Chapter 74: Chapter 74

Zian and Zahir stood in the art room of the campus, their eyes fixed on the canvas that Liam had presented to them.

The painting was an abstract explosion of colours and shapes, and neither brother could quite make sense of it. They exchanged a weird glance, both trying to suppress their laughter.

"So, Liam, this... masterpiece is supposed to represent your love for Zada?" Zahir broke the silence with a sarcastic grin.

“Yes, it is. Every brushstroke is filled with emotion and meaning." Liam, sensing the sarcasm, straightened up defensively.

Zian raised an eyebrow, struggling to hold back a chuckle.

"Really? Because all I see is a mess of colours. How exactly does this express love?" Zian asked curiously, trying to suppress his mirth.

Liam took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.

"You see, love isn't something you can always define clearly. It's abstract, like this painting. The red symbolises passion, the blue represents calmness and trust, and the intertwining lines show how our lives are connected in a beautiful chaos." Liam said..

“I see, you and your google at work, huh?” Zian asked cheekily and Liam turned slightly red at the mention of google.

"Beautiful chaos, huh? Sounds like a convenient excuse for not knowing how to paint." Zahir crossed his arms, smirking.

"It's not about the technical skill, Zahir. It's about the feeling behind it. Zada understands that, and that's what matters." Liam said, his eyes narrowing.

Zian leaned in closer to the painting, pretending to scrutinise it.

"So, these squiggly lines over here... they mean what? Commitment? Or maybe confusion?" Zian asked with a light chuckle.

Liam sighed, clearly frustrated.

"They represent the journey of our relationship, with its ups and downs. Every relationship has its complexities, and this painting captures that." Liam said defensively.

"You can call it whatever you want, but it still looks like a mess to me." Zahir shook his head, still not convinced.

At that moment, Emma, Emily, and Emil entered the art room, joining the conversation.

"I think it's beautiful, Freddy bro. It really does capture the essence of love." Emma said, beaming at the painting, though she understood nothing.

"Yeah, you can feel the emotion in every stroke." Emily nodded in agreement, throwing a stink eye Zahir’s way.

"Art is subjective. What matters is that it means something to you and Zada." Emil, usually the quiet one, added.

"Thanks, guys. I am glad you understand." Liam smiled, feeling a sense of relief.

Zada stepped forward, examining the painting with a smile on her face.

"I love it, Liam. I can see everything you are trying to express. It's perfect." Zada said, her eyes filled with love. What matters is that he is willing to play along with all these stupidities her brothers come up with. And he does all that for her sake. There is no bigger testament for his love that this for her.

"Fine, fine. If Zada and the girls say it's good, then I guess you pass this task too." Zahir sighed, throwing his hands up in mock defeat.

"You got lucky, man. But don't think we are going easy on you." Zian chuckled, patting Liam on the back.

"Alright, what's the third task?" Liam asked, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension.

Zahir and Zian exchanged a mischievous glance before Zahir declared, "The third task is trekking. You have to organise and manage a trekking trip for all of us."

Liam's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Trekking? You mean like in the mountains?"

Zian nodded, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Yep. We will be trekking through a mountain forest area. You will be responsible for everyone's safety and all the logistics."

Liam stared at them, feeling a sense of dread.

"You know I am more of a beach and movie kind of guy, right? Trekking isn't exactly my thing."

"That's precisely why we chose it. To see how you handle something outside your comfort zone." Zahir clapped him on the shoulder, laughing.

"This is what happens when you fall in love with your best friends' beloved sister." Liam muttered under his breath

Emily, hearing his muttering, chuckle.

"Come on, Liam. It will be fun. Think of it as an adventure." Emily said, all excited.

"Yeah, and it's a chance to prove yourself. You can do this." Emma said.

"And we'll be there to help. You won't be alone." Emil added with a supportive smile.

Zada, looking at Liam with a mix of encouragement and concern, spoke up.

"Liam, you have already shown how much you care about me. This is just another way to prove it. You really don’t have to do all this, because I have faith in your love. But let’s do it for fun. And I know you can do it."

"Alright, fine. I'll do it. But don't blame me if we get lost in the wilderness." Liam took a deep breath, trying to summon his courage.

"Don't worry, Liam. We've got faith in you." Zian and Zahir laughed, clearly enjoying their friend's discomfort.

Liam rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile at their teasing.

"Yeah, yeah. Just remember this when you guys need a favour from me in the future."

The group left the gallery, leaving Liam and Zada alone.

Liam's mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming trek. He would have to plan the route, gather supplies, and make sure everyone was safe. It was a daunting task, but he was determined to prove himself worthy of Zada's love and her brothers' trust.

Over the next few days, Liam threw himself into planning the trek. He researched the best trails, gathered maps, and made a list of supplies they would need. He even reached out to a few experienced trekkers for advice, determined to make the trip as smooth as possible.

On the day of the trek, the group gathered at the base of the mountain - Zahir, Zian, Zada, Emma, Emily, Emil and Izzy.

Zada looked at Liam with admiration, seeing how much effort he had put into the planning.

"You did a great job, Liam. I am proud of you."

Liam smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at her words.

"Thanks, Mirrie. I just want to make sure everyone has a good time and stays safe."

Zahir and Zian, carrying backpacks full of gear, approached Liam with approving nods.

"Looks like you have got everything under control," Zahir said, clearly impressed.

"Let's hope you can handle the actual trek as well as you handled the planning." Zian added.

Liam took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

"I guess we will find out soon enough."