HER CRUSH

Chapter28

One week later...
Zarah..
We savored our ice cream at the Ice Cream Palace, the conversation turned to our course mate's recent breakup. "I can't believe he actually cheated on her!" I exclaimed, shaking my head in disgust. "Some men are truly worthless," I added, rolling my eyes.

Farida and Ama nodded in agreement, Just look at how much Rabi'a loves him, and yet he still betrayed her like that," Farida exclaimed

I took a bite of my ice cream, the sweetness momentarily distracting me from the juicy gossip.

I'm telling you, she cried so much that day,"

"It's disgusting how he acted innocent, but inside, he's just a hypocrite."

Farida changed the conversation "So, Zarah, when did Abdul say his in-laws are arriving?" she asked, looking at me with interest.

I smiled, happy to shift the conversation to more pleasant topics. "Oh, I think he's still waiting for his father's approval for the marriage," I replied, taking another bite of my ice cream. "But I'm sure it'll happen soon. I'm sure his father will come around."
The conversation continued, with the three of us chatting about our plans, coursework, and social lives, grateful for our supportive friendship.

"Talking about him, he told me that he and Sufyan are coming today, but I didn't know if he changed his plans since time has passed and he hasn't called yet.

"Well, Sufyan has come back, but he'll return home in two weeks and come back again.

"You mean to say they're both joining us here?" Farida and Ama  exclaimed in unison, drawing attention from the people around us.

"Great guys! Drag their attention over here," I muttered, trying to keep a low profile.

"No, they're not," I  roll my eyes. I burst out laughing. "What if they do join us?" I chirped, looking at my friends.

"That would be superb! We'd get the chance to talk to him about the wedding.

"You guys are crazy, you know? I'm not comfortable around him like I used to be. Wallahi, I'm shy of him now," I admitted, feeling a bit awkward.

"Did you tell him where you are right now?" Ama asked.

"No, he hasn't called yet," I replied, checking my phone for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Oh my god, my ice cream is melting!" I exclaimed, quickly finishing it off in one gulp.

"Let me have your phone, please," Ama plead , not waiting for a response before typing away on my screen and handing it back to me.

"Hey, aren't you taking your ice cream?" I asked Farida, eyeing her cone longingly.

"I will, please keep your eyes off my thing.

"Sorry, my Fari," I apologized, rummaging through my bag for my trusty extra spoon. "Thank God no one is watching me," relieved to have my backup utensil on hand.

"Please, guys, look around and make sure no one is watching me," I whispered, digging my spoon into the ice cream. "Mmm, nothing beats vanilla ice cream."

Just as I was savoring the creamy goodness, I felt the chair beside me being pulled out, and someone settled in. The familiar scent of Abdul's cologne wafted towards me, and I could feel his eyes on me. I raised my head, whipping it towards the direction of the gaze, and came face-to-face with him. My eyes widened in embarrassment - he'd caught me red-handed, or rather, red-spooned, taking a generous helping of ice cream!

"Oh my Allah, this is embarrassing! "I'm going to kill Ama and Farida for this!" I hissed, glaring at my friends, who are trying to stifle their giggles . I wanted to melt into my seat and disappear.