Love Over Friends.

Chapter 5 - Aaliyah's mistake

The next day

Aaliyah's Point of View:
I felt a pang of guilt for Alisha as I pulled on my workout gear. She had to go home alone today while I stayed behind for marathon tryouts. Normally, we'd walk together, but not today. I tied my sneakers tight, and headed to the field, trying to shake off the nerves creeping into my chest.

"You must be Aaliyah," a voice called out as I approached the track. It was the coach, his expression neutral but attentive.

"Yes, that's me." I offered a small smile. "So, when do I... try out?" I asked, feeling a flutter of anxiety.

"Soon. Just head over with the other runners and stretch." He gestured to a group already warming up, and I nodded, glancing at my phone for a brief distraction.

Alisha: Good luck with the 800 meters 😂😂😂

Me: Haha, very funny. At least I'm not stuck at home with Shahrukh Mama, you spoiled brat.

Alisha: I am NOT spoiled. Might even be fun without you for once 😂

Me: Shut up. I just hope I make the team.

"Phones away, please," Mr. Johnson's voice broke through my thoughts, his tone firm but not harsh.

He clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone. Five more minutes to stretch, then we'll start."

I shoved my phone into my pocket and focused on stretching, though my mind still wandered. I felt a buzz of energy around the field as the other runners stretched, each of them lost in their own world.

Alisha's Point of View:
"More parathas, Alisha?" Shahrukh Mama's voice echoed from the kitchen, cheerful as always.

"Yes, please! And make them aloo this time!" I called back, smiling a little despite the emptiness settling in my chest. It felt strange being home without Aaliyah. The house was always louder, more alive when she was around. I shuffled into the kitchen, plopping down at the table, feeling the weight of the quiet.

Shahrukh Mama came over, setting a warm plate of aloo paratha in front of me. His brow furrowed as he sat beside me. "What's wrong with you today, huh?"

"I just... feel a little lonely," I admitted, poking at the food with my fork.

"I'm here, aren't I?" he said with a soft chuckle, nudging me lightly.

I sighed. "You're my uncle, not my cousin. It's different."

He smiled, but his eyes softened with understanding. "You see her every day, beta. No need to feel sad over one evening."

"Yeah, sure. That helps a lot," I replied, rolling my eyes dramatically. I stood, picking up my plate, and headed for the living room when his voice stopped me.

"Alisha."

"Yeah?" I turned back around.

"This came from your school yesterday." He handed me an official-looking letter, the school logo printed neatly at the top.

I raised an eyebrow. "What is this?"

"Read it."

Opening the letter, I skimmed the lines until the words hit me like a ton of bricks.

Miss Alisha Begum... allocated to the annual hockey team... between schools around the country.

I stared, my mouth falling open. "Wait, what?" My heart started racing, and when I looked down, I saw he'd already signed it. I dropped my paratha on the floor and launched myself into his arms.