Jazz's POV -

Okay, remind me again, what I am doing here?

I asked myself this question for the hundredth time as I paced around the gate of Lancaster's mansion.

Out of everything, you got the hundredth part right.

You know what, I don't want to do this. I am going to pick talking her at a later part than the sooner part.

No, no, NO. You are not going to back down young lady. You are going to walk through these gates and face your problem like the proud young Latina you are.

You are right! Enough of running, I am good to go through these gates and face my problem like the proud young Latina I am- Wait! I am not a Latina, I am an Indian!!

Oops, slight slip up. I was watching the memory reruns of a Latin show where they said this whole encouraging speech. I just repeated it. I should have edited the last part.

Seriously, you copied the whole thing?

Quit stalling and go inside.

I hate it when you decide to be Ms. Right.

FYI honey, it's my job as your inner voice to be Ms. Right.

Sure, whatever floats your boat.

I don't own a freaking boat. But you know what I know just the right one we could buy--

And that's how you block out nuisance, my fellow coffee sippers.

Sighing, I finally enter the Lancaster's gate. I stand in front of their main door for two minutes, debating whether to knock or to run back. The running back option sounds so tempting. Just as I was about to step back, the door opens and I jump back with a groan, rubbing my forehead which almost collided with the door.

"Do you plan to stand here for the rest of the day or even come inside?" I look up to see Al glaring at me as she gestures me to come inside.

I silently follow her inside as we both settle down in the living room. I look at her she's still in her yesterday's clothes, her eyes that are usually bright, seem a bit sunken and pale.

Was she awake the whole night?

"Yes," the reply comes startling me.

"Did I-- "

"Yes, you thought aloud," Al says calmly as she sits on the couch crossing her legs in the Indian style.

"Why?"

"Why you ask? WHY?!!! What the hell do you expect me to do when my best friend suddenly disappears in the middle of the afternoon only to grace me with her presence the next morning??? You did not pick any call or texts of mine. Hell, you switched off your phone! Do you even know how much worried I was? I stayed up till late hoping you'll come back, but you didn't even bother texting me, let alone a call. I finally got to know about you from my freaking brother!!" Al yells at me while throwing pillows at my face as I kept dodging them.

"I know we had a fight, but that does not mean you can go all MIA on me, especially when you never even explained to me the whole reason of the fight," Al says her eyes and voice full of sadness.

"Al-I, I can't say I am sorry because that would be a lie. I needed that time Al, I needed it to think about everything that had happened-- "

"But a simple text wouldn't have killed you!"

"I know but I couldn't bring myself to text you, I just, it was too much."

"What was too much? That I accepted a gift from your childhood friend on your behalf? That I tried to help your childhood friend reconcile with you? That I tried to help someone, who so genuinely desires your friendship yet you just keep blowing him off--"

"He is NOT my f***ing childhood best friend. You want to know who he is? You want to know why I don't want to reconcile with him? Why I avoid him like plague? Why I refuse to accept even a single gift from him? Fine, I'll tell you then," I reply as I felt adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"He IS my ex-childhood best friend. He was never my true friend and you know how I learnt this fact? When he used my own best friend against me just so he could appear as the better friend! When he turned everyone I cared against me! You want to know who he is?! He is a f***ing manipulative bastard!!" I scream as my walls break down for a minute, but I quickly recompose myself, blocking out all those memories.

Sighing I look at Al, who's looking at me with a whirl of emotions - guilt, sadness, anger are most prominent in those blue eyes of my best friend.

"You remember how I told you there was a big reason as to why I left India six years ago?" I ask Al, who nods looking back at me.

"HE was a big part of that reason Alexia. He tore down my friendships with my sister like best friend, just to get his own selfish motives out of it. However, that's just a small portion of what he all did. But accepting any gifts, having any kind of conversation with him just reminds me of his trickery, his manipulation and betrayal. That's why I hate him, that's why I will never accept any kind of gift from him," I say looking at Alexia as she looks lost in her deep thoughts.

"I-I don't know what to say Jazz, I mean if I just go by your words then I feel like you are judging Aman too quickly, people change with time. But when I look at your eyes, they are screaming a very different story, a story you refuse to let out through your words. I know there's more to this whole manipulation, tearing your friendship apart thing you told me. But I also know that you'll tell me all about it when the right time will come, when you'll feel comfortable. Just know I am always going to be here with you, no matter what and I am really sorry. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did," Al replies looking at me with guilt written all over her face.

"It's okay, Al. I am also sorry for reacting like that. I know you did not know anything by then, I know I should have explained to you, but right then and there it felt like he would snatch you away from me too, just like he took her away," I say, looking anywhere but at Al.

"Jazz," Al says as she comes to stand in front of me and lifts my chin, so our taxes could meet.

"Miss Arora, you are literally stuck with me. No matter what happens I am never leaving you, our friendship is goals, okay? Besides, do you really think anyone would have the patience to deal with a girl who feels coffee is the solution to everything?" Al asks laughingly at me.

"Not to get technical. But according to chemistry coffee is a solution," I reply back with a smirk.

"You know what, why do I even try with you? Your love for coffee is infinite," Al says as we both chuckle and hug each other.

"You are right, Bestie. Now out of my way, I need some rest," I say as I break the hug and run towards my bedroom, well guestroom? Whatever, you get my point.

In all reality, I did need rest. Fighting with Al like this really hurt me, she's my best friend and to think that Aman could have manipulated her like this. I feel sick to know that I once called this bastard my best friend.

Sighing, I open the door to come face to face with the last person I wish to see on the planet.
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Hey guys!
Hope you enjoyed the update?

What do you think is Jazz overreacting? Who's the person waiting behind the door for our Caffeine queen?

Till the next update, keep shining ;)

- Love Addy :)

P.S. This chapter is dedicated to shreyaaditi❤️❤️ A lovely friend and reader, who is so full of encouragement. Thank you so much for your support 😘😘