The torment of love ♡ عٌذِآبً آلَحًبً

Chapter One: Friendship and Hidden Tension The smell of strong coffee mixed with the warmth of the radiators in the crowded university cafeteria. It was one o'clock in the afternoon, the peak time when students escape from early morning lectures. Carla (20 years old), with her dark, flowing hair and eyes that never stop analyzing what is around her, was sitting in a quiet corner. She was reviewing her constitutional law notes with complete concentration, oblivious to the movement of the street behind the window. Although Carla was a calm and orderly person, her life was far from calm thanks to two friends, or more specifically, two admirers. Her train of thought was interrupted by a familiar, cheerful voice behind her: "I swear, if you were spending this time memorizing your subjects instead of law, you would be at the top of the humanities class right now!" Carla turned to see Youssef (20 years old) standing behind her, his confident smile lighting up his face. He was carrying a plate full of pastries. Youssef was Carla's shoulder to lean on; Her boyfriend since high school. Their relationship was built on silent understanding and light, non-offending sarcasm. "Are you trying to distract me, philosopher?" Carla asked, slowly closing her notebook, "I'm arranging my priorities, Youssef. The law is a guaranteed future." "And when will love find a place in this guaranteed future?" Youssef asked as he placed the plate of pastries in front of her and sat across from her in his relaxed manner. "You look like a 70-year-old, Carla. You need to step away from the dry texts for a bit." Carla laughed. Youssef's conversations always comforted her. He approached her without her feeling threatened or pressured. At that moment, a third person appeared in the cafeteria. His arrival was different. Joseph was not going to simply sit, but this person wanted his presence noticed. Zain (22 years old), the oldest student, was wearing a smart shirt that highlighted his physique, and his hair was dark and carefully styled. His eyes, which had a deep and direct look, were searching for Karla. When he saw her sitting with Joseph, his expression stiffened for a moment. Zain's relationship with Carla was completely different. It was built on sincere and overwhelming emotion. Zain was in love with Carla, and this was no secret to anyone. Zain approached the table without invitation and placed his car keys on the table. "Carla. I was looking for you. Are you free for lunch?" He asked in a low, excited voice, completely ignoring Joseph. Carla felt that familiar wave of tension. He loved her, and his love was a little heavy: "Hey Zain. I can't now, we have a lot of material to review today." Zain looked at Youssef and the pastries in front of them. There was silence for a moment. "So you're busy with Joseph," Zain said in a tone that barely concealed a feeling of resentment. Then he suddenly turned to Youssef, "I hope you will not distract her from her studies. This year is fateful for her." Youssef smiled softly, a smile that did not reach his eyes: "Don't worry, Zain, I know Carla's priorities better than anyone else. I won't let anything disrupt them. Especially dramatic feelings." Youssef passed the phrase "dramatic feelings" slowly, a subtle jab at Zain's impulsive emotional style. Zain's face paled for a moment. He picked up his keys and said to Carla with a final, poignant look: "Okay, Carla. I'll try to call you later. Please check back about lunch. I just wanted to spend some time with you." Zain left, as if a dark cloud had passed over the table. Carla sighed deeply as soon as Zain left the cafeteria. "Can't he just act normal for once?" Carla asked, but her tone held a hint of regret, not anger. Youssef looked at her tenderly, and said softly: "He loves you, Carla. So much that he cannot hide it. This is his flaw and perhaps his advantage as well." Carla nodded, then stared at the texts of the Constitutional Law. Zain gave her the passion that frightened her, and Youssef gave her the security she longed for. The problem was that she didn't know which one her life needed more. End of the first semester