Love Over Friends.

Chapter 9 - Seperation.

Aaliyah's Point of View:
How could Alisha do this? She's not the same person I knew—my best friend, my sister in everything but blood. Now, I can't stand the sight of her. Tears sting my eyes as I replay the betrayal, over and over. What did I ever do to deserve this? I need to leave—if only my brother would hurry up and get here, I'd be out of London in a heartbeat.

My eyes wander around the room, but stop when they catch sight of a sharp glint on the floor. I walk closer and find a broken piece of glass lying there, like a silent invitation. How did it get here? It doesn't matter. Without even thinking, I pick it up, the edges cold and sharp against my skin.

I stare at the shard, my hand trembling. A mix of anger and despair surges through me, and before I know it, I press the glass against my arm. The sting is immediate, followed by the warmth of blood trickling down. I collapse to the floor, sobbing.

Alisha was like a sister. I trusted her completely, and she destroyed that trust. I can't stay here anymore. I stagger back to my feet, locking the bedroom door behind me, and sink onto my bed.

"Aaliyah, dinner is ready!" I hear Shahrukh Mama's voice call from downstairs.

"I'm not hungry! Leave me alone!" I yell back, my voice breaking.

School tomorrow is out of the question. I hate the Dhoombros and their blind support for Alisha. At least Sidharth has stuck by me; at least I know I have someone. Who can I even talk to now? Rose. She's a friend—she'd listen. We met in science class, and we get along well. I need her number, though. Maybe I should just go to school tomorrow, grab her number, and then fake being sick.

Alisha's Point of View:
I look around the living room, all my luggage packed and ready to go.

"Are you sure you want to go stay at your other uncle's place?" Shahrukh Mama asks, a hint of worry in his voice.

"Yes, I'm sure. I can't stay under the same roof as Aaliyah anymore," I reply, trying to sound confident.

"I thought you two were like sisters," he says, shaking his head.

"We were...not anymore."

"What about me?" he asks softly.

"I'm sorry," I say, my voice dropping.

"It's okay. We'll stay in touch," Mama reassures me, pulling me into a hug. I cling to him for a moment longer than I should. It's a hollow comfort, but I take what I can get.

"What about your engagement?" he asks.

"I guess I'll go along with it. Who knows? Maybe it'll be a good match," I reply, forcing a smile.

"At eighteen?" Shahrukh Mama raises an eyebrow.

"They say marrying young helps you grow together, mature together," I answer, repeating what I've heard countless times, but not entirely sure if I believe it myself.

Mama just sighs. "I'm proud of you, Alisha... and not so proud at the same time," he whispers under his breath, though I catch every word.

Just then, the doorbell rings. Aryan Bhai takes some of my luggage as we head out to the driveway, where my other uncle waits—Hrithik Mama, my mom's first cousin.

I glance back at the house one last time. My eyes travel up to the window, where Aaliyah stands watching. Our eyes meet, and I roll mine before turning back to help load the bags into the car.

"Stay safe, okay?" Aryan Bhai says as he hugs me.

"I will." I nod, trying to convince myself as much as him.