Dedicated to my loveliest friends @Sadaf_shaukat n Alisha for just being amazing and for supporting me ALWAYZZZ!! :) The credit to you was due since eternity my dearies!!
PLZ VOTE + COMMENT + PROMOTE
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Those words stung David but he didn't say a thing. If only, she knew what her behavior towards him had been, she won't be able to forgive herself, ever. But he resolved to treasure those memories, just to remind him how innocent and cute she looked while asking him those silly questions. Just to remind him that he was not invincible. Just to remind him how unworthy he actually was of her respect or love, if they could ever reach the latter phase in that hate relationship they shared.
He felt it now, how luckless he was. If he couldn't gain her respect ever, his life would hold no meaning to him. "I...I apologize for everything Ms. Fatimah. I know how hollow my apology must seem to you, but I've got nothing else to say. I can never justify myself to you, I know that. Because no words can justify how horrible I've been to you. So, it would be meaningless to waste my breath, I guess."
"Well, I must be going now. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to phone me Ms. Hadley," he said to Laura who nodded quietly. She felt very sorry for the guy. The way Zahra snubbed him, it wasn't really nice. It was very harsh on him, after all that he had done for her. But she couldn't tell her anything about it, because they had been sworn into secrecy by her doctor.
"May you recover your health very soon and resume work at the Office." And with these last parting words, he left the room. "Weren't you a little too hard on him Zee?" Laura asked sadly. "For how many days was I gone that you began to take his side, hunh?" Zahra demanded. "Nobody understands my misery, right? All he has to do is to come up with a sorry face, and everyone begins to pity him. Oh, I get it! Only the rich and powerful win in this world. There is no place for people like me here."
"And the nerve of you to say that I was hard on him. You start calling it injustice, when I just utter one sentence, and that too in a room that's got barely two or three people. Great! Are you really my friend? Because I can't believe you are," Zahra kept ranting with distaste. How could she call that hard when what he did to her was ten times worse?!
"He's hurt me more than I could take, but I never said a word, because I thought it wouldn't happen again. It's been a test of my patience, the way he has treated me. And when after getting fed up, I say one single sentence back at him in answer, you call that hard!"
"I kept quiet because I knew I couldn't say or do anything to make him change. I am just an ordinary girl and he.........he owns almost half the country! Now, where do I stand, tell me that." Tears had sprung to her eyes as she poured out all the pains she had felt and bottled up all these months.
"I'm really sorry Zee. I didn't know how deeply hurt you actually were, because you never showed it. I didn't want to tell you how you got here but the paramedics thing was not true. David was the one who brought you here. In fact, he carried you here, because there was no time to wait for them," Laura said and stopped, in order to see how she reacted to that piece of news.
"Ya Allah!" she cringed, covering her face with her hands. "Why didn't I just die?" "Zee please, don't talk like that, okay," Laura told her soothingly. "I do not want him to touch me again, ever, if I can help it," Zahra replied with decision.
"God! Zee. You are so sensitive. He couldn't let you just lie over there and die, could he? It was his duty, and thank the Lord that, at least he knows that," Laura told her, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Look, I know how you feel, but right now, you need to let it go. Even your Lord will forgive you about it, if you're worried over that. I mean you couldn't help it, could you?" Why did her sentences always ended up in a question these days, she wondered, amused. "You were out cold!"
Finally, after hours of arduous explanations, Zahra was reconciled to the fact that David had carried her in his arms, not once, but twice that day! Every time she imagined it, his face showed up in front of her eyes, and she felt...weird. How will she face him now? One thing she was sure of now was that, either there was some problem with her life or she herself was the problem of her life!!
One just couldn't go and change what had already happened......!!
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Almost a week after this reconciliation, Zahra was discharged as the doctors were satisfied with her progress and reckoned her good to go. But they advised bed rest for at least two months. So, it seemed like she was grounded for a long time. Nevertheless, she felt extremely happy and relieved getting out of that hell hole.
She had always hated hospitals ever since she'd had chicken pox when she was small. But, she was a lot in contact with the place lately. What with her Abba getting heart attack twice in just one month and then her accident, the place had become like a second home to her. Of course, in a distressing sort of way.
And that reminded Zahra of her parents. She had almost forgot about them. She hadn't contacted them ever since coming back to the country! They must be wondering where she had disappeared to. "Laura, had my parents called when I was...you know, ill?" she asked her friend one day.
"Well. Yeah, they did, once. You were unconscious at that time, so I couldn't tell you. By the way, I avoided telling them about your accident, or they would've gotten pretty worried over it. So I told them you were asleep and couldn't talk at the moment."
"You should call them now or they would be genuinely worried and think something's fishy," Laura said and winked. "Yeah, okay. I hope Abba's fine. He was very weak when I left the country. I am a selfish brute to leave them like that," Zahra replied worriedly. "You are a big bag of worries! I mean, you mope about every other thing. How you'll survive, I just can't understand," Laura replied, face palming herself. "And call that girl Avi too, okay. She was worried. I told her about your accident."
As it turned out, talking to her parents was quite an uphill task, they were worried and kept asking how she was doing. It was very difficult lying to them, because only a few minutes had passed, when her mother asked, "Are you sick, child?" "Oh that! Yeah....yeah. I'd had cold a few days ago, so I feel a bit down. But, I'm okay. How's Abba?" Zahra asked, before her Amma could say anything else.
"He's just as you left him. He keeps worrying about small things. I think his time is near, Zahra. I just hope that...when it comes, I don't have to face it alone," she replied with a catch in her voice. "No, Amma, please don't say that. If you want, I'll be there the moment you call me. I won't leave you alone, I promise." It was very upsetting to know her father's condition. She had prayed for him to get better. But, maybe the Lord had got other plans.
"I want to see you safely married child. That's all we worry about now. We won't live forever, would we? I know you're not ready for it just now my dear. But, we have to do our duty, as your parents," she kept saying in an anxious tone.
"I...I'll marry anyone you'd want me to, Amma. But I need some time. Please, you can give me that, can't you?" Zahra replied, finally finding her voice after some time. "You've always been a dutiful child, dear. We will never rush you into anything, especially after what happened." "Let's just not go there mum, okay," Zahra said hurriedly, and after asking her about a few more things, she hung up.
If she felt depressed before, Zahra felt worse now. All she wanted to do was to hide herself somewhere and cry her eyes out. But, with a resolute mind, she got up, reached the bathroom somehow without Laura's help, and washed her face thoroughly. She had to be strong. And not just for herself, but for her mother and her friends too.
"Hey Zee, how are you? I've been frickin' worried about you," Avi said anxiously, picking up the call at the first ring. "Are you always waiting for my call or what?" Zahra asked amused. "Aren't I a loyal best friend?" "Yeah....okay! I've heard that before. I'm quite well, by the way. Laura has been very helpful, poor girl," Zahra replied, smiling. "Well, I'm glad to hear that. But don't replace me with her, or I'll be coming to get you girl, I'll be coming to get you," Avi warned her playfully.
"You are irreplaceable, so don't talk nonsense, alright!" "Aww, you're a gem. I've gotta go, dearie. Mum's calling me. So, bye for now. And do take care," Avi replied hurriedly. "Yeah, I will. Bye." She had a smile on her face even after a few minutes had passed since she had disconnected the call. Avi always had that effect on people. She was the best friend one could ever have.
"Oh, somebody is smiling broadly, I'm glad! Avi did that to you, didn't she?" Laura said, entering the room. "What? Oh yeah. She was quite worried that you'll become my best friend," Zahra replied, chuckling. "Well, I can't guarantee about that. I am such a lovable person that none can resist my charm, I guess." "Oh just stop harping about that, would you? Everybody keeps telling me how awesome they are," Zahra replied crossly. "Because we are awesome. Now get up, it's time to take your medicines, love."
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"How is the girl? Is she back from the hospital?" Michael Walworth asked his son one night, when he came to the family home to partake dinner with his father. "Yeah, she's back. I don't know how she is though. I didn't go to check, you know," David replied disinterestedly. "Why didn't you go? You should go tomorrow if you haven't. It's considered etiquette, and she's our employee, after all. If we wouldn't take care of her, who would?"
"You are going too far, dad. Her working in our company doesn't mean that we have to care for her too! It is complete foolishness, your saying that. Besides, she made it quite clear that she doesn't want to see my face, if she can help it. And, I don't want to go and get myself insulted once again by giving her a visit at her apartment, alright. So, I won't go and that's settled," David replied angrily. He was in a very awful mood today. And his father just had to bring in the dreaded topic and disturb his peace and quiet.
"Why don't you go yourself?" "You know perfectly well what my condition is right now, son. I would've gone a long time ago if I could walk properly. Half of my day passes in delirium. The doctors say that I shouldn't work so much, but I can't help it. I've got such a good son that he can manage everything on his own," Walworth Sr. replied with sarcasm dripping from his voice.
"He can't help ruining relationships wherever he goes." "I know what I said was wrong, okay. At least it was, in her case. But, I'm mostly correct when it comes to others. You can't deny that." "Why do you look for weak points in people? Look for their talents, and encourage them to pursue it. It would also help the Organization in the long run. You need to change your attitude, son. And do it before I die, so that I leave you in peace."
"Please don't say such things, father. You're the only family I'm left with. Why do you give up hope?" David asked his dad, anxiously. "Then do what I tell you, son. Go see her. She may need you. You don't want her to get murdered in her sleep, do you? There is something that doesn't meet the eye about her. And it's obvious that she needs protection. But I won't jump to conclusions, yet. All I want you to do is to pay her a visit, and see how she's doing. I ask you nothing more.
"Fine, I will go. But I won't stay for long."
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A ring at the doorbell brought Laura out of her thoughts. She was in the middle of imagining all kinds of trendy patterns for her new collection. Now, she'll have to think all of it, once again, humph! Whoever the idiot was, he had chosen a very inappropriate time to come. If he had come to see Zahra, she was asleep and she couldn't think of waking her up even in her dreams. She needed sleep and a lot of it, to get her out of the stress she was in.
"Good Afternoon, Ms. Hadley. I'm deeply sorry for disturbing you, but I only had this one hour free in all day, so I decided to pay a visit," David said quietly, the moment Laura opened the door. Her heart softened when she saw him. The nice guy had even brought flowers for Zahra! He was so thoughtful. "Oh, no! It's not a problem, really. But, I'm afraid, Zahra said not to let you in, if you came."
"Although, I don't quite agree with her," Laura added hurriedly. "Oh. Is that so? I just came to apologize. My father has been very angry with me ever since the... thing happened. He is not well, so he couldn't come to see her himself. He has sent me on his behalf. Do tell her that, I'm sure she'll understand," David implored. He too was quite anxious to see her, but he didn't say anything. "I'll tell her that. But, I can't be sure that she'll agree to see you. Still, I'll try, alright," Laura replied smiling, motioning him to come inside.
"Zee. That guy from your Office has come to see you. Says his father has sent him." "I told you not to let him in. Why did you?" Zahra asked her fuming. "His father sent him. He's very sorry for his son's behavior towards you. Just let him come. I'll warn him to not stay more than ten minutes, okay. Just let him see you." "Oh, alright," Zahra replied, scrunching up her face in surrender. "But, before you go, please throw the covers over me so that nothing is visible. I'll tie my hijab myself." Laura stared at her in amazement, did as she told her to, and quietly went out of the room.
David felt cramped the moment he entered the room. Maybe it was due to the fact that he lived in a place that was thrice the size of it. But a strange peacefulness enveloped him and he couldn't help forgetting all his worries for a second. Zahra's face was away from him. She kept looking outside the open window, out of which clear sunlight streamed in.
Whenever she saw his face, it only made her pains and misery come alive. So, she avoided facing him. Zahra was constantly struggling with her covers to hide the toe that was peeping out of it.
'That idiot, Laura. She couldn't do a single thing right,' she thought angrily. But try as she might, it wouldn't get in.
David slowly came forward. Now, her face came in his line of view. But, she still kept looking out of the window. Her face was basking in the sunshine in all its glory. It looked as if it was glowing! David kept gaping at her in awe. He had never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. And that too with such a flawlessly smooth skin. The light brought out the contours of her face even more. It had a delicate fineness about it. That face was exotic! She looked like a queen of some ancient land straight out of a book.
David's malady was beginning to be a crazy one. He felt one second as if he was burning from inside out, and the next second he felt he was standing on ice. It was a case no doctor had ever been able to find a cure of, yet. And that case was.........'LOVE'.
Which reminded him, that if this was love, so pure and beautiful, he had never experienced it in his life, ever! All he had shared with Demetria was a completely superficial relationship. He had thought he was in love with her. But that was only lust, which was just physical attraction. Surprisingly, he had never known what love was, until now.
Zahra had suddenly begun to matter more to him than all his wealth. He made it his mission to protect her from now on, no matter what. Her life had become precious to keep him alive. How he had lived without having a glimpse of her all these days was beyond him.
She was the kind whom one would respect first, and love afterwards. And he wouldn't find her type even if he went out to search for them with a candlelight in this dark world.
Nobody had mattered to him so much all his life, except his parents. He had never cared for a single soul after his mother had died. His father was all he cared for and loved. But, here was a girl who was worth giving a place in the heart to. That stony heart that never let anyone in.
Sensing her anxiety, David drew out his hand and pulled the covers over her peeping toe. His hand brushed her skin in the process, and Zahra felt a tingling sensation jolt her whole body. But she didn't budge an inch. She didn't want him to notice what she had felt. She said a polite 'Thank You' and the room fell into silence once again.
"I am sorry for everything I've said to you. Please forgive me....if you can," he said slowly. It felt as if his mouth had been suddenly sealed shut with a strong glue. "I've already forgiven you," was the straight reply from Zahra. Her heart didn't like forgiving him, but Allah was kind to those who forgave and forgot. So, to please her Lord, she put a stone over her heart, and forgave him.
David was amazed. He hadn't expected her to forgive him so readily. But a great burden was lifted off his shoulders. He could breathe in peace now. "Your ten minutes are up. You should leave, sir," she suddenly reminded him. Had she been watching the clock all this time? No, she hadn't. God! How will he win her? He saw a tough and dangerous road ahead of him. But, he meant to make this journey and reach his destination, even if it took his whole life to do that.
David came out a new man with a heavy heart from that place. On one side, he felt extreme agony that threatened to rip his whole self apart. And on the other, he felt pure bliss, for he found a purpose to live for. Each was in a race to overpower the other. He was in a muddle about his own feelings. And finally, he left the question unanswered to ponder over later on.
LOVE: Was it agony or bliss?
-----AUTHOR'S NOTE------
Happy World Book Day to all my dear readers :)....well, belated! it was on 23rd. I had thot of uploading on that day but i was down with fever....
forgive me for such a late update n i hope that you'll enjoy the chapter :D
@Sadaf_Shaukat I'm really missing you n Alisha yaar! *sniff sniff*. If only she was here on this site... she wud've gone crazy knowing that the romantic part of the story has finally come.... :)
do tell me if you likey or not....! :D