It started with a cup of coffee and unraveled into laughter, teasing, and quiet truths. Between playful arguments and heartfelt confessions, Inaya and Meher found themselves navigating the chaos of friendship, unexpected moments — and maybe, just maybe, something more brewing beneath it all.
***
*Scene: Brew & Sip Café – At the Counter
A few minutes later, the barista returned and set a single iced Americano on the counter.
As Faqair reached for it, murmuring, "Thanks,"
another hand touched the cup at the same moment.
Inaya.
Their eyes locked.
Same drink. One cup.
Faqair raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me, ma'am. That's mine."
Inaya frowned.
"This one? It's mine."
He stayed calm but firm.
"I've been standing here already. So please, give it to me. I'm in a hurry."
She crossed her arms.
"Well, I'm also in a hurry. Do you think I enjoy standing here for fun, Mr... whatever-your-name-is?"
She rolled her eyes—dramatically.
Faqair mirrored her.
"Ahh gosh... what kind of people do I have to deal with."
He rolled his eyes just like she had, then added with mock seriousness,
"Fine. Take it. Go on. Live your life."
She tried to hold back, but the way he said it—over-the-top and deadpan—broke through.
Inaya burst out laughing.
Faqair blinked. He hadn't expected that.
He just kept looking at her, eyes fixed.
Something about the way she laughed—it felt light, unexpected… different.
Then her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen, then looked back at him, smirking.
"I wanted to give it to you... but now? Nope."
She stepped back, playful. Tilted her head with a grin.
"Better luck next time."
And with that, she turned and walked off.Before Faqair could react, she had already turned, answering her call as she walked away—iced Americano in hand.
He stood there for a moment, stunned.
Faqair blinked, trying to process.
"What just happened...?" he muttered to himself.
"Did someone really just snatch a cup of coffee from my hands that easily...?"
He looked down at his empty hand. Then at the exit.Still confused. Still trying to catch up.?
*Scene: Meher's Office
Meher was mid-rant, telling Inaya about her latest clash with Zayn.
Inaya raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you guys fight every time you meet?"
Meher crossed her arms.
"Like I want to? He's the one who gets in my way every single time."
Inaya drifted off into thought, her expression softening.
"How could you fight with someone that handsome? If I were in your place, I would've proposed to him already."
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the office—Inaya's own voice. Talking about Zayn. Loud and clear.
Her eyes widened.
Meher grinned, holding up her phone.
"I thought I'd record that… for memories," she said, giggling.
"Also, lemme remind you, you already have a boyfriend, remember?"
Inaya glared.
"Are you my friend or my enemy?"
Meher pretended to think for a second.
"I think... enemy?"
"You…!" Inaya shrieked.
She lunged toward Meher, and the two broke into a chaotic chase around the office—laughing, yelling, nearly knocking over chairs.
A few minutes later, they collapsed onto the couch, panting.
Inaya wiped her forehead.
"That's enough! Getting you a cup of coffee was already a headache."
Meher turned to her, curious.
"Why? What happened?"
Inaya waved a hand.
"Nothing. Just… a weirdo."
Then, changing the subject:
"By the way, you're celebrating your birthday, right?"
Meher lit up.
"Of course! I'm inviting some friends from Scotland too. So come early—with Nabeel.
I want to introduce you. They should know who Meher's best friend is."She smiled and pulled Inaya into a hug.
Inaya hugged her back.
"Awww! I promise I'll be early."
Meher pulled away, squinting.
"Yeah, right. I'm also inviting that Zayn guy."
Inaya smirked.
"Why? Are you moved by my words?"
Meher narrowed her eyes.
"Do you think I would be?"Inaya leaned back, her teasing tone fading.
"Jokes apart… why are you inviting him? You don't even know him that well."
Meher shrugged.
"I don't know him for long, but my father knows business for quite long."
Inaya frowned.
"So it's because of your father… again?"
Meher gave a dry smile.
"Or what else?"
Inaya hesitated, then said softly,
"I shouldn't say this, but… isn't your father taking advantage of your situation a bit too much?"
Meher didn't argue. Her voice was quiet.
"I know. That's why I always try to find reasons to stay away from him."
She paused, her eyes distant.
"You remember? Most of my childhood memories are at your house, not mine."
Inaya nodded.
"Yeah. You were always there."
Meher looked at her, her expression tender.
"If your parents hadn't been there… I don't think I'd ever have known what love felt like."
Inaya reached for her hand.
"Don't say that. You have me, right? You'll always have me—no matter what."
Meher smiled softly.
"That's what makes you my best friend."
Then she perked up slightly.
"By the way… do you think your parents will make it to my birthday?"
Inaya sighed.
"They're still on that trip. So, probably not."
Meher's smile faltered.
"Oh... okay."
Inaya suddenly remembered.
"Oh wait! They sent gifts in advance for you."
Meher's eyes lit up.
"Really? Where is it?"
Inaya winced.
"Sorry! I forgot it at home. But I'll bring it to you on your birthday, I promise."
Meher laughed.
"That's so sweet of them."
Inaya nodded."Well, they consider you as their daughter too."
Meher's voice turned soft again.
"Hmm… that's why I never felt empty.
The emptiness of not being loved by my own parents… it was always filled by them."
A quiet, warm silence settled between them. No more words were needed.
And then—click.
Meher tapped play on her phone again.
Inaya's voice echoed through the office:
"If I were in your place, I would've proposed to him already."
Inaya gasped.
"Meher!"
Meher grinned.
"I had to."Meher glanced at Inaya with a wicked grin.
"I'm thinking of showing this recording to Nabeel too."
Inaya groaned.
"Here we go again!"
The office instantly erupted into laughter and chaos as Inaya jumped up and chased Meher around the room—again.
Laughter bounced off the walls.
Footsteps. Yells. Smiles that wouldn't fade.
Just two best friends, being exactly who they were—with each other.---
To be continued...
In the end, it wasn't about the coffee or the teasing—it was about the moments that made them feel seen and understood. Amid the noise and laughter, Inaya and Meher found a quiet certainty: some friendships are more than just comfort—they're the anchors that keep us steady when life gets messy.
[Relising date 21/08/2025]
***
Sometimes the smallest moments—laughter, misunderstandings, or support—show us who truly matters. Friendship isn't about time, but about those who say, "I'm here for you," and mean it. Stay happy, take care, and treasure those who stand by your side.
— Galaxy's eyes