preference delights

Hustle, Loyalty and Respect.

Chapter 15

Salaar's longing for a peaceful sleep was shattered when Warda brought up the Gondals.

"Salaar... Think, think, think of something to get yourself out of this mess. Otherwise, mom won't let you be at peace until I've got you married. Think!"

Salaar was deeply contemplating but failing to find any solution. Frustrated, he gave up and decided to head to the university. The thought of seeing Zarmeena made his heart race like a drum. He was even fed up with his own obsession.

Fighting laziness, he strolled out of his room in search of Zubair Chacha. When he couldn't find him, he asked a well-dressed servant, "Aslam, have you seen Zubair Chacha?" he demanded.

"Yes, sir. He had to leave for some urgent work but said he'd return soon," Aslam replied obediently, wondering because Zubair Chacha never went anywhere without Salaar's consent.

"Alright, bring me a cup of black coffee and tell the driver to prepare the car," Salaar ordered, returning to his room.

Meanwhile, Zubair escorted Leena to the outer lawn of the house. Leena, with her head held high, took some money from her purse and handed it to Zubair.

"Take this. It's for helping me today," Leena said firmly, without an ounce of gratitude.

"I don't want this, ma'am. But please, don't put yourself and Sir Salaar in this situation again. I won't be able to help next time," Zubair respectfully declined the money, his tone cautious but stern.

Leena's eyes flashed with anger. "How dare you try to stop me from seeing Salaar? Don't forget your place-you're just a servant!" she fumed.

Before Zubair could respond, Nazli appeared and slapped Leena across the face, leaving her stunned.

"I apologize on her behalf, Zubair. I promise she won't set foot in Salaar's part of the house again," Nazli said apologetically.

"Ma'am, Leena may be right in her own way, but it's my duty to protect Sir Salaar and prevent such embarrassment," Zubair said, bowing his head in respect.

"Please, Zubair, don't let anyone know about this," Nazli pleaded, fearing Warda's wrath if she found out.

"Don't worry, ma'am. Your secret is safe," Zubair assured her before walking away.

As soon as Zubair disappeared from view, Nazli roughly grabbed Leena's hand and forced her into the passenger seat of her car. Leena, still in shock, said nothing as Nazli drove them out of the gates, heading toward their parents' home.

At the hospital, the doctor was briefing them about Dadi's condition. "Her blood pressure is stable, but she's still not out of danger. We're keeping her under observation in the ICU," the doctor proclaimed professionally.

"Doctor, will my Dadi recover fully?" Ahmed asked, his voice trembling.

"I can't give you a definitive answer right now. We'll know more once she regains consciousness," the doctor replied, careful not to offer false hope. He handed Ahmed a piece of paper.

"We need to conduct these tests as soon as possible. You can have them done at any lab, but it's better to do them here for the convenience of the patient. Some are complimentary, but you'll have to pay for the rest."

"Please, doctor, save my mother-in-law," Zareena pleaded, tears in her eyes.

"We'll do our best. It's our duty," the doctor assured them before leaving. Zareena turned to Zarmeena.

"Zarmeena, go withdraw all the cash from the bank. We'll need it," she said, handing over her ATM card.

"Don't worry, Amma. You keep this. I have some savings. I'll use that," Zarmeena said, trying to ease her mother's burden.