EXTRA MILE FOR LOVE

19: The escape

"Boss said he will show up tomorrow. We will call their families and demand for ransom." Nabil heard a voice outside talking, He stood up and went towards the window. It was dark, So he couldn't see their faces, but he knew it was the kidnappers.

"Are we going to let that damsel go scot-free just like that?" One of them asked , "Boss won't be happy if we do anything to her. Since she's is Nabil's wife." The other one declared. "I don't buy that story. Don't you see how the other couple behave ? But these ones are distant with each other.

Nabil knew Najma's life was in danger, and there was no way he was going to let any harm behalf her while he's still here with her. He feels guilty about what happened, He feels It was his fault that she was kidnapped along with him. He was their main target not her. If he hadn't gone to see her, all these wouldn't have happened to her.

"Hey wake up." Nabil whispered tapping Najma's shoulder. "Allow me please , allow me to sleep some more, It's still dark" She slurred, as she rubbed her eyes. "Yes I know It's not morning yet. But you need to wake up If you want us to escape." Najma abruptly sat up opening her eyes wide. "Really? So what's the plan?" Najma asked .

"Well I don't really have a plan yet." Najma shook her head as she smiled. "Really? And you woke me up? When you think of a plan, Then you can wake me up." She declared laying down.

"You can't go back to sleep." He pulled her up, "Don't touch me!" She pouted , "Will you stop all these drama and get serious ? All I know is we've to escape tonight." He barked. This time around Najma could hear the seriousness and desperation in his voice.

"How do we go about it then?" Najma asked . " Tell them you want to ease yourself and that I've to escort you because It's dark. The same way they maintain their distance from us in the morning, we will take advantage of that and try running into the thick forest that's close to where we use as toilet."

"What are you saying? How can we go into that thick forest? And in the night for that matter. No, I can't " Najma folded her arms. "Do you want to die here?" Najma immediately shook her head.

"Then get up let's exhibit this plan" Nabil declared. Najma stood up , "What about Khadija and Ahmad?" She asked looking towards their direction. They were peacefully sleeping in each other's arms.

"My Rose don't be crazy, Let's worry about ourselves first." She bursted into series of laughter. How could he call her with such a sweet name and yet ask if she's crazy. "Okay fine let's go". She started banging the door hard till one of the kidnappers opened the door.

"What's wrong with you? Why do you always cause mischief? " He barked. "Umm.....Well..... I want to ease myself " She declared holding Nabil's hand. "Let's go, he will stay here." The kidnapper announced.

"No, he has to come along. He can't leave you alone with me." Najma whined. "Alright, but if you try anything funny, I will blow up your sulk! " The kidnapper threatened.

"Yes he won't do anything." Najma declared,trying to suppress her excitement. Nabil and Najma came out of the hut holding each other's hands as the kidnapper lead them to where they use as a toilet, which is behind the hut.

"You can at least wait for us right there . Do you want to see a married woman's body?" Najma snapped. The kidnapper moved away a bit from them and turned his back .

Nabil held Najma's hand as tight as he could. "Please don't stop running. Don't give up." Najma could hear the desperation in Nabil's voice. "Don't forget to keep reciting "Laa ilaha illa anta subhanka inni kuntu minaz zalimin" She whispered as she took a deep breath.

They started tiptoeing into the forest while looking back to see If the kidnapper has turned around. When they were a bit far away from him, Nabil clutched on to Najma's hand more as they started running.