A walk on thorns

Chapter 22| The Unexpected!

Sabrina's POV

On my way back home, my mind churned with every conceivable explanation for his behavior, but no clarity emerged. My thoughts were a barren expanse, unable to piece together the fragments of his actions. How could I, when I barely knew him beyond a few fleeting interactions? Yet, all I could hope for was that he wouldn’t disappear entirely, Rubina’s heart wouldn’t survive the wreckage of such abandonment.

What managed to pierce the fog of confusion was an unexpected encounter with two enthusiastic young women on the way. They recognized me instantly, their faces lighting up with excitement as they approached. With unrestrained joy, they told me how much they admired my work and how they had tried to recreate some of my pieces. Their words were sincere, their admiration genuine. They even asked for a selfie before departing, their smiles lingering in my mind. Moments like these breathe life into my passion, filling the void left by the lack of recognition from my family. If nothing else, my audience keeps me afloat.

However, the warmth I felt dissipated the moment I stepped into the house. A cacophony of blaring music assaulted my ears, and the sight of numerous parked cars in the driveway added to my bewilderment. What on earth is going on? I wondered. Admittedly, Anisha and I hadn’t spoken for three days, but this level of chaos was unfathomable.

Crossing the threshold, I was greeted by a scene I could scarcely believe. Half-naked women and intoxicated men swayed and stumbled in the dimly lit, smoke-filled hall. It didn’t take long to deduce that Nadeera and Mukhtar were hosting yet another debauched party, and the stench of marijuana mingled with shisha smoke clung to the air like an oppressive fog. The crowd was an unruly sea of bodies, forcing me to shove my way through to reach the sanctuary of my room.

I was nearly free from the suffocating crowd when my eyes landed on a sight that froze me in place. Anisha. Anisha! There she was, unmistakable amidst the chaos, serving drinks alongside Jenny and Karima at this obscene gathering.

What in the world was she thinking?! My thoughts erupted in fury. This wasn’t just humiliation, it was humiliation taken to unimaginable depths. How could Anisha stoop so low as to serve at a party thrown by her husband and his mistress? The sheer audacity of it was incomprehensible.

Anger surged through me as I began pushing through the crowd with renewed determination, heading toward her. She could scream at me, hurl insults, or call me a meddler for all I cared, she was done serving them tonight. But then, just as quickly, doubt seeped in and stopped me in my tracks. Why am I even doing this? Why fight for someone who willingly placed herself in this degrading position? She wasn’t in danger, nor was she crying out for help. She had chosen this. And in the end, I would likely be the one blamed, as always.

Turning on my heel, I made my way back toward my room, frustration simmering beneath my skin. I hadn’t gone far when a rough hand grabbed my waist. Startled, I spun around to face the perpetrator, a stoned, reckless-looking man with a lopsided grin plastered across his face. His eyes, glazed with intoxication, held a smug confidence that sent a shiver of anger down my spine.

Oh Lord, grant me strength, I thought. I am at the edge of losing it.

“Take away your filthy hands off you reckless! I yelled at him.

“C’mon, baby, chill we are not getting a room okay? Just the kitchen is okay... Can't you see how beautiful you are” he slurred annoyingly while I was fighting his hold. His hold was so firm, and before I knew we were fighting, this insane man went far too forcefully tearing up the front of my shirt, Thank God for the sports bra I was wearing.

“Release me I said. Leave me alone before I deal with you, idiot! I am not your type and I will never be! Leave me now! I ordered. By now attention has begun to divert to us.