When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

1. V O I D

I N A Y A

I woke up to the rays of scorching sun peeking through the spaces of bright windows the curtains failed to cover. I opened my eyes slowly, shading them with my hand as I glanced towards the wallclock.

12:07 p.m!

My eyes widened as I jolted up vigorously on my bed.

It's freaking noon? Ya Allah, How did I sleep for so long?

"Damn it!" I ran my fingers through my hair, tossing the blanket aside as I rushed into the bathroom. I was used to working till late at night, but I never overslept. Maybe I was tired.

Yesterday was the inaugural ceremony of my new resort built here in Maldives. I received many emails from businesspersons attending the ceremony, wanting a collaboration. They might've loved the work.

And who wouldn't love the work of Inaya Khan? Yeah?

Today was my last day here and I was definitely gonna miss this place. Especially my beach house. My flight back to India was at 7 pm, but there was nothing that warmed my heart.

I was indeed happy to return to my brother and his family, but was it really what a home felt like? I didn't know.

I took a quick shower and threw on a plain black loose knee-length top, pairing it with white loose pants. I checked the time again-thankfully, I had enough time left to shop something for my princess Kinza.

Other than that, I had a lot of work to wind up today. I had called for a meeting at my new resort, the goal being discussing the final orders before my departure. Then buy some gifts for my little brother, his wife and my precious little niece.

I took a look in the mirror, my eyes were a little swollen, hair still mildly damp. I headed to the bedside table to get my phone, purse and the keys.

Just as I unlocked my phone, it signalled a low battery. I huffed, my shoulders dropping because I always expected my phone to work without a charge input. Lol.

My thoughts ceased and I squinted at the screen of my phone.

Three missed calls from my Father.

Was I still asleep or was I daydreaming?

Because it had been like that for the past nine years. Dad never called to check on me. He'd do it only if he either wanted me to attend any of his business parties or had some work.

I shrugged it off, then stuffed my phone, keys and the charger inside my purse. Putting on my Abaya, I wrapped the Hijab quickly and stepped out of the beach house.

Sun rays hit first-warm and harsh at once, casting golden over everything. The sand dipped beneath my shoes as I walked towards my car.

I had just unlocked the door when my gaze fell on a couple and a little girl playing near the shore. The woman and the little girl ran in front-squealing and giggling as the man chased behind them. Their faces were bright with smiles, laughter blending with the melody of the sea waves.

I stood there for a moment longer than I intended to. It reminded me of my old times with Mumma and Dad, when we had been a really happy family. Fate, well, had different plans as it didn't last longer than eighteen years for me.