AFTER 168 HOURS [BOOK 2,168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 44: True Love 😘❤️✨

Humaira was in her car that morning as she drove through the busy street. Just then, a call came in, she had to park her car to the side of the road in order to pick up the call and talk, comfortably. She looked at the screen of her phone and it's was doctor Zayn's number. She'd saved his contact with 'MY DOCTOR'. A smile ran through her lips as her eyes caught his name, so after packing, she didn't hesitate to answer the call.
"Assalam 'Alaikum doctor."

"Wa'alaikum Sallam Humaira, where are you?"

"I'm on my way to the office right now. I'll be having a case later today." She explained.

"Oh, that's good. Umm... I'd like to meet you later. When would you be back from office?"

"Not sure but because of you. I'll round up everything before 4:00 p.m."

"Okay, that's great." He replied her. I'll come and visit you later today.

"Okay doctor."

"I've told you stop calling me doctor." He warned. We're friends now

"But you'll still be my doctor, Zayn. You'll always be." She retorted.

"I love you dearie. Good luck with today's case." He chuckled softly over the phone.

"Bye." She muttered anxiously before cutting the call.

For some reasons, she don't feel comfortable with him. She loves him so much but she's scared of giving in without Zainab by her side. She feel so alone and going into Doctor Zayn's life might be wrong. Perhaps, it's as if the curse isn't yet broken. She's scared of causing him more troubles and adding to his hardship.

Humaira held her phone close to her chest and let out a deep breathe. That man wouldn't leave me alone. I wonder why he wants to see me again today. She sighed and dropped her phone to the passengers seat before driving on.

***

Later That Evening...

After Humaira came back from office, Khalid came for a visit. They chatted a bit before going out for dinner. The

"So you're here doctor."

"Yes .. I'm hear to talk about us." He began.

"About... Us?" She expanciated.

"Yeah. About us." He repeated.

"Okay... I'll have to hear what it is before we oder of dinner, okay?"

"Okay... Sure. The thing is, Humaira. I was I want to travel." He brought up.

"Okay."

"And I want to take you along with me. I'll be going for Umrah next week and I want you to be by my side. It would really mean a lot if you accept my request."

"Umrah it is."

"Yes, we would just spend a week and head back to Nigeria."

'Ummm... I'll really love to but I'll like to think about it." She replied him, unsure of herself.

"Please, don't think about it, Humaira. She laughed curtly as he explained further. The thing is, there might be a chance for the both of us when we get back. What I want to say is... You to complete trust me. I know how you feel about me but I don't understand why you're always not free or comfortable around me. I understand what you've been through but I'm always going to feel like an outsider if you keep treating me like this. I'm sure that everything would be better if you let me in. And let me share your pains." He held her hands in his as he persuaded.

Humaira stared into his eyes, speechlessly.

"Let me help trough this, please. If we visit the holy mosque, we can pray, ask for God's mercies, blessings and forgiveness. And I'm sure, He would definitely lead the way. There's nothing to be scared of, Humaira. There's nothing to think about either. Just come with me and be mine. I want to support you through all out this and I don't want anything holding us back from loving each other. Go and this journey with me, please."

Before she could withdraw her mind from its far places, his arms were around her.

He grabbed her gently by the shoulder, trying to make her see reasons why going to Umrah with him is important. With his single touch, she felt again the rush of helplessness, the sinking yielding, the surging tide of warmth that left her limp. And the quiet face of Humaira Sanni Ahmad was blurred and drowned to nothingness.

Doctor Zayn bent back her head across his arm and kissed her, softly at first, and then with a swift gradation of intensity that made her cling to him as the only solid thing in a dizzy swaying world. His insistent mouth was parting her shaking lips, sending wild tremors along her nerves, evoking from her sensations she had never known she was capable of feeling. And before a swimming giddiness spun her round and round, she knew that she was kissing him back.

And then, somewhere below this, her heart started reacting. Not a thump exactly. Not even a leap. But a kind of swish, like a fish jumping out of an aquarium. Her heart, that aquatic animal, flew that moment between two elements: one, excitement; the other, fear. She tried to pay attention, reciting some silent prayers in her mind and hoping this won't be a wrong decision to make. But Doctor Zayn was way ahead of her. She swiveled her head back and forth the way actresses did in the movies, trying to digest the thought and everything that comes with it. The magical kiss lasted for a while until Humaira paused. She could feel Zayn's hot, manly breath on her... For some reasons, she felt comfortable with him.

"Okay." She muttered. "I love and trust you so much, doctor Zayn. I'll perform Umrah with you."

A smile spread out over Zayn's handsome face. He looked so excited as he tears of joy gathered in his eyes.

"Thank you Humaira! Thanks for honouring me!!" They held themselves in a warm, comfy hug. Both of them were feeling emotionally  excited and scared at the same time.

Humaira hoped it would just be for the best. Maybe, it would be a way to break the curses afterall. She closed her eyes in thoughts, as tears lingered down her cheeks.

***

Couple of Days Later, Humaira and Khalid prepared for the journey. Doctor Zayn prepared everything as booked the flight for Saudi Arabia.
Same goes to Zainab and Khalid. Hajia Fati accompanied them to the airport that morning. Tears if joy poured down her happy eyes as she hissed them on their cheeks before giving her blessing on a save trip. She bade them goodbye and prayed, the both of them would come back as a totally different person. Cured from their past and previous sins, pains or regrets. Like a new child, they would become pure in heart.