Anaa - a tale of ego and love

Chapter 4

Areesh and Altamash's POV - Dinner at the restaurant

Franco's was one of Shamsher Nagar's finest Italian establishments, only the very elite could afford it. Areesh liked its rooftop view because you could see the rest of the city while also enjoying the river breeze from nearby. There was a reason he had chosen this place to meet his childhood friend Altamash, it was because this place was designed to be discreet, only allowing entry to those who had reserved the spot previously. He knew his friend would like the exclusivity of such a place, they also had a nightclub at the back and it suited Areesh because that is where he usually met up with potential ladies whom he could spend some quality time with. All in all, it was the perfect establishment to have a good time.

"Why am I not surprised that you picked this spot, loser."

Areesh looked back to find his childhood friend Altamash walking towards their table dressed in his formal attire. He laughed because he was not at all offended ta being called a loser by him.

"And why am I not surprised to see you still dressed up for work at 9 pm,  dude."

Areesh hugged his friend and they settled down in their respective chairs.

"Well, I don't have a father who can look after my business while I party, unlike your lazy ass," Altamash joked.

Areesh never took offence of Altamash's remarks, he knew he was lucky to have a father who looked after most of the business.

"Yaar, I tried going to work every day, but you know Ghazanfar Sahab—he didn't like my ideas or my working style. So, I gave up," Areesh explained, maintaining the easy mood. Nonetheless, he defended himself, adding, "My old man wants me to work for him on his terms, not mine. So why bother?"

Altamash smiled, but his eyes betrayed a seriousness that Areesh knew all too well. He braced himself for the familiar lecture he was about to receive.

"Ghazanfar uncle is set in his old ways, that's why you need to work harder to show him why your ideas are better, not give up entirely, bozo," Altamash advised, his tone firm with a hint of concern.

Areesh rolled his eyes inwardly, knowing this wasn't the first time he'd heard such counsel from his friend. He chose not to engage too deeply, replying casually, "Work hard like who? Yourself? I mean, look at the state of you, Altamash. Dark circles and leaving work at 9 PM. I'm better off just chilling and enjoying my life."

He raised a vodka shot, offering a toast, "To life," before downing it in one go.

To his surprise, Altamash didn't react with his usual laughter and raised eyebrows. Instead, he remained serious, prompting Areesh to inquire, "What's up? First, you ask me to meet you early before Nashwa and Anya show up, and now you're acting all serious, not even drinking the expensive whiskey I ordered for you."

Another reason why Areesh liked this place was because they served alcohol, albeit discreetly and only to exclusive members. The owner, whom Areesh was friends with, had managed to sway enough of the town authorities to look the other way.

Altamash sighed before accepting the glass of imported whiskey his friend had ordered for him. "Areesh, we're in our thirties now," he began, taking a bitter sip that burned his throat and warmed his insides.

"You are, I will be thirty soon though", Areesh sighed dramatically at the reminder of his upcoming thirtieth birthday. Taking another vodka shot he added, "don't remind me."