Jaan-e-Jaaha

2-Pagal dushmani

The bell rang, signaling the end of yet another grueling class. Mahi quickly gathered her books, her eyes darting to the clock. Just a few more minutes and she could escape. Unfortunately, there was one more obstacle in her path.

"Hey, watch it," snapped Salar as Mahi bumped into him while grabbing her bag.

"Maybe if you weren't always in the way, we wouldn't have this problem," she retorted, narrowing her eyes.

Salar scoffed. "Typical Mahi, always blaming someone else."

Mahi's cheeks flushed with annoyance. "Maybe if you weren't such a jerk all the time, people would actually like you."

"Like I care about what people think," Salar shot back, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. "Especially you."

Their glares could have set the classroom on fire. The other students quickly filed out, sensing the brewing storm. Mahi and Salar were known for their constant bickering. Neither one was willing to back down.

"Let's just get out of here," Mahi muttered, pushing past him.

Salar rolled his eyes but followed her out of the classroom. They ended up walking in the same direction, as they lived just a few blocks apart. The silence between them was thick with unspoken insults and barely contained irritation.

As they walked, Mahi's eyes were drawn to a food cart on the corner. The delicious smell of fries wafted over, making her stomach growl. She realized she hadn't eaten since breakfast.

Salar noticed her staring. "What's wrong? Starving because you're too busy being perfect to eat?"

Mahi clenched her fists. "If you must know, I forgot my wallet. Not that it's any of your business."

Salar smirked. "Maybe if you spent less time arguing and more time being responsible, you wouldn't have this problem."

Mahi shot him a withering look. "I don't need your lecture."

They walked in silence for a few more steps before Salar sighed, clearly irritated by his own decision. "Look, just this once. I'll buy you some fries. Consider it a truce for today."

Mahi stared at him, surprised. "What's the catch?"

"No catch," Salar replied, avoiding her gaze. "Just... don't expect it to become a habit."

She hesitated but finally nodded. "Fine. But only because I'm starving."

They approached the cart, and Salar ordered two portions of fries. As they waited, the tension between them seemed to ease slightly. When the vendor handed them their food, Mahi couldn't help but smile as she took a bite.

"Thanks," she mumbled, almost grudgingly.

Salar shrugged, munching on his own fries. "Don't mention it."

They continued walking, the silence now less hostile and more companionable. For the first time, Mahi noticed how the sunlight caught in Salar's hair, highlighting streaks of gold. She quickly looked away, not wanting to give herself away.

"You know," she said, trying to change the subject, "these are actually really good."

Salar nodded. "Yeah, not bad."

As they reached the street where their paths diverged, Mahi found herself reluctant to say goodbye. "So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow," she said awkwardly.

"Yeah," Salar replied, equally unsure. "Tomorrow."

They stood there for a moment longer before Mahi turned and started walking towards her house. As she glanced back, she saw Salar still standing there, watching her leave.