Silent Ties: Fusion Of Hearts

Chapter 33

Azlan's POV:

Rahil and I had planned to scout the house first, but the urge to rush in was overwhelming. Despite my instincts, I agreed to Rahil's approach for safety. We found a way in through the garage, and I picked up a metal rod as a weapon. The moment we stepped inside, Zia's piercing scream shattered the air. My mind blanked, and I sprinted toward the sound, kicking the door open with all my strength.

I didn't hesitate. I swung the rod with all my might, hitting Ahaan hard. He staggered back, and as he did, Zia came into view. The sight of her tore through me-she was almost unrecognizable, her face etched with terror, her clothes torn and stained with blood. Rage and heartbreak battled inside me, but I forced myself to focus. I gave Rahil a silent signal, and he quickly grabbed Ahaan, dragging him out, leaving us alone.

I approached Zia, my voice soft but urgent. She was shaking, gasping for breath, her eyes desperate yet empty. I wanted to hold her, to reassure her, but when I reached out, she flinched. The damage was already done. She was choking, struggling to breathe, so I spoke gently, "I'm sorry I'm late. You're safe now, Zia. Please, just breathe. Calm down. Everything will be okay now."

Gradually, her breathing steadied. She clutched me, sobbing into my shoulder. She mumbled something I couldn't catch, so I asked her to repeat it. "Please, take me home. I just want to go home," she whispered. I nodded, taking off my jacket and wrapping it around her shoulders before gently lifting her.

Once we reached the car, I carefully tucked her in and inspected her wounds. The sight of her bruised, bloodied hands pushed me to the edge. The urge to go back and make Ahaan pay burned within me, but I knew Zia needed me more right now. I grabbed the emergency kit from the car and started cleaning her wounds. Each touch was agonizing, but I swallowed my own pain, holding back tears. I couldn't afford to break down-not now.

When I finished bandaging her, I started driving. Zia remained silent, staring blankly out the window. I tried to start a conversation, but she didn't respond. We eventually stopped at a nearby hospital, but she clutched my shirt, pleading with her eyes. "We don't need to. I'm okay. Just take me home," she said, her voice faint but insistent.

I hesitated but respected her wishes. As I resumed driving, she spoke in barely a whisper. "Take me to the hotel. My parents... they can't know about this."

My heart ached as I nodded, changing course to head to the hotel. The drive was silent, a weighty stillness settling over us. With each passing mile, I vowed to be her strength, to help her heal, no matter how long it took.

Author's POV:

Once they arrived at the hotel, Azlan gently offered to carry Zia again, but she shook her head, determined to walk on her own. Together, they moved slowly to the room where her friends were waiting. The moment they saw her, they rushed to her side, tears streaming down their faces. Zia allowed them to hug her, but her own expression was blank, her eyes distant. She didn't cry, didn't answer their questions; she seemed lost in her own world.

After a moment, she stood up abruptly. "I need to clean myself. I feel...dirty. I need a bath," she said, her voice flat and detached. Azlan exchanged a concerned glance with Tessa, who quickly went to find a fresh set of clothes for her.

Azlan moved toward her, covering her wounds with plastic to keep them dry. "Please be careful while you bathe. Don't let water seep into the wounds," he instructed gently, his voice a mix of firmness and worry.

Zia nodded, heading to the bathroom. As she closed the door, Azlan's heart twisted with worry. He turned to Aarya, his voice trembling. "Aarya, could you check if she's okay in there? Just in case... I don't want her to feel alone."

Understanding his concern, Aarya approached the bathroom door and knocked softly. "Zia, do you need any help? Are you sure you're okay?"

Zia's reply was steady but distant. "I'm fine. I can manage."

Inside the bathroom, Zia gazed at her reflection. Her face was pale, her eyes hollow. Slowly, she began undressing, flinching as the fabric tugged at her bruised skin. The sight of her wounds brought a fresh wave of tears, but she quickly wiped them away. She refused to break down again.

Turning on the shower, she adjusted the temperature to a soothing warmth. She carefully kept her wounds dry, letting the water wash away the physical remnants of the ordeal. But as much as she scrubbed, she knew some scars wouldn't fade easily.

Outside, Azlan paced, his mind racing with worry. Tessa and Aarya tried to comfort him, but their own fear mirrored his. The haunting image of Zia, hurt and vulnerable, lingered in his mind.

When Zia finally emerged, she looked a little more composed, her hair damp and her skin scrubbed clean. But the emptiness in her gaze remained. She changed into the clothes Tessa had provided and sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling slightly.

Azlan sat beside her, keeping a respectful distance, his eyes filled with unspoken apologies. "Zia," he said softly, "I'm here. Whatever you need, I'm here."

Zia looked at him, her expression softening just a little. "I know, Azlan. Thank you."

The room fell silent, the weight of the night pressing down on everyone.

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