Over again

Chapter XI

On Saturday morning, Zain was waiting for her outside her building. It was beautiful sunny day and quite warm for this time of year. He saw her coming outside and being greeted by doorman. Being dressed in red long skirt, white shirt with her hair pulled up in tail, she looked amazing. He always enjoyed when her hair tortured her. Or when, passing by him, her hair stroked his hands or face. She smiled when she saw him.
"Hi Zain. Sorry for late."
"No, you're not late. Right at the time. You look beautiful today. Here you go."-he told her as he held the car door for her.
"It's beautiful day."-she sounded cheerful.
"Yes. Unusually warm day."
"Really. I miss summer. In Liverpool is never this hot..."
And so began her story. He listened as they drove towards the northern part of the city. He hasn't seen a smile on her face for a while and he missed it. Today she was different. It was like something good happened.
When they arrived to the destination the entire family was already there. The kids happily ran over to Zain and hugged him. His mother and brother also. They all came over to Aaliya and welcomed her. Suraiya was very happy as Aaliya agreed to come. She questioned her about her family and relatives in Mumbai. Arub and Sana pulled her by arm and asked her to sit next to them. Saif didn't want to be with girls so he was with his father and uncle. Fahad's wives watched Aaliya with envy. But that was nothing to compare to the hatred that was between them. Aaliya with pity looked at Fahad. It wasn't easy for him.
Zain and Fahad prepared food for all of them.
"Take care of her, Zain."-said Fahad. "You know our father. You know he won't be happy to see all this."
"To see what, bhai?"
"How you look at her."-Zain turned to him. "I know you think the others don't see it, but I see. I'm your brother Zain. And I understand why you like her. She's different from other girls. But our father won't be happy, Zain. He won't let you be with her."
"I know, bhai. But I don't want her in the house. I just want to keep her safe while she's here. She doesn't know my secret. She doesn't know who I am. Anyway she will leave soon. And I want her to leave from here alive. "
"That's what I'm saying. Keep her safe. She's young and pretty girl. And you two look great together. See, mom and kids like her. They really do. But she's not the girl for our house. She deserves better."
Aaliya turned and looked at Zain. She smiled. "You know that's all I want. To keep her safe. That's it. I won't let him near her."
Fahad put a hand on his shoulder.
"I know, Zain. Take care of yourself, too. Father will never be satisfied with your choice. Remember that."
Zain again looked at Aaliya. She was safe with him. As long as she's close, she's safe there.
It was already dusk when they decided to go back. Aaliya said goodbyes to everyone and got into the car while Zain still was with his family. He said goodbyes to them and sat in the car.
"Are we going?"-she asked.
Zain nodded.
The way back home was pretty quiet. Suddenly they felt that the car shudders until it shut down. Zain tried to start it again but all in vain. Frustrated he whispered expletive and went outside. Darkness has already landed. They had another half-hour drive back to the city and they didn't even think to walk it down. Aaliya was out of the car and stood next to him.
"And what do we do now?"-she asked.
"You go back to the car. I'm going to see if there is someone who could help us."
"Wait, are you going to leave me here alone?"
"What do you want? To go with me?"
"Well, yes. I don't want to stay here alone."
"Aaliya I don't want to discuss. Get in the car and wait for me. I'm already pissed off. You don't want me to pick you up and bound to that seat. Now get in and wait until I get back."-he said.
"What do you think? That I'll..."
"Aaliya, now!!!"
She turned slowly and walked to the car. She was angry that she was left alone and even more angry that she have to listen to him. She never listens to man. Why then to listen to him? She sat there and folded her arms across her chest.
"Just come back. Then I'll teach you a lesson, Mr. Zain."-she spoke angrily as she watched him disappear into the darkness.