"Ummm…" The hair on the back of Ines's neck stood up as she heard Serene asking about her reddish looking ugly bump on the forehead.
'I really can't afford any more embarrassment. Aza already knows why and how I got this stupid bump.'
"She was sleep walking in the morning, which made her stumble upon the threshold of her bathroom. Her head struck against the bed corner." Aza popped some grapes in her mouth.
"Oh…." Serene didn't force them to tell her about it anymore.
As Livia was scrolling down to her social media, she saw a post. It was done by none other than their ex friend. One that they wished never to see again.
Livia shrieked, "Guys, you have to see it."
Her voice tone had concealed her feelings yet her eyes displayed disgust and anger without any filters.
She kept her phone on the table and pushed it to her friends.
They shook their heads as if they couldn't find anything suspicious through their telepathy skills.
Taking the small electronic device in her hand, Diana peeped at the screen. It showed pictures of the two rings along with the two name's initials. The first one Z.S. belonged to the owner of the post but the second one R.A., was that one that made them confused.
"After the upcoming 2 weeks, I'll finally be able to meet my prince charming. I can officially address him as mine for forever and his wait would be over. Me and him have wasted so much time that we can't even think of living away from each other for a second. So hereby I invite all of you to my engagement ceremony."
No one said anything for a whole one minute. Diana thought they were delaying for her to finish if there were more things written in the post.
Therefore she informed them, "I am done now. The post ended here."
All types of questions started to pop up in their minds.
"Who is R.A?"
"Wasn't her last boyfriend someone named Sean?"
"What's with unforeseen and sudden engagement? Who are these stupid people who want Ziya as their daughter in law? Don't they love their son enough that they want him to suffer in her hands?"
While Aza kept eating grapes leisurely, not caring what her friends were talking about.
Serene snatched the bowl of grapes away from Aza's grip and kept it there, "Are you even listening to us?" She grumpily asked her.
Since she couldn't eat grapes, she took hold of the oranges. She peeled the outer layer and ate, "What's so intriguing and interesting in the post?"
"Actually you are right. Why are we even talking about this? Don't we have other better things to do rather than discussing or gossiping like old aunties?" Ines's words shook them. It made them realise their mistake.
If their ex friend was getting engaged it has nothing to do with her or if who was her fiance? It had no connection to them. It was useless to talk about something that you already considered useless. It was the same here, their past friendship was over. They had no obligation now. They didn't have to care for their ex friend.
"Now I'm going upstairs. I recently got another task to do. I'll come only for dinner later." Aza told them, as she headed to her room.
The room lost its charm, since Aza left to do her work. It turned completely silent.
Diana broke it, "I agree with Aza and her words but we need to go shopping. The fridge is empty. We don't have any veggies left nor a pack of milk."
"I need to buy something too. So I'll tag along with you Dia." Ines hissed when she pressed the ice pack with more force on her bump.
Diana looked at the only pair left, "Do you both wanna join us on our shopping spree?"
Livia choked up, "I wish I could join but I really can't. I am busy. Our fashion designer teacher has given us an assignment, the due date is tomorrow. I need to do some final edits and revise before I submit it."
'Phew, I would have died with a heart attack if I hadn't come up with an excuse in time.'
Diana nodded and moved to the next girl, " Serene, are you free?"
"I'm free however I am feeling sleepy today so I'll pass your offer and would like to enjoy the rest of the day in my room. Being coped up, covered with a blanket, sleeping peacefully." Serene elaborated her plans for today.
"So it's decided. Me alongwith Ines will be going to the shopping mall. Since we have to buy restocks for the whole upcoming month, it would be late till the time we come back. It would be around 7, therefore we will eat our lunch outside in the hotel and you guys can order for yourselves." Diana confirmed with them. Both Livia and Serene didn't have any issues. They promised to follow her commands.
Ines washed her hands and re entered the living room. She saw Diana giving instructions to Livia and Serene like they were small kids. She saw them pouting their lips and looking down at the floor. Their heads hung low and others could feel their sad and upset vibes. It wasn't hard to ignore when the most excited girl of the group turned silent.
"Ok… you both understood?" Diana asked the other two girls, who sat obediently.
"Yes.."
"Yup.."
Getting the positive response, Diana fleeted away from them and towards Ines.
Ines stood with her hands folded in front of her chest, "Any command or instruction for me?"
When Diana was the one to get caught, "Yes, there's something only you can do. You have to come back."
_________
Somewhere in the parallel universe.
A tall and ugly creature walked proudly into the main chamber. It wasn't a creature nor he was a human being. Perhaps a hybrid. A mixture of both; a human body and a wild animal.
His heavy and rough voice boomed inside the chamber. His towering height of 10ft could scare anyone. His black eyes with black pupils looked like a mini black hole.
"Master, we couldn't locate them."