Panic

I received a message from Abid's PA, informing me that he had left for Dubai the evening before. All the meetings were postponed, and a new schedule would be sent shortly.

He didn't try to contact me. That feeling lingered in my mind, weighing heavily on my heart.

A battle raged within me.

Mind: He's still the same. History repeats itself once again. You can see it.

Heart: No, maybe he tried. But due to a sudden emergency, he wasn't able to contact you.

Mind: Yeah, right. He didn't even stop her that day. He just wants to use her, again. He doesn't care.

Heart: No, that's not true. His eyes showed concern for her. His warmth made her forget everything. That's not a coincidence. Those are feelings.

Mind: Again, you're wrong...!

Oh, just stop it, please.

I didn't know what was right or wrong, and I didn't want to think about him. Just leave me alone. A tear escaped from my eye, silently echoing the ache in my chest.

No, Areena, you can't do this to yourself again. You're strong now. I reminded myself, my voice whispering amidst the storm of emotions.

I washed my face and went downstairs. Mumma and papa were already waiting for me for breakfast.

Don't think, just focus.

I greeted them cheerfully, but behind my smile, a turmoil churned. They replied, their warmth a comforting embrace in the midst of my inner chaos.

The delicious smell of food made me realize that I hadn't eaten since last night. How stupid of me. My stomach growled, a reminder of my neglect.

Not wasting much time, I immersed myself in delicious Aloo Parathas with pickle, each bite a fleeting distraction from the turmoil within.

"Did Abid leave for Dubai last night?" Papa asked suddenly, his words a jolt back to reality.

I nodded, the mention of Abid stirring a mix of emotions within me. Why did he need to know about Abid all of a sudden? And how did he know he left?

After a silent breakfast, I bid goodbye to my parents and left for my office, my mind still wrestling with the turmoil of emotions that Abid's absence had stirred within me.

As I entered my office, Abhi informed me that Mr. Zain Abdullah was waiting for me in my cabin.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier that he's here?" I asked him.

"Mr. Abdullah gave strict orders not to inform you about his arrival. He said he can wait for you."

"How long has he been waiting?"

"About half an hour."

"Okay."

I hastened to my cabin. Mr. Abdullah's unexpected visit suggested urgency.

I opened the door and greeted him. He stood up.

"Assalamualaikum, uncle. How are you? Is everything okay?"

"Walaikum Assalam, beta. And yes, everything is good. Alhamdulillah."

"Please, take a seat, uncle."

I rang the bell. The Peon entered.

"Please bring one cup of green tea with no sugar..." I glanced at Uncle, who nodded with a charming smile. "...and my coffee."

He nodded and left.

"You know, you could have just called me uncle. What brings you here?"

"I'm here with a purpose and a request."

"Why ask when you can order? Or are you implying you don't want me as your daughter anymore? I thought I was your daughter," I teased.

He chuckled.

His laughter triggered memories of Abid. They shared many physical traits, except for their eye color. Uncle had black eyelids, while Abid's were dark brown. Perhaps his eyes took after his mother's.

Mother...!

I knew nothing about her. Abid never spoke of her. Every time I asked, he deftly changed the subject. Was she alive? My heart sank at the thought. I couldn't fathom life without my mother. I felt a pang of sympathy for him.

"He's left you again," my mind reminded me.

"Areena... Are you okay, dear?" Uncle's concerned voice broke my reverie.

"Oh, yes... I'm fine. Just lost in thought," I replied, shaking off my melancholy.

"May I come in, ma'am?" The peon interrupted, holding two cups.

"Yes, please."

He served the drinks, and we resumed our conversation.

"I'm here to inquire about your relationship with Ab...!"

His words caught in his throat as I choked on my coffee, spilling it everywhere.

How did he know about Abid and me? Did Abid tell him?

"I'm so sorry, uncle. Just give me a minute," I said, rushing to the washroom, my mind reeling.

What the hell is going on?

Why does everyone want to talk about Abid today? My heart raced. What should I say? I had no idea what Abid had disclosed to him about us. Ya Allah! I can't even call him because I don't have his international number. I could call his secretary, but she had informed me of his departure.

"You left your phone on the table," my mind mocked.

Great. Just great. I pulled my hair in frustration.

What now?

I couldn't spill everything; I didn't want Abid to face any consequences.

"And why do you even care?" My heart chimed in.

After agonizing for five minutes, I returned to my cabin. Uncle remained seated, his coffee mug empty, and my table spotless.

"I apologize, uncle. I was being foolish."

"Well, your reaction suggests you know Abid quite well."

"Actually I... Well actually Abid... No, I mean... actually"

"Oh, I didn't know there were so many 'actually' in your relationship," he quipped, lightening the mood with a chuckle.

Ya Allah, this is difficult.

"You can confide in me, dear. You're like a daughter to me, and that rascal... I know him well too."

His words offered solace. So, I shared. I recounted our conversations on Chatsbook, our encounters, and his sudden detachment. But I omitted Abid's betrayal and our intimate moment. Some things were too personal, especially considering our age difference.

Sharing lightened my burden. However, his ensuing silence unnerved me. I yearned for his response, craving insight into his thoughts.

His demeanor stiffened, as though he bore some unseen pain.

Maybe I shouldn't have told him. Perhaps I've hurt him.

"Uncle, are you alright?"

Still no response. His head hung low, his breath shallow.

Ya Allah...!

I dashed to his side. His eyes shut, his pulse feeble.

Panic seized me. What happened? Moments ago, he seemed fine, even acknowledging my words with a slight nod.

I bolted outside, but the corridor was deserted. Where was everyone?

Glancing at my watch, 1:15 glared back at me. They must've gone for lunch.

Damn it!

Back in my cabin, I called for my guards. They swiftly arrived, helping me escort Uncle to my car.

There was no time to waste waiting for an ambulance; they always arrived too late.

I gunned the engine, racing to the nearby hospital.