Isla came out in her car for the school. She saw Parth was not there waiting for her outside his house. She asked the driver to stop the car and got down. She went to Parth's house and knocked the door. Lily came to open the gate. She looked at her trying to figure out if she knew her. She said, " Whom do you want to meet? "
" Hi! I am Isla, Parth's friend. Is he at home? " Isla said very politely.
" Get inside. " Lily said.
" Sorry, i'm getting late for the school. Actually, i live here only in that building. " pointing to her house, she said. " next time. "
" Parth left for the school fifteen minutes ago. " Lily said.
" Okay, fine. Then, i gotta go now. " Isla said, " Bye. " and rushed to her car.
Lily thought, " How sweet she is? Parth already became her friend. "
She closed the door and came inside.
" Who was there Lily? " Grandma said.
" Parth's school friend grandma. " Lily said while putting wet clothes on the hanger for dry. " our new neighbour. She studies with Parth in the same school. She was looking for him. "
" Ohho.. nice. " Grandma said.
**********
Isla reached the school. When she entered the classroom, she saw Parth, Eva and Darsh were gathered at a place and talking. They're talking about Isla's brother. When she reached near, they kept quiet.
" Hi! everyone." Isla said on reaching near to them.
Eva was angry after knowing about his brother, how he insulted Parth. She grabbed Parth's hand and took him to another place.
" Hello Isla ! How are you? " Darsh said. He didn't move from there to give her company. Isla was looking at them going away. She felt really bad.
" Eva! What are you doing? Why did you pull me here? " Parth got annoyed at her behaviour.
" Did you forget what did his brother do with you yesterday? How does he insulted you in front of others? Esla hissed.
" But it's not her fault. She is not like her brother." Parth tried to make her understand, " Even she was too embarrassed at her brother's behaviour. "
" Why are you still taking her side. " Eva got irritated.
" Why not? " Parth said, " When i already know that it was not her mistake."
Eva was almost burst into tears. She thought, " Is her brother right? Does Parth actually like her? "
Parth walked out from there and went to sit alone in the class.
Isla was still standing there, looking at them.
" Hey! you don't worry. Actually, she is concerned about him that's why she is reacting little weird. Please, don't mind her. " Darsh tried to make her feel comfortable. He couldn't understand what to say in such situation.
" It's alright." Isla gave a fake smile to him.
***********
After class, Isla again came to Parth and said, " Parth, i am really sorry about yesterday. I didn't expect that he would react like this. "
" It's alright. Why you are saying sorry. It's not your fault." Parth said., "take it easy. In fact, i should be sorry for Eva's s behaviour for the morning . She should not do this to you. "
" I didn't mind her. I can understand. She was concerned about you. Let it be. " Isla said looking at Eva who was still angry with her.
She said further, " I went to your home today in the morning. I met your sister. "
" For what? "
" I didn't see you standing outside the house. So, i thought you would be late today, still at home."
" I don't want problem anymore, don't want ruin our friendship. Your brother doesn't like me to come with you. Then it's alright.At least our friendship will be continued forever."
" You are right. " Isla said and smiled but Eva who was silently listening them, getting angry and jealous too.
Isla looked at her jealous face. She already understood Eva's feeling for Parth. She knew that she loved him, might be one-side love.
" Everything is settled now. So, let's go to canteen to have ice-cream from my side. "Darsh said. They went to school canteen and had ice-cream and some snacks. Isla got in her car and returned home. Darsh and Parth went to the ground for the practice.
" Where were you? This Sunday, we have the game and you guys are showing carelessness? His captain said. He was waiting for them since right after the class got over.
They practiced there more than the previous days. Around 6 o'clock, they returned home. Parth reached home but he was late today, so he didn't see Ryan going out for the practice.
" Parth, why are you so late from the school today? " Pa said angrily.
Parth got scared looking his Grandpa getting furious at him. " After school, he goes for the basketball practice. " grandma said, " He already asked me for this. "She tried to protect him.
" Look at the time, if he will practice till evening then which time he is gonna study for the coming exam. " Pa said looking at grandma.
Lily came out of her room after listening noise. She saw Pa was scolding him.
She said, " Pa, he promised me, after this competition, he will only focus on his study. Please, let him practice till this sunday."
" Both of you are spoiling him. I just want him to get a good college next year. That's why i always force him for the study. " Pa said and walked into his room.
Parth felt bad. He didn't say a word and moved in his room. He changed his clothes, got fresh and sat on the chair. He didn't know what to do. He couldn't leave the practice and the competition either. He closed his eyes and laid on his bed to take rest for few minutes and he thought to study.