A Tale of Hearts

Chapter Thirty Eight

Zoya's POV:

Ibraheem's Walima

Contrary to my expectations, I was genuinely having fun at the wedding. I had thought that I would be too anxious and stressed to enjoy the occasion but what a pleasant surprise it is. Minus the fact that Kamran was staring. Oh, he was staring alright. Whenever I found myself looking at him, he was already staring into my soul. It was hard to tell what he was thinking with his poker face but the intensity in his eyes felt like pricks on my skin.

Perhaps I was too aware of his presence and the way he stared at me. As if he wanted to devour me completely. It felt like he was keeping tabs on me. Making sure I don't wander too far from his sight. It was flattering but also scary. I had to leave in a very subtle manner without arousing suspicion. And I cannot do that with him lurking around me like that. I had already booked a second flight to Germany. I had packed my bags and they were in the hotel room. This was the only condition that my family had set when they allowed me to go to Misha's wedding. 

They weren't aware that I was in contact with Kamran. I don't think any of them would take that lightly. I looked down at my watch. The event looked like it would go on for another hour or two. This was the ideal time to leave. I had already informed Misha and Rubab that I would just give them a signal when I am leaving. We had said our goodbyes earlier. I couldn't come under the boys radar. If one of them finds out, it is the same as all of them finding out.  

Rubab was talking to Fahad. Or more like Rubab was trying to ward off Fahad's hands from her body. It was amusing really. Her eyes met mine and I slowly nodded my head. It didn't take her a second to understand. She had a soft smile on her face, bidding me goodbye. I then turned my head towards Misha. Ibraheem was talking to some cousin of his while Misha was nodding her head. I could tell she had zoned out to some extent. Typical Misha. After a few minutes, her eyes met mine as well and I gave her the slow nod. She smiled at me and placed a hand on her chest as if bidding me a safe journey. The three of us didn't know when we would meet again so this was a bittersweet farewell but it was needed.

I turned around with a heavy heart. Goodbyes were always difficult for me. I thought I was brave but I always got sentimental at such moments. I didn't have the time to get emotional though. I had to leave. I hadn't seen Kamran in the past 10 minutes so I was guessing that he was busy with the buffet preparations. This was the perfect moment to escape. The car was outside. It was now or never.

I turned and then I saw those eyes. Those charcoal black eyes from fourteen years ago. They were staring at me. No, I pray this is an illusion. I pray it is just a side effect of the panic attacks I have been getting. I pray it is not him in flesh. It cannot be. I stumbled back for a second. My heart dropped to my feet. At first, there was confusion in those eyes. He squinted a little and then as if there was a spark, a very dark smile erupted on his face. He had recognized me. But what was worse was that despite my dim fragmented memories, I knew for a fact that it was the same boy I had seen over a decade ago. I could never forget those eyes. Those cruel, heartless, murderous eyes. Nothing had changed in them.

He turned towards me, placing his hands in his jet black pants. Calmly and slowly, he made his way towards me. For every step that he took, I took two steps back. I heard him chuckle. Loud enough for me to hear despite the music playing in the back. His strides felt loud and clear. He seemed amused. I had to run but the fear and trauma had me rooted to the spot. No. 

Once he was close enough, he stood straight. He was almost a foot above me. He loomed over me for a good minute, analyzing me from head to toe. Time stood still. Everything turned into a blur except those eyes. He didn't look worried. He looked ecstatic. There was something crazy in his eyes. And then he finally spoke the words that would haunt me for the next decade. That is, if I would live that long. 

"What a pleasant surprise to see you here," He leaned down to whisper in my ear. "Anushay, was it?"

I genuinely believed that I had lost my voice. I couldn't find words, I couldn't feel my tongue. I felt the muscles in my jaw turn numb. My heart was just about to explode from the stress. I could feel a panic attack coming. One that will knock me out completely. Infront of the man who has wanted to kill me for well over a decade. No. Zoya. I have to stay strong. I can't fade. All those years of escape can't boil down to this. Ya Allah. Please give me strength to leave. Even just a little. Give me himmat. As if I felt my soul returning to my skin, I felt alive.

Breathing slowly, I turned to look at those eyes that would absorb me completely into an oblivion. Mustering up a confident smile, I challenged him. Something I never thought I would be able to do in a lifetime.  

"It has been a while, you murderer." I hissed.

His grin widened as he looked around the hall for a second before looking down at me again.

"Are you sure about that?" He offered, daring me to say no. "How about you and I take a walk to jog your memories? It has been quite a while after all."

"I would rather die than walk anywhere with you."

"Oh, do not fret, little girl. The time for that will come eventually too." I shuddered at his words. I had to leave. I can still leave. I looked behind him. The door was right there. "Ah, already planning to leave? You are in our zone. I wouldn't be a Narejo if I wasn't hospitable to our guests."

Narejo?

He was a Narejo? 

He was part of Kamran and Ibraheem's family? 

"Let us go outside now, Anushay, or wait, should I call you Zoya Ali?" He started to walk, waiting for me to join him. It wasn't an offer. It was a demand.  

And in that moment, I had wished that a certain fluffy haired guy was there for me but he was nowhere to be seen. What timing. Where were you Sher? And why did this feel like Deja Vu?