In an Uber towards VelNagar, Guindy
"When you don't smile, people call you broken.
When you smile wholeheartedly, people call you mental."
Zeema sighed softly, resting her head against the car window.
"So yeah… it's never really about you. It's always about what others want and what others think."
Outside the Uber, the city moved like a restless river. Tall glass buildings rose beside older apartments, their balconies crowded with plants and drying clothes. The streets were alive with honking vehicles, rushing pedestrians, and the smell of roadside food drifting through the evening air.
Zeema watched it all silently.
"So remember… only you can love yourself," she thought. "So love yourself unconditionally. Don't wait for someone else to love you."
It was a lesson she had learned the hard way.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"And that's exactly what I'm going to do. Live my life the way I want. Happily."
The Uber slowed as it entered a large gated apartment community in VelNagar, Guindy. Security guards opened the gate, allowing the car to roll inside.
Towering buildings stood neatly arranged around landscaped gardens and walking paths.
The driver stopped near the entrance of one of the towers.
"We've arrived, ma'am," he said.
Zeema nodded, paid the fare, and stepped out of the car. A warm breeze brushed against her face as she looked up at the tall building that would now be her home.
After collecting her bag, she walked inside and took the elevator to the 8th floor.
When the elevator doors opened, she stepped into a quiet corridor and walked toward Apartment 3I.
The door was already open.
Inside, several helpers were moving around the apartment, arranging furniture and placing boxes in their proper places. Standing near the living room was her uncle's assistant, giving instructions.
"Careful with that box. Put it in the study room," he said to one of the workers.
Zeema stepped inside just as the work was almost finished.
The workers were now wiping surfaces and cleaning the floor.
The assistant noticed her and immediately straightened.
"Ma'am," he said politely. "We arranged the apartment according to sir's instructions. If you need any changes or additional things, please feel free to inform us."
He gestured toward the workers.
The helpers began gathering their cleaning tools and moving toward the exit.
"Oh, and one more thing," the assistant continued. "Sir has arranged a house helper. She will come four days a week to clean the apartment and do the laundry while you are not at home."
He hesitated slightly before continuing.
"Sir also knows that you have your own money… but he still hopes you will accept his support."
He handed her a bank card.
Zeema looked at it quietly.
"Just in case you need anything," he added gently.
After giving a polite nod, the assistant left with the workers, closing the door behind them.
The apartment fell into a peaceful silence.
Zeema placed her bag on the sofa and slowly walked around, observing everything.
It was a three-bedroom apartment.
The master bedroom had a queen-sized bed placed neatly in the center. One side of the wall was covered by a long closet. There was also an attached bathroom and a separate changing area.
Large glass doors opened to a spacious balcony, letting in plenty of natural light.
The second room had been turned into a study and home gym . Shelves filled with her books lined the walls. Her gaming setup sat on a sleek desk beside her camera equipment and tools.
The third room was a guest room.
The living room was wide and comfortable, with another balcony connected to it. Beside it was the dining area, which led into a separate kitchen.
Everything looked clean, organized, and ready.
But despite the size of the apartment, the silence felt… large.
Zeema stood there for a moment before quietly walking toward her bedroom.