Over again

Chapter XXVI

Zain woke up in his house. He didn't know how long he slept, but when he finally opened his eyes, memories lined like images in front of his eyes. He silently started to cry. It was the first time he cried after such a long time. He remembered his mother's words.

"Men don't cry. They all submit with dignity and courage."

If only he could do it now. But he couldn't. Shortly after, the door of his room opened and the room entered his mother. She stood by his bed and watched him. Suraiya stroked her sons hair.

"Zain. Now it's not the time to cry. You've suffered enough and be happy that it's all over. You could suffer much more."

He looked at her, his eyes cold as ice.

"What do you want, mother? You won't let me suffer for her. Now you'll probably ask me to do something for you. You've always been doing that. You knew that I blamed father for everything, and still you acted like your heart is broken. What else do I need to do for you? Tell me."
"Zain, don't look at me like I'm to blame for everything. Now it's not time to talk about it what I want. Get up and start to live your life. Be what you never were. Be a good son. Get up and go to a hotel, work with your father and brother. Don't let another important person to you to get hurt. We're not monsters, Zain. But you're turning us in one whenever you turn your back to us. Stop acting like a spoiled child and finally start to live like a good and obedient son."

He no longer wanted to listen to his mother. Zain got up out of bed and went to the bathroom. He let the hot water fall on his shoulders and slowly relaxed. He remembered Aaliya's words.

"Always listen and respect your parents without any questions. Mine left me live alone and to fight this cruel world. But still, if one day I went to their door, I would do anything they ask me to do."

He decided to devote himself to work in the hotel. He will do what Aaliya wanted him to do. But before that, he went to the nearest real estate agency and put his house up for sale. Agent is given all the powers and Zain told him to sell the apartment for as much money as he can. All the money from the apartment to hand personally to Ashish and Naina.

Zain wrote a latter of resignation and took it to the station to hand it to Anushka. When he showed up at the station, everyone turned heads away from him. He approached the Ali and Karan but they did the same.

"Guys, what's going on? Won't you talk to me?"

Then Ali turned to him and said:
"Why to talk? So that we can end up like Aaliya? Please, Zain. Get out of here. She was innocent but because of that who you are, she paid dearly."

Karan only looked at him but said nothing.
Zain entered his office and found all his stuff already packed. On Aaliya's desk stood all of her favorite things. Orchid was slowly wilted. He came forward and took it with him. Then he took all his stuff, left the letter of resignation on his desk and left the office without looking back.
He had in mind one more thing.

Zain went to Aaliya's apartment. When he came closer, he heard quite conversation inside. He opened the door and there set Ashish and Naina. She was in tears as Ashish hugged and comforted her. They looked up when they noticed they are being watched. Ashish got up from the couch and approached Zain.

"I'm sorry but I think you shouldn't go inside. I know that there is a lot of memories in this place, but it would be the best for you not to go in. I hope you understand."

And before Zain answered, the door shut. He returned home at dusk. His father was waiting in his room.

"Zain. I know that now isn't the time to talk about this, but I think you ought to start working at the hotel. Your mother told me that this morning she talked to you but you didn't give her any answer. Therefore, tell me."

"Yes. I will work in a hotel. Today I finished a few essential things but from tomorrow I'm starting to work. Just tell me what's my obligation."

Usmaan smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that. Tomorrow we'll talk about the details."

"No, now tell me. Tomorrow I don't want to talk about nothing. I want to work. Tell me, what's my function?"
"You'll be financial sector chief."
"Okay. Good night. See you in the office."

With that their conversation ended.