Page 16 of Storm
“I saw you earlier during dinner.” Zee said looking happy and if I am not wrong, a little concerned.
Aariz seemed taken aback, but recovered with an easy smile, “Oh, then why didn’t you come and meet?”
“You seemed pretty lost, as if looking for someone...Keenly.” Zee murmured with a slight smile.
He went on looking thoughtfully at Aariz, “You are here alone or have a date?”
“I’m not dating anyone at the moment.” Aariz said so staring straight at me and did not move his gaze.
Why does it feel like he is informing me? Maybe it is just my imagination.
“Then I hope you found what you were looking for.” Zee smirked meaningfully.
Aariz still staring at me, murmured in a soft velvety tone, “I think I do now.”
“Maybe it’s time you stopped looking and actually tried?”
Aariz turned towards Zee before answering, “I think I might try...” His gaze found mine again, dropping to my lips, as he went on with finality in his voice, “...this time.”
“Keep yourself open to possibilities though. If not that, then something else might catch your eye. Just don’t lose yourself and disappear again. It’s after a long time that I have found you.” Zee spoke so earnestly, making me wonder what they were actually talking about?!
Aariz stiffened and did not answer.
This conversation felt too deeper than it seemed. As if, Zee was playing psychiatrist on Aariz.
I turned towards Umber and others, but they were all busy talking. Apparently, nobody was interested in the intriguing exchange between these two long lost friends.
Yes, I am nosy, and get bored easily. So sue me, I found this wierd conversation fascinating. It was not as if they were whispering! So I was not really eavesdropping, was I?
Aariz looked around at my cousins, just as I had. Maybe he felt uncomfortable discussing this...whatever it was, with Zee in front of us.
He cleared his throat and faced Zee again, “So have I.” Chuckling, he went on in a carrying voice, “You pulled the disappearing act pretty nicely yourself.”
“Where are you these days? No calls...Nothing.” Aariz smirked, “Is it a girl?”
This got everyone’s attention.
“It always is!” I chuckled whole-heartedly now that I was not the only one interested here.
“Oh really?” Zee asked in a knowing tone, looking at me startled.
Turning towards Aariz, he muttered, “Hadn’t we spoken just recently and planned to meet when you moved into the city?”
“Did we meet?” Aariz continued to smirk.
“I had gone out of town after you came and I have returned just today. We spoke about it over the phone and decided on catching up tomorrow.” Zee looked unsure, “Right?”
“Still thinking...” Aariz responded, while passing us a secret wink.
“So am I.” I grinned at Zee. “About the last girl you had forgotten us for!”
“Think properly guys, it’s difficult to remember Zidaan’s statements and girls anyway.” Umber scoffed at Zee, making a face. “I’m shocked Aariz, that you remember him, even though you guys met after a long time. He is quite a forgettable personality any way.”
“Just what do you mean by that?” Zee turned towards her furiously.
Umber shrugged all casual and unapologetic,
“That you are very...What the word is? Oh, yes! Simple-minded.”
