Emma walked towards Zian anxiously. It has been a few days since Zian talked to her. Specifically since the day they caught Liam and Zada together. On one side, she was missing him terribly and on the other side she was angry at him for putting Zada through hell. Every moment since that day, Zada had been crying. It is hell to sit by and watch her cry for her brothers. She found Zian in the corridor near the library. “Zi - Zi,” Emma called out as she hurried towards him. Zian looked up and saw Emma hurrying towards her. He was furious with her too. For hiding Zada’s relationship with Liam from them. How did she even manage to keep it a secret? She is not someone who is capable of keeping it to herself. And if she had managed to keep it a secret, she must have taken deliberate and conscious effort to do so. Which means she had knowingly set out to keep him in the dark. “What do you want, Emma?” Zian asked angrily, as he started walking ahead, without waiting for him. Emma rushed
“Oh god! What have you done?” Zada asked in horror, seeing the bloodied look on Liam.She could see the cuts and bruises on Liam’s face and body and she got really worried.“I am sorry, Mirrie. When Emily called and told me about what happened, I couldn’t help it. I had no intention of getting into a physical fight. It just happened.” Liam said apologetically. He knows how much Zada loves her brothers and he knows she would be angry with him for getting into a fight with them.“You were supposed to get on their good book, Liam. Not the other way around.” Zada said furiously as she dabbed the cotton with antiseptic on his bruise. Liam hissed lighty at the slight stinging.“Don’t tell me it is hurting. It wouldn’t hurt as much as it would have hurt when you got into a physical brawl with my brothers.” Zada said furiously as she applied more antiseptic on his bruise.Damn! An angry girlfriend is total terror.“It isn’t hurting. These bruises and wounds are nothing..” Liam said in an offh
“Call Liam..” Zahir demanded as he pushed past Zada into the apartment. Hearing the voice, Liam, with the patch up works on him, came to the living room.Zahir’s lips thinned in annoyance when their doubt was confirmed. Liam really was with Zada for the last two hours.“Now what?” Liam asked tiredly, as he took a seat on the couch.“Zada, do you know that Liam has been seriously involved with a girl whose name starts with M? Liam had even discussed that with Zian..” Zahir said and waited for the argument to break out…“Seriously? This is what you ran in for?” Liam asked sarcastically.“What? You claim to be in love with my sister. But you already once told Zian that the girl you love is named with the letter M.” Zahir said and Zian nodded agreeing to him.“I meant Zada only..” Liam said calmly.“Don’t think of making up any stories..” Zahir warned and Liam rolled his eyes.“Stop being prejudiced for a moment, can you?” Liam asked.“Tell us then, Liam. I remember having a discussion on
“Seriously? Tasks?” Emily asked in disbelief as they settled around a table in the university cafeteria the next day.“Right. They want me to perform three tasks that prove to them that I am worthy of their sister.” Liam said, rolling his eyes.“What childish nonsense is that? I didn't know we were in the Middle Ages, testing knights for the right to court a lady,” Emily said, shaking her head in disbelief..“You never know, we might ask him to slay a dragon next.” Zahir leaned forward, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Oh, forgive me, Your Highness. I didn't realise your sister needed a knight in shining armour,” Emily retorted, raising an eyebrow.“Don't be absurd. She just needs someone who can survive a culinary challenge.” Zahir chuckled. “Ah, the infamous trial by culinary fire. A feast fit for royalty, I assume?” Emily quipped.“Exactly. If he can impress us with a gourmet meal, he might just survive our sibling scrutiny.” Zahir said graciously. “Or die trying,” Emily added
The kitchen buzzed with the promise of culinary chaos as Zahir and Zian, self-appointed judges, took their seats, ready for the amusement that awaited. Zada, was equally entertained and bemused as she observed the unfolding spectacle.She prayed everything would go well. She now knows that her brothers already accepted Liam as her partner, but they are doing this just for the sake of it and because Zahir with his big ego couldn’t just simply say yes to the relationship between his beloved sister and his best friend.Liam, wore an apron that humorously declared him the "Master Chef of Chaos.” Zada chuckled seeing him with the apron and the chef cap. Him in the kitchen reminded her of their second date. He had taken her to his home when his family had gone out of a function. And he cooked for her that day.And once the casserole went into the oven, he had taken her to the living room couch and slowly things heated up and they had ended up making out on the couch.And then the first emb
“So, what’s the last task?” Liam asked in exasperation.“Be patient, potential brother in law..” Zahir said dryly.“Potential? Are you serious, Zahir? There is no ‘potential’ in this context. I am your future brother in law. No matter what..” Liam said in annoyance.“How you handle the third task would answer that, Frederick..” Zahir said with a scoff.“Listen, I am doing this simply to entertain you two. There is really no need from this. Even Mirrie feels the same way, don’t you Mirrie?” Amar asked looking at Zada and she nodded her head, agreeing with Amar.“Ewww.. Stop calling her with that name. It sounds so weird.” Zahir said, making a face at Liam calling their sister with a pet name. Amar rolled his eyes, realising whatever he is going to do, Zahir would come up with some or the other complaints.Zian chuckled, simply watching the scene unfold in front of him.“Zi - Zi, Zi - Zi,” Emma ran towards them and pulled the chair next to Zian and sat on it, breathlessly.“What do you
“God! He is so possessive..” Zahir chuckled, watching his brother running behind Emma who is all set to climb on the pillion of a motorcycle with some random Ethan.“Look, who is talking?” Zada said, rolling her eyes and Zahir made a face at that.“I don’t have a love interest to get possessive about, little Zada.” Zahir said, ruffling her hair, earning a glare in return.“You are possessive in all your relationships, Zahir. Momma, me, Zian or anybody. I shudder imagining Emily’s condition in the future..” Zada said teasingly and Zahir glared at her.“Emily? What does Emily have got to do with this?” Emil, who was silent until now, asked in confusion.Zada bit her tongue and cursed herself for blurting out her thoughts, without noticing Emily’s beloved brother sitting next to them.“Uh Emily..” Zada chuckled nervously.“Don’t mind her, Emil. She is just crazy. She reads all sorts of nonsense romance and has somehow come to a conclusion that I and Emily would eventually fall in love. A
The wind whistled through the air as Zian and Emma sped away on Zian's motorcycle. The purring of the engine and the sensation of the road beneath them added to the thrill of the ride. Emma, her excitement palpable, clung to Zian, her arms wrapped around him.Zian, however, maintained a facade of sternness."I hope you are aware I am still mad at you," he said over the roar of the engine.“Is that so? Then you should have just let me go with Ethan. He wasn’t mad at me and he would have enjoyed the ride with me.” Emma laughed, the sound blending with the wind. "Oh, come on, Zian! Lighten up! We're on an adventure!"The corners of Zian's lips twitched, betraying his efforts to stay serious. Emma sensed the crack in his stoic demeanour and squeezed him tighter. She placed her head on his shoulder, enjoying the exhilarating ride.As they journeyed through scenic landscapes, Zian finally decided to let go of the lingering anger. "Alright, alright. I guess you've suffered enough. No more s
"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