Love Means Sacrifice

Ch. 17: Wrong Impressions

Zahid's P.O.V.

"Happy birthday, Zahid! I'm so glad you were born, my bhai! You help fill the dark and desolate void in my heart." Farhan burst into my room with balloons and a cake.

He set the cake down on my desk, split the bundle of balloons into two, and sat on my bed. I quickly wiped my tears and sat up.

"Sahir called and told me about Mehwish and Javed. I got these balloons for you and these for Mehwish because I thought I would visit her with you. I also knew you must've been really worried, but from what I heard from Ayaara last night, she seems like she'll be fine InShaAllah, so cheer up. I know you probably didn't celebrate your birthday, but come on, you only turn 23 once. You don't have to say thank you, I know how great of a friend I a-"

"She lost her memory, Farhan."

"-m. Oh, you're welco- What?!"

"And Javed's in love with her."

Farhan stood up with a scrunched face, "Hold up, what?!"

I nodded slowly, not being able to believe any of it myself.

"You're joking."

"I've decided that I'm going to let her go." I uttered hesitantly.

"What?!"

I kept silent, my mind on overdrive.

"Are you in your senses, Zahid?!"

I finally looked at Farhan, "For the first time, he seems serious about someone... I can't believe I didn't realize it before. It all makes so much more sense now. He always tried to involve her in everything, he started taking his grades more seriously, he wants to be a role model for his future kids, he started praying, these are all the qualities that Mehwish said she wants in a partner..." I paused before continuing, "I can't take away my brother's love from him... A-and Mehwish will be happier with him."

I nodded and tried to convince myself quietly, "Yes.  Yes, she will be happier with him. Javed will make her happier than I do."

"And what about you, Zahid? What about you? What about your love? For the first time, you fell in love and you're going to give her up so easily like that?"

"If Javed will be happy, then I will be happy. He's my only brother, I can't do that to him."

"What about Mehwish? What if one day she remembers everything, then what? And, if she doesn't want to be with Ja-"

"She'll realize that Javed's better for her."

Farhan shook his head, "What are you made of, Zahid? I don't get you sometimes. Don't do this! You don't know how hard it is to see the one you love with someone else. Yes, he's your only brother, and I know you feel for him as a parent sometimes. You try to not let him feel Aunty's absence and fill his needs and all, but that doesn't mean you're going to sacrifice your love for him."

"They'll both be happy."

"Who's to say that?! And, what about your happiness? Prioritize yourself for once, Zahid! You can't alway-"

"My happiness lies in their well-being!"

"It's not fair to Mehwish!"

"She deserves someone better tha-"

"You're not thinking straight, Zahid. You make her happy. How will Javed even feel when he finds out his brother gave up the only girl he's ever loved for him? Don't think that if you won't tell him I won't!"

"For my sake and sake of our friendship, you won't tell him. Swear on me."

"Hell no! I'm your best friend, not your enemy!"