𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

غمِ عشق ۹۔

Why have you have once again allowed
Sorrow to become your constant companion?~

In a room enveloped in a heavy, suffocating silence, the faint, sterile scent of the hospital permeated the air, lingering with a sharp, antiseptic tang. From a distance, the hushed murmurs of doctors, nurses, and the soft shuffle of people navigating the corridors found their way to his ears.

He woke up for the fifth time in the past two days, his consciousness returning without another fainting episode. Slowly, he opened his eyes, blinked a few times to adjust to the light. His senses gradually started working again, but a throbbing headache hindered his attempt to recall the events that led him to this moment.

Why was he here?

As everything started to make sense, he tried to sit up and noticed Hamza seated on the sofa lost in thought. Hamza's visible relief at seeing him awake put him more at ease.

"Shukar hai tumhe hosh aagaya!"

(It's good that you regained consciousness!)

"H-Haya?"

Shaazil's throat felt dry, his need for water competing with his urge to ensure Haya's safety. Upon hearing his inquiry, Hamza's face tightened, assuming a serious expression.

"Sh-she is fine!"

Hamza tried to convey calmly. However, Shaazil, far from a child, immediately sensed something amiss.

"Haya kaha hai, Hamza!"

(Where is Haya, Hamza?)

Shaazil's tone sharpened. Before Hamza could respond, Shaazil abruptly removed the cannula from his hand, pushing towards the door despite the pain throbbing from his bandaged head. Drops of blood trailed down his hand as he staggered down the hospital corridor.

Hamza sprinted after him, calling out,

"Shaazil! Shaazil ruko!!"

(Shaazil! Shaazil, stop!)

But Shaazil paid no heed.

He collided with numerous people in the corridor. Struggling, he finally reached the reception and inquired if Haya Shah was admitted. The receptionist nodded and gestured, providing the necessary information.
He asked about her condition.

A nurse came out from a nearby room, questioning why he was outside his room.

Shaazil rushed towards the ICU. Outside, a doctor informed him that she hadn't regained consciousness for two days. He remained seated on a bench, disregarding the pleas from Hamza, Azeem, and the nurses to prioritize his own treatment.

At the call of the Fajr prayer, tears streamed down his face. Feeling utterly helpless, he couldn't pray due to the prohibition of water on his bandaged head, which was also stained with blood.

He clandestinely made his way into ICU, as entry wasn't permitted. Sitting beside her, he observed her, unconscious with an oxygen mask covering her face. Though there were bandages around his own head, he gently held Haya's limp hand.

Sitting there, his own words haunted him,

'Meri zindagi se gaib kyu nahi hojaati tum?'

(Why can't you disappear from my life?)

"No please no! No! Haya please main ne toh aise hi bola tha! Please Allah nahi!"

(I didn't mean it! Please Allah no!)

Tears streamed down his face as he vehemently denied his earlier words, his heart palpitated at the mere thought of Haya leaving him.

'Kaash tum marjaao Haya! Meri zindagi se aise toh nikal nahi rahi!'