The weekend beach trip was supposed to be a chance for Saad to unwind, to clear his head after the whirlwind of emotions he had been struggling with. Zain, Fahad, and Saad had always shared a bond, their brotherhood solidified through years of shared success and failures. But now, things were changing in ways Saad hadn't anticipated.
As they drove toward the coast, Saad's mind kept drifting. Maya's words from the night before played on repeat, mingling with Zara's comforting presence from their recent meeting. His heart was split down the middle, and the weight of his indecision felt heavier with each passing day.
The sun was shining, the breeze cool as the three friends arrived at the beach house. Zain, ever the joker, immediately started tossing a football around, trying to lighten the mood.
"Come on, Saad! Stop thinking about stocks and rivalries for a bit," Zain said, throwing the ball toward him. "We're here to relax, not strategize."
Fahad chuckled. "Yeah, man. You've been acting like the world's about to end. This is our time to chill."
Saad caught the ball, forcing a grin. "Yeah, you're right. Let's make the most of this."
They spent the day swimming, playing beach volleyball, and joking around like they used to in college. For a while, Saad managed to put his worries aside. The salty air and sound of crashing waves offered a brief escape from the complexities of his life. Yet, even in those moments of laughter, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing—or maybe, that something was about to break.
That evening, after they returned to the beach house, Zain's phone buzzed. His face lit up, and he quickly excused himself to take the call outside. Fahad and Saad exchanged knowing looks.
"Must be his girlfriend," Fahad smirked. "Man's been grinning like an idiot every time his phone rings."
Saad smiled, but it quickly faded as Fahad's words triggered a memory. Zain had been gushing about his new girlfriend, and Saad suddenly realized he had never met her. In fact, Zain had been oddly secretive about the whole relationship. That nagging feeling in Saad's gut returned—what if there was more to this?
Moments later, Zain came back inside, a broad smile still plastered on his face. "Sorry, boys. Got caught up with the lady. She's meeting us tomorrow."
Saad's heart skipped a beat. "Meeting us?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of unease.
"Yeah," Zain replied, oblivious to Saad's sudden discomfort. "We're all going out for dinner tomorrow. You'll love her."
Saad nodded, but inside, his mind raced. What if Zain's girlfriend was someone he knew? Worse, what if it was... Zara? The thought sent a chill down his spine. He tried to dismiss it as paranoia, but the fear lingered.
The next day arrived too quickly for Saad's liking. As evening approached, they headed out to the restaurant where Zain's girlfriend would meet them. Saad could hardly focus on the small talk during the drive, his mind fixated on the possibility that Zara could walk through the door at any moment.
They arrived at the upscale restaurant, greeted by soft lighting and the sound of quiet conversation. Zain seemed almost giddy with excitement, and Fahad, who had no idea of the storm brewing inside Saad, was simply enjoying the night.
As they waited at their table, Saad's nerves were on edge. Finally, the moment came. Zain stood up and waved as his girlfriend approached. Saad's heart stopped for a second when he saw her.
It wasn't Zara. Relief washed over him, followed quickly by a sense of guilt for even thinking it could have been her. Zain's girlfriend was a beautiful, elegant woman named Iman, and the two of them seemed deeply in love.
Introductions were made, and for a while, Saad could relax again. But his relief was short-lived.
As the group laughed and shared stories, Fahad, who had been more reserved than usual, quietly excused himself to the bar. Saad noticed the sudden shift in Fahad's mood and followed him, leaving Zain and Iman at the table.
"What's up, man?" Saad asked, finding Fahad nursing a drink at the bar.
Fahad sighed. "It's nothing, really. I just... I've been feeling kind of left out, you know? You and Zain have girlfriends now. It's weird. I don't even know where I fit in anymore."
Saad frowned, feeling guilty. Fahad had always been the quieter one among them, and Saad realized he had been so wrapped up in his own problems that he hadn't noticed Fahad's struggle.
"You're not left out, Fahad," Saad said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "We're still the same trio we've always been."
Fahad gave a small smile, but Saad could tell he was still hurting. Then, an idea struck him—what if he introduced Fahad to Maya's best friend, Ayesha? They had met once before at a party, and Saad had noticed a small spark between them. Maybe this was the solution.
"Hey, listen," Saad began, "I know this might sound random, but Maya's best friend Ayesha—she's single. And from what I've seen, she seemed interested in you last time we all hung out. Maybe I could set something up?"
Fahad looked at him, surprised. "You think she'd be into me?"
Saad grinned. "I know she would. Trust me."
That night, as they all returned to the beach house, Saad texted Maya about the plan to set Fahad up with Ayesha. Maya, always eager to help, agreed to invite Ayesha over for a dinner party next week.
The beach trip ended on a high note, with Fahad feeling hopeful about the future and Zain wrapped up in his newfound love. But Saad, despite everything, still felt conflicted.
As they drove back to the city, Saad's phone buzzed. It was a message from Zara, asking if they could meet again soon. Saad's heart raced as he stared at the screen, knowing that he was walking a dangerous line.
For now, things seemed to be falling into place. Fahad had a potential new romance on the horizon, Zain was happy with Iman, and Saad's professional life was thriving. But Saad knew better than to believe that things would stay simple for long.
Because when it came to matters of the heart, nothing was ever simple.