She's dead?

After telling the same story to Ajwad about how I fell while learning the new dance, I felt exhausted. He was being so angry with his questions that I changed this topic, "I'm going to fail the conic section test if you keep asking me useless questions instead of teaching me that" I said sarcastically.

Esha shouted, "Those are not fucking useless questions, Khansa. Stop gaslighting us and tell us the truth!" the cafeteria went deadly silent, and she realized her mistake and looked at me apologetically.

"For the love of God, stop acting like you know everything about me" I said in a serious tone. I was only beating around the bush, so I could in any way change the topic.

"You are so insecure, Khansa. How many times I've told you that we are your friends. Stop this nonsense about being codependent and not trusting issues" I was about to reply, but she continued in a low voice, "Every time you get these bruises and gashes you tell us a story that even a 5th grader will laugh on". She was right, but I didn't say that and stayed quiet.

I looked at Ajwad, and he was still wearing that expression of anger, and write it down when I tell you Ajwad is rarely angry. I huffed out, "Yes mother, anything else?" I said playfully.

"I am sick of your stupid answers" Esha muttered before standing up and walking away without saying goodbye. I laughed, "She's so cute when she's angry" I looked at Ajwad and found him looking at me with a tortured expression, "That's enough. Next time you come to us make sure there's truth with you instead of your insecurities" he said as if it was painful for him to say that.

I was about to reply when he grabbed his backpack and walked away like Esha. Why were they so hell-bent on knowing about my life? It was the only thing that I wanted to keep away from them.

"Everything's Alright"? Someone said from behind me. I looked back and found Ardil looking at me with concern marring his face.

He was my group mate in Chemistry's project, and he seemed like a nice guy,, so I nodded my head and went away without waiting for his response.

I took three classes and Ajwad didn't even talk to me, let alone look at me. Esha also didn't come to me after her classes, and I felt like a panic attack was on its way.

I went to the washroom to wash my hands after eating a sandwich. I heard someone crying from behind me, and after a few moments I recognized the voice. I was so shocked to find Esha crying profusely, and she didn't even notice me.

"Esha"? I said with hesitance in my voice before nearing closer to her. Her eyes were swollen and tears were streaming down her cheek in waves.

She looked at me and hugged me so hard. We stood like that for what felt like an eternity before she pulled back and said, "Khansa, I don't know what to do" she said in a scratchy voice.

I nodded as if I understood what she was trying to say and asked her, "What happened?" I asked softly.

She sniffled, "You know about how mum and dad had a marriage of convenience back then. Just so their business could flourish they got married" I nodded and remembered how Esha was a hopeless romantic and always told us that she'd find someone who'd be her prince charming. I used to laugh at that and tell her that I thought all guys were trash and no one was worth her time.

"Mom called and said they are going to do the same with me" I was so shocked at that. Her parents were fools for asking her to do that.

"How could they even think about that? You're only 17 for god's sake" I muttered angrily.

"That's not the problem Khansa" Esha cried. I frowned at her, "What?"

"I would rather not get married to somebody who is not capable of loving me. Khansa, he is so emotionless" she shouted as if I was dumb for not knowing that already. Of course, I knew that, but the fact she was very young also bothered me a lot.

"Who's the guy?" I asked hesitatingly. She looked at me painfully. I think I knew the answer, but I asked her again, "Who is it?" my voice was a mere whisper.

"Kabeer" she whispered, and I think for a moment my heart stopped beating. I never knew I still had feelings for him that I had buried a long time ago until now. I couldn't believe her words, and a sudden stabbing pain surfaced in my heart. I hated feeling anything apart from indifference for him. I only wanted to have one emotion for him, and that was hate.

Obviously, Kabeer's dad was good friends with Esha's parents. How did I forget that? Maybe they had plans of doing that from the very start and only disclosed to them now?

I was about to reply when my phone started ringing and the number was unknown. I declined the call, but after continuous calls I picked it up, "Hello?" I said impatiently.

"Is this the family of Nora Abeer speaking?" A man with an aged voice spoke.

I didn't say anything, and my heart started palpitating crazily. I knew something was wrong, and I didn't know my entire body was shaking until esha put her hand on my shoulder to steady me. Her expressions were concerned.

"Are you there?" The man said as if he were rushing.

"Yes, I'm her daughter and -" I couldn't speak, as if there were a ball stuck in my throat. I knew what he was going to say. I had always dreaded this day.

"I'm extremely sorry to give this news to you that your mother has been found dead at your residence" he said apologetically.