A Tale of Hearts

Chapter Sixteen

Misha's POV:

I was still processing the facts that Rubab and Zoya had told me when both of them decided to freak out simultaneously. I left them alone for two days. TWO DAYS. How did so much happen in 48 hours? I observed the changing emotions on Rubab's face. How her face would morph into embarrassment and then turn absolutely blank every few seconds. She kept zoning out as if she was in deep thought. Meanwhile, Zoya was stress eating. That can't be a good sign either.

"Somebody kill me, kill me now." I heard Rubab mumble into a pillow but loud enough for me and Zoya to hear again. "Of all the things I could have said, WHY THAT? How did I guard down like that? Infront of that womanizing jerk? Misha, just shoot me. Maybe he didn't focus on what I said at the end. I am pretty sure he probably didn't care about what I said. Maybe, he didn't hear it right. I hope so." Rubab was mumbling to herself.

She hadn't told us the entire story about what had happened outside with Fahad but she said we should imagine the 'worst'. I had never seen her so frantic minus that episode with Zohaib. She looked like she wanted to rip her hair out or something. She started pacing back and forth while holding her head.

"Mere khayal men mujhe apna naam dubara badal lena chaiye. Kya khayal hai? Kya behter lagta hai Zainab ya Kainat? (I think I should just change my name again. What do you think? What sounds better Zainab or Kainat?)" Zoya interjected while pointing the spoon of her McFlurry cup at me.

I wondered how she was staying this calm after everything that has happened to her. Maybe she was past the point and just numb inside. Or maybe it was a calm before the storm. Was she going to erupt like a volcano later? Or did she perhaps have a plan?

"Zoya, both names are great. Tell me something. Do you maybe have a plan?" I questioned as I turned to look at her closely. She just blinked at me before turning back to her food.

"No, why?" She dipped her fries in the McFlurry. Yeah, she has definitely lost it. Rubab watched her in disgust as she ate the fries. Then she went back to panicking about whatever she said to Fahad.

"Just because you seem calm for someone who has regained her memories and has a man like Kamran after you." I choose my words carefully. Rubab and I had decided mutually not to ask her about her memories because her mental state was still fragile and we wanted to give her time so she could tell us when she was ready. The moment Zoya started laughing hysterically, Rubab and I shared a look. Allah khair. She has lost it right? "Behan, hass kyun rahi hun? (Sis, why are you laughing?)"

"Kyunke mujhe samajh nahi arahi ke kis dewaar men ja kar sar marun. Lekin mujhe yeh pata hai, agar usne mujhe kaha kuch tou men bhi akelay nahi marna, aik dou logon ko sath le kar marungi. (Because I don't know what wall I should go slam my head in. But I definitely know this that if I am going down, I am not going to die alone. I am taking one or two people with me.)" She replied enthusiastically. This woman did not fear for her life at all. Or maybe she was just appearing strong for us. That seemed more plausible. She was the bravest among us after all.

"I won't let anything happen to you." I hugged her and I watched as Rubab joined us too. "I will protect you too Rubab. Infact, Allah will protect us all. I will try to convince Ibraheem to keep his friends at bay too." I assured them and they hugged me back tightly. I wasn't sure if I would be able to hold back Kamran and Fahad myself since they were pretty crazy but I could definitely try.

I knew Rubab and Zoya were worried but I wouldn't let them get hurt. We had a bond. They were my sisters even if we weren't related by blood. I am sure Ibraheem will understand if I take drastic steps to protect them. He would do the same for his friends.

"Thank you. You are right. Only Allah can save us now." Zoya whispered to us and I couldn't agree more. We were helpless without His help. Only He could guide us now. "Is there still time for Asr? I want to pray for us." Zoya was the least spiritual among us but this was a welcome change. She got up and looked at the wall clock.

"Yeah, there is time. I will pray with you. Rubab has periods so she can skip." Rubab nodded as she took Zoya's place at the table and started eating the chocolate Sundae. She seemed calmer than before. Allah's remembrance calmed all of us down.

Zoya went to do wudhu while I waited for her to get done. Rubab tugged at my shirt so I turned around look down at her.

"Pray for me too. Pray that Fahad doesn't hurt me. I can't bear any more wounds." She told me and I nodded as I gave her a quick hug again.

"Don't worry, I will. If he isn't good in your favour, Allah will take him out of your life in a painless way." I comforted her and she gave me a small smile. The colour seemed to return to her face at this. "And if he is good for you, things will work out on their own." I ruffled her hair as I rolled up my sleeves to do wudhu too.

Zoya stepped out with a brand new confidence. The wudhu probably cleared her head a bit. "It will work out guys. I am a lawyer in the making, I will issue a restraining order on Kamran if he doesn't leave me alone. Although that might take a year or two. Rubab, you can stab Fahad with an anaesthesia injection or something. Relax everyone. I have faith in Allah. He will find a way for us." She replied with a comforting smile as she went ahead to pray. Typical Zoya. But it was reassuring to see her like this again.

Rubab's POV:

Once Misha and Zoya left me alone in the room to pray, I looked outside the window at the sun that had turned the sky into beautiful shades of purple, orange and dark blue. I let my mind run wild again and it brought back the images from that night.

Back then, I don't know why or how I ended up saying that to Fahad. The words left my mouth before I could control them. He was just standing there. He was always somehow nearby when I needed him. When Zohaib had showed up at my house, he was there to help me. When I didn't know what to do with Zoya and her state, he was there silently assuring me that it will be alright.

I didn't know what to think anymore. What should I do about him? The wounds from Zohaib's betrayal were still deep. I didn't know if I had it in me to welcome another person into my life especially if it was someone like Fahad. He wasn't serious. He wasn't loyal. He doesn't seem sane either at times. The only good thing about him is that he is reliable. Far too reliable. It almost makes me want to trust him and yet I can't bring myself to do it.

I know I can't pray right now because I am not paak (clean) but I can definitely make a dua in my heart. I closed my eyes as I let my emotions take over me, enjoying the solitude around me.

Ya Allah, if Fahad Abroo will bring me pain and betrayal and if he isn't good for me then show me a sign and take him out of my life with Your power and if he is meant to bring goodness and peace into my life then keep him by my side so that I can learn to trust another again. Ameen.

I felt the anxiety in my heart decrease as I decided to leave my affairs to Allah. He will take care of them like He always has.

Zoya stepped inside with Misha following her in. Zoya's eyes were bright as she gave me a contagious smile.

"I don't know about Kamran or Fahad but are you excited to meet Haider this week or what?"