She fell in love. She couldn't be with him. She married someone else. She fell in love again. Then she fell apart.
•••
Iraj Kazmi knows only one thing, that she's always right. Then life proves her wrong...
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Iraj's hands shook for a moment, "Nervous breakdown?"
"It's not a proud moment. I didn't want you to know and then worry because of my weakness." He looked away.
"Azfar." Her eyes moved but she stood still in her place.
Trying to keep himself from falling apart he tightened his jaw swallowing inside his breath, "It was unbearable for me when you left. I used to go to your room and forget that you'd actually left and keep on calling your name at night for days. When my mind would render the reality it would become harder to cope. Two weeks after you left I think my body gave up and I landed at the hospital."
Now a little composed he sighed, "Regaining consciousness around a day later I was told by the doctor that either I started therapy or I would increase my chances of getting another breakdown and it could lead to paralysis eventually. I didn't want you to know jaan because—I was supposed to take care of you, I was supposed to be your strength, it shouldn't be the other way round especially after all the things I made you go through in the past. I am sorry. I just kept my medical records here in this room so I kept it locked. I am sorry for making you feel uncomfortable." He shook his head and then finally faced her whose face was soaked with tears.
Her hand reached his cheek as she held his face, "Aap theek hain na Azfar? Please, batayen mujhe."
(You're alright Azfar? Please, tell me.)
"Tum mere paas rahogi toh theek rahunga mien." He said while wiping her face.
(If you'll stay with me I'll be alright.)
"Mien rahungi." Though she was nodding but her heart ached for the man in front of him.
(I'll stay.)
Bringing her hand down from his face he took her other hand too in his, "I love you, when I say I can't breathe without you, I mean it. Tum jesa kahogi mein wesa karlunga Iraj, jo chahogi wohi honay dunga, bas mujhe kabhi chhor ke nahi jana." Despite the desperation she could feel the pain in those words.
(Whatever you'll say I'll do it, whatever you want I'll make it happen, just don't ever leave me.)
"I won't leave." Her eyes were watery and when she shook her head the left over tears ran down.
"I don't know what things could make you insecure jaan, because there just isn't a possibility of you being anything other than perfect." He shrugged trying to smile as if thinking of something.
"I'm not—"
He interrupted her, "The only imperfection here is me. I'm really sorry for my mistakes that have led you to feel like you need to doubt yourself, but you don't, I said it that day and I'll say it again, let me apologize in front of everyone properly, I can do it right now, come—" Taking her he moved towards the door as if he had decided to go to his office.
