Lost

Chapter 60: Draconian

Important:

There is a lot going on in this chapter. Things that set stage for the plot ahead, and others that have been revealed. If you get confused with the relations, scroll down to the A/N for clarifications.

Secondly, Please vote and comment. Your comments means the world to me. I look forward to your reactions more than you look forward to an update.

Salma's P.O.V.

With a heavy heart, Salma peeped through the curtains in Asim's room as three men and a lady got out of the sleek black car.

She saw Asim greet the guests. Fahad's father, Zaryab Gul, shook his hand and clapped his back with mock enthusiasm, while his vile wife, Gul Naar, eyed him condescendingly. Her crimson painted nails and lips smeared red made her look like a blood thirsty beast ready to tear her brother to bits. Making sure her heavy gold rings, bangles, necklace and ear rings were all on display, Gul Naar moved towards the house arrogantly, disgust clear on her features.

Trying to play it cool with her rude behaviour, Asim moved towards her step-son. As Asim and Fahad exchanged pleasantries, Salma prayed Asim would get a chance to do what she had asked him to do.

Ghamey stepped out of the house just then. Nodding at his younger half-brother, he walked up to his parents. His father hugged him and his mother smeared his face red by repeatedly kissing him. Salma rolled her eyes when she patted Ghamey's cheeks, probably baby talking him. Like a snake that he was, he looked up, straight towards Asim's window. Salma gasped, almost jumping away from the curtains. She doubted he could see her but from the evil smirk on his face, she could tell he knew she was watching. Letting his mother go, Ghamey headed straight for the car as his grandfather got out.

The moment the old man came into view, Salma's heart sank.

Ghamey's grandfather, known as Agha Gul to all, was tall thin man with sharp grey eyes and a white pointed beard on his chin. He was dressed in his traditional robes and a white turban with a golden patch. Salma had never seen a man emanate a more dictatorial and authoritative aura than Fahad and Ghamey's grandfather. He seemed ruthless and intolerant. Salma had lost all liking for the man, the day he refused to acknowledge her salams when she was only six. She hated it that people treated him with such high regard and absolute respect while he was so arrogant.

Salma watched with bated breath as Ghamey stood in front of him, his head bowed and body submissive. The old man patted his shoulder appreciatively. Asim stepped forward, offering the old man his hand for support, but as was expected, he ignored him and reached for Ghamey's shoulder instead.

Salma's blood boiled over. She was already upset and now she had to see her brother getting treated like scum. Gritting her teeth, Salma moved away from the window scared that she would hurl something at the new arrivals.

An overwhelming wave of anxiety over took her. She was dreading the day ahead and the proposal that was bound to come under discussion sometime that day.

Was she really going to let these people decide her fate for her?

Was she really just a pawn on the chessboard for these men?

Is that it?

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Salma closed her eyes, gripping the sheets in her fists. She curled her toes in angst, rubbing them sore on the carpet in the process. She kept praying things work out without her having to expose herself to their wrath directly. Scared, vulnerable and cornered, she started praying to Allah to at least calm her nerves down so she would have courage to fight whatever monster was thrown her way.