FEAR OF FONDNESS

Chapter 4 THE HIDDEN CASE

Wassal's pov:

I woke up early at Fajr time, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains as I rose from my bed. My head was still spinning as I didn't get a good night's sleep.

After performing prayer, I prepared for my morning walk, a routine I followed regularly. However, today, I felt tired, all thanks to Miss Innocent. I often think, how can someone be that unaware of something.

Upon returning from my jog, I spotted Sania Api at the breakfast table, arranging plates and utensils. "Assalam-o-Alaikum, Api," I greeted her warmly with a smile.

"Walaikum Assalam, za zamri, (my lion)" she replied, returning my smile with her usual warmth. "How are you?" she inquired.

"Perfect," I replied actively, though inwardly feeling the fatigue from the lack of sleep. "You're up this early?" I inquired, noting her early presence at the table. It was almost 6 in the morning.

"Yeah, there's an early class at the university, so I gotta go," she told me, arranging plates. 

"Why are you doing this all? Just ask one of the housekeepers. I asked her as she was arranging the breakfast herself. "I can do this zamri (lion)." She gave me an assuring glance. "Why are YOU up so early?" She asked, narrowing her eyes, as I had a week off from my university. "We have a hunting plan made for tonight," I informed her as I took a seat.

"You always have such random plans," she remarked as she placed both of her hands on the chair. "Well, I was informed about this plan only a few hours ago," I explained as I shrugged, feeling a pang of guilt for not informing her sooner." Do you want breakfast?" she asked.

"Nah, I'll take on our way," I assured her.

"Are you sure?" She asked me, raising her eyebrow, as she knew I was not a man of eating on the travels. "Ah, yep!" I answered back with an assured mile.

"Well, if you are going, then that's good for me. I guess you'll be able to drop me at the university," she said, her hand reaching for a jug.

Suddenly, a sharp, painful scream tore through the air, emanating from Sania Api. Startled, I rushed to her side, concern etched on my face. "Api, are you okay? What happened?" I asked.

"No, I'm fine. It's just... Ah, I had a small accident yesterday," Sania Api explained, her voice tinged with discomfort.

"What?!" I exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me? Are you okay? How did it happen?" I bombarded her with questions.

"That's why I didn't tell you; you always take on too much stress," Sania Api replied, attempting to reassure me with a gentle smile. "I had a car hit me on my way home from the university. I'm not hurt much, just some muscle pain," she added in a calm tone.

"No, it's not okay! Who was it? Did you know them? How—" I started to ask, but Sania Api cut me off, placing a comforting hand on my head.

"I'm fine, meray sher. It's nothing. I didn't tell you so you wouldn't worry about such a small thing," she said in a soothing and reassuring voice

"Api, that's not a small thing! You got hurt!" I protested, unable to shake off the concern that gnawed at me.

"It's okay, meray Sher. Don't worry," she insisted, patting my shoulder gently. "Now, tell me, what do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."

"No, nothing. I'll eat with boys on my way," I said.

"Okay, but you better eat. You always skip breakfast when you're traveling," Sania Api admonished me as she knew I didn't eat breakfast while traveling.

After breakfast, I dropped Sania Api off at the university. A sense of unease settled over me like a heavy cloak. Despite her reassurances, her words about the accident echoed in my mind, stirring up a storm of concern within me.

I dialed a certain number, "I want you to track a car, the number is LEA 8652. I need to know its route from the previous day, and I need answers about the accident that occurred with it, as soon as possible."

As I hung up the phone, a wave of anger and stress traveled across my veins. Even though the accident hadn't been severe, I couldn't simply brush it off. Sania Api was more than just a sister to me. She took care of me since childhood. I couldn't let anyone hurt her again.

Opening the laptop, I saw a few assignment deadline reminders waiting for me, and just a few minutes were left. I had already dealt with all of them only the last stage of submitting them was left. Quickly submitting them as I was about to close the laptop, I heard a buzz on my phone and laptop at the same time. It was from one of the acquaintances. 

 It was the details of that car and car owners. Going through it, I couldn't find anything suspicious, but still, just to make sure, I asked them to keep an eye on this matter. As no one can be trusted.