Page 18 of Storm
All of these laughs together, high fives and thumbs up involved Aariz and me as well. We formed camaraderie, having ganged up together against Zee. What with our eye-talks throughout this scene, we became instant friends in the group.
Bringing us all out of the fun, Umber reminded us of our surroundings,
“People are leaving. You all might be fascinated with the idea of folding chairs, but I'm so not.”
With that, it was time to go home. Aariz hugged Zee and the boys. He held out his hand in front of me, but before I could shake it, I suddenly remembered something urgent and turned towards Umber,
“Can you come with me for two minutes?” Umber nodded, looking weirdly at the desperation in my voice. “Let’s go and have another ice-cream. It is in chocolate chip and nuts flavour! Please please please Umber!”
I did not think that my tone was even slightly childish. Apparently, Aariz thought so.
Because at that same moment, I glanced sideways and saw Zee whispering something to Aariz, who smiled and shook his head staring at, ME!
How dare he laugh at me, Aariz-the-best-friend-of-Zee!
I have no idea as to what Zee told him. Nonetheless, what-the-hell-ever it was! How can he laugh at me?! That is so rude! What have I done, for him to laugh at me?
Manner-less, uncivilized, idiot, asshole-Aariz!
I knew if I stayed any longer, I might strangle the jackass. Pulling Umber along, I started walking away but stopped remembering to offer the ice cream to Zee.
He said he wants it. But, it did not stop there. No, Zee, smart-in-his-own-tiny-mind, went ahead and asked Aariz if he would like an ice cream too?
What am I, their waiter?
Aariz directed his answering smile at me, saying politely,
“Sure. But you girls please stay here. Zidaan and I will get the ice-creams.”
As if he is so noble and a perfect gentleman.
Hah! Gentleman my ass! Gentle people do not laugh at innocent people like me!
“No it’s alright, we’ll bring it. Sani wanted to have some walk anyway. Stretch her legs a bit.” Umber denied his offer graciously.
“Says who? I don't need any walk. If Zee is going with him, let them go.” I purposely did not take Aariz's name, as if I had forgotten it already.
I went on shrugging coolly, “All we care about is the ice cream. Whoever brings, it does not matter to me. We’ll sit here comfortably. Let them go.” Turning towards them, I went on, “And both of you, please make it fast, okay?” I said it smugly; wanting that self-implied gentleman to realize his sucking-up won't work. I hate him already.
Alas, rather than the certain someone I actually wished to be rude too, idiot Zee took an issue with my attitude saying,
“You know what Sani, even a billionaire’s child doesn’t eat ice cream four times a day! I'm sure.”
How the damn hell Zee dare make fun of me in front of Aariz?!
“Zee, you know very well, that I don't eat ice cream four times a day!” I yelled. Nostrils flared. Complete pissed-off mode on.
After all, I just wanted to sound rude to Aariz. Not appear as an outright crazy person who gobbles on ice cream. I might hate Aariz, but I wanted to maintain my image in front of him. Because he was good-looking, yes, of course I had noticed, and did accept it as a fact. Being a girl, I was not immune to his charm. I mean, he was easy on the eyes. A kind of guy, whose company I wouldn’t mind.
Yeah, I still hated him for insulting me publicly. I mean, he smiled/laughed at me for no reason! Hence, in a way insulted me, right?
Zee had a smart comeback ready for me, with a prominent smirk plastered on his face,
“You’re right Sani. Yet, whenever anyone asks, what you would like to eat, you say ice cream. It is a good thing that no one actually fulfils your wish all the time. Otherwise you would have stopped eating normal meals long back.”
“It’s nothing like that, you liar!” I almost pounced on him, ready to attack. But stopped myself short, realizing there were guest around. At least the catering staffs were.
Therefore, I satisfied myself by glaring at Zee. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Aariz trying to control his amusement at my expense, by pressing his lips together. His shoulders were slightly shaking with concealed laughter.
