Destined Strangers

Chapter 24

One day you will ask me which is more important?
My life or yours?
I will say mine
And you will walk away
Not knowing that you are my life.

Khalil Gibran

🌙

She stands in front of the window, her gaze fixed on the man inside who speaks with an air of calm. Across from him, a middle-aged woman sits with quiet focus, a notebook and pencil in hand. She asks questions in a steady rhythm, listens intently to his words, and then scribbles something down, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Sania lingers for a few moments. A weight presses on her chest when she thinks of Hassan-an unspoken burden. Yet, in contrast, there's a sense of quiet relief when she thinks of her decision regarding Azlan, a small satisfaction in her conscience.

She doesn't know what the future holds for the choices she's made, but for now, she feels a small, fragile contentment. It's the difference between her and that man-Her heart, though battered, still holds softness that has, for once, subdued her anger.

As she walks slowly down the corridor, she pauses. In the distance, Adam works diligently, his figure bent to his task. Since that day, he's kept to himself, his focus unwavering. He understands now that silence speaks louder when you realize something is no longer meant for you.

With a soft sigh, Sania shakes off her wandering thoughts. She pushes the feelings away, burying them deep, and throws herself into her work. The day drifts by, just like all the others, in the same quiet passage of time.

Meanwhile, Hassan is at his old apartment. His new job is more exhausting than before. But even when he was busy in the past, he never stopped thinking about a certain woman. Or perhaps he never needed to actively recall her, as she was always present in his thoughts. He still hasn't forgotten for a second that his wife's abductor remains at large, a fact that has been disrupting his sleep for many nights.

He isn't a man of power or influence, without the resources to mobilize a citywide manhunt for a single individual. He's an ordinary man, and tracking this person requires painstaking effort, which he has been putting in for days now.

Across from him, Hakan sits with a look of triumph, as if he's just returned victorious from a battle, ready to be praised by a king.

"So, any guesses why I called you today?"

Hakan asks with a grin, while Hassan remains resolutely serious.

"I've long since stopped expecting anything from you, but there's a sliver of hope that this might be for something important,"

Hassan responds, leaning back against the sofa with casual indifference. For a moment, Hakan feels a flicker of annoyance at Hassan's bluntness, but he's in a good enough mood to brush it aside.

"Have you always been this sarcastic, or has marriage had some effect?"

Hakan asks innocently, his eyes gleaming with playful curiosity. Hassan gives a brief smile, but it fades quickly as he returns to his serious demeanor.

"I've left my work to come here. What did you expect? That I'd sing you a bedtime song?"

Hassan's voice is steady, but there's an edge to it, a hint of exhaustion from the day's demands.

Hakan bursts out laughing, his amusement filling the room, while Hassan watches him, his gaze sharp, almost disbelieving. He gives Hakan a look that says, Seriously?

"After what I'm about to tell you, a lullaby would actually make sense."

Hakan smirks, clearly enjoying the moment as he leans back, awaiting Hassan's reaction.