preference delights

"True love can't be hidden."

Chapter 17

The next day, Salaar reached the university earlier than usual, despite spending too much time deciding on his outfit. He had never contradicted Zubair's opinions before, but for the first time, he didn't agree with Zubair's selection. After much fuss, he finally chose something to wear and arrived at the university.

He parked his car in the spot Zarmeena had shown him during their first encounter. Slowly, the car touched the curb and stopped. Taking the key out of the ignition, he paused before opening the door and glanced to his side, hoping to see Zarmeena's bike. It wasn't there. He assumed it was because he had arrived so early, unaware that Zarmeena wouldn't be able to come at all. He patiently waited for her arrival.

Leaning against the rear of his car with his legs crossed, he gazed at the campus building. Unlike the previous night, the area was already half-filled with students, even at this early hour. Restlessly, he checked the beautiful watch on his wrist. An hour was still left before the university officially opened. The mere thought of seeing Zarmeena made his heart race and brought a beautiful smile to his face.

Half an hour later, the sun was blazing. His eyes stung from the sun's rays, and his face flushed with heat. Just as he decided to leave, he saw Jawad approaching and stopped.

"Hello! Why are you here so early? Is everything alright?" Jawad asked, clearly concerned, since Salaar usually arrived right on time for classes.

"Actually, I was..." Salaar began, trying to look at him but couldn't meet his eyes.

"Don't tell me! I knew it." Jawad exclaimed with disbelief. "You're here to see Zarmeena, aren't you?" Jawad's words hit Salaar like a bombshell. "Am I that obvious?" Salaar thought to himself.

"What do you mean? Who told you this?" Salaar stammered, his words slurred with nervousness.

"Mr. Salaar Malik, if you weren't so reserved, the entire campus would have noticed by now. Most of the time, you're lost in her gaze," Jawad teased, watching as Salaar became increasingly anxious.
"But Zarmeena... Couldn't you find someone more compatible?" Jawad seemed genuinely confused.

"What's wrong with Zarmeena? Do you think she's below standard?" Salaar's voice revealed his disappointment. He never expected Jawad to be so status-conscious.

"What's wrong with Zarmeena?" He squeezed his eyes in astonishment, and his tone rose slightly.
"My brother, don't think so highly of yourself. On the other side, it's Zarmeena Khan we're talking about. Sure, by beauty standards, she might not be top-tier, but she has everything else-a good soul, a sharp mind, a commanding personality. Every second guy on this campus likes her. But either they're scared of her or her gang, so no one dares to confess. So, let me tell you, she won't be easy to win over."

Jawad's explanation brought a smile to Salaar's face. He already knew Zarmeena wouldn't be easy to impress, but hearing about her admirers stirred a pang of jealousy inside him.

"You're new here, but these eyes have seen plenty of drama involving Zarmeena and her anti-romance gang. Mark my words, Mr. Salaar Malik, you'll soon be their next target," Jawad said with a regretful shake of his head. Salaar grinned at the theatrics.

"Salaar, you're here! I was just at your house," Fahad suddenly appeared, catching both of them off guard.

"Why? What happened?" Salaar asked, concerned.

"Zawyaar has been after me for two days. I forgot to pay the utility bills because of his constant pestering. Yesterday was the last day to pay, and my dad's been mad at me ever since. That's why I went to your place for breakfast, but you weren't there." Fahad looked annoyed at Salaar's absence.

"Since we're all here, let's go to the canteen and grab some breakfast. I'm starving," Fahad insisted.

"You guys go ahead; I've already eaten," Salaar lied, still waiting for Zarmeena.

"I'm full too. Mom fed me all the leftovers from last night," Jawad added, even letting out a burp to prove his point.

"Fine, leave me to die of hunger," Fahad said dramatically, collapsing onto a nearby bench.

"Okay, okay, stop sulking like a child. Salaar, let's go just to keep him company," Jawad said, and Salaar reluctantly agreed, following quietly.

The canteen was packed with students, all the tables occupied. Jawad used his connections to secure a table.

"That's why I avoid coming here at this hour," Salaar said, glancing unpleasantly at the crowd.

"Your highness, Malik Salaar, I've secured a seat for you. Please sit," Fahad joked, dragging a chair for him.

Jawad went to order food while Fahad continued, "Do you know Zawyaar? He likes Zarmeena but hasn't been able to confess his feelings. He's been pressuring me to help him."

Salaar's expression shifted from boredom to anger.

"What?" Jawad exclaimed, almost dropping the tray he was carrying. He quickly placed it down and squatted beside them. "Fahad, don't tell me you agreed to help him."

"Of course, I did. He's our batchmate," Fahad replied proudly as he dragged the tray and picked up the burger.

Jawad took the burger from his hand and pushed the tray of food aside in frustration.
"Are you a love guru now? Or do you just want to get beaten by Zarmeena's gang? This is no joke!" Jawad spat.

"Why are you making such a big deal out of this? I only agreed because he's a friend, that's all," Fahad said casually and again grabbed the burger. Before Jawad could snatch it, he took a large bite.

"Okay, and what is Salaar to you?" Jawad pointed to Salaar. At that moment, Salaar realized his secret might be revealed to Fahad. He shot Jawad a warning look.

"Salaar? He's my best buddy, my brother. I'd do anything for him. Why are you bringing him into this?" Fahad replied, smirking as he wolfed down his burger. But when his gaze shifted from Jawad to Salaar, understanding dawned on him, and he struggled to swallow his bite.