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Chapter 34 - Situationship

Fiza found herself back at the hostel without fully realizing how she had arrived there. As she entered her room, she discovered Shahana, Varsha, and Priya already gathered inside. Shahana greeted her with a wave, acknowledging the silent arrangement they had developed over the years.

Fiza would often inform Shahana when she wouldn't return for the night, and Shahana would cover for her. Their bond had grown strong, solidifying their friendship. Shahana was now dating Vineet, and she empathized with Fiza, understanding the complexities of interfaith relationships and the challenges they brought.

"We were just discussing something," Shahana began, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "We were thinking of planning a trip during our study holidays."

Fiza chuckled, a touch of amusement despite her troubled state of mind. The thought of relaxing before the imminent exams seemed far-fetched to her. Shaking her head, she responded, "Count me out."

"Come on!" Priya urged, a hint of enthusiasm in her voice. "It'll be so much fun."

Fiza sighed, her expression laced with a sense of resignation. "You guys go ahead. I don't think I would be able to enjoy it, and I'd probably end up bringing everyone down."

"Maybe we should consider planning something for next year," Varsha suggested, her tone tinged with uncertainty. "I'm not sure if my parents would allow me to go on a trip right now."

Priya's disappointment was palpable as she replied, "Fine then! We'll plan something for next year."

"What's been going on with you lately?" Varsha inquired, her curiosity evident in her tone. Her eyes then focused on the mark on Fiza's neck.

"And is that a hickey?" she asked, pointing directly at the visible blemish. Fiza glanced at herself in the mirror, a flush of embarrassment spreading across her face as she realized what Alan's mother must have noticed too.

"So you stay at Alan's house with his parents there, and they don't say anything?" Varsha asked, disbelief evident in her voice.

Fiza attempted to explain, feeling flustered. "Well... I slept in the guest room..."

Varsha rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "But obviously, you're making out with his parents there," she commented, her sarcasm dripping from her words.

Fiza blushed, feeling uncomfortable. "His mom said something really weird today. She mentioned that they would be okay with Alan marrying me."

"What!" Shahana and Varsha exclaimed simultaneously. Shahana immediately enveloped Fiza in a hug, knowing well the internal struggle she had been facing. "So, are you two a couple now?"

"Wait, aren't you already a couple?" Varsha asked, visibly puzzled. Fiza and Alan had never corrected anyone who assumed they were in a romantic relationship, unless directly asked. Fiza shook her head. "We're just friends," she clarified, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Varsha laughed, pointing at the hickey on Fiza's neck. "Friends with benefits, you mean!" she teased. Fiza didn't find the comment amusing. "We just lost... lost control," she admitted, her voice laden with a sense of turmoil.

Varsha's curiosity persisted as she questioned, "So why aren't you two a couple?" Fiza paused, gathering her thoughts. "I don't want to have a fling. I only want to be with the person I intend to marry. And with Alan, it wouldn't be a fling anyways. It would be something real and intense," she responded, her words filled with conviction.

"But you're supposed to marry Fahad," Varsha finally understood, her voice tinged with sympathy. Fiza sank down and placed her hands on her head, feeling overwhelmed. "What should I do?" she asked, her voice heavy with uncertainty.