DREAM GIRL

CHAPTER NINE

Jeedarh's pov

As I walked home, I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. I had just been told I had a year and a half left to live, and now I was dealing with the shock of seeing my fiancé, Ashraf, with another woman. I felt like my world was crumbling around me.

I couldn't cry, even if I wanted to. I had been so strong when I received my diagnosis, but now I felt like I was breaking apart. Everything seemed crazy - Ashraf's betrayal, my illness, the world around me.

But as I thought about Ashraf, I saw the look in his eyes when I caught him. He looked like he was in pain, like he wanted to call out to me but couldn't. I couldn't help but wonder if he was hurt or just shocked that I had discovered him.

I didn't want to jump to conclusions. I needed to hear his side of the story before I made any decisions. But for now, I just felt numb.

When I got home, I went straight to my room, locking the door behind me. I didn't want to talk to anyone, so I pretended to sleep, hoping my friends would leave me alone. As soon as they did, I broke down, wrapping myself in the duvet and letting the tears flow.

I reached for my earpods and put them in, listening to Maher Zain's "Antasalam". The lyrics spoke directly to my soul, and I sang along, crying uncontrollably.

"O God, I need Your peace...I just want peace of mind..."

As I listened, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I knew I had to hold on to my faith, to trust that God had a plan for me.

For now, I just needed to escape, to hide away from the world and process my emotions. So I stayed in bed, listening to music and crying, letting the tears wash away my pain.

Authors pov

As Ashraf lay helpless on the hospital bed, Zahradin's heart ached with fear and worry. He had never seen his friend so weak, so broken. The doctor's words echoed in his mind: "If he wasn't brought here on time, something would have happened to him."

Zahradin's eyes welled up with tears as he hugged Ashraf tightly. "My dear friend, you really scared me. What if the call didn't come in? What would have happened to you?"

Ashraf's stuttering words, "Jeedarh...please...help me," cut through Zahradin's soul like a knife. He knew his friend was in agony, and he was determined to help him.

As Ashraf explained the events leading up to his hospitalization, Zahradin's shock turned to outrage. "Why would Hameeda do such a cruel and heartless thing? Doesn't she know that's rape?"

Ashraf's desperation to see Jeedarh was palpable. Despite his weak state, he begged Zahradin to take him to her. "Please, Zahradin, I need to see her. I need to explain. I need to make things right."

Zahradin couldn't resist his friend's pleas, and they made their way to Jeedarh's place. Ashraf's heart was racing with anxiety, his mind filled with worst-case scenarios.

When they arrived, Ashraf's frail body trembled as he knocked on Jeedarh's door. No answer he had to knock again . But it was Nabeelah, Jeedarh's friend, who opened the door instead. She was surprised to see Ashraf, and her expression showed concern.

"Ashraf, what are you doing here? You look...unwell," Nabeelah said, eyeing him with worry.

Ashraf's eyes pleaded with her to let him in. "Please, Nabeelah, I need to see Jeedarh. I need to explain. I know I hurt her, but I love her. I can't lose her."

Nabeelah hesitated, then stepped aside, allowing Ashraf to enter. "She's been locked in her room since she came back. She won't talk to anyone. But...I think you should try."

As Ashraf made his way to Jeedarh's room, Nabeelah followed close behind. She could see the desperation in his eyes, the love and regret etched on his face.

Nabeelah and zahra watched, with tears in their eyes, as the scene unfolded.They knew Jeedarh was hurting, but they  also saw the love and sincerity in Ashraf's eyes. They  hoped that somehow, someway, they could work through this and find their way back to each other.

"Jeedarh, my love, please open up. Hear me out. I know I hurt you, but please, don't shut me out."

Jeedarh's silence was deafening, but Ashraf continued to beg. "Jeedarh, my sunshine, please don't leave me. My heart is wherever you are. I'll die if you do. Please, my love, forgive me."

As Jeedarh finally opened the door, Ashraf's eyes locked onto hers, filled with tears and regret. He hugged her like his life depended on it, whispering soothing words in her ear.

"My love, I'm so sorry. I was blind, I was stupid. I didn't see what was right in front of me. You are my everything, my reason for living. Please, don't let me go. I'll do anything to make it right."

As Ashraf's words trailed off, his body gave in to exhaustion. He blacked out, leaving Jeedarh shaken, Zahradin worried.