After a week, School reopens... I again stood first in my class... Aani scored better in Mathematics this time.. so she was very happy her rank was also improved. I reminded her about her lunch deal..
"Aani.. now be ready to prepare my lunch for the whole month...."
"Zumar... how can you be so cruel..." I said only for one week..
"Hey... Cheater... now you got your result so you are stepping back... let me tell you... I will expose you .."I warned her..
"What will you expose about me.... Ms Zumar... you don't have anything against me..." she laughed...
"Ok.. then.. let me inform your mom about Tahaan..." I teased her...
"Zumar... I didn't know... you would blackmail me... Oh God... I was cheated by your innocent look... you have such a black heart..." she got furious...
"you only forced me...." I said
"Ok.. Ok... I will be responsible for your lunch .. but you have to help me with my studies for this whole year..." she said...
"Aani... Are you all right.. you worried about your studies..." I gave her a surprising look...
"Hey... don't give this look ... I am serious... Me and Tahaan decided to get admitted in the same University..." she finally said the truth...
"Oho.. now I got it... it's Tahaan... I really appreciate him... even your mom and I failed to motivate you... but he was able to do in few days... great job.."
"Zumar... please help me... this is our last year... I don't want to be in long distance relationship.. with him... please please..." she kept on begging...
"Ok ok... for the sake of our friendship .... let's do it.." I agreed "Let's celebrate for your great future... " I took her to the best icecream parlour of the city after school. I gave her the menu and we ordered the biggest cup of sundae... and ofcourse it was expensive
"Thanks... for your treat... Aani..." I said to her after finishing half of my icecream...
"What...!! who said it's my treat.." she yelled.
"We were celebrating for your bright future, so obviously it's your treat..." I said innocently..
"Zumar... I haven't got my pocket money yet, All my savings will be gone... I saved for his gift..." she cried...
"Aani... am I not important for you.. you can't even spend your savings on me..." I became dramatic...
"stop your drama...and finish your icecream.." she said and called the waiter to pay the bill.
We then left for our own ways.
I reached home when I saw him, i think his family was back.. I saw his mom and wished her and then went inside the gate... I could feel his eyes following me..
I was avoiding him from that night... We didn't have any interaction after that day.. I changed my dress and lie down on my bed...and closed my eyes... I don't want to think about him.... and as I was tired I soon fall asleep and woke up in the evening. I checked my phone for time and there was his message....
"Zumar... why are you avoiding me..." He asked.
"It's nothing, don't overthink I was busy..." I typed back to avoid any misunderstanding...
I got busy with my school and studies and with these the whole month passed... I came back from my school it was Friday... as I step inside I heard his mom's voice...
"I am here to send some sweets, it's a great news... My Zayden got high scores in University exam... he got s admission notice from the topmost Management college..." she informed my parents..
"All my prayers are answered Feriha... Zayden was very disturbed with the family problems back then.. but he didn't disappoint me..."
" He really worked hard... you are lucky to have such a bright son.." My mother appreciated him..
"I should thank you all for taking care of him when we were away... you treated him like your own child... Feriha you all are very good... I was very worried about him back then, but thanks to you..." She said with gratitude...
"That's what friends are for... We are friends and neighbours for all these years..... we are like a family... so stop thanking... he is like my own child..."
I was happy for him... I took my phone and texted a congratulations message to him.
"Thanks..." he replied...
"Zumar let's got out for eating.. it's my treat.. I will inform Aani and Tahaan as well... let's celebrate.." he invited
"Ok... Send me the time and venue.." I agreed
On Sunday, we all met at the City Mall and then head on to our favourite restaurant... We opted for barbecue and started enjoying our feast... Aani and Tahaan were busy in themselves as they were new couple... caring and feeding each other... I was feeling awkward... I try to tell Aani to behave by hitting her leg but by mistake I hit Zayden...
"What happened..." he asked...
"Nothing.. by mistake" I said and got more awkward...
I finished eating and came out saying that I want to take some fresh air... Zayden also took his leave... paid the bill and followed me...
"Why you came out...? have you had your fill...? He asked...
"Yup... !! I was feeling awkward...Thanks... I loved it..." I replied.
"Let's walk back... or you want to take taxi..." he asked.
"What about Aani and Tahaan..."
"I told them... Tahaan will drop her.." he replied
"ok.. let's walk then .." We started walking back silently.. Weather was nice so I enjoyed his company... None of us said anything untill we reached a departmental store... He asked me to wait outside for sometime and then went inside....
"This is for you Zumar..." he gave a box of chocolates...
"These are my favourites... but why are you giving me...is there anything special" I asked surprisingly.
"Nothing special... I just wanted to give you from a very long time but wasn't able to... finally I got the chance..
"Thanks.. but I can't accept... I already accepted your treat... and these are really very expensive..." I try to refuse.
"Take it please... for the sake of our relationship.... I mean aren't we friends... it's just a small token in return for all your care..." he insisted.
I wasn't able refuse him anymore.. I thanked him and he dropped me at my gate.