Love Over Friends.

Chapter 19 - Happiness Keeps Families Together?

Aaliyah's Point of View:
What was taking Alisha so long? She'd been up in her room for quite a while, and I couldn't help but wonder what she was doing. I glanced over at Akshay Bhai, who seemed to be in high spirits these days. Honestly, everyone seemed happier lately. Was it because Alisha and I had finally made up?

My phone buzzed, and I saw a message from Neel.

Neel: Hey Aaliyah! Is everything okay? Apparently, you went home with Alisha?

Me: Everything is fine, nothing to worry about.

These people care for me too much. I looked up at Alisha's window just in time to see her closing the curtains. There was definitely something going on with her. But then again, maybe she had wondered the same about me when I wasn't talking to her. What if she found out about Theo or even Neel? No, Aaliyah, that's just overthinking. Don't start acting weird.

My thoughts wandered between Neel and Theo. I didn't feel anything for Neel; he was like a brother to me. But Theo, on the other hand...

"Aaliyah, you're really quiet today. What happened?" Akshay Bhai asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Nothing happened. I was just thinking," I replied.

"Oh really?" Riteish Bhai chimed in with a laugh, but I just glared at him until he stopped.

"Don't mind me," he said, raising his hands in surrender.

"Of course we won't," Shahrukh Mama replied, shaking his head in amusement.

Suddenly, a squeal pierced through the air. It was Alisha, and even with the window closed, we could hear her. We all turned our heads towards the window, alarmed.

"What happened now?" Shahrukh Mama muttered as Alisha came running into the garden from the kitchen door, waving a letter in her hand.

"What's going on?" I asked, worried.

"They changed it!" Alisha shouted excitedly, practically bouncing on her toes.

"When?" Riteish Bhai asked, leaning forward.

"Next Saturday," Alisha replied, her face flushed with joy.

"That's so soon," Shahrukh Mama remarked, looking surprised.

"Wait, what did they change?" I asked, feeling out of the loop as all eyes turned to Alisha.

"She doesn't know?" Riteish Bhai asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Know what?" I asked, growing more confused by the second. Alisha let out a nervous laugh.

"Well, you know how I made that hockey team?" she began.

"Yeah?" I nodded.

"The hockey finals are next Saturday, and we're playing against your school," Alisha said.

"Mine? I didn't even know we had a hockey team," I replied, my surprise genuine.

"It's literally one of the biggest games of the year! Everyone is going to be there," Alisha emphasized, gesturing animatedly with her hands.

"What do you mean by 'everyone'?" I asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into my voice.

"Well, mainly the sporty people, some of the popular kids, and others who just want to watch," she said.

"Yeah, and family are allowed to go too. Riteish and I are definitely attending," Shahrukh Mama added.

"I'm hoping you do well, Alisha. I'll send you all my luck," Akshay Bhai said warmly.