Unwanted Relations

Chapter 21

As Noor shielded her face with her arm, her eyes shut off to avoid what was going to happen, her grip on the empty glass tightened, suddenly, the sharp sound of the alarm rang in the room. She opened her eyes, almost confused. Umer was still there, he raised his hand to pick up his phone, switching the alarm off. It was then, he noticed Noor, her feared expression. He felt guilty for a moment to have scared her like this.

" please, I really didn't saw you. Forgive me." She said, still in that fear.

Umer put his phone back. He stood there for a second trying to analyze what is she so afraid of. He was truly unaware of her thoughts." why are you standing like this? Remove your hand. I'm not doing anything." He assured her, his voice soft now.

She removes her arm. " it's okay. Those weren't so important." He confirmed. Seeing her being so scared, he had no intention of making things worse.

" but they are all wasted now." She said, still feeling embarrassed and guilty.

" yes, but as I said they weren't so important. Don't worry about it." He again said to her, Noor didn't respond. She wasn't as afraid as before but feeling embarrassed now.

" and...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been angry on you. It wasn't your fault."

This time she looked at him with surprise, she was so shocked on his words that she didn't even respond him.

" Now if you have forgiven me, go and get ready. Remember, we have to go." He reminded her. His tone soft, and Noor's surprise was growing with every second. Living in this haveli for 10 years now her reaction was valid, while Umer did not had the slightest idea of her negative thinking. Because for him, that thought was too much to occur.

" you don't need to say sorry. And I remember. Just give me a minute." Noor said, finally. With that she didn't stayed there but left.

*...*...*
The ride was silent like always. She was looking out of the window, while he was focused on the road ahead. The distance was long and so was the silence.
Umer glanced at Noor, he saw her fidgeting her fingers. He then again looked at the road knowing well, she was tensed. Worried also. Thinking about what others will say when they come to know about her studies. But Umer, had no assurances to give her nor did he wanted to. This was a bitter truth but Umer knew if instead of Noor it was his wife-someone he loved. He would share with her some words of assurances, give her a smile. But here this wasn't the case. In his life, Noor was nothing but a responsibility. They had a weird relationship, something unwanted. Where they were close enough but at the same time the distance felt like miles apart. And Umer, he did not disliked this distance, he wanted to keep it like this. For Noor, this wasn't the case. She did not wanted this distance, in her life with every new day Umer's value grew. He was the one who was with her, who supports her and with each new day, she had grown accustomed to Umer's company.
*...*...*
" hi, you are here for the admission tests?" Noor stepped in to the ground, when she heard a voice behind her, she turned around and saw a girl standing there. Wearing glasses.

She nodded.

" I thought so. Actually I saw you back in the hallway. I'm Eshaal, you?" She smiled and extended her hand towards Noor.

Noor took her hand, she smiled too. " Noor."

" you have a pretty name. Actually I also came for the admission test today. And now I cannot seem to find the main hall, can you help me?"

" sure. I was also going there." Noor said, she walked towards Eshaal, the clouds moved, as the sunlight increased. A sense of warmth filled the atmosphere.