𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐚𝐬𝐫 𝐀𝐥-𝐒𝐚𝐡𝐫𝐚

Chapter 2: A Quiet Reprieve

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of Zahra’s apartment, casting a golden glow across the room. For the first time in a long while, she felt a rare sense of peace as she sipped her tea, the steam rising in delicate swirls. The air around her was calm, unlike the usual rush of her daily life. She had earned this break, and for the first time in years, she allowed herself to slow down.

Zahra had always lived on the edge, delving into the unknown, investigating places and mysteries that no one dared to touch. But now, as she stood looking at her small kitchen from the couch, there was no haunted mansion waiting for her, no shadowy figure trailing behind her. There was just her, a cluttered yet cozy apartment, and the simple luxury of time. She could focus on herself, perhaps even find a little joy in the mundane something she hadn't done in years

She was making a mental list of things she had been putting off reorganizing the bookshelves, clearing the old notes from her last investigation when the doorbell rang.

There stood Yashi, grinning from ear to ear, holding a basket of her favorite pastries. "Surprise!" she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "Thought I’d bring some treats for the 'Best Paranormal Investigator of the Year.' Again!"

Zahra rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. "You didn’t have to do that."

Yashi placed the basket on the table, eyeing Zahra playfully. "Of course I did! Three years in a row, and you think you’re not getting a celebration? I’ve known you since forever, Zahra. You deserve more than just congratulations. So here I am, with pastries and some time to hang out!"

Zahra laughed, the sound feeling unfamiliar in her own ears. It had been a while since she had shared an easy moment like this. "Thanks, Yashi. Really. It feels nice to take a breather."

Yashi plopped down on the couch, grabbing a pastry. "So, how’s the 'break' going? Bored already?"

"Honestly," Zahra began, "it’s strange. I’m not used to slowing down. I’ve been thinking of taking this year off to focus on... well, anything but work. I need this."

Yashi raised her pastry. "A toast to that. You deserve all the rest you can get."

They spent the next few hours lounging on the couch, sharing stories, laughing about old times, and diving into the pastries. It felt refreshing, a small but necessary escape from the whirlwind of Zahra's usual life.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower, casting an orange hue over the room, Zahra stood by the window, watching the quiet city below. The weight of her decision to step away from investigating still lingered in the back of her mind, but for the first time in years, it didn’t feel suffocating. It felt... right.

Yashi looked at her from the couch. "You know, you’re a legend out there. People are going to miss you, Zahra."

Zahra turned, giving her a soft smile. "Maybe, but they’ll survive. Besides, I need to figure out what’s next for me. I can’t keep diving into the darkness forever."

Yashi nodded in understanding. "Just don’t get too used to the quiet. It’s not really your style."

Zahra laughed. "You’re right about that."

They continued to chat as the daylight faded, Yashi’s presence a reminder that despite the shadows Zahra had explored, there was still light, still warmth. For now, she would enjoy it. There was no telling what the future held, but for once, Zahra was content with the unknown.

Later that evening, after Yashi leaves, Zahra sits on her balcony, looking at the night sky. The stars above seem distant, yet comforting. She sighs, thinking about how she promised herself to rest, but also feeling that familiar pull toward the unknown.The haunted places, the unsolved mysteries they all feel like a part of her. But she knows she needs to let go, at least for now.

As Zahra heads to bed, she passes by her desk where her phone lies. There’s a slight sense of anticipation, like something is about to happen, but she pushes it away. Tonight is just about her.

She climbs into bed, closing her eyes, but her mind drifts to the stories of haunted places she’s investigated. One thought lingers as she drifts off to sleep: What if there’s one more mystery waiting for me?

Author's Note~

Ohk here chapter two ends 🚶🏻‍♀️
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