DREAM GIRL

CHAPTER TEN

Jeedarh pov

Everything happened so fast. One moment Ashraf was standing in front of me, his pale face etched with regret, and the next, he was blacking out in my arms. I was consumed by confusion and fear, screaming for help as I rushed him to the hospital.

Hours passed, feeling like an eternity, as we waited for news about Ashraf's condition. The doctor finally emerged, explaining that Ashraf needed rest and time to recover from the overdose. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my mind reeling with guilt and worry.

Zahradin's words cut deep as he explained how Ashraf had insisted on seeing me, despite his weakened state. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of emotions, my heart heavy with regret and sorrow.

As I sat there, feeling helpless and exhausted, I couldn't hold back my tears. My friends surrounded me, their warm embraces a comforting balm to my frazzled nerves. "I'm sorry," I sobbed, unsure why I was apologizing, but feeling the weight of my emotions nonetheless.

Nabeelah and Zahra tried to comfort me, their own eyes welling up with tears. "It's okay, habibty, it breaks our heart more seeing you cry," Nabeelah said, her voice soft and gentle.

Just then, Ashraf's parents arrived, and I felt a surge of anxiety, worried that they would blame me for their son's condition. But to my surprise, they greeted me with warm smiles, their kindness and understanding a balm to my soul.

As we waited for further news, the doctor emerged again, asking for me. My heart skipped a beat as I stood up, unsure of what to expect next.

My heart skipped a beat when the doctor asked who I was. I was nervous, thinking about Ash's parents. "It's me, doctor," I said, trying to sound calm. The doctor asked me to follow him, and I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was to come. I opened the door to Ash's room, and he turned to look at me, then quickly looked away. I could sense his embarrassment.

I stood by his bedside, staring at him, and he stared back. It was a silent standoff until I broke the silence and sat down. "Jeedarh," Ash said, but I cut him off. "Ash, you don't have to explain. I understand. Zahradin told me everything. I'm sorry I didn't give you a chance to talk."

Ash reassured me, telling me he loved me and that nothing would ever separate us. I was speechless, staring at him in awe. Then I remembered he hadn't eaten all day and offered to get us something to eat. But Ash said his mom would bring food for us.

When his mom arrived with food, I was surprised by her warm smile and kindness. We ate in silence, and after finishing, I packed up the dishes, ready to leave. But she told me to leave them, and the driver would pick them up. I excused myself, saying I wanted to check on my friends, but really, I just needed to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere.

As I stared at myself in the restroom mirror, I couldn't believe how nice Ash's mom was being. Was she pretending? I wondered. Just then, the door opened, and it was her again. "Ummm, mom, you're here," I stuttered. She wanted to have a few words with me, and I was nervous, hoping it wasn't some kind of "mother-in-law" talk. But she called me "daughter" and was being so pleasant that I was shocked.

As I stood in the restroom, trying to process the unexpected kindness from Ash's mom, she approached me with a gentle smile. "My daughter, I wanted to have a few words with you," she said, her voice warm and sincere.

I was taken aback by her words, but I listened intently as she continued. "Jeedarh, I've never seen Ashraf this in love with anyone. He's always been a bit reserved, but with you, he's different. He lights up when he talks about you, and I've never seen him so happy."

She paused, studying me with kind eyes. "I know you're going through a tough time, and I want you to know that I'm here for you both. Please don't leave Ashraf, Jeedarh. He needs you, and I can see that you need him too."

Her words touched my heart, and I felt a lump form in my throat. No one had ever spoken to me with such kindness and understanding. I realized that Ash's mom wasn't just trying to keep me from leaving her son; she genuinely cared about our well-being and happiness.

In that moment, I felt a sense of belonging, like I had found a true ally in Ash's mom. And I knew that I couldn't just leave Ashraf, not when he needed me, and not when his mom had accepted me with open arms.

•••••••

I met up with my friends, who looked just as exhausted as I felt. I suggested we grab something to eat at a nearby restaurant, and Zahradin, who looked particularly worn out, agreed. I could tell he was worried, so I reassured him that everything was fine. He seemed relieved when I invited him to join us.

Over lunch, Nabeelah, my dramatic friend, had us in stitches with her funny antics. She can be so over-the-top sometimes, but it's exactly what I needed to take my mind off things. After lunch, we headed back to the hospital to check on Ash before calling it a day.

That night, the girls and I had a great time gisting (gossiping) about everything and nothing. For a while, I forgot about my problems and just enjoyed their company. I even shared with them what Ash's mom had told me earlier - it was really surprising. She loves Ash so much, and it made me wish my own mom was that loving. I sighed, thinking maybe in my next life, I'd have a mom like that. But for now, I'm grateful for the love and support of my friends.