Silent Ties: Fusion Of Hearts

Chapter 35

Author's POV:

Azlan sat by Zia's side the entire night, gently caressing her head, watching over her to ensure she was alright. The room was silent, broken only by the soft sound of his fingers moving through her hair. As Zia slowly woke, she felt his comforting touch but kept her eyes closed, savoring the sensation. She assumed it was one of her friends, so she reached up to still the hand-but the moment she touched it, she realized it wasn't.

She jolted upright, her heart racing with sudden fear, until her eyes met Azlan's concerned gaze. He sat at the edge of her bed, visibly exhausted, his posture showing the toll of a long night. As he leaned forward, a flicker of pain crossed his face.

"What's wrong?" Zia asked, worry filling her voice.

"It's nothing," Azlan replied, trying to brush it off. "My legs are just numb, that's all."

Zia's eyes filled with concern. "You should have slept more comfortably. You didn't need to stay here all night. Your back must hurt too."

Azlan smiled gently, hoping to ease her worry. "Stop feeling guilty. If I can't do this much, then what am I here for? And if my back hurts, that's just my age catching up with me," he added with a playful wink.

Zia couldn't help but smile at his attempt to lighten the mood. "Alright then, old man. Please, get some more sleep. I'm fine, really."

As she started to walk away, Azlan found himself mesmerized by her smile. But then, his expression grew serious. "Zia, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't there to pick you up. I'm sorry I was late, and I'm sorry for not being able to take away your pain. But please, use me whenever you need-for anything. If you want to cry, talk, or just need a shoulder, don't hesitate. I'm here, ready to do anything to make you smile like that forever."

Zia stood still, absorbing Azlan's heartfelt words. "You don't need to apologize. I made a mistake by not telling you sooner, by not judging him properly. I thought he was at least decent. So don't blame yourself. You rescued me, Azlan-from him and from a lot that could've happened. Just give me a little time, and I'll be back to my cheerful self, just as you like. And yes, I'm going to use you... after all, you'll be my husband soon, won't you?"

Azlan rose from the bed, reaching to hold her hand but hesitated when he sensed her uncertainty. "Of course, you're going to be my wife. You don't even need to ask. If anyone should feel insecure, it's me for letting you go through that ordeal. I'm lucky you don't blame me and still accept me. And take as much time as you need to heal. Don't force yourself to smile for my sake; smile when you feel like it. If you want to postpone the wedding, I'll arrange everything. Just tell me what you need."

Zia smiled, looking at him with a mix of gratitude and affection. She hugged him tightly. "I don't want to wait, Azlan, because it hurts too much. I can't tell my parents about this, and I don't know when I'll be able to move past it. I may flinch when you touch me or hug me, or when we try to be intimate, but please don't give up on me. His touch made me feel filthy, like every part of me is stained. Just give me some time, and I promise, I'll take the initiative. Don't be disheartened if my reactions are intense."

Azlan gently patted her back. "I'll wait as long as it takes for you to feel ready. I promise from today on, I won't leave you alone and will protect you until you don't need my protection anymore."

After a long embrace, they both left the room. With Tessa and Aarya gone, Zia ordered breakfast for everyone while Azlan freshened up, preparing to leave. Before heading out, he instructed her friends to look after her, his gaze conveying the seriousness of his request.

Azlan then drove to the hospital to deal with Ahaan. He called Ahaan's parents, informing them of the incident and presenting evidence of their son's actions. Though they initially denied everything, Azlan's voice remained firm.

"Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Here are your choices: either he goes to jail for a long sentence, or he's sent to a mental hospital. That's your choice because I will make his life unbearable otherwise. And if you try to protect him, your other child, who is working hard for his career, will lose everything in an instant. This is not an empty threat-it's an ultimatum. Choose wisely."

Ahaan's mother began to cry, realizing they had to take action. They pleaded for time, but Azlan remained resolute.

"Tomorrow, I'm marrying Zia, and I want this matter settled before our nikah. I failed to protect her once; I'm not about to start this new chapter without setting things right."

An agreement to send Ahaan to a mental hospital was finalized, and Azlan took care of the arrangements that night. Before heading home, he thought of checking in on Zia and called her. She answered, quickly wiping her tears and trying to sound normal.

Azlan spoke first, his voice gentle. "How are you? Can I come and see you?"

Zia cleared her throat. "I'm totally fine. Don't come; we'll see each other tomorrow."

Hearing her voice, Azlan knew she'd been crying. "Zia, I'll be there in 15 minutes, okay? I just need to see you."

"Azlan, please don't come. Just stay home and rest. If you look tired in the pictures tomorrow, I'll scold you."

"I'll be fine, as long as you stop crying. But what about your puffy eyes? Won't that look funny?" he teased.

"I wasn't crying. I'm just preparing to look so pretty that you'll faint when you see me," Zia replied, trying to sound convincing.

"You don't need to do anything extra; you already make me faint when you smile," Azlan said with a chuckle.

Zia laughed, feeling a bit lighter. "How cheesy! Where did you learn such lines, Azlan?"

"From your books, madam," he replied with a smile.

They continued talking about her favorite books, and Zia became absorbed in the conversation, momentarily forgetting her pain.

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