Love Over Friends.

Chapter 17 - Love begins?

Aaliyah's Point of View:

"Woah. You need to be more careful." He said as I quickly got up, brushing off my dress. My heart raced as I took a moment to really look at him. 

"Thanks." I managed to say still a bit flustered.

"You look stunning, by the way." He complimented, and I nodded slightly, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"I'm Theodore James, but you can call me Theo." Theo introduced himself, extending his hand. I shook it, a small smile forming on my lips.

"I'm Aaliyah, but my friends call me Lia." I replied matching his grin.

"Well then... Lia," Theo said playfully making me feel special.

"Hopefully, I'll see you soon." Theo added lifting my hand to kiss it gently.

"For now, my lady, I bid you a farewell," Theo said with a theatrical bow, making me laugh. As he walked away, I couldn't help but smile. Why do I feel so gooey inside? Guess it was his British charm. Brits are known to be charming, right?

Alisha's Point of View:

I made my way to the drinks table to grab some mango juice. As I turned around, I came face to face with Hussain Asif, just what I needed today.

"Hello, Alisha." Hussain said and I was momentarily speechless.

"I forgive you," Hussain stated his expression serious.

"What did you say?" I blinked in disbelief.

"Don't make me say it again." Hussain replied with his tone firm.

"But—" I started but cut me off.

"It doesn't mean things between us will be normal. I still need time." Hussain added before walking away. Was that it? Just like that?

Sidharth's Point of View:

Aaliyah had finally returned from the fountain, but where was Alisha? She had come back about five minutes ago and I suddenly bumped into someone.

"Sorry," I said, and he responded, "It's okay."

"Wait, do I know you from somewhere?" He asked.

"You do?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"You go to Aaliyah's old school, don't you? You were the one who came to the balcony?" He inquired.

"How do you know?" I asked intrigued.

"She told me you were the only one who stuck up for her when..." He trailed off and I understood.

"Oh. Yes, yes, I was," I replied, nodding.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Neel." Neel introduced himself.

"I'm Sidharth." I said as we shook hands.

"So you're Aaliyah's...?" Neel prompted.

"Friend." I finished and an awkward silence fell between us.

"Well, I'm gonna go now..." we both said simultaneously.

"Okay, bye." Neel said as we parted ways.

"I've got to find Aaliyah and confess to her." I whispered to myself, pushing through the crowd. Suddenly, I heard her giggle and hid behind a pillar.

A guy was kissing her hand, and she smiled back. "And for now, my lady, I bid you a farewell," he said making Aaliyah giggle again. She twirled around, looking radiant. Are they together? No, that can't be true, they just met. Alisha told me it's hard for Aaliyah to fall in love. Doesn't she like me? I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, but, Akshay approached her.

"Hey, sis!" Akshay said and Aaliyah hugged him tightly.

"How's the party?" Akshay asked.

"It's awesome. Your parties are always the best." Aaliyah replied with her eyes sparkling.

"I'm so glad you're safe," Akshay said hugging her tightly again.

"This party is actually for you. I missed you, stupid..." Akshay teased and they both laughed. I turned away, feeling a pang of jealousy.

Hussain's Point of View:

I sat in a corner, watching everyone enjoy themselves while I gathered my thoughts. I was thrilled that Aaliyah was back and that we cleared things up, but Alisha? I wasn't so sure about her. I only forgave her because Aaliyah insisted, but I still couldn't shake the anger over the lies. I really wanted to talk to her, but the trust was broken, and rebuilding that would take time.

I took a deep breath, ready to approach Aaliyah with a better apology, this time alongside Shehry. Just then, I noticed Alisha wandering alone, looking lost. Should I approach her?

"Shehry," I called out, needing my brother's support.

Aaliyah's Point of View:

I felt a whirlwind of emotions. Ever since meeting Theo, I was confused. I should calm down. True love doesn't exist, finding someone who loves you for who you are, not just for your looks, is rare. Most guys go for the superficial.

I was about to head to Joy when Hussain called my name.

"Aaliyah?" Hussain said and I turned to see him and Shehry approaching.

"Hi, guys. Enjoying the party?" I asked casually hoping everything was okay between Hussain and Alisha. Even though I hadn't forgiven Alisha entirely, I still wanted them to be happy.

"Yes, we are. Your brother is a great host." Hussain said.

"Thanks." I replied about to walk away when they both called out. "Wait." I raised an eyebrow, signalling them to continue.

"Aaliyah, we're really sorry for what happened. I know I've been an asshole, and I apologise. If I had known the truth, I would've stood by you. I support the truth, and I know I forgave Alisha too early, but she needs good influence, and I think that should be me." Shehry admitted.

"Yeah, sorry." Hussain echoed, and I felt my smile fade.

"Well, you can't undo what you've already done. You can't change the past or make these memories fade." I said quietly.

"We know. And—" Hussain started but I interrupted.

"Listen, guys. I forgive you. I FORGIVE you. Seriously, I know it wasn't your fault." I assured them and they both let out a relieved breath.

"By the way, Hussain, did you forgive and talk to Alisha?" I asked curiously.

"Um—" was all he could manage as Shehry shot him a meaningful glance.

"Wait, I'll be back." I said just remembering to do something.

Alisha's Point of View

Where are the samosas? What kind of party is this if they don't have banging food?

"Alisha." Shehry called from behind.

"What?" I asked still searching for the table.

"Here you go." Shehry said handing me some samosas on a plastic plate.

"Where did you find—" I started but he interrupted.

"Aaliyah." Shehry replied with a hint of a smile on his face.

"Oh," I replied looking down with the air felt heavy between us.