Komal.