The Remaining Story

《Chapter 5》

He turned towards her and found her gazing outside the window, her eyes filled with amazement at the different sights they drove past. With her head leaned against the window, she gazed outside in awe while he gazed at her face, completely allured by her beauty.

His mind wandered back to the first time he saw her laying unconscious on the hospital bed, a few strands of dark brown hair peeking out of her scarf. He couldn't remember what Aarav and Riya were talking because he was engrossed in staring at her. Never had he seen so much peace and serenity on a face. Laying there, she resembled a baby watching a happy dream.

He could never forget the first time he looked into her grey eyes while talking to her, they seemed mysterious and clear at the same time, if that was even possible.
It was purely his acting skills that made it possible for him to seem indifferent and professional throughout the conversation because in reality he was blown away by her. Blown away by a girl for the first time, he realised.

He didn't know if it was her speaking English with an Arab accent or just her voice that he found so attractive. It wasn't very sweet or melodious, neither was it seductive, it was just perfect. Everything about her was perfect.

"Shehzad sahab, we reached", he felt a nudge on his shoulder shaking him out of his thoughts. He found himself turned towards Wardah and straring at her since God knows how long.

"Are you alright?" Wradah asked looking worried.

I spent 60 whole minutes gaping at you and thinking about you. Am I alright?

"Absolutely fine", he answered, "Let me help you out", he tried to dismiss the subject.
He walked towards the other side and lifted her from the seat carefully. He couldn't help but notice her discomfort of being in his arms even for those few seconds.
This girl will will drive me crazy, he thought and shook his head.

The first thing Wardah noticed was the neatly manicured lawn bordered with rose, hibiscus and other flowers which led to the farmhouse. A brown two storey building with slanting roofs gave the farmhouse a vintage look.
He must be a pretty good actor to own this place, she thought as Mala wheeled her inside.

A woman in her mid-forties, who she assumed was the housekeeper, welcomed them and ushered them to the living room. A huge bar was placed at one side and a huge, 65 inch LED TV and brown leather couches were placed opposite to it.

"Would you like to have something, Mam? You must be tired, it's a long journey from the city to this place", the hosuekeeper asked with a warm smile.

"Please call me Wardah and a glass of water is all I need", she smiled back.

She returned with a glass of water.
"Thanks. What is your name?", Wardah asked sipping water.

"Im Anita. I've been here for ten years now. I'll show you both your rooms so you can freshen up and relax until dinner", she replied and led them to the guest rooms.

"We've better rooms on top but Sahab instructed for these rooms since you can't walk", she flicked the switches on, "This is your room, Wardah. If you need anything, press the intercom. I'll be there".

"Okay", Wardah replied. A huge bed occupied the centre of the room. French windows lined one wall and a vintage looking dressing table occupied a corner of the opposite wall. The entire ambience of the room matched the theme of the remaining house.

"Mala, the room adjacent to this is yours. Call me if you need anything", she told her nurse and left the two in the room.
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"If my friend feels the slightest discomfort because of your boss, I swear to God I'll whip you both so hard, you'll never be able to sit on your stupid asses again", Riya glared at Aarav meaning every word she spoke.

"I understand. We won't give you a chance to do that", Aarav cringed at the thought of being whipped. They were on their way to the farmhouse to drop Wardah's belongings. Even though Shehzad was his best friend apart from being his boss, he never felt so much regret working for him than he felt in the past hour because of Riya's constant threats, none of which Aarav doubted she wouldn't act upon.
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"I have lots of work to do. Will you be fine on your own?", Aarav asked Shehzad. They were seated on the couch and the girls were in Wardah's room.

"I was always fine on my own. Why not now? ", Aarav could feel the frustration and anger in his response.
"I know you'll be fine. Take care of her or else her friend will eat us alive", Aarav told with a solemn expression, recalling Riya's warnings and threats which he received all the way from the hospital to Wardah's house and from there to the farmhouse.

Shehzad smiled, "Thanks for keeping her away from me."

"Thanks? Are you sick? Did you hurt your head? You just said thanks? Or did I mishear it?", Aarav teased pretending to clean his ear with his finger.

"Get lost", Shehzad punched with his good hand and that made Aarav laugh.

"Riya, let's leave. It'll take time to reach the city and I've some work to look after", Aarav spoke peeking inside Wardah's room. Riya was unpacking Wardah's stuff and putting them in place.

"Okay. I'm done.", Riya answered putting the last set of clothes in the closet.

"Take care, sweety", she kissed Wardah's cheek, "and if he does anything that you don't like, you tell me immediately, okay?"

"Okay. Don't worry too much. I'll be fine.", Wardah smiled and hugged her.

"And you!", Riya pointed at Shehzad who was standing behind Aarav, "you're still a criminal by law, I won't think twice before putting you where you deserve to be, remember that. Always."

"Sure", Shehzad answered with a forced smile.

"Witch", he muttered under his breath, loud enough to be heard by her.

"What did you say?", Riya shot back, narrowing her eyes. If looks could kill, she would have killed him that instant.

"Take care, Wardah and here's my number. If you need anything or if Shehzad does anything, for the sake of peace, I suggest you call me first", Aarav handed her a card.

"I will call you first. For peace's sake", Wardah replied looking at Shehzad and Riya, who were still glaring at each other.
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Hello my awesome readers

Hope you are all doing great. If you aren't, don't worry. Atleast you aren't as messed up Shehzad ;)

I feel sorry for that guy sometimes. Do you?

Keep the votes and comments rollin' in! They make my day, you know.

Thank you for sticking with this book. I would love to see y'all till the end.

Love n peace
Xoxo