ishq lost & found

24; Memories

hiii guys, sorry for not updating in nearly a month. i got really busy and i felt like i was running out of words and ideas but anyway i hope this is okay 😭

"He doesn't even think about me", Ranya would tell herself any time she caught her mind drifting to thoughts of Saad. It was starting to become a problem, any time she had some time to herself, thoughts of him would just pop into her brain. He wouldn't leave her alone.

On this day, in the midst of absentmindedly watching and movie with her sister, Ranya started smiling, thinking of the way Saad had been with her when he was sick. It was a strange moment to share, one she hadn't ever imagined. There was something about him, perhaps his gentleness towards her that made him stand out so much.

Looking back, Salman never treated her as such. She had grown accustomed to his tone, to how he would dictate the details of her life, and how he would treat her terribly oftentimes. It was something she didn't notice til she reunited with Saad.

"You're actually going to pursue education?" Salman asked, looking up at Ranya as the two sat across on another in one of their university's library.

"Yes. We're in our second year I'm not going to change my major, it's too late." She replied, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at his annoying question. They had been getting closer and closer the past few years, now with talks of their engagement, Salman had become unbearably demanding and controlling.

"It's never too late. What are you going to get out of teaching little kids?" He shook his head, somehow managing to make his common argument sound worse this time. "You can always switch to nursing, or dental or something to be proud of."

"Being a teacher isn't something to be proud of?" Ranya asked, slamming her pencil down as she looking at Salman with tears in her eyes, upset with how he viewed her dream profession.

"Honestly...." He began, looking into her eyes, very much well aware of the impact of him words, "No. It's not."

They had had that argument countless times, each ending with Ranya leaving either close to, or in tears. Salman never seemed to care very much in the moment, but by the time Dua would become aware, suddenly Salman would come running to apologise. But even his apologies were bad.

"Come on Ranya, I said I was sorry!" He huffed, petals falling from his bouquet as it slammed against the floor of her room. "See, I even got you flowers."

Eyes trailing down the bouquet he threw at her feet, Ranya stared at him in disbelief, turning away once again. Somehow, Salman took this for an invitation in. "You know I care about you." He'd say in a hushed tone, every single time, as if it was something he couldn't let other people hear. "I just want what's best for you, and as much as I admire your love for teaching kids and stuff, it's just not a reliable career."

Saad on the other hand, he seemed so proud of her for achieving her dream. He hadn't made a single backhanded comment regarding it, instead he seemed curious as to what it was like.

The day where he had surprised her with dinner stuck out in her mind, she realised she had been the one doing most if not all the talking. Saad had intently listened after asking her questions about her passion. He asked if she enjoyed it, if it was like what she imagined, if she liked her students, and more about her duties. He was smiling the entire time.

The bar is in hell because that's the bare minimum, but compared to the treatment she received before, it was a huge upgrade. Even the other day, after begging Ranya to stay by his side and eat with him, as soon as he got better, Saad made sure to return the favour and surprise her with a meal. Salman wouldn't even make himself a plate.