Ties That Bind

EP20

That same evening, Zara decided to check on Kabir again. Despite her internal struggle over her feelings earlier, she couldn’t shake off the concern that nagged at her. She knocked gently on the door before stepping in.

"Salam alaikum," she muttered, keeping her voice soft.

"Wa alaikussalam. First time in history," Kabir remarked dryly, his signature wit still intact, despite his condition.

Zara rolled her eyes at his sarcasm but took it as a good sign that he still had energy to banter. He was in the same position she had left him earlier, propped up against the bed’s headboard, his chest bare, with the duvet still covering him from the waist down. The plates from his meal were gone, indicating that the nurse had taken care of them while she was away. The drip was also disconnected, signaling that Kabir was done with his IV treatment.

She walked over to her usual spot beside the side drawer, easing into the chair. Her eyes flicked over to him, noting the way his complexion seemed to have regained a bit of color. He was still tired, but visibly better than the last time she checked on him.

"I'm so sick of being on this bed," Kabir grumbled, shifting uncomfortably. "I feel tied down."

Zara raised an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, well congrats on being tied down. You've got four more days to go," she remarked snarkily, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

Kabir huffed, clearly unamused by her humor. "Very funny."

"Hope you're sha feeling better, though?" she asked, her tone softening, a note of sincerity slipping through.

Just as Kabir was about to respond, his phone buzzed on the side table, the sound cutting through the quiet room. Both of their eyes darted to the screen. Kabir reached over and picked it up, his brow furrowing as he glanced at the number. A strange number, though something about it seemed familiar to him.

Without a second thought, he answered.

"Damola," came a soft, feminine voice from the other end.

Only Kabir's parents and one other person called him by that name.

No, it couldn't be her. Could it? Kabir Wondered.

Zara watched as Kabir’s expression subtly shifted, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.

Kabir asked, "Who's this?"

The voice on the other end chuckled softly. "Have you really forgotten me? Jamjam."

His face twisted into a frown. Jamila? Out of nowhere?

"What do you want?" he asked sharply.

"Oh, come on, don’t be so bitchy," she replied casually. "I heard you’re planning on contesting for the governorship election, and I could help."

Zara’s face contorted in disgust. She had no idea who was on the line, but she definitely didn’t like her.

"Why? All of a sudden?" Kabir asked.

"Because I want to help you," Jamila responded, her tone light and playful. "Why don’t we meet up and talk over some drinks and snacks?"

Kabir shook his head slightly. "No, I’d rather not."

Jamila’s voice was persistent. "My dad has a lot of connections. I know you have like 60% support right now. With my dad on your side, you’ll have 95%, and that’s a win. Bigger than what your opponents can get."

Kabir’s expression shifted as he considered her offer.

"What’s in it for you?" he asked suspiciously.

Zara, sitting nearby, could hardly believe what she was hearing. Was Kabir really that foolish?

"I’ll tell you... or rather, show you when we meet," Jamila teased.

"Text me the address," Kabir replied, ending the call with a sigh.

"Um... that was my ex, Jamila," Kabir said, glancing at Zara.

Zara’s expression turned to pure disgust. "What?" she blurted. "Don’t tell me you’re planning on accepting the offer?"

"We’ll find out soon," Kabir replied, nonchalantly.

"Oh no, you won’t!" Zara retorted, her voice rising in disbelief. "She’s your ex who just popped out of nowhere offering help. You don’t even know if she has an ulterior motive! And you’re just going to agree?"

Kabir looked at her with a stubborn glint in his eyes, almost as if saying "yes."

"Nah, I don’t like this whole thing, Kabir. Back out," Zara warned.

"Just chill. It’s nothing big. We’ll see what happens when we meet. Besides, you’re coming with me," he said.

"Hell no! I am definitely not going with you!" Zara defied.

"Oh, you are," Kabir stated firmly.

"How on earth do you think I’ll follow you to go see your ex? Does that even make sense to you?" she snapped.

"Totally," Kabir shrugged, "not like I’m going to smooch her."

"Who knows?" Zara muttered under her breath, loud enough for him to hear.

"Well, no. Nothing of that sort is happening. It’ll go well, Insha Allah," he said calmly. "Now kindly exit my room. I want to sleep."

Zara shot him a glare. She was used to his nonsense of kicking her out. Begrudgingly, she stood up and walked to the door.

"Nightmares!" Kabir yelled mockingly after her as she closed the door behind her.