Bridging Hearts.

#11

                            Zara’s Pov:

I flipped open my laptop and began typing an email to send to the hospital staff to request a two-day leave. Although I had already talked to HR and convinced them to grant me the leave, I knew sending the email was an important formality.

As I typed away, my other hand dialed Rayah's number, anxiously waiting for her to answer. Each ring made my heart thump harder, thinking why she wasn't picking up, all while my fingers continued to type at a swift pace.

"Hello Zara," Rayah's voice finally broke through the silence, pulling my attention away from the laptop screen.

I felt relief as she picked up the call and I could finally hear her voice.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my words rushing out in one breath.

"Yeah, Zara... I'm... fine," her voice stammered slightly.

I put the phone on hold and initiated a video call, connecting it to my laptop.

Within a minute, Rayah’s face appeared on the screen. After days of concern, it was reassuring to finally see her face, even though I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

"Where were you? Do you have any idea how stressed I was, Rayah?" I scolded her with concern in my voice.

"I'm sorry, Zara. It was just..." Her eyes moved away from my gaze, looking down at my messy bed scattered with clothes and the open bag waiting to be packed.

I hadn't realised it would be visible through the camera.

"Are you going somewhere?" She questioned..

"First, tell me where you were. And is Aunty okay?" I fired off another question.

"I told you, Zara, it was nothing serious. My phone wasn't working, and Mama is absolutely fine, don't worry,"

She assured me, her face displayed that ever present smile, but I couldn't help and notice the mismatch between her voice and her expressions.

"Where are you going?" she asked once again.

“Umm we are leaving for Taya abu’s house tomorrow, for Isaaq bhai’s wedding.”

"Oh, that' great!!," she exclaimed.
"But why don't you seem excited?"

"It's not that I'm not excited, of course I am. But right now, I'm more worried about you. You seem down and off," I expressed my concern.

"You're just overthinking, Zara. I told you, I'm fine. Don't let this ruin your mood. Just enjoy your time there.”

Why don't you come with me?"
A sudden thought struck me, and I let out with excitement.

She looked at me, her expression already telling me she wouldn't agree.
"Nah, I can't, Zara...."

My excitement shrunken as quickly as it had appeared. Despite that, I nodded, understanding,I shouldn't push her.

"Alright, take care of yourself and my dearest aunty!! Give her my salam."

I said, my tone holding both concern and affection. "But!," I added, pointing my finger at her, "once I'm back, you're coming to meet me. Promise!?”

"Promise, I will," she replied,
mustering up a smile.

I love her smile and her dull face makes me sad. My heart aches when I don't see that bright smile on her face.

"And don't you dare miss any calls from me, you hear? Don't scare me like that!"