He`s just answering your question.

Chapter 30

I put on a fancy dress and had my makeup done.

Today was the welcoming of spring a season for butterflies to leave their cocoons and for flowers to bloom...and most importantly for sinuses to thrive. We took a walk in the garden that was on display as his nose swelled up from all the pollen.

I couldn't help myself, I laughed throughout the entire walk while I handed tissues to him. The festival was still being set up so we had enough time to wait for the others.

With water balloons being flung around and people arriving fashionably late, and as the fire lit up with a steak placed onto it sizzling the fire up...A little bit of that famous spice mix and a pinch of salt...made the juiciest steak ever.

"I'll start the fire," I yelled running towards Owais as I shoved Biltong into his mouth

We all settled down with a soda at hand as Saleema went live on Zamins's Instagram. Something about their image as a famous couple. Whatever that meant. The rest of the afternoon was spent with us splashing one another with water balloons. We also stuffed our faces with one of the world's bests steaks, dads recipe.

"If you keep on eating like that all my hard work of trying to make you skinny will go to waste," Omar said taking my plate from me

"This is why you are always at home," I retorted

Overweight…the only fat thing here was his mouth.

"Let's make a toast to Omar's upcoming journey, we only wish him the best…utter happiness and who knows maybe he might meet the woman of his dreams over there!" Owais said raising his coke into the air and the rest of us followed suit

"And to Owais finally confessing, since he's so concerned about other people's relationships!" I said

Omar choked on his iced coffee laughing in silence. It was about time I said something. he didn't have to wish that he meets another lady...he doesn't need any females around him. After I argued with Owais we watched the fireworks and made peace with one another.

Nothing was as beautiful as Omar's smiling face, it resembled the stars above. That's when I knew, that I had fallen in love with him. He walked over to me placing his jacket around me, "It's cold…if you need anything else let me know."

He said before being pulled away. It's funny how a while back he hardly smiled or showed any emotion. Now he laughs, cries and cares for himself and the people around him. Even if I never see him after all of this, I know for sure that I have given him something that he will carry in his heart for as long as he lives…his sweater felt warm and smelt amazing…musk.

My favourite scent. The most nostalgic one that has changed its meaning in my memory.

I arrived home later that evening passing out due to exhaustion. The next few days were spent training for nationals and longing for more time...

I could not stop thinking about Omar, I even caught myself blushing just by merely thinking about his name. And the sweater he handed me earlier had left its smell on my shirt. It was laying on the floor beside me.

'I hope you aren't staying up again, tomorrow till noon practice' – his text read, followed by a few crying emojis.

I laughed sending a sticker to him before resting, the spring festival even without the jacaranda had left a memorable experience for me, one that can never be replaced…the year was flying by way too quickly.

Owais was upset since I made the remark, which is petty for a guy who was born 3 to 4 years before I was. I waited at the dojo scrolling through my phone realising that I had no pictures of me and Omar despite having spent a lot of time together, but then again he doesn't take any photos.

"Looks like it's just the 2 of us today, Omar has a crisis."

Jamal took out the equipment lining it up, just when you think you can be cut some slack…I shouldn't have eaten so much junk food, who knew that I could become this unfit by not training fitness for a week, not to mention skipping my diet?

"Omar told me to take you out for lunch, he won't be around today."

"I'll pass I`m a little bloated from all the recent junk food.

He nodded leaving the classroom, Zamin entered with Owais, and he walked over to me pouring a bucket of water onto me.

"Happy friendwesary! (friend anniversary)." Owais yelled

"Where do you get the time to make up all these words?" Zamin asked laughing

"Can you believe that on 2 separate decades but on the same date you met me and Zamin?"

"The biggest curse I've been put under especially you Owais."

"I know I'm the favourite, "he said rolling his eye

It was unbelievable that on the same day different decades, I met both of the best people in my life. Not to mention, how much love and care they've shown me throughout the years…

"Is it too late to return you guys to destiny?"

"Yes it is!" said Owais

"Guys I have a question by the way….how do you know when you start having romantic feelings towards someone."

"Depends on who's asking…" Owais said

"It's for Jamal, his pursuing a girl he likes…"

"Okay then. There are 2 parts…the lust part and the love. If you fell for someone because of how they look on the outside then you haven't genuinely fallen for them…but if just looking at them gets your heart kicking then…then it might be love," Owais said

"Wait how does that make sense, it's based if physical appearance either way," I said

"This is why I never give you advice," he replied

"This is why I never ask for your advice!"

After a heated argument, I quickly pushed him aside focusing on Zamin.

"Love.

"Love is when you look at someone, want to hold them, and give them all that you have including all the world's treasure. Love is watching her eat her favourite food and wanting her to eat more because of the way she smiles...Love is when you watch her count pebbles near the pond hopping around because they were all shiny...Love is wanting her but, know that she deserves better..."

"That`s a bit, confusing. Who are you referring to?" I asked

"No one. He's not referring to anyone he`s just answering your question," Owais said

"By the way Owais… Zakiras mother is looking for suitors for her. It's about time you step in, "Zamin said placing his hands into his pockets as he walked out

We followed him as Owais jumped over him excitedly. He didn't seem bothered by the remark at all. We drove around the city afterwards with the wind in our hair and another memorable moment made for my early adult years. An escape from reality and all its expectations…all its restrictions. We still argued none stop on the road...But that's just how we were...bickering food lovers.

Life at that very moment felt amazing, blissful…and most importantly it felt complete.