Save Me.

The strange email

Dear Zareen Arshad,

Kindly visit my room between 3:30-4:00 PM on Tuesday 2nd March for discussion on your final grade.

Regards,
Professor M.Medhdi
Room # 306
Ext # 1243

"But why would he ask you to come in his room to discuss about your final paper? Why not just upload the marks like he did to the rest of us?"

Inaya asked while sitting across me on her bed.

"Yaar I don't know. I am also confused. Sexual harassment is nothing new in universities but I don't think Mr. Mehdi would be like any of those vulgar professors."

I lay down flat on my back exhausted by overthinking all night over this topic.

Inaya lay down next to me while looking at me side ways

" Zareen not to scare you or anything but you do remember what happened to you few years back. I am not trying to bring back bad memories but one should always be careful."

I listen to her carefully trying to keep my breathing normal by closing my eyes shut and repeating all the blessings I have to get rid of any negativity.

I slowly open my eyes to look at Inaya who is looking at my every move.

"Inaya I don't know why I told you about that time but I feel more secure even since I have told you. Getting sexually harrased from a teacher will not be anything new for me but I am more prepared this time. I have you by my side and I know you will protect me at any cost."

I tell her sincerely and with a big smile plastered on my face. All of the sudden she hugs me while crying loudly on my shoulder.

"I am not going to let you go there alone I will come with you for sure."

Inaya tells me between her sobs. I smile genuinely feeling calm after all these years thinking finally I am not alone.

"Asalamualikum sir! May we come in?"

I knock at Mr. Mehdi's door and asking him for the permission. Inaya and I step in his office when he nods at us.

"Miss Zareen I hope you read the email properly. It was clearly mentioned there that it was you whom I have called for the discussion not your friend. Inaya please go and wait outside till we discuss the issue here"

Inaya gives me a look saying, deny it but I sigh and nod at her to go at which she resist at first but my glare forces her to start walking and soon the door is shut closed and I am sitting in the chair across of Mr Mehdi.

"Zareen bacha there is no need to get restless. I am not going to take much time of yours but tell me how are you and what are you up to nowadays?"

I feel my hands getting sweaty pondering why is he being super nice. I give him a tight smile and say

"I am good sir shukar Alhamdulillah (thanks to the almighty). Nothing much just spending my semester break at home"

"Good good. Do you know why I haven't uploaded your grade yet? Bacha you are like my daughter. I was extremely happy when I checked your paper and was so impressed I wanted to propose you an opportunity if you are interested."

"What opportunity sir?" I ask him skeptically

"There is a career expo in metro from 5 January till 8 January if you are interested in representing the university there then I can write down your name along with the other students who are going to be there"

I physically relaxed at his words and smiled brightly at him

"Yes sir why not. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity"

"No problem bacha (kid). Just go to the admin block and ask the student affairs head to take your details and tell you all the necessary things about the expo and I'll upload your marks now. By the way you have gotten a A+. I am expecting some sweets soon"

He tells me while laughing. I laugh while nodding my head and after saying Salam moved out of the room to find Inaya to tell her the good news.

I move left when I bumped into non other then Salary who was looking at me angrily while a worried Inaya is standing behind him.

"Why the hell were your there alone. If he has done something wrong to you wAllahi I am going to kill him"

Salar angrily spits out the words while looking at me making sure I was ok. I get kind of happy but irritated at the same time. What's going on? I stop him by raising my hand and look at Inaya for explaination.

"I was scared and salar was right outside waiting for us so I called him in and told him about the email"

"What else did you tell him"

"Nothing else" she says while communicating through her eyes that she is telling the truth.

"What else? Is there something else you are hiding? tell me now!" salar demands visibly shaking with anger.

"Nothing else. Infact sir was really sweet and is sending me to represent the university with other students in the career expo at metro because of my achieving the highest grade"

I tell them both at which Inaya squeals and hugs me while thanking Allah and Salar calms down but I can see him thinking deeply about something. Why is he such a good observer.

" I know there is something else to the story. I won't pressurize you now but sooner or later I will definitely find what is that you are hiding from me.

Salar whispers to me when Inaya was talking to her mom on the phone and walks away to the parking lot while I stand there dumbfounded hoping he forgets everything about today.

Hey guys!
Thank you for your support and sorry for the delayed update. I know this is going to have a lot of errors but please be patient with me. It will get better soon inshaAllah.
By the way what do you guys think happened to Zareen. Gave you guys a clue in this chapter.

Love,
TMA