𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

Chapter 4: A Text

*10 minutes ago*

After the doctor left, Abbas closed the door and started climbing on the stairs. Just then, a notification came on his phone. He stopped and checked his phone.

Unknown
Text Message
Today, 7:38 AM

"It seems like you both are having
a good time together in the palace."

"Would you like to experience what
happened two years ago again?"

Abbas's breath got stuck in his throat. His mind started to stop working. He had brought Zehra to the safest place. He couldn't understand how anyone could have found out about this place.

He started getting angry. He didn't want what had happened before to happen again. He went straight to Zehra's room.

*****

*Present*

"Do you want me to tie you to a chair? Huh?" The sharpness of his tone sliced through the silence, leaving her flinching in its wake, her own fear mirroring the turmoil in his eyes.

Zehra felt scared as she looked into his eyes. She lowered her head.

When Zehra remained silent, Abbas said, "Answer me!"

She was frightened by his behavior. With her head still lowered, she replied, "N-no... No, I d-don't want that." Her voice trembled.

Abbas stood up and asked another question, "So, will you repeat such foolish behavior?" His tone was less harsh than before.

With her head still lowered, she replied, "No, I won't." She didn't have any other option. Tears welled up in her eyes. A tear fell from her eye onto her hands resting in her lap.

That tear did not go unnoticed by Abbas. He didn't want to make her cry. He just wanted to make her understand. Seeing her tears, he got very angry with himself. He quickly left the room.

Zehra looked up to see him leaving. Long after he was gone, she kept staring at the door.

*****

Abbas reached his room and slammed the door shut with a loud bang. His chest heaved with each ragged breath, his heart pounding like a war drum. He punched the wall with all his might. He punched it again and again and again. He was feeling the sharp pain in his knuckles but he didn't stop. After punching it 10-12 times, exhausted, he slid down to the floor, pressing his back against the cold wall, and buried his face in his hands.

"I can't let anything happen to Zehra," he muttered to himself, voice thick with emotion. "I have to protect her, no matter what it takes... Even if it means facing the demons of my past. I'll destroy anyone who tries to harm my princess."

His breaths came in ragged gasps as he tried to calm down.

"But first, I need to focus on Zehra," his voice was steadier now, infused with determination. "As soon as her feet heal, I'll send her back to Delhi. Then I'll deal with those people, one by one."

*****

Zehra was feeling uncomfortable in those clothes. She wanted to change them. The doctor had advised her not to get out of bed, but she was still trying to get up. Just then, Abbas entered the room.