Chapter 2_ "Just Friends"
The weather was pleasant.
A gentle breeze and soft sunlight created a cozy atmosphere. The rustling of leaves was soothing to the ears. Although students often used the spot for secret dates, Zarmeena had chosen it to study in peace ... away from the chaos of university life.
She sat in the farthest corner of her academic department, her toes resting on a low wall, completely immersed in a book.
Occasionally, she scribbled in her notebook, oblivious to the world around her...until a familiar, frantic voice broke her focus.
“Zaro! My adorable friend, only you can save me! Please, please, please!” cried Sajida, her childhood friend and partner in crime, followed closely by Sajid.
Zarmeena groaned. “What now?” she asked, clearly annoyed. “Can’t you stay out of trouble for once? I come here for peace and you’ve managed to ruin that too.”
“This is the only quiet place I have left to study,” she muttered, slamming her book shut. Turning to Sajid, she asked, “What’s the crisis this time? Did the sky fall on her?”
“Sir Safdar took her phone,” Sajid replied quickly, distancing himself from the drama.
“I was just texting my mother to let her know I arrived safely!” Sajida defended herself, pinching her chin as if to swear on her innocence.
“Your mother probably already knows who you were really texting. She’ll just buy you a new one,” Zarmeena said, patting Sajida’s back before returning to her book.
“Zaro, just this once—please save me. I promise I’ll never get into trouble again!” Sajida begged, dropping to her knees like a desperate soul.
“That grumpy old man! He’s always targeting innocent students. He’ll never find peace in the grave. Snakes will bite him, spiders will sting him, and ugly vampires will suck his blood!” Sajida cursed melodramatically, her expressions so ridiculous that Sajid burst out laughing.
“Look at him, Zaro! He was laughing while I got scolded. I swear, one day I’ll pull out every yellow tooth from this so-called best friend of yours!” Sajida snapped. Sajid frowned at her insult.
“I wasn’t the only one laughing. The whole class was! What was I supposed to do ... join you in punishment?” he replied defensively.
Sajida turned back to Zarmeena. “Please! My mom will kill me. It’s only been two months since she bought me this phone.”
Zarmeena sighed and made a stern face. “Okay, okay... but nothing in this universe is free. You’ll have to do something in return.”
“I’ll do anything!” Sajida promised.
“I don’t want to hear any more of your dramatic nonsense,” Zarmeena cut her off, placing her palms over her ears.
“Whatever my queen commands,” Sajida said sweetly, slipping an arm around Zarmeena’s shoulders.
+----------------------------+
A little while later, the three of them sat in the college cafeteria. A huge pizza sat in front of them like a treasure, and they stared at it with hungry eyes.
“Sajid, why aren’t you eating?” Zarmeena asked.
“I feel bad for Sajida. She paid for this... maybe we should contribute a bit,” he said, trying to sound considerate. Sajida looked at him with hopeful eyes ... until he added, “I’ll pay for the soft drinks.”
“Oye, dumbo! Drinks are complimentary,” Zarmeena said flatly.
“Oh! Then it’s okay,” Sajid grinned, flashing his teeth. Sajida resisted the urge to knock them out. Meanwhile, the other two devoured the pizza like they hadn’t eaten in days.
“My mom’s been serving the same reheated dish for three days straight. Even its color’s changed. And she refuses to cook until we finish it,” Zarmeena said between bites.
“My hostel food is no better. This pizza feels like a feast,” Sajid chimed in.
Sajida stared at them, heartbroken over the fate of her pocket money.
Noticing her expression, Zarmeena tried to console her. “Don’t worry, Sajida. Fifteen hundred is nothing compared to fifty thousand.”
They burst into laughter, teasing Sajida, unaware that their conversation had caught the attention of a group sitting nearby.
At a corner table, Salar, Jawad, and Fahad sat watching the trio with great interest. Jawad and Fahad were visibly entertained, and even the usually serious Salar seemed engaged.
As they finished their meal and left the cafeteria, Fahad laughed. “That trio cracks me up. Their chemistry is unmatched.”
Jawad nodded. “Yeah, especially Sajida’s expressions. Did you notice how she kept glancing at you?”
Fahad tensed. “What do you mean?”
“Relax. Just joking,” Jawad smirked. “But seriously, their friendship is unique.”
“Funny how both of Zarmeena’s best friends are named Sajid and Sajida,” Fahad added, chuckling.
“True. But did you know they only met Sajid two years ago?” Jawad said. “There’s actually a story behind that.”
Fahad leaned in with curiosity.
“Sajid used to be bullied for being a bit girlish. Sajida saw it happening and told Zarmeena. And you know how bold she is ... she and her gang stepped in and taught the bullies a lesson. Sajid stuck close to her afterward, and they became good friends.”
Salar, listening silently, felt a strange discomfort. Zarmeena’s close friendship with Sajid unsettled him.
Just then, their food arrived.
“Let’s focus on eating,” Fahad said, distracted by the smell.
“You guys go ahead, I’ll just have some coffee,” Salar said, eyes drifting back toward the cafeteria.
He spotted Zarmeena talking to Uncle Usman, the cafeteria manager.
“Thank you, kiddo. The veggies were organic and garden-fresh,” Uncle Usman smiled.
“My mother and granny work hard to grow them,” Zarmeena replied, pride in her voice.
Salar, still standing at a distance, listened intently.
“You’re a blessing to your family,” Uncle Usman said sincerely, handing her an envelope.
She counted the money, then quietly tucked it into her sock. “If you need more, just let me know.”
“Uncle, one more favor,” she added softly.
“Yes, kiddo?”
“I want to pay Sajid’s bill. How much is it?” she whispered.
Salar leaned closer without being noticed.
“Two thousand six hundred and fifty,” Usman replied.
Zarmeena handed over the money. “Please don’t tell him I paid. He wouldn’t accept it.”
“Why do you keep doing this?” Uncle Usman asked, concerned.
“This is the last time. He’s struggling after paying his semester fees,” she explained.
Salar felt a sharp pang in his chest. Her generosity toward Sajid bothered him in ways he couldn't explain. He turned and walked away.
Back at the table, Fahad was waiting for Jawad.
“Go pay the bill,” Salar said flatly.
“What?” Fahad turned to Jawad. “Did you hear that?”
Jawad nodded.
“You promised to pay!” Fahad exclaimed.
“I don’t have money,” Salar lied.
“My dear Salar Malik, heir of Malik Industries, broke?” Fahad teased.
“Enough. I’m going home,” Salar snapped and walked off.
As he left, he k
ept muttering to himself.
“Stupid girl… paying his bill… What am I even doing? Get a grip, Salar. You’re losing it over nothing.”
