Love Means Sacrifice

Ch. 2: You?!

Javed's P.O.V.

After my first class ended, I messaged Mehwish only to find out she was waiting for me outside in the courtyard. She was sat on a bench next to the pink flowers looking at her phone. I slid across the bench until I was sat next to her and then popped my shirt collar.

She shook her head and chuckled before I asked her, "So, Ms. Mehwish, how was your first class of your first day at your new university?"

"Well, Mr. Javed, my first class of my first day at my new university was interesting," she then scrunched her nose, "I wouldn't say I made any friends though."

"Oh that's good... Hey! I thought we were friends!"

"Well, we technically started talking today..." she joked.

I dramatically looked to my left and put my hand on my chest, "I-I'm offended, Mehwish. I thought what we had was special!"

She laughed and I watched her put her left hand on my right arm, "I'm sorry, Javed."

I pretended to wipe my tears before getting up, "It's okay, Mehwish. One day, one day... Anyways, are you hungry?"

I led her to our university's dining area. Mehwish was fun to banter with. It seems like we could be good friends.

Zahid's P.O.V.

Abba began preparing dinner after we reached home from our meeting.

"I've been trying to perfect Zara's spaghetti recipe, but even after all these years, it still tastes like it's missing something." He said before trying the sauce.

I laughed lightly in response before going back to my assignment.

Ayaara walked into the kitchen holding my pants from earlier today, "Bhaijaan! How on earth did this even happen? What setting should I put for the washing machine?"

I looked up at her and shook my head, "Don't even ask."

Abu walked over to Ayaara and gave her a hug before kissing her head. She was everyone's favorite and brightened everyone's mood. She looked a lot like Ami.

"You can put it in the laundry room, jaan. I'll deal with it." Abba said before going back to his pasta.

Ayaara shook her head, "No, Abba! You must be so tired! Should I wash it with hot water or warm?"

I went back to finishing my homework. Javed didn't come home until Abba was almost done cooking.

"Assalamwalaikum, Abbajaan!"

"Walaikumsalaam, beta. Long day, huh? Freshen up quickly and come down for dinner."

I followed Javed to his room and sat myself down on his chair.

"Long day or did you and your friends go to the hookah lounge?" I laughed.

"If you know, Bhai, why do you ask?" he flashed a sly smile.

He changed his clothes after washing up.

"I met up with Mehwish today. I showed her around campus and we grabbed lunch together."

"Mehwish?"

"Ami's friend's daughter? Remember, Abba was saying she transferred to our school?"

"Oh yeah, that's good. I hope she's liking the university."

"Yeah. I think she is. She's cool."

I nodded.

As we headed to the dining room, I questioned my brother, "How's Malaika?"

Javed scrunched his face, "Uff, Bhai! Why'd you have to mention her?"

"Oh, I don't know, it's not like she's crazy about you and you guys have been together for a while."

"I told her it's not serious, but she doesn't seem to take the hint."

My parental side came out, "Javed, it's not cool to be stringing girls along."

"I know, Bhai, but what can I do? It's the Javed effect," he shrugged while laughing.

After dinner, we prayed Isha as a family, except Javed, who did his homework in his room. Abu and Ayaara went to bed soon after, while I worked out in our home gym.

The following day, I had the same class and sat next to Farhan. He periodically sipped on his coffee as his head kept drooping down then bouncing back up.

"What happened? You didn't sleep well? It's only the second day, bro," I nudged him, whispering.

"Don't ask. Mom's found a girl for me and won't let it go. She really likes her."

"What's the problem? Have you spoken to her?"

"Zahid, man, when you will like someone, then you will understand."

"What? You like someone?!"

At that moment, a scrunched up sticky note hit my back. I leaned down to pick it up and it read, "I'm sorry about your pants! Do you forgive me?" with a "yes" and a "no" box.

 I turned around to see the girl from yesterday looking at me sheepishly. I checked the "yes" box and turned around, nodding towards her to indicate to the person behind me to give it to her. 

Right as class ended, not only did she throw the note back, but she accidentally threw her pen with it. It hit Farhan's coffee, making it spill all over my laptop. We immediately stood up. I turned around and furrowed my eyebrows, anger filling my eyes. However, my eyes softened as soon as I saw her. She was covering her mouth with her hands, clearly feeling guilty. She made a sad face before mouthing, "sorry," and buried her head in her arms on the desk. A small smile tugged on my lips.

Farhan tilted my laptop to drain it of the coffee, "Dude, you're smiling, but your keyboard is ruined."

I wiped the table and the soggy illegible note with Farhan's napkins before packing up. It was okay because alhamdulillah, Allah SWT gave me the capability to purchase a new laptop and I didn't have any necessary files on this one.

Javed's P.O.V.

I was walking to my car when I saw Mehwish waiting at the bus stop. I insisted on giving her a ride.

On the way to her house, I kept getting notifications on my phone, making Mehwish raise an eyebrow. I silenced it because Malaika wouldn't stop messaging me. It had been two days since I picked up her calls.

"It's just notifications from the school portal."

"Hmm, you're sure it's not from a girl, or should I say girls?" she joked.

"Why? Are you interested?" I winked, running my hand through my hair.

"You wish!" she laughed.

"Ouch... It's okay. One day... How was your class?"

"Could have been better... I am already struggling with the basics for my accounting class!"

"Accounting? My brother's a pro at that! I'm sure he could tutor you. How about you come over tomorrow?"

"No no, it's okay. You've already done enough for me. You showed me around and now you've given me a ride! How could I ever repay you?" she dramatically said at the end.

I laughed before responding, "No, I'm sure he will be happy to help you."

The following evening, I brought Mehwish home with me. Abba was showering and Ayaara was at her friend's house. Mehwish trailed behind me as we reached the home gym.

I knocked on the door, "Zahid Bhai? Mehwish is here. Remember I was telling you she needed help?"

I pushed open the door and walked in, as did Mehwish. As soon as Bhai saw Mehwish, both of their eyes grew large, and they both shouted,

"You?!"