HUSNA

Chapter 62

When our community is in a state of peace, it can share that peace with neighboring communities, and so on. When we feel love and kindness towards others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace." – Dalai Lama

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She bit his lip hard, glaring at him. "What do you think you're doing?" she spat. "Let me go." She struggled against his grip, trying to pull her arm away, but he only held her tighter.

"Stop screaming," he muttered, grimacing. Her voice grated against his nerves, but deep down, it wasn't anger  it was helplessness.

"I won't stop!" she fired back, her temper flaring like a match in a dry field.

"Then we'll stay like this forever," he snapped, exhaling sharply.

Silence fell. She turned her face toward the window, Slowly, he loosened his hold. Under her breath, she muttered something he couldn't quite catch, though he was certain it wasn't anything kind.

The car rolled to a stop in front of a large white building. "Mediterranean Hospital" gleamed on the signboard, illuminated under the evening lights.

"Get down

She scoffed. "Did I ask you to bring me here?"

"Can you stop this childish behavior for once and just get down? Or should I carry you again?"

She rolled her eyes, every line of her face painted with annoyance. "I didn't ask you to bring me here in the first place. So, no  I'm not going anywhere."

He stared at her for a long moment, his words faltering as he noticed the way she winced, one hand pressed to her abdomen. The anger drained from his face, replaced by concern.

Without another word, he stepped out of the car, circled to her side, and opened the door. "Asma, Please."

She turned away, staring out the opposite window.

He bent slightly, reaching to help her, but the moment his hand brushed her arm, she let out a sharp scream. Startled, he pulled back immediately.

"Don't touch me!" she snapped, her voice shaking.

Then, gathering what strength she had left, she climbed out of the car on her own.

He led the way inside. The hospital staff recognized him instantly   he'd been there several times after flights  and ushered them in without delay.

She sat down stiffly, eyes fixed on the white tiles, refusing to look at him.

"She's been complaining of stomach pain for weeks," Hameed began, speaking to the doctor. We thought it would pass, but it's getting worse. She can't eat, can't sleep..."

As he spoke, she  lifted her gaze to him. For a moment, she just stared, her mouth slightly open.

He sounded nothing like the man who had shouted at her hours ago. He sounded... worried.
And that, somehow, hurt even more.