Yusra: Don't hurt me in the way I cannot even recover.
Shazal: Do you not realize, there's no one but you for me?
Daniyal: She let the tears fall, but it weren't for me.
Zumar: You fall in love and then, fall out of it.
It's not that big of a deal.
...
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๑ 🥀 ๑
Tangled sheets and messed-up thoughts, dim lights and a grey atmosphere were things Zumar was used to by now. There was no one she could complain to because there was no one she could talk to, basically.
She lay on her bed, her new phone from Amaan in her hand as she figured out its workings and saved important numbers. The soft glow from the bedside lamp cast a warm, golden hue across her room. The faint aroma of fresh jasmine wafted in through the open window, mingling with the crisp evening air.
A sudden knock at the door startled her, causing her to panic. She quickly shoved the phone into the pillowcase, her heart racing. "Come in," she called out, trying to sound calm.
"Hi, darling." Farzana entered, carrying her elegance along. She wore a delicate silk saree draped over her shoulder a brooch holding the pleates in place, and her face was adorned with a gentle, maternal smile that was so genuinely deceiving.
"Hello," Zumar replied, sitting up and trying to appear nonchalant.
"How are you feeling, my dear? You seem a bit pale." Farzana approached her with concern in her voice. Maybe it was doubt... Zumar couldn't really tell.
She forced a smile. "I'm fine, just a bit stiff."
Farzana sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from Zumar's forehead. "You must take better care of yourself. Rest is important."
That's what I am doing all the time. Am I not?
The pillow containing the phone started to buzz below her thigh, causing her to panic because Farzana was right there.
No one has this number; who must it be?
"I will," Zumar assured her, her heart still pounding from the near discovery of the phone.
"Good," Farzana nodded approvingly. "I wanted to let you know that we will have some important guests this evening. Please be ready by seven. Wear something nice, alright?"
Zumar nodded. "Who are the guests?"
Farzana's smile remained gentle. "Just some acquaintances. It's important to make a good impression."
"Of course," she replied, masking her unease. "I'll be ready."
She wanted to ask why she should be attending the said guests anyway, but before she could query any further, Farzana stood, giving Zumar a final affectionate glance before turning to leave. "Remember, Zumar, always present your best self... learn from me."
As the door closed behind her, Zumar let out a sigh of relief. She retrieved the phone from its hiding place and looked for the missed call.
She had just saved the number, so Amaan's name appeared on top.
