Until I found you

Part 22 " Embrace of love"

Daisy came inside from the balcony. As soon as she went into her room, Zayn stepped out from his hiding spot. He had heard everything she said. This young girl has endured so much, yet you’d never guess it by looking at her! The very girl whose words make him occasionally realize that life is indeed beautiful. And yet, despite all she’s been through, she still spreads happiness to everyone around her! Women are truly incredible—they manage to face the fiercest storms and still bring some magic into the world.

Lost in thought, he was startled by Robert’s voice.
“Grandson, what are you doing here so late?”
Zayn turned around to see him standing in the shadows. In the dim light from the street lamp, his face was clearly visible.
-Papa, you haven’t gone to sleep yet?(Zayn)
--That’s my question too. Why are you standing here in the middle of the night? You’ve only just recovered from illness, and now you’re out here, not sleeping?(Robert)
--No, it’s nothing, really. I couldn’t sleep, so I was just standing here, Papa.(Zayn)
--Are you sure?(Robert)
--Yes, don’t worry, Papa. Come on, let’s go to bed. (Zayn)
With that, he went back to bed.

The next morning, before dawn, Zayn went out for his workout, and Robert stepped onto the balcony, enjoying a quiet moment in the soft light of the rising sun. As he watered the plants on the balcony, he happened to glance over at the neighboring balcony—and was startled by what he saw.

Daisy, who had gotten up early to water the jasmine plant on her balcony, froze when she saw Robert staring at her from the next balcony. For a few moments, they both gazed at each other in silent astonishment.

--You? (Robert said, surprised)
Daisy swallowed hard.
--You live in this building? (Robert) --Yes,
she replied, a bit nervous.
--My grandson lives in this building too. So, you two are neighbors? But he has no idea you’re the one! Wait, hold on… is your name? Daisy right?(Robert)
Hearing this, Daisy started sweating, trying to stay calm.
--Yes, Uncle, my name is… (Daisy) Before she could finish, she heard Zayn’s voice from the next balcony. --Who are you talking to, Papa? (Zayn, entering the room)
--I’m talking to the girl who saved you from that accident the other day.(Robert)
--What! Where is she? (Zayn rushed to his side)
But when Robert pointed to the neighboring balcony, she was already gone.
--What happened! She was just here!” (Robert)
--What are you saying, Papa? That’s Daisy’s balcony. Why would anyone else be there? (Zayn)
--No, it’s her. I’m certain that Daisy is the one who saved you. When I asked her if her name was Daisy, she got nervous, as if she was hiding something. I’m sure it’s her.(Robert) --What are you talking about, Papa? Wait a minute.(Zayn)
He then pulled out a photo of Daisy from his phone, which he had taken with her one day in college.
--Are you talking about this girl? (Zayn)
The moment he saw the photo, Robert exclaimed excitedly,
--Yes, yes! That’s her! That’s the girl. (Robert)
Zayn was at a loss for words. Everything seemed like a haze, slowly piecing together in a strange, complicated way.
--Papa, you stay here—I’ll be back in a minute.(Zayn)
--Grandson!
(Robert called out, stopping him.) --Grandson, I don’t know why she kept her identity hidden, but I’m sure she’s different from everyone else. Go talk to her. I have to leave now; I just got a call from the office. There’s been a problem, and I need to return  today.(Robert)
--Today! (Zayn)
--Yes, I’m leaving immediately. Go, talk to her. But the next time I come back, I’ll be happy to know she’s someone special to you.(Robert)
With that, he placed his hand on Zayn’s shoulder.

Daisy hurried into her room from the balcony and shut the door, breathing heavily. She didn’t even know why she was running and hiding like this, but she just didn’t want Zayn to know! She hadn’t done it to earn gratitude, so why…

Suddenly, the loud ringing of the doorbell startled her. Slowly, she opened the door, and before she could say anything, Zayn stepped inside, closed the door, and stood in front of her.

Daisy stood silently.
-- So you were the one who saved me from that accident, weren’t you? (Zayn)
Despite his calm tone, Daisy remained silent.
--What happened? Tell me. Was it you? Why didn’t you ever tell me? Why didn’t you say anything, ? Why are you silent? (Zayn)
--Because I didn’t want you to always look at me with gratitude in your eyes. I didn’t want your friendship to be based on gratitude toward me! What good would telling you have done? Yes, I saved you that day, but it wasn’t something I needed to reveal. I could’ve told your grandpa that day, and maybe he’d have even given me some money as a reward for helping, but trust me—I didn’t want that. That’s why I kept that day a secret. I’m sorry for hiding this from you.(Daisy)

Without saying a word, Zayn suddenly hugged her. She froze, rooted in place. She had no idea how to react to such a sudden gesture, and her heartbeat quickened.

“Papa was right. You’re different from everyone else. I feel incredibly lucky to have someone like you as a friend. Truly lucky…”

To be continued…
Written by - Porna

(Hope you all love it guys! Show and spread love! See you all in next part)