LOST AND FOUND

part 7

Chapter: Acts of Sacrifice

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Scene 1: Yumi’s Efforts to Win His Heart

It had been a long two days for Yumi. She hadn’t slept, not a wink, because she had been determined to finish something for Mahir—something special. She worked late into the night, knitting a sweater, her hands moving fast despite the weariness that threatened to overwhelm her.

The sweater was handmade, each stitch a message she wanted to send him without words. The soft wool was chosen specifically because she knew it was his favorite color.

As the hours passed, fatigue began to take its toll, but Yumi didn’t care. The thought of Mahir, how he always seemed so distant, pushed her forward. She was doing this for him—because she loved him, more than anything in the world.

Finally, after two sleepless nights, the sweater was ready.

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Scene 2: The Gift

The next day, Yumi walked up to Mahir, the sweater folded neatly in her hands. Her heart raced as she approached him. She had to get this right.

"Mahir," she said, her voice nervous but steady. "I made this for you. I... I hope you like it."

Mahir looked at her, his expression unreadable, but the glint in his eyes told her all she needed to know. He took the sweater without a word, looking down at it for a moment before his gaze flicked back to her.

“I don’t need this, Yumi,” Mahir said bluntly. He didn’t try to hide the dismissive tone in his voice.

Yumi’s smile faltered, but she nodded, trying to keep her emotions in check. She had expected it, but the sting was still sharp. “I... I just wanted to do something nice for you.”

Mahir tossed the sweater onto his desk, not sparing another glance at it. "Don’t waste your time. I’m not interested in this kind of stuff."

Yumi stood frozen for a moment, her heart sinking, but she managed to pull herself together. Without a word, she turned and walked away, leaving Mahir to his indifference.

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Scene 3: Yumi’s Unwavering Devotion

Despite the rejection, Yumi couldn’t stop herself. Her feelings for Mahir were deeper than ever, and she kept finding ways to show him how much she cared.

One afternoon, she had spent hours in the kitchen preparing Mahir’s favorite dish—his mother’s recipe. She had followed every step meticulously, trying to make it perfect. She carried the meal to him with shaky hands, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Mahir,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I made this for you. I thought you might like it.”

Mahir took one look at the food and without hesitation, turned his back to her. “I don’t want this. I’m not going to eat it.”

Yumi bit her lip, struggling to keep her composure. She had hoped that maybe, just maybe, Mahir would soften. But his rejection stung like a slap. She placed the dish on the counter, her face flushed with embarrassment, and walked away quickly.

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Scene 4: The Fight

The college campus was always full of energy, but today was different. There was a tension in the air, as two rival colleges had come for a competition, and things were about to get out of hand. Yumi, Kabir, Ahaan, and Mahir found themselves in the middle of an altercation between the two groups.