Stay

Chapter 37 - Secrets revealed

They were in their fourth and final year of their MBBS. Their schedules became more demanding than ever. Classes stretched from Mondays through Saturdays, and two hours of "Intergrated Medicine" teaching were added on to their Sundays.

It felt as though there was barely any time to delve deeper into their studies beyond what was covered in class.

Fiza had to redo their time table over and over as their studies lagged behind their goals. They spent most of their time reviewing class notes and attempting to make progress in the Davidson Textbook of Medicine.

Following the tumultuous family vacation, Fiza consciously refrained from crossing the boundaries of their friendship, leaving Alan frustrated.

Alan wondered how she could pretend as though nothing had happened between them when she had been the one who had always told him that she couldn't separate physical touch from love. He was head over heels in love with her. She felt like a drug to him. He savored every second he spent with her and still wanted more.

Fiza continued to maintain her silence towards Farzana. Growing up they had fought frequently but never had she held on to her anger as she did now.

Farzana, however, persisted in her attempts to reach out and talk to Fiza.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kissed him. I was just trying to show you his true colors."

"Fiza, I'm sorry, really, I just didn't want you getting hurt."

"Fiza, I'm a mess. I'm really sorry. You are my best friend. Are you going to let a boy come between us?"

"I'm going to keep texting you. I know you are reading my texts."

"You are tearing our family apart."

"I'll help you with Alan. I'll do anything, I'm sorry."

"You are being ridiculous. This is stupid."

"You never asked me if I was okay after what happened with Kiran. Or even why I did what I did. It's always about you and your drama. I was not okay and all you cared about was that I ruined your friendship."

"I messed up Fiza, you know that. I need my sister."

Despite Farzana's repeated attempts to reach out, Fiza remained steadfast in her decision to maintain distance. She had seen Farzana's true colors and felt betrayed by her actions. She knew that rebuilding trust would require more than just words from Farzana. Nevertheless, fighting with her sister disturbed her peace, leaving her on edge.

One day, while immersed in their studies, Alan noted that Fiza was more distant than usual and was reading the same page over and over.

"Princess, look at me. Tell me what's bothering you," he told her, stroking her thumb with his.

Fiza met Alan's gaze and shook her head. "I just haven't been in a fight with Farzana for this long."

Alan couldn't refrain from rolling his eyes.

"That bitch," he uttered under his breath.

"That's my sister you're talking about," Fiza asserted firmly, defending her.

Alan struggled to understand Fiza's desire to reconcile with her sister. "That stunt she pulled was just cheap, Fiza."

Fiza nodded. "I know, but I feel like a part of me is missing. Farzana always found herself in trouble, and I used to think it was for attention. But this... I just don't know anymore..." Her voice trailed off as she was lost in thought.