Aryan's Lethal Obsession

Adah

We need to operate on him as soon as possible. Please pay the deposit, and we will prepare for the surgery.

Are you the family of Asad Malik? Please pay two lakh at the billing counter.

These are the only thoughts running in my mind. How did I end up here, in the hospital? It was my engagement day; I was enjoying my time, Dad was ecstatic, then how did my happy moment turn into a nightmare?

Mom sent me to get the bill as she couldn't leave Dad unattended in the ward. But what I didn't expect was the surgery cost, and I slumped on the nearby chair upon hearing the receptionist.

"....it is believed that famous hotelier and businessman Aryan Abdullah is involved in the illegal activities. our resources have informed us he is also being investigated for money laundering for the famous gang......."

The sound from the lobby television blurred along with the surrounding chaos. I was afraid if I raised my head and looked at the worried faces around me, I would break down, and I didn't want to burden my mother more than I already had. If not for my marriage, if not for my dowry, Dad wouldn't have had a stroke due to stress.

I couldn't help looking at my hands, still clad with half-finished henna that I was applying just 12 hours ago, and reminiscing about the day. Today was supposed to be my engagement with Fahad, and no matter how much I requested Dad, he won't budge from his decision to make it a grand affair. I knew he was struggling with the home loan and the monthly expenses, and that was the sole reason I wanted to keep the engagement a simple gathering rather than make it glorious. I sat at the center of our fun-filled living room while two professionals applied henna on my hands and legs.

I was ecstatic would have been an understatement. I closed my eyes and let out a gratified prayer to God for giving me everything.

But before I could cherish those happy moments more, Dad fainted while talking to Fahad's family, and we had to rush him to the hospital. My brother, Jawad, stayed at home along with my baby sisters, Ayat and Ashna, while I accompanied my mother to the hospital. Even though I was the eldest of four siblings, I was as shaken as them by the event. My father was beaming just a few hours ago, and now he was lying in the hospital looking pale.

Gathering myself, I forced my legs to walk towards the room, knowing my mother would be waiting for the bill. As I reached my destination, I raised my hand to hold the doorknob when I froze hearing my mother.

"Asad was stressed out after they called demanding money; otherwise, they will break the alliance," Mom sniffled. She was talking to my aunt.

I had a notion but hearing the truth was still shocking. Although Mom kept smiling and assuring me everything would be alright, the pain in her voice was evident that nothing was okay.

"Did you talk to that person? Is he willing to buy my jewelry at the earliest?"

"By tomorrow, if we don't operate on him, then—" Mom couldn't complete her sentence and let out a loud sob. I rushed towards the nearby washroom.

As soon as I was inside the stall, I retched violently, but nothing came out. I was scared, helpless, and disgusted with myself. My dad was the backbone of the family; in his absence, who would help us? I was stupid not choosing to work when I could have helped Dad financially. At least he wouldn't have been stressed out and ended up being in the hospital.

I would have stayed locked inside the stall if not for a call from my mother. Splashing water over my pale face, I vowed to myself I would remain strong and would find a solution instead of hiding away.

Looking straight into my reflection, I said with determination, "I will save you, Dad, no matter what."

And because of that promise, I find myself standing before an old building, clutching the bag of Mom's jewelry close to my chest.

"Is this the place?" I mumble hesitantly, looking around.

It was an old building covered in ruins and debris. The air around was filled with a musty smell of moss and filth. I have no idea why he asked me to meet him here with the jewelry instead of a normal place or his office.

When I went back from the washroom to dad's room, Mom asked me to stay with him while she would meet the person who promised to provide the money. but looking at her haggard face, I volunteered to go instead of her.

I fail to understand why the lender would choose a place so eerie and suspicious-looking. Although there was a seven-star hotel at some distance yet, this building still looked secluded and was giving haunting vibes. I should have brought Jawad with me, but my sisters were too young to be left alone.

I was still lost in thoughts glancing around the horrible place when I got startled by my phone's ringer echoing louder than usual due to the eerie silence.

"Hello?" I answered the call seeing an unknown number flashing.

"Have you reached the location I sent?"

No pleasantries, no greetings. Straight to the point. I double-checked the number to realize it was the man I would meet.

"But it's an old building, and I don't—" I replied hesitantly.

"You want the money; you follow my instructions. Now, wait for me on the second floor near the stairs."

What? Is he serious?

"Hello?" Before I could react, he hung up the call.

It was already early evening, and the building was completely dark. How was I supposed to wait for him at that allocated place? Most importantly, why did he choose this place out of all places in the world? Then I remembered what Mom said. The lender was not an illegal immigrant and ran his business in disguise. That could explain his rude behavior and this secluded place.

"This is for Dad," I reminded myself.

Letting out a sigh, I straightened my back and opened the flashlight from my phone to walk towards my destination.