With You

Chapter 13

Ryan tiredly sat on his living room sofa; his heart, body, soul and his house feeling empty all of a sudden. What had happened? He was living here for so many years, alone without anyone and now it felt like the hollowness of his being was becoming a part of the air he was breathing and that was the thing which was making him suffocated.

He was furious on that girl who had brought his bitter memories back for him but Ryan was unable to move her away from his mind. That last glance of Zarah when she peeked outside of the car's window, her eyes that had clashed with him-they were the only thing which were giving him a sense of relief.

Try to lower your gaze.

Ryan gritted his teeth as her words again echoed in his mind. He came in the kitchen to have a glass of water but halted in his tracks as he remembered Zarah working there. Would she let him breath for some time in peace? Why she was affecting him so much?

He pursed his lips, doing his best to shoo away Zarah's thoughts. Maira was still sleeping soundly so he took his seat at another sofa after grabbing a book from the side shelf.

The sunlight poked his eyes as the sweat dotted his forehead showing his draining energy. The sand below his feet felt like burning and Ryan could feel wounds forming on his feet. His throat was parched from thirst and all he wanted was water.

As he looked up at the scorching sun, Ryan felt a soft touch on his hand. Looking down from the sky he found a veiled girl standing in front of him. Her eyes crinkled from the sides as if she was smiling at him while he questioningly looked at her unable to recognize her.

"Let me help you."

She held his hand tightly and began to take him somewhere. She was so petite and fragile yet he was just following her without any thought. After sometime she stopped at one spot where all he could see was palm and date trees.

"Where are we?"

"We are at that spot which you wanted to see." The girl replied and gestured him to go in. Ryan felt like that girl was talking absurd. How could he go inside such dense forest of palm and date? "Don't be afraid, I will be here if you need me."

The girl ushered him to go in and to save himself from the scorching sun, Ryan decided to move in the forest. As he moved a little forward inside the forest, he saw an oasis. A large pond which was surrounded with shrubbery of fruits. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

Ryan opened his eyes abruptly, his heart pounding loudly and his eyes still in the shock of what they had seen. He never saw dreams and today he saw one that too a pleasant one. How soothing that dream was! Just like the thought of Zarah, was that veiled girl Zarah?

***

Finally.

She was home.

After thanking the driver, Zarah moved towards the main door of her house and rang the doorbell. A weird giddiness in her body to see her family after a long time. Just as she pressed the doorbell, the door opened to reveal her mother whom she hugged quickly without any words.

"My girl." Ammi mumbled while returning her embrace. Zarah felt at peace after a long time as she entered her house, taking in that homey scent. "How are you my child? How did you come?"

"I'm fine Ammi. Ryan's driver dropped me here. How are you? Where's papa?"

She asked taking her seat on the living room chair, her eyes glancing at every part of her house still not believing that she had reached her house safely.