CHAPTER 17: A WAR

Chapter 8: An Unexpected Invitation

Amna, Zara, and Hamza were planning to grab a bite to eat after their lecture. As they were discussing where to go, Amna saw Shahmeer passing by. On a whim, she called out to him. "Hey, Shahmeer! Want to join us for lunch?"

Shahmeer barely broke his stride, his rejection cold and swift. "No, thanks. I'm not interested."

Amna felt a sting from his abrupt dismissal, but she tried to brush it off. "Okay, no problem. Maybe next time."

But then, Shahmeer's gaze landed on Hamza, and his expression changed. He slowed his pace, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Wait, you're Hamza, right?"

Hamza looked up, surprised. "Yeah, that's me. How did you know?"

Shahmeer's gaze lingered on Hamza for a moment before he turned back to Amna. "Fine. I'll join you for lunch. But just this once."

Amna's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Great!"

Chapter 8: An Unexpected Invitation (Continued)

As they reached the restaurant, Amna led the way to a cozy table by the window. Hamza was about to sit down beside her, but before he could, Shahmeer suddenly pushed him aside and took the seat next to Amna.

"Hey, what the...?" Hamza started to protest, but Shahmeer cut him off with a cold glare.

"I'll sit here," Shahmeer said, his voice firm and unyielding.

Chapter 8: An Unexpected Invitation (Continued)

Hamza threw up his hands. "Fine, Shahmeer. Have it your way. I'm done with this conversation."

As the tension between the two boys simmered down, the lunch came to an end. Hamza turned to Amna. "I'll drop you home, Amna. It's on my way."

But before Amna could respond, Shahmeer spoke up. "No, Hamza. I'll send her home. Her house is near mine."

Amna's eyes widened in surprise. "Really, Shahmeer? You live near me?"

Shahmeer nodded. "Yeah, I'm living alone in a flat nearby. It's no problem at all."

Hamza's expression turned skeptical. "Shahmeer, are you sure that's a good idea?"

Shahmeer's gaze turned cold. "Mind your own business,dude."

Amna felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized she was being pulled into a complex web of relationships and tensions between the two boys. She hesitated for a moment before speaking up.

"Okay, Shahmeer. Thank you. I appreciate it."