Zian walked into the cafeteria during the lunch break and found his gang already there. He took a seat next to his brother who was scrolling through his Instagram page. "Liam. Is seven alright with aunty?" Zian asked and Liam looked at him in surprise. "What are you talking about?" Liam asked in confusion."The dinner," Zahir said as he tuned into the conversation, keeping his phone aside. "What dinner?" Liam asked, totally clueless. "Your mom invited us for dinner tonight. She said you mentioned Zada and it seems she is excited about meeting her." Zian said with a smile."What about Zada?" Liam asked in dread. Did his mother let the cat out of the bag?If yes, how come he is still alive? He should be six feet under the ground already.Zahir and Zian rolled their eyes. "That we are not just twins, but triplets." Zian said in a duh tone."Oh, that!" Liam sighed in relief. "Why? What did you think it was?" Zahir asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "I didn't think anything.
"Emma. We are going for dinner at Liam's home tonight. I asked aunty if it is okay to bring a friend with me. Do you want to go with me?" Zian asked hopefully."Yes, yes, yes. I will go anywhere with you Zi-Zi," Emma squealed, making Emil frown in confusion."Wait a second. Emma?" Emil called out, dragging Emma and Zian out of their happy moment."Yes, Emil?" Emma asked curiously."Why would you go anywhere with Zian?" Emil asked. He was confused by Emma's behaviour with Zian, and before he could ask what she was talking about, Emma had started her Greenwich Express, distracting him. "Because it's Zi-zi, Emil." Emma said in a duh tone, confusing Emil more."So? Why would you go anywhere with him? And what did you mean by ‘you like him’?" Emil asked, leaning forwards in his chair, with a serious look on his face. Liam grinned in excitement."Let me see how your brother is going to talk his way out of this. I think it skipped everyone's mind that Emma is Emil's little sister." Liam wh
"It’s Aaron," Emily said seeing the caller ID and turned to Zada with a naughty grin, "You remember Aaron?" Emily asked Zada with a cheeky smile. Zada coloured a bit as she remembered her first crush, Aaron Knight. The boy who used to say she looked like a princess, before she even realised that she is a real life princess. Liam frowned seeing his Mirrie blushing at the mention of some guy. What the bloody heck?"Uh yeah!" Zada shrugged sheepishly. Emily picked up the call with a naughty grin. "Hey,Ron. What's up darling?" Emily asked and it was Zahir's turn to frown. Darling? Who the hell is this darling? He wondered uncomfortably. "Is that Aaron Knight? Zada's kindergarten crush?" Zian asked as he leaned forwards in his chair, waiting for Emily’s response.Liam's eyes widened as he heard that. Crush? Bloody h*ll!"Hey. I will give the phone to someone. No, it's a surprise, Ron." They heard Emily talking on the phone, and then turning to Zada she handed over her phone with a
Emil and Emily walked with Emma towards her hostel. "Emma. What do you think about staying in an apartment?" Emily asked thoughtfully."Which apartment? With you two?" Emma asked curiously and excitedly."Not really. Cousin brother Adam will be joining us next month. So I was thinking we could rent a new apartment. You and me. We could ask Zada too." Emily said with a thoughtful look on her face."It will be awesome. There will be no hostel warden to always glare at me. There will be no restrictions. We can order food even at midnight. Yesterday, I ordered a chocolate truffle brownie at night. I was craving for it as I saw it on an Instagram page. That evil warden didn't allow the delivery boy inside as it was past the gate closing time. I couldn't eat it. Can you believe it, Emily? She was behaving as if I was smuggling drugs. I simply had to go to bed without fulfilling my craving. Wait a minute. I will order now. She won't be able to stop me now, right." Emma said and took her pho
"You don't trust me?" Liam sighed as he heard the accusation in her tone. "It's not about trust. I just don't want you to get too excited and let the cat out of the bag" Liam said in exasperation."You think I am stupid?" Madison asked, offended."Of course no. You are simply twisting my words." Liam said in disbelief. "Liam Fredrick, you think you have grown big enough to lecture your own mother?" Madison Fredrick asked, keeping her hands on her hips. Liam groaned. What has he got himself into?"Mom. Listen to me. I know you. And you know yourself better. Right? The boys are overprotective where Mirrie is concerned. And she is not yet ready to tell her brothers about us. And I don't want them to know from anyone else other than me or Mirrie." Liam said patiently."Someone else? I am someone else for you now? Michael? Did you hear this? Our son has already become a stranger." Madison said, clutching her heart dramatically earning an eye roll from her husband and son."Fine mom! I t
Emma got ready in her favourite tee shirt and jeans. "Aren't you a pretty little thing?" She asked herself looking at the mirror cheekily. There was a knock on the door and Emma opened the door to find her best friend Zada on the other side. "Hey you!! I am ready." Emma said cheerfully. "You are awfully cheerful. What's the matter?" Zada asked curiously."I am always cheerful," Emma said, feeling offended. "True," Zada had to agree to that point. Emma is always cheerful. And that’s her main attraction. "How are we going?" Emma asked, as she took her mobile phone and wallet. "The boys will come and pick us up," Zada said and then she noticed the writings on Emma's tee shirt. It was written 'Team Damon since hello brother'. "Who's Damon?" Zada asked in confusion and Emma let out a dramatic gasp at that question. "You don't know who Damon is? Damon Salvatore? The hottest man to walk on this whole wide world. The man who can win hearts left right and centre with his amazing sarc
Once the dinner was over, everyone was sitting in the living room. Zada shot a secret smile at Liam. She saw Liam taking his phone out and typing something. And the next second, her phone pinged indicating an incoming message. I hope you know CPR, because you just took my breath away.-A Don't start again. You were in control for a few days, Liam.-Z So, aside from taking my breath away, what do you do for a living?-A Stop it already. My brothers are here. I don't want them to catch me texting you.-Z You think they have time for that? Look at them. Zi is busy drooling over Emma. Zahir is in a glaring contest with Emily. They are too busy to poke their nose in our business, honey.-A If you say so. And BTW, don't call my brother Zi. That's my pet name for him.-Z Babe, he is my future brother in law. I get to call him whatever I want.-A Zada blushed seeing that message and Liam grinned seeing her blush. Make some excuse and come upstairs. I can't wait to have you in my ar
"What the hell??" Emil stared at Emma and Zian in disbelief.Zian pulled away from Emma and looked at Emil awkwardly. He had been too busy trying to get Emma's attention and finally when he got it, he completely forgot that Emil was sitting right across them. Emil was Emma’s brother. This is going to be tough."Uh Emil," Zian was confused as to what to say. "What is happening here?" Emila asked calmly yet sternly. "Can we talk Emil?" Zian asked, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly."We are talking," Emil said with a serious look on his face."Alone? Please?" Zian asked politely. He didn’t want to offend Emma’s brother in any way. Emil might be his childhood friend, but when it comes to the bro code, nobody will ever willingly compromise.But there was nothing for him to hide. His feelings for Emma are genuine and his intentions are pure. So what's the need to hide anything? He is in love and he is proud and brave enough to say that out aloud. No matter who is on the other side.
"I, Zahir Ahmed al Zidra, hereby accept my role as the ruling Sheikh of the Sultanate of Zidra. I shall continue to preserve, and build upon the royal legacy and shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the people forever." Zahir vowed, as he stood on the podium, with his right palm over his chest and his eyes staring straight ahead at the people of Zidra.It was the coronation ceremony. Zahir Ahmed al Zidra was getting felicitated as the next ruling Sheikh of Arabian Nation if Zidra!"I invite everyone here to share my determination and work together for the nation’s prosperity and the people’s happiness as the ultimate goals," Zahir added, his voice resonating with passion, instilling a sense of hope and anticipation among the people of Zidra.His brothers and sisters were standing on either side as he made his vows to his nation and his people.The security has been strengthened as there were many people attending the ceremony, including dignitaries from the
Though Zian and Emma were recently married, they had fallen into a comfortable rhythm together, their lives woven in a way that complemented each other. Zian now led the Ahmed family’s business side with his characteristic calm and precision, steering it toward expansion with a confident hand. Meanwhile, Emma had tried her hand at a few things, but as Zian often teased, she had the attention span of a toddler. Her parents, relieved that she’d at least completed her education, had stopped expecting her to settle into any traditional career.Knowing her gifts lay elsewhere, Zian suggested she join the Ahmeds’ charity organisation. Rather than dealing with finances or administrative work, he assigned her something more hands-on. Three days a week, Emma visited palliative care homes and orphanages, spending her time cheering up the residents with her infectious charm and boundless stories. Zian knew she could lift anyone’s spirits with her words, and she eagerly embraced the chance to
FEW YEARS LATERLiam and Zada are thriving both in their personal and professional lives. Liam, now the CEO of an international technology solutions firm, stands confidently at the helm of his father’s company, overseeing its global expansion. His hard-earned MBA and years of dedication have paid off, establishing him as a respected leader in the field. Meanwhile, Zada has become a celebrated children’s author, her debut book ‘Mirrie the Mythical Horse’ marking the start of her rise to fame. Inspired by her storytelling talents, she continues to capture young readers' imaginations with her enchanting tales and thoughtful messages. Her latest book, praised as a classic in children’s literature, reflects her journey and growth over the years.Sunlight streamed through the windows of their cosy home, casting a warm glow over the morning routine as Liam and Zada hurried to prepare their daughter for her first day of kindergarten admission.Liam knelt beside his daughter, smoothing out t
One month later, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the campus as the group gathered on the sprawling lawn. The last month had been an unforgettable journey, filled with laughter, embarrassment, bonding, and countless challenges. But tonight, they had all agreed, was for celebration—a proper farewell to the antics that had drawn them all closer.Liam, of course, had been the master of ceremonies for this whole ordeal, and he looked especially smug as he watched Zahir and Zian reluctantly serve drinks, their expressions caught somewhere between exasperation and amusement.“You know, I think I am going to miss this,” Liam said, taking a glass from Zahir and winking. “Seeing you two bow down to me—it’s been... enlightening.”“Trust me,” Zahir shot back with a grin, “you have enjoyed this way more than anybody did. But don’t get too used to it, Liam. As soon as today ends, we are going back to normal.”“Oh, really?” Liam laughed, leaning back in his chair. “I d
“I am not a bloody playboy…” Zahir screamed at the end of his wits, leaving everyone in the room other than Zian, Zada and Izzy shocked by his declaration.“What???” It was Liam’s voice that rang out more loudly. Zada gave him an elbow jab asking him to shut up.“Listen, Emily. I am not a playboy. I have never been one. The only girl in my life is you. When I was five, it was only you. And now when I am twenty, it is only you.” Zahir said, looking earnestly into Emily’s eyes.She looked at him suspiciously.“Stop lying.” Emil said coldly.“He is not lying, Emil.” It was Izzy who spoke. “What?”“He is not a playboy. He is plain stupid. He has this dumb belief that if he has this playboy image, it would make him more popular. He is only dumb, not a playboy.” Izzy said and Zahir glared at her.“What? I am only telling the truth. Who would do such stupidities like you do?” Izzy asked with a shrug.“What makes you so sure?” Emil challenged and Izzy smiled.“Remember the truth or dare game
Silence filled Emily’s room as she lay curled up in Zahir’s arms, savouring the warmth and closeness between them. They had finally let their walls down and the silence that hung between them now felt intimate, peaceful."If you say that this doesn't mean a thing..." Zahir trailed off, his voice a low, warning murmur as he brushed a hand through her hair, his eyes locked onto hers.Emily laughed softly, resting her head on his chest. "You are mine, Emily Langston," he whispered possessively."And you are mine, Zahir Ahmed," She whispered back, equally possessive.Zahir smirked, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. He loved how she was never intimidated by him, always ready to challenge him, push back, stand toe-to-toe. They lay there for a moment, wrapped up in each other, enjoying a rare, unguarded moment. But suddenly, the sound of the front door opening and footsteps approaching the living room startled them out of their reverie.Emily quickly pulled the blanket up, her eyes wide
The months seemed to fly by, drawing Zada and Liam, Zian and Emma, and Izzy and Emil closer together. Each of their love stories blossomed, surrounded by the easy warmth and laughter of new romance and friendship. But for Zahir and Emily, it was a different story. Their undeniable attraction was as strong as ever, but neither would admit to the feelings simmering beneath. Yet, every chance they got, they would find themselves in each other's arms, their moments of intimacy full of tension and passion. And each time, they would pull away, murmuring the same words: ‘It doesn’t mean anything.’One evening, they were at the apartment the girls share after a gettogether. The others had left in couples, for some ‘couple time’, leaving Emily and Zahir alone. The air was thick with an unspoken tension, an electric charge that always seemed to grow whenever they were alone."Are you seriously going to that party with that guy?" Zahir asked abruptly, his voice laced with irritation. Emily shot
“By the way, Mr Ahmed, what shampoo and conditioner do you use?” Madison asked, looking admiringly at Zayed’s slightly long hair.“MOM!” Liam exclaimed in shock. He turned to his mom with pleading eyes.“What? I just wanted to know..” Madison said innocently. “Please keep a control on your tongue, mom. Don’t scare them away on the very first day.” Liam whispered to his mother in a pleading tone, earning a glare in return.“LIAM FREDRICK! How could you say that to your Momma? The momma who carried you inside her womb for nine months? The momma who changed your dirty diapers when you were a kid? The momma who kissed your boo boo’s away?” Madison asked, hands on her hips. She was fired up.Liam closed his eyes in disbelief. They were supposed to impress the Ahmeds. Not scare them off.Zayed and Salim exchanged a glance.“How the hell did we land here? Now there would be nothing stopping Cami and Ava. This woman seems just like them. They are going to get on like a house on fire.” Salim
The air was buzzing with anticipation as Liam paced the living room, stealing quick glances toward the front windows. The Ahmed family would be arriving soon, and he could already feel his nerves bubbling up. Outside, Madison Fredrick was bustling around the backyard, setting up for the barbecue. With her usual over-the-top excitement, she darted from one setup station to another, adjusting tables and setting out colourful plates.Madison, practically glowing with enthusiasm, called out, “Liam! Have you checked if the Ahmeds have landed yet? Oh, this is so exciting! Imagine having all of them over here!”“Yes, Mom, they landed just a bit ago. Zada, Zahir, and Zian went to pick them up and they have a stop by to freshen up after the long journey.” Liam chuckled at his mom’s energy. “Perfect!” Madison clapped her hands, her gaze already scanning the backyard. “We have the best setup! Michael is handling the grill, Chloe’s setting up the drinks station, and I have already got everyone