Love Over Friends.

Chapter 7 - Alisha's opportunity

Aaliyah's Point of View:
Hussain is so annoying; he always has to get involved in everything that isn't his business. I appreciate the gesture and all, but doesn't he realise we're both in a bad mood? Can't he sense any emotions at all?

Alisha's Point of View:
Aaliyah can be a pain in the butt sometimes, but today, I find myself on her side. I've loved Hussain for years, but today wasn't the day for him to come into the mix. I'm just not in the mood. Everything feels like it's going wrong, and I'm left confused. Maybe I should just apologise for Aaliyah's behavior. I really hope we can sort this out because I don't want to ruin my friendship with Hussain.

The next day
Aaliyah's Point of View:
I woke up to find Alisha gone. Where did she go? I hurriedly freshened up and changed into my school uniform, a wave of worry washing over me. I hope she didn't leave without me. I walked downstairs with my backpack and glanced around the house. She must have left early.

Just then, Khala walked into the kitchen, a warm smile on her face that quickly turned to concern when she saw me.

"Hello, Khala," I said, forcing a smile despite my growing anxiety.

"Hello, Aaliyah," Khala replied. "Are you looking for Alisha?"

"Yeah, did she leave already?" I asked, my heart sinking.

"No, she's in the living room," Khala said, and I felt a rush of relief. I peeked through the doorway, spotting Alisha sitting on the sofa, her expression unreadable.

"Can I ask you something?" I ventured cautiously.

"Of course," Khala replied, her gaze shifting from me to Alisha.

"Is she really getting married at 18?" I asked, the weight of the question heavy in the air.

Khala sighed, looking down as if the answer burdened her. "It's not my choice. I tried telling her dad that she's too young and should finish her education, but he wouldn't listen."

"Khala, she was about to commit suicide," I blurted out, the gravity of the words hitting me like a brick.

"What?" Khala exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock as Shahrukh Mama walked in from the garden.

"What happened?" he asked, concern etching lines on his forehead.

"Alisha?" Khala called, turning her attention to her.

"You were about to commit suicide?" Khala asked, disbelief coloring her voice.

Alisha stood up, grabbing her school bag. "Aaliyah, it wasn't your story to tell!" she yelled, heading toward the front door.

"Wait! I'll talk to her dad," Shahrukh Mama said, but I interjected.

"No, you won't. I will," I replied, determination and guilt surging within me.

Alisha's Point of View
Tears streamed down my face as I walked out the front door. Why is all this happening to me? Why did Aaliyah have to spill that out? Some things are meant to stay private. I didn't want my family knowing I was struggling, and now I felt like a boiling volcano ready to erupt.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at school, my heart heavy with confusion. I walked into my tutor class and found Hussain sitting on the floor, his gaze fixed on the ground. Is he upset about what Aaliyah said yesterday? I think I'll apologise on her behalf. I walked over to him, but he didn't look up. I cleared my throat, and he finally glanced my way. "Oh, Alisha? You're here?" he said, surprise flickering across his features.

"Look, what Aaliyah said yest—" I began, but he cut me off.

"It's fine. I know you girls were in a bad mood," Hussain replied, his tone dismissive but gentle.

"Then why are—" I started to ask, but he interrupted again.

"Personal problems," he said, and I settled down beside him on the floor, feeling the familiar warmth of his presence.

"Why are you here so early?" he asked, tilting his head to meet my gaze.

"I got annoyed when I found out something," I admitted, wishing I could just vent all my feelings.

"What is that something?" Hussain asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Sorry. You don't have to tell me," he added, sensing my reluctance.

"Promise you won't tell anyone?" I pleaded, feeling vulnerable.

"Promise," he said, his expression serious.

"I have to go back to America when I'm 18," I confessed, emotions bubbling to the surface.

Hussain looked at me, concern flooding his features. "Well, they can't force you. It's your decision."

"I know, but they don't really care what I have to say, you know how Asian families are," I replied, my voice thick with sadness.

"Want a hug?" Hussain offered, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I smiled and leaned into him. His hugs are the best, warm and reassuring.

Aaliyah's Point of View
As I approached the school, the bell rang, a reminder that I needed to pull myself together. Alisha was probably already here. My thoughts swirled with anxiety about the whole situation. I hope Alisha doesn't hate me for what I did. I think I'll talk to her dad after school on FaceTime later.

I walked into tutor time, and everyone was already seated. When Alisha looked back at me, her eyes were filled with anger, as if I had killed someone. She sat at the front next to Hussain today. Great. She definitely hates me.

"Aaliyah, are you okay?" Sidharth asked, genuine concern in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I lied, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

"Why are you lying?" Alisha shot back, her tone sharper than I expected.

"You should know that you aren't fine," she added, her words cutting deep.

"What's she talking about?" Sidharth asked, glancing between us.

"Nothing," I muttered, trying to avoid the spotlight.

"Aaliyah, what did you do to make your precious cousin annoyed?" Shehryaar called out from the back, mischief in his tone.

"None of your business," Alisha snapped, irritation flaring.

"What?" Shehryaar responded, feigning confusion.

"You don't need to know," Alisha insisted, and just then, Becky walked past, shooting me a rude look. What is wrong with everyone today?

"Oye, Aaliyah," Becky called out, her tone dripping with malice.

"Yes?" I replied, already bracing myself for whatever was coming.

"Lily has been bitching about you," Becky said, smirking.

"What did she say?" I asked, my curiosity piqued despite myself.

"I can't tell you," Becky replied, and I could see the laughter bubbling in her eyes.

Some of them were giggling in my direction, and Sidharth shot me a concerned look. I felt heat rise to my cheeks.

Lily whispered something in Alisha's ear, and suddenly, Alisha erupted into laughter. Sidharth looked at her, annoyance creeping into his expression.

"Despite the fact that Aaliyah is your cousin, you're laughing at her?" Sidharth challenged, his voice rising.

"It's not about her, though," Alisha replied, rolling her eyes.

"Sure?" Sidharth shot back, clearly frustrated.

Alisha glanced at Lily, who was sniggering. "What?" Sidharth asked, incredulous.

"Your zip," Alisha said, laughing, and as he looked down, I realized his zipper was down. Sidharth quickly zipped it up, embarrassment flooding his face before he laughed it off.

"Whoops, sorry ladies," he said, trying to play it cool.

But as laughter filled the room, anxiety swirled within me. Why did I feel like the walls were closing in?