21.

                                    

                                          
"Yusuf bata raha tha ke it's Farjaad's birthday tomorrow" Umeed's bag unintentionally slipped from her shoulder, hanging on her elbow while she tried to quickly straighten herself after that abrupt mention she was not expecting.
"Nice." She murmured, lifting the bag and putting it on her shoulder once again whilst turning around and walking to the door. It was meant to be a flawless goodbye after a good day spent with Saveira, except of course, that was to not happen.
Saveira huffed and slid her hands in the pockets of her dress, knowing her stubborn friend was not going to be easy to convince. She had given up on making efforts to try and bring people together knowing that different natures should not be forced to be in the same space if they don't want to. Although she would argue that Umeed and Farjaad are much more familiar than what they would think: stubborn, exact and steadfast with what they have.
"Wo usko surprise dena cha raha tha." Saveira spoke more clearly, getting to the point and hoping Umeed would put everything aside and take part in the little festivity they wanted to do. Things are a little different now, they had to compromise the bickering for the sake of Saveira and Yusuf. 
Truthfully, it can be argued that they have been much better with it recently. No badmouthing, no bickering or arguments. Saveira had already seen a drastic difference from the way Umeed would rage over him to now silently dismissing him. However, getting them to come together was still not enough, which she found reasonable. They were being mature.
On the other hand, Umeed had to think quickly. She already had plans for how she wanted to celebrate his birthday with him. She had been planning to do so the whole time he was away and it took a lot of subtle conversations and digging to know what he liked and how exactly she wanted to surprise him. She wanted it to be special.
"Cool, dost hai. He should give a surprise." Umeed ran her fingers through her hair and stopped, turning around, causal touch to her tone whilst making it as clear as day she was very much disinterested. "Agar koi party plan ki hai then I'll come. Maybe kaam hoye but I can free my schedule." She shrugged, whilst Saveira reached for her own forehead and rubbed it lightly.
"Hadd hoti hai." She whispered, loud enough for Umeed to hear and smirk. Time to time she would feel a little guilty for lying, but seeing how convincing they were made her a little more proud of how good she was at portraying a scenario. It was no longer about ego or fear, it just became too joyful. She enjoyed having such close calls and getting away, it felt thrilling for them.
And it had become almost impossible for them to get caught now. They were flawless.
"Bye." Umeed bid farewell and walked out of Saveira's house, getting ready to plan something special for him whilst smiling at herself for her acting skills. 
Farjaad's favourite cake was red velvet, so Umeed did some digging and found a bakery with the best reviewed red velvet cupcakes. The Farjaad she knew would avoid drastic amount of sugar at all cost. But this once, she would force him to finish the cupcake. 
-
"Wese Yusuf is this a good idea?" Saveira scratched the back of her neck, watching him sigh. He died third place in battle royale once again. She didn't know when she gave him permission to bring his PlayStation over to her house, but it was there.
The more appalling thing was coming back from a day with Umeed to walk into her workaholic, rule implementing and diligent father playing FIFA with Yusuf. As endearing as it was, it was followed by a raging headache and a restless rant where she threatened Yusuf to take back the PlayStation.
A little revaluation led to the immense guilt, followed by unnecessary scolding from her parents who treated Yusuf more like their own than they treated her. Alas, the PlayStation was back in the smaller living room downstairs.