Twin Rivalry Unleashed

Chapter 5:Tale of Deception and Love

In the quiet solitude of the veranda, Aleena found solace in the company of vibrant flowers. It was her daily ritual to immerse herself in the beauty of nature whenever boredom struck. On this particular day, as she pretended to read a book, a familiar fragrance wafted through the air, alerting her to the presence of someone nearby. She turned around, and there stood Sajan, watching her intently. A sense of unease crept over her, as she could tell that something was amiss.

"Welcome, Yah Sajan," she greeted, her eyes meeting his. He moved closer, his gaze fixed on her, and she couldn't help but inquire, "Did the bags arrive? I've been anxiously waiting."

Sajan chuckled, a warm sound that echoed in the air. "Aleena, my dear, there's no need to worry. You'll see everything soon enough. Just have a little patience," he replied, a gentle care in his voice. Sensing her restlessness, he asked, "But tell me, what's been bothering you? Something doesn't seem right."

Aleena shrugged, attempting to mask her concerns with a playful smile. "Oh, it's just the bags on my mind. I was only joking," she quipped. Sajan's laughter filled the air, a joyous melody that enveloped the veranda.

"Ah, you and Misha are the funniest people I know," he chuckled. "Why would I ever run away? Let's say, even if it were true that the bags held nothing of ours, why would I flee?"

"Because you deceived us!" Aleena answered abruptly, her tone laced with a hint of accusation.

Sajan's laughter only grew louder, resonating with amusement. "Deceitful, am I?" he chortled, rising to his feet. "I'm not here for you, Aleena. And I certainly didn't deceive you. You'll have to trust me when the bags arrive." With that, he made his way toward the entrance of the main parlor.

Aleena's mother sat at the dining table, enjoying her breakfast. She had always been one to indulge in her morning meal past noon. Sajan entered the parlor, catching her attention. She invited him to join her for breakfast, but he politely declined, claiming he was already full.

A smile played on her mother's lips as she remarked, "I know you well enough to understand why you're refusing my food. You must have thought it was prepared by the house help." Sajan smiled in response, his silence speaking volumes. "Well, you're not wrong. She did make it," her mother continued.

"The person you're seeking is in the veranda, or perhaps in the garden if she's not there," she added, swallowing the food she had chewed.

"I'm not here to see Alina. I actually came to ask for a favor," Sajan finally confessed, his eyes slightly downcast as he rubbed his head.

A curious smile curved her mother's lips. "So, now that you need my help, you come to me? I thought Aleena and Misha could handle it. Why not ask them?" she teased.

Sajan pleaded with a smile, "Please, Mom. I prefer the taste of your soup. It's something I've always enjoyed whenever I travel. I'll be leaving for Uganda next week."

"All right, then. I'll make it for you. Come back the day after tomorrow," her mother agreed with a warm smile.

******
Aroush had been making preparations for the resumption of school since the previous week. Everything was in order, except for a few remaining items. She wanted to ask her father for the money, but she knew he was struggling to make ends meet. Her mind briefly considered asking Zia, but She couldn't recall the last time she saw him at their house. Every time she thought about visiting him, a call or message from Jad would interrupt her plans, and she would forget until it was too late. In her room, engrossed in a phone conversation with Jad, she was unaware of Zia's arrival in the house.

Zia encountered her mother first upon entering the house. He greeted her and inquired about Aroush's whereabouts. "She's in her room. I don't know what's been going on with her lately. She hardly comes out," her mother complained.

"I'll go and ask her," Zia offered, making his way to Aroush's room. "Peace be upon you," he said upon entering, finding Aroush lying in a prone position, her legs slightly raised as she chatted on her phone. She acknowledged his presence and adjusted herself to sit properly.

They sat in silence for a few minutes while Aroush continued her WhatsApp conversation with Jad. Finally, Zia broke the silence with a sudden question, his voice tinged with concern. "Aroush, is there something I've done wrong that I'm unaware of?"

Aroush put her phone aside, giving him her full attention. "Why do you ask? What did you see? Do you think I've changed?" she inquired.

Zia hesitated for a moment, then cleared his throat and said, "No, it's nothing. But still, I'm sorry. I mean it when I say I'm sorry. Please, Aroush, stop avoiding me. I know my punishment was deserved, but it wasn't the best way to handle things."

Aroush waved her hands dismissively. "Wallahi, it's nothing. You'll always be special to me. It's not because I stopped visiting you that things changed. It's just because I haven't been feeling well," she explained languidly.

He fell silent for a moment, wanting to analyze her words and the emotions behind them. Without being able to see her face, he could only rely on her voice. Her words sounded genuine, but he believed that true feelings were often better understood through actions rather than words. Setting that thought aside, he said, "Okay, we need to go now, or we'll be late."

Aroush glanced at her phone lying on the bed and asked, "Where are we going? Can't we reschedule for tomorrow?" She hoped to prolong her time spent chatting with Jad-she knew he must be waiting for her reply.

Zia's mouth curled into a half-smile as he hummed, "Hmm, I thought you said I had changed, but now you're hesitating."

"Let's go, Yaya," she finally relented after draping her veil over her head. Zia didn't say anything but followed her obediently. Together, they walked side by side on the road, and one would never guess that he was blind. The sunglasses he wore concealed his condition, and it appeared as though he wore them as a fashion statement. It was only when he informed the taxi driver of their destination that Aroush discovered where they were heading.

Curiosity piqued, she looked at Zia and asked, "Yaya, what are we going to do at Sahad's store?"

"You'll see when we get there," he replied, grinning mischievously.

"All right, sir!" she said, playing along.

Zia's happiness radiated from him, evident in his beaming face. The way they conversed and laughed about various topics made it a day to remember. Zia hoped that Aroush would never change again because he enjoyed her company so much.

Arriving at Sahad's store, Zia instructed Aroush to pick whatever she wanted. Overjoyed, she couldn't contain her excitement and began jumping up and down. After choosing her items, Aroush hugged Zia unexpectedly, thanking him with genuine delight.

She handed him the basket, and as he held it, Aroush accidentally dropped everything she had selected.

Three days later, Zia asked his best and only male friend, Ejaz, to drive Aroush to school. They went together-the three of them-to the University of Science and Technology, located in Wudil, where Aroush studied Food Science and resided in the hostel. Zia assisted in unloading her belongings from the car, while Ejaz took them to her room. Aroush felt a pang of sadness watching them leave; she knew she would miss them, especially Zia.

As she turned to leave, she spotted her best friend, Sarah, walking towards her. Aroush ran to her with a wide smile, and they embraced each other tightly. Then Sarah inquired, "What's with all the excitement? You seem like a different person, Aroush. The Aroush I know used to cry whenever her Zia dropped her off at school. Why the sudden happiness?"

"It's love, Sarah. I can't explain it, but I've found the love of my life. I didn't give him my address because of my father; he might forbid us from seeing each other. But here at school, we can be together openly," Aroush said, scrunching up her face.

Sarah raised an eyebrow and squeezed her friend's face playfully. "How can I believe you, Aroush? You're in love with someone other than Zia? Is that even possible?"

Aroush rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. "Well, to be honest, I never said I was in love with Zia, did I? Did you think someone like me would be suited for a blind person? Besides, Zia is like a brother to me."

"But..."

"Come on, let's go to my room. I need your help in organizing my things," Aroush interrupted, grabbing Sarah's hand and leading her away.