In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 51: Sophia Kardar

Dear Readers,

I've gone through all your comments, and I truly appreciate your engagement with the story. I know there are many questions swirling in your minds, and while I can't answer them just yet, I ask for your trust. Rest assured, everything will unfold in due time, and I'll do my best to make the journey worth it.

I thought the previous chapter was the longest I'd ever written, but I was mistaken—this chapter takes that crown! And I'm thrilled to introduce a very special character in this part of the story, someone I hope you'll find as intriguing as I do.

Thank you so much for staying with me this far. Your support means the world to me, and I love you all more than words can express. Now, enjoy reading!💖💖

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The soft hum of the hospital machines filled the silence in the sterile room. Zaviyar sat alone in the waiting room as Aiza has already left to check other patients, his usually calm demeanor replaced by a storm of worry etched across his face. The heaviness of the moment pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe.

He glanced at his phone and made a decision. Sophia needed to know about her father's condition. It wasn't right to keep her in the dark any longer. Zaviyar pulled out his phone, his hands trembling slightly, and dialed her number. After a few rings, Sophia picked up.

Her voice, light with the naivety of someone unaware of the storm brewing, greeted him.
"Assalam o Alikum! Uncle Zaviyar? It's so late there; is everything okay?"

Zaviyar inhaled sharply, trying to steady himself. "Walikum Assalam Sophia, beta..." His voice faltered, the lump in his throat making it hard to continue. "There's something I need to tell you. It's about your father."

Her tone shifted instantly, concern laced with fear. "What happened to Baba? Is he okay? Why do you sound like this?"

Zaviyar closed his eyes, willing himself to stay strong. "Your father is not well, Sophia. He's in critical condition, but he's stable for now. The doctors are doing their best."

The line went silent for a moment before Sophia's sharp voice cut through. "What?! And you're telling me now? How could you keep this from me? Do you even understand what you've done?!"

Zaviyar winced at the anger in her tone, understanding her reaction but unable to meet it with anything other than calmness. "Sophia, I didn't mean to hide it from you. I... I just didn't want you to worry unnecessarily."

"Unnecessarily? My father is in the hospital, fighting for his life, and you thought I didn't need to know?!" she shouted, her voice trembling with fury. "You don't get to decide that for me, Uncle Zaviyar. This is my father! I have every right to be there. Where is Zara?"

His face turned pale. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're right, Sophia. I should have told you earlier. I made a mistake. But please, calm down and listen to me. Zara Bhabi is not here"

Her breathing was heavy, her anger palpable even through the phone. "What do you mean she is not there? Ugh... I'm coming to Pakistan right now," she declared firmly.

Zaviyar immediately spoke, his voice firm but gentle. "I understand, and I will arrange for our private jet to bring you here. I can't risk your security. I won't take any chances."

"Uncle Zaviyar, this isn't about me. This is about Baba! I don't care how I get there. I just need to be with him," she shot back.

He softened his tone, trying to calm her. "Sophia, I promise you, I'll make sure you're here as quickly as possible. But there's one thing I need to ask of you. Please don't tell Meherbano aunty about this. She's already fragile, and this news could be too much for her."