Twin Rivalry Unleashed

Chapter 8: Shade of friendship

Zia's frustration boiled within him, his growl of discontent reverberating through the air. Bitterness tainted his gaze as he watched the car drive away, leaving him seething with anger. The despair that gripped his heart seemed to intensify, as if it were the very first day he had met the girl. Zia was prone to quick bursts of rage, often taking time to calm down.

Ejaz, sensing the storm raging within his friend, followed closely, his steps filled with apologetic urgency. He felt a need to do something, anything, to help dissipate Zia's anger. Aware of Zia's struggle to cope in such situations, Ejaz couldn't discern Zia's intentions, but it appeared as if he was trying to avoid the school bus.

Rushing to intercept Zia's determined stride, Ejaz nearly stumbled, his desperate attempt to regain balance accompanied by an outstretched hand clutching Zia's T-shirt. It was the only way to halt Zia's relentless march. "Where are you going? Another car is approaching. We should head home," Ejaz implored after successfully stopping Zia.

Brushing Ejaz's hand frantically off his shirt, Zia retorted, "Me, in that car? Never!" He hissed disdainfully before adding, "I cannot stop you from boarding any school bus, but as for me..." Zia shook his head, a hint of a bitter smile forming on his lips. "I simply can't." With that, Zia walked away.

Ejaz murmured to himself and sighed softly, his mind racing to find a way to console his friend. Despite Zia's intense anger, Ejaz understood that words were futile for the moment.

"I must be the unluckiest person on Earth, burdened with the most stubborn friend," Ejaz lamented, feigning grief. His words were not genuine, merely an attempt to coax Zia into breaking his silence. Ejaz believed that if Zia could express his emotions, the intensity of his anger might diminish. And indeed, Zia finally spoke, his scowl transforming into an infuriated face. "Did I force you to be my friend? The door is open. You can leave," Zia replied sharply, continuing on his path.

Ejaz followed swiftly, walking beside Zia. He chuckled and tapped Zia's shoulder. "Don't worry, man. I can't leave you. I'm already addicted," Ejaz said, breaking into laughter.

Together, they made their way to the road, where Zia hailed a taxi to take them home. The car ride was filled with silence, leaving Ejaz no choice but to keep his lips sealed and focus on finding a way to ease his friend's pain.

Upon reaching home in the late afternoon, Ejaz accompanied Zia inside before leaving, still pondering how to soothe his troubled friend. Making sure Zia hurried indoors, Ejaz unknowingly left behind a restless soul who ventured back outside a few minutes later, taking a seat in front of their house.

In his room, Ejaz found himself unable to do anything, not even eat despite his hunger. His worry for his best friend consumed him, knowing Zia remained angry and sorrowful. He paced back and forth, his stride growing more determined with each passing moment. Finally, he came up with a plan he believed might provide a solution. Hurriedly, he reached for his phone, dialing Aroush's number. As he waited for her to answer, he walked over to the center table in his room, where his sister had placed his food. Covering the food, he focused on the ringing phone.

Aroush reclined in her hostel room, wearing a contented smile as she chatted with Jad. Her phone's persistent ring interrupted her moment of bliss, and she let out an exasperated sigh. She despised anything or anyone that disrupted her beautiful, happy life with Jad.

Ejaz had to call three times before she finally answered, clearing her throat before saying, "Hello, Yaya Ejaz. Good afternoon," her voice filled with respect, as if she were not the one groaning over the call. "I apologize for not answering the call promptly. I was asleep while the phone was charging," she spoke languidly, sounding half-asleep.