preference delights

Friendship Unconditioned

Chapter 5

While they were engrossed in devouring their meal, they didn't notice a group at a corner table-Salar, Fahad, and Jawad-who had come to eat but were now more entertained by the trio's lively banter. Jawad and Fahad were clearly enjoying the conversation, and even the usually grim-faced Salar was paying full attention. Once they finished eating, they quietly left the cafeteria.

As they walked out, Fahad couldn't help but laugh. "This trio, I swear, I love the way they respond to each other."

Jawad smirked. "Oh, I noticed." He pointed at Sajida, affectionately gazing toward Jawad.

Fahad's smile faded. "What do you mean by that?" he demanded.

"I noticed how Sajida's full of love gestures," Jawad teased, making Fahad nervous.

"Jawad! Stop it. She looks at every guy on campus the same way," Fahad retorted defensively.

"Okay, okay, it was just a joke. But honestly, their friendship is something special," Jawad conceded, dragging his chair a little closer to them.

"Do you know how their friendship started?" Jawad asked.

Fahad shrugged. "No idea, but it's funny that both of Zarmeena's best friends have such similar names-Sajid and Sajida," he said, emphasizing the names with a chuckle.

"Yeah, I wondered the same thing. But it's just a coincidence," Jawad replied. "Sajida and Zarmeena have been friends for years, but they only met Sajid two years ago on this campus. There's actually a story behind their friendship."

Jawad leaned in closer, capturing Fahad's full attention. "You see, I was curious about Zarmeena, who is usually very formal with boys. I couldn't figure out how she got so close to Sajid. So, I decided to do a little digging... and you won't believe what I found out. Sajid, being a bit girlish and having a lean frame, was bullied by some of his classmates. Sajida noticed and informed Zarmeena, and we all know about Zarmeena's famous gang. They stepped in, dealt with the bullies, and rescued him. To protect himself, Sajid stuck close to Zarmeena, and over time, they became good friends."

Jawad stopped abruptly, leaving both Fahad and Salar hanging.

Salar, however, was displeased with one thing in this entire gossip: Zarmeena's friendship with Sajid.

At that moment, the waiter brought out their food. "Let's forget about Sajid and Sajida for now and focus on filling our tummies. I'm starving," Fahad said, eyeing the food longingly.

"Exactly. Let's dig in," Jawad agreed before pausing to notice Salar's hesitation. "What's wrong? You're not eating?"

"I had a heavy breakfast, so I'm not that hungry. You guys go ahead; I'll just have some coffee," Salar replied with a slight grin.

As he scanned the cafeteria, he noticed Zarmeena talking with the middle-aged manager, Uncle Usman.

"Jawad, you go with Salar. I'll handle the bill," Fahad said.

Before Fahad could reach into his pocket, Salar quickly stood up and said, "It's on me today," then walked toward Zarmeena.

He kept a distance but stayed close enough to overhear their conversation.

"Thank you, kiddo, the veggies were organic and garden-fresh," Uncle Usman said gratefully.

"My mother and granny put in a lot of effort to grow them like that," Zarmeena replied, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Salar, listening in, couldn't help but be impressed.

"I really appreciate this. For women in this society, this is a great achievement, and they're lucky to have a daughter like you," Uncle Usman praised her sincerely, noticing her hard work in delivering the vegetables on her bike.

"Take this," he said, handing her an envelope. Zarmeena opened it, counted the cash, then bent down, tucked it into her sock, and stood up.

"Thank you, Uncle Usman. If you need more, just let me know. They'll be even fresher next time," she exclaimed with a quick sway of her ponytail.

"Uncle, do me a favor," she suddenly added.

Usman was about to head back inside but stopped. "Yes, kiddo?"

"I want to pay Sajid's bill. How much is it?" she asked quietly so no one could hear. But Salar was listening clearly.

Usman checked the register. "It's about two thousand six hundred and fifty."

Zarmeena took out more money from her backpack, counted it, and handed it over. "Please clear his bill, and Uncle, don't tell him I paid it," she insisted, knowing Sajid would never approve.

"Why do you keep paying for him? I know you earn your money from tutoring," Uncle Usman asked, concerned.

"Uncle, trust me, this is the last time. He's struggling after paying his semester fees," Zarmeena explained, trying to convince Uncle Usman.

Hearing this, Salar, who had been observing her closely, felt uneasy. Zarmeena's generosity toward Sajid bothered him more than he expected. He quickly returned to his table.

Fahad was still waiting for Jawad, who was finishing his last bites.

"Go, pay the bill," Salar said abruptly, as if they were strangers and he wasn't the one who offered to pay earlier.

"What... what did you just say?" Fahad asked, turning to Jawad for confirmation.

"Jawad, did you hear the same thing I did? Is this the same guy who promised to pay for us today?" Fahad asked, seeking reassurance. Jawad noddedin compliance .

"Brother, what's the reason for this sudden change?" Fahad asked, puzzled.

"I don't have any money to pay," Salar lied, hoping to escape further questioning.

"What?" Fahad chuckled, amused. "My sweet cousin Salar Malik, I remind you that you're one of the heirs of Malik Industries. How did you become broke in a matter of minutes?" Fahad asked sarcastically.

"Enough of your nonsense. I'm going home. I'm tired," Salar concluded abruptly and headed towards the exit.

On his way back, his thoughts were all over the place.
"Stupid girl, paying his bill... I'm wasting my time over nothing... Salar, get a grip. What are you doing, man?" He continued to berate himself all the way home.