ZOE POV.
The argument with Veer had left me feeling not just emotionally drained, but physically worn out. I woke up the next morning feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. My head was pounding, my body ached, and my throat was so sore it felt like I'd swallowed a handful of sand.I struggled out of bed, shivering despite the warm air that slipped in through the open window. My pajamas felt too heavy, and every movement was an effort. I grabbed my phone, trying to ignore the dizziness that made my vision wobble, and dialed Pari's number."Hey, Pari," I croaked when she answered. "I don't think I can make it to work today. I'm feeling awful. Can you come over?"Her response was immediate and full of concern. "Oh no, Zoe! You sound terrible. I'm on my way. Just hang tight, okay?""Thanks," I managed to whisper before ending the call. I collapsed back onto the couch, feeling utterly defeated. The place felt colder now, or maybe I was just colder.---
Pari arrived within the hour, her arms loaded with supplies. She bustled in, looking every bit the no-nonsense best friend. "Alright, let's get you sorted out," she said, setting her haul down on the coffee table. "I brought medicine, soup, and some of that tea you like. How're you feeling?""Like a zombie," I mumbled. "Thanks for coming over.""No problem," Pari said, her tone mixing concern with a hint of her usual cheerfulness. "Let's take your temperature and see how high that fever is."She carefully placed the thermometer under my tongue, her eyes scanning the room as she worked. "You're a mess," she said, her voice soft but no-nonsense. "This fever's gotta go. Sip on this soup while we wait, okay?"I took the bowl she handed me, and as I ate, I watched her move around with the practiced efficiency of someone who's seen their best friend at their worst before. It was comforting, even if I felt like a bundle of aches and complaints."Sorry to drag you away from work," I said between spoonfuls. "I didn't mean to be such a hassle."Pari shook her head, her expression resolute. "No way. You're my best friend. I'm here for you, no matter what. Besides, I was getting bored of the office anyway."I chuckled weakly. "You're the best."While Pari made sure I had everything I needed, I couldn't help but think about Veer. The argument had left us both in a tangled mess of unspoken feelings and unresolved issues. I wasn't sure if I wanted to involve him in this, but a part of me felt it might be good for him to know."Pari," I said hesitantly, "do you think you could text Veer? Just let him know I'm sick? I don't know if it'll help, but..."Pari gave me a knowing look. "Alright, I'll text him. But you're not expecting him to come running over or anything, are you?""No," I said, "not really. Just... maybe it'll be a start."Pari nodded and started typing on her phone. "Got it. I'll let him know."---
A few hours later, I was propped up on the couch with a blanket draped over me, feeling a bit better but still far from okay. I heard a knock on the door and Pari went to answer it. I could hear Veer's voice through the door, low and concerned."Hey, Pari," he said. "How's Zoe?""She's not great," Pari replied. "She's got a high fever and is pretty out of it. But she's holding her own."Veer stepped into the room, his eyes scanning me with a mixture of concern and awkwardness. "Hey, Zoe. How're you doing?"I tried to smile, though it came out more like a grimace. "Hi, Veer. I'm just... trying to rest. Thanks for coming."Veer sat down next to me, looking a little unsure. "Pari told me you were sick. I didn't realize it was this bad. I should've checked in sooner.""It's okay," I said softly. "I haven't exactly made it easy for you to reach out."He nodded, brushing a strand of hair away from my face with a gentle touch. "I'm here now. Do you need anything? More soup, water, or...?"I shook my head, feeling a bit overwhelmed by his presence. "Pari's already taken care of everything. I'm just... tired."Veer sat beside me, his presence a comfort despite the ongoing tension between us. "I just wanted to make sure you're alright. I know things have been rough. I didn't mean to make it worse.""Thanks for coming," I said quietly. "It really means a lot, even if we haven't worked everything out."Veer gave me a small, sincere smile. "I'm here. We can talk about everything later. For now, just focus on getting better."---As the evening wore on, Veer and Pari took turns keeping me company. They chatted about random things to keep my mind off the sickness, and their lighthearted banter was a welcome distraction. Veer helped Pari with some of the chores, and his presence, though not a fix for all our problems, was a small comfort.Pari eventually headed out, leaving Veer and me alone. The quiet between us was still filled with unspoken words, but his efforts to be there for me were a step towards healing, both physically and emotionally.When I finally drifted off to sleep, I felt a mix of relief and uncertainty. There was still a lot to figure out between Veer and me, but for now, his caring presence and Pari's support had made a tough day a little more bearable. The road ahead was still unclear, but having them by my side felt like a small, hopeful beginning.---
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Love's Second Act: A Tale of Redemption and Renewal
Fanfiction" Two former lovers find themselves forced into an arranged marriage by their families who are unaware of their past relationship . As they confront their shared history, will they seize the opportunity to rekindle their love and forge a new beginn...