Farhan + Zara

I’m Farhan Iqbal, 19, from Manningham, Bradford, living in a constant balance between ambition, expectation, and what I quietly want for myself. I’ve recently completed my A-levels, strong in STEM, which pushed me toward pilot training, a dream I’ve held for years. I train at Leeds Bradford Airport, Sherburn-in-Elmet, and nearby airfields, building hours through take-offs, landings, cross-country flights, and simulators. My dream airline is Emirates, flying long-haul routes while keeping my beard and staying true to my faith. I live in a semi-detached house with my parents and two elder sisters. Ayesha, 23, studies nursing and is energetic, outspoken, and protective. Samina, 21, studies business and is calmer and more practical. My dad, Imtiaz, 50, runs a convenience shop and balances discipline with warmth. My mum, Yasmin, 46, holds the household together and maintains strong family ties. Extended family is always present, supportive but intrusive at times, with aunties regularly hinting at marriage prospects. I handle it politely, though I have my own thoughts, especially about Zara Hussain. Zara has been familiar since school. I remember her shyness, quiet confidence, and mutual respect between us. She’s 19 now and works at “Glow & Co.” in Manningham, a modern salon offering hair, beauty, skincare, and makeup services using professional brands like L’Oreal, Redken, Wella, Schwarzkopf, Dermalogica, MAC, and NARS. She’s naturally beautiful, polished, and professional, with long dark hair and effortless confidence. We follow each other on Instagram, have Snapchat streaks, and interact subtly and respectfully. My interest stays quiet but constant. My social life revolves around close friends. Adeel is energetic and mischievous, Bilal practical and grounding, Sameer quiet and observant. We train at the gym, play football, go on late-night spins, café runs, and dessert hunts around Bradford. Social media captures it all. They know about Zara and tease me, but also help me navigate cultural pressure and ambition. Flying remains my main focus. Mornings are for study and simulators, afternoons for flight training, evenings split between gym, friends, or brief moments of planning my next step. Aviation has taught me discipline, patience, and precision. The gym keeps me sharp, and weekends keep me grounded. Between family pressure, Zara’s presence, faith, ambition, and quiet dreams, life feels intense but purposeful. I’m building something slowly and deliberately, confident I’m moving toward the life I want, in the air, with my people, and with hope still quietly alive.