His Voice

I woke up late today, so I was in a hurry. I had to run to my classroom, which was on the third floor. The teacher gave the last lecture of the day, and I was fully exhausted.

Sara told me that her boyfriend was coming to meet her. He was really a nice guy. I called him Bhai (brother) because he always treated me like his little sister. We walked towards our favorite restaurant, as Bhai was waiting there.

I took the first step into the restaurant, and my phone started ringing. That gave me a little shock and worry since nobody called me at that time. I took out my phone from my jeans and saw the screen.

Private number..!!

I picked up the call before it stopped ringing. Sara went into the restaurant.

Me: Assalamualaikum. Who is this?

Unknown: Walaikumussalam. Kesi ho beautiful?

Oh my Allah! What an amazing voice! So sweet and mischievous. I had never heard a boy's voice like his.

Unknown: Are you there? What are you thinking, stupid?

Me: Yes. I am sorry I didn't recognize you.

Unknown: Oh, you don't know me?

Me: Well, I don't know. What's your name, and who do you want to talk to?

Someone tapped on my shoulder from behind. I turned and found Bhai standing there. I cut the call immediately. I knew Bhai. He was not my real brother, but he really behaved like one.

"Any problem, Areena?"

I shook my head no and said salam to him. He answered my salam and said, "Come inside." I nodded and followed him. As I reached the gate, my phone started ringing again.

Ya Allah... Who is this?

"Bhai, you go. I will join you later."

I said that and smiled at him; he smiled back. I went to the parking area so that Bhai and Sara couldn't see me and picked up the call.

Me: Who the hell are you? Why are you calling me?

Unknown: Ohh beautiful, relax. I am Abid.

Listening to his name in his voice, a shiver ran down my spine. Suddenly, I felt very nervous and cold.

Abid: Are you ok?

How did he know every time what I was feeling and thinking?

Me: I am sorry.

I managed to say that because I was still feeling cold.

Abid: Don't be sorry, beautiful. It's normal to behave like this. Well, I like it.

I just smiled at his comment.

I talked to him for an amazing hour. I mean, the conversation between us was amazing. I loved his voice. His voice contained a charm that attracted any girl. Well, I didn't like the idea of having other girls around him.

Stop thinking like that, Areena. You are behaving like his girlfriend.

Abid: So when will I get the pleasure to meet you, beautiful?

I was surprised by his question. He wanted to meet me.

Abid: Hello... Areena?

Me: Ya, we will meet, but when the destination wants.

Abid: Hmm.

He hadn't even seen me, and he wanted to meet me. Why?

That's why he wants to meet you, stupid!

My conscience scolded me. Sara tapped on my shoulder.

"You came here to talk?"

She said it in an angry manner.

"I am just coming, dear, promise."

I replied.

Me: Abid, I have to go now. My friend is waiting for me. Nice talking to you. Bye.

Abid: Ok, ok. I understand. Take care, beautiful. Bye.

I entered the restaurant with Sara and joined Bhai.

Abid and I became very good friends. For me, he was just a friend. I knew it was much more than that, but I was not ready to accept it.

Today was my last paper of the first semester. After the paper, I dialed Abid's number, as he hadn't come online last night and didn't even call me yesterday.

"The number you have dialed is currently switched off. Please try again later."

His phone was still turned off. When I came back home, I got the bad news that my mom's brother had passed away. My mom and brother were going to my grandfather's house for the funeral. My papa was not going as he was not well. I really didn't understand why all the bad things were happening to us, but I had faith in Allah.

At night, I waited for Abid to come online, but he didn't appear. I felt very sad and depressed. I didn't sleep the whole night.

The next morning, I woke up early and did all the housework. I prepared breakfast for my father and went to his room. He did not seem well. He had pain in his chest, and I was very frightened to see him like this. I couldn't handle it if anything wrong happened to him.

You can't think like that; you have to be strong.

I called my uncle and told him about my father's condition. He came instantly and took Papa to the hospital.

I was shivering from head to toe. If all things went like this...

No... think positive!

I told myself this again and again. My phone started ringing; I grabbed it, and without seeing who it was, I picked it up.

Me: Hello Uncle. How's Papa now?

Abid: Areena, are you okay? What happened?? It's me, Abid.

His voice sounded magical to me. I was on the edge of crying.

Me: Assalamualaikum Abid. I am fine. Papa is not well, so Uncle took him to the hospital. How are you?

Abid: Don't worry, he will be fine. I am sorry I didn't come online or call you. Actually, I had an accident.

Tears started falling from my eyes.

Why were all these things happening to my loved ones?

I felt restless.

Abid: Don't cry, beautiful. I am totally fine now. Just some scratches here and there.

I couldn't explain the emotions that I felt at that moment. It was amazing as well as terrible. I was unable to think properly.

Abid: Areena, are you okay?

Me: I love you, Abid.

I told him. I didn't know why I said that at this moment. But I wanted to say it before I went insane because of these feelings. I thought Abid was in shock; that's why he didn't reply.

Me: It's true, Abid. I am in love. I am in love with you.

I reassured him.

Abid: I love you too, Areena. You don't know how happy I am. This is the best day of my life.

Me: For me too.

And we talked for some time, as I had lots of work to do and he also had to rest. I cut the call after promising him that I would take care of myself.