Swear On You, My beloved! (ZARRY)

2

"Why do have so many friends around you? Too many friends will only distract you from your path. Don't you know that, Harry?", Harry sighed silently, putting down his fork as his father started his usual lecture about his portrayal of perfection.

Des always had certain rules and regulations to be followed, no matter the situation. To say that Harry's childhood had been boring and lonely would be a literal understatement. He was constantly trying to act as per his father's wishes, talk when he was given the permission to and even had to cut his hair short to a certain length, because according to his father, long hair was meant only for girls. Harry had a deep desire to grow out his hair but he didn't want to get on his father's bad side ever. No matter how strict he was, he was still his father, whom he looked up a lot.

"I'll try to limit my friends circle, father", Harry answered respectfully even when he didn't mean it.

"I've been telling you the same since your middle school, Harry. Yet, you've got a huge gang of annoying people called friends. What is their purpose in your life? Are they going to be useful to you in any way? You've just now started your university, only a freshman but still you've got people sticking to you like the flies. Law isn't a cakewalk and no one is going to help you set your career in the future. You need to work for yourself without distraction", his father criticised as Harry just wished he could disappear into thin air.

"I'll never let you down, father", he answered without looking up at his father. His eyes found his half eaten plate much more interesting than the conversation at hand.

"And why do you have so many girls around you? You must only mingle with boys, Harry. It'd only change your behaviour. You're already acting a lot like those women. I don't want any outsider to point their fingers on you. You've a huge successful future to look forward to. No one wants you to talk or behave like a woman. You'll lose your credibility", Harry lost his appetite but stayed silent out of respect.

"Des, please let the boy eat. He just came home after a month. The hostel food ain't good for him. Atleast, let him eat peacefully during this weekend", his mother spoke softly only to be cut off by his father's harsh glare.

"He's not staying here", he said with a finality, before turning towards his son. "You can have your dinner and get back to the university. You must not waste your weekend when you could use it to study. Don't let your mother's face weaken you up, boy. Finish your food fast", he ordered as Harry lightly pushed his plate away from him.

"Actually, I'm full. I had a heavy lunch too. So, I'll get going now", he stood up as his father just nodded in agreement.

"But Harry, it's your favourite -", his mother began speaking.

"Don't worry, mom. I'm honestly not hungry. I'll see you later. I'll leave now. Bye. Take care", he walked out faster, ignoring his mother's call. Honestly, he hadn't even eaten his lunch since his mom had told him she'll make his favourite Shepherd's pie and he just wanted to come home sooner. But, he just couldn't stay any longer to hear his father's nitpicking behaviour and he had lost all his appetite when he knew his father would come home earlier than usual.

He pulled into the university parking lot, ignoring his hungry stomach and the throbbing headache which was beginning to increase its pace gradually. He practically ran towards his dorm, not wanting to run into any known faces and answer their questioning gazes. He locked his room behind him and fell face first into his bed, closing his eyes, trying to push away everything that happened in the past hour. He didn't know when he fell into a deep sleep while he was hungry, tired and lonely; a deadly combination.

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"Harry, c'mon. You know you're the best with debates. You can't say no to this", Clara, one of his classmates claimed.

"Yeah, honestly you're the only option we've got, man. Every department is going to bring out their best talent. We only have you", Jack spoke as everyone agreed.

"But, you're all gonna be attorneys or lawyers too. Why can't you choose yourself, guys. I really don't want to do it", he sighed in annoyance.

"Harry, mate, this wasn't you an year ago. You were always so excited and hyped up for such chances. What happened to you?", Byron questioned as Harry stayed determined.

"I just want to concentrate on my studies, guys. Just one more year for us to go. I have to make a name for myself, guys. Is it that hard to understand?", he almost snapped.

"This is also a part of academics, Harry. Debate team isn't a game, you know. Every other department are going to place their safe bets and we really need you to win it. You're definitely the trump card we've got. How hard is that to understand?", Niall, his best friend tried to make him understand.

"Niall, but you need to-", Harry was cut off mid sentence by the blonde haired boy.

"No more excuses. Harry will participate. C'mon guys, write his name on the sheet", he announced as his friends squealed in happiness.

"Niall, I hate you", he grumbled but his best friend wasn't offended.

"You too, mate. Now, we need to do research and gather points for your argument. What's going to be your side? Social security should be privatized. For or against?", Niall questioned casually. "Of course you'll choose FOR. I know that", he answered himself without giving Harry the chance. Harry couldn't help but smile at his best friend's eagerness and he just couldn't deny him.

"We got some job to do. Jot down the points, Niall. I'll dictate everything", he said with a wide smile as his best friend nodded, picking up a pen and paper immediately.

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"Have you spoken to your dad, yet?", Liam asked Zayn who ignored his question, while they entered the football field. "Zayn, I'm asking you a question, man", he pried again only to be ignored again.

"Liam, you really don't know when to shut up. He ain't opening his mouth and you know better than pushing him right now", Louis defended his friend, as usual.

"Louis, you don't always have to be a yes man here. He's our brother and it's our duty to look out for him", Liam scolded as the short guy shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm not being anything, Liam. He definitely doesn't need his friends to give him a lecture right now", he argued as Zayn walked away from the bickering duo. He found himself a quite corner behind the empty bleachers.

Zayn didn't like to discuss some issues with anyone and his dad was one such topic. He understands that his friends were only trying to support him but this was his personal life and he didn't need anyone's opinion on it.

He lit up a cigarette, immediately bringing it up to his lips, taking in a big drag. His eyes were uncontrollably stuck on one person who wasn't even aware of his presence.

At that moment, Zayn found his peace. The cure for his messed up life and he can take many more arguments with his dad or lectures from his friends if he could get to stare at a certain curly haired guy all day; even if it's only from afar. He didn't mind it.

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To be continued... 💚💛

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