Aida was resting in her room, with Haashir keeping a close surveillance in case she overcame again with the panic attack she had experienced in her office. He had sent the photographs to his office to get them screened and checked for fingerprints which they would run through the system and would help in getting closer to the culprit. Aida sighed in her sleep, her beautiful eyelashes fanning her cheeks and a look of tranquility evident on her face. He couldn’t put his feelings into words when he saw her in the line of fire and he had no idea how to save her. He would take no such risk ever again.
“What are you glaring at, Haashir?” Aida was awake and observing him.
“Nothing in particular. How are you feeling now?” he asked, looking at her worried.
“I am fine now. In fact, I feel more than fine.” She gave him a weak smile. “I feel energetic.”
“That’s good. I will send Rameen in, she was worried sick about you.” Haashir said and stood up.
Aida sat up in the bed, resting her back against the headboard as Rameen entered, worry evident on her face. She cuddled next to Aida on the bed and made a sad face.
“You are forcing me to visit mother and with you getting sick like this, how can I leave you?” she said, tears in her eyes.
“My darling baby sister, I am fine. See, I’m as healthy as a horse.” She said and grinned at her.
“I don’t believe you.” Rameen said.
“I’ll prove when we go out for dinner tonight. You have an early flight to catch, Missy. Is your packing done yet?”
“Yes, Maheen helped me and I am all packed up.”
“Great. We shall enjoy tonight then and yes, you can wear your jeans.” Aida was in a good mood. She wanted her sister to be happy when she went out tonight because even Aida wasn’t sure when she would be able to see her again.
****
They had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and then to complete the dinner, Haashir treated them to big scoops of ice-cream for Safilo, a popular ice-creamery of the city. Rameen was sad for leaving Aida as she was her closest friend and sister. She had told Haashir that even though Aida scolded her, fought with her and didn’t let her do what she wanted to, Rameen loved her sister dearly. The scare she had today was giving her doubts about leaving her alone but Haashir assured her that he would take care of Aida, no matter what. They came back home from dinner quite early, for Rameen had to be at airport at 12 so everyone was wide awake.
Amidst best wishes and goodbyes, Rameen left home with Aida and Haashir. She looked at Aida from the rear seat, her gaze transfixed on the windscreen while she was lost in thought.
“What’s on your mind, Di?” She asked, concerned about her.
“Nothing. I will miss my baby sister, that’s all.” She gave her a soft smile and turned towards her.
“I want you to enjoy your trip and don’t worry about me. Haashir will always be with me and remember, we are friends since children so he knows me well. Don’t let mother worry about me as well. Ok?” Rameen nodded because her throat was slowly clogging with tears.
“Don’t tease mother a lot. If you need anything, do let me know and I will send it to you, Okay?”
“Okay sis.” She said.
At the airport, Rameen hugged Aida and then Haashir, whispering something in his ear that made him smile. Aida had thought that she would be tearful and emotional but her sister amazed her. She was all sober and calm, which she really liked. Her baby sister was learning to live her life.
There was silence between Aida and Haashir on their way back. They had not discussed what had happened at the hospital that day and she wished that she wouldn’t have to discuss that. The pictures of her father, his last moments, were too much to deal with and right now she didn’t want Haashir to question her about all that. She turned to looked at his profile, his gaze was intent on the road as he drove, his forehead creased in a frown while with one hand, and he held the gear. He was handsome, she credited him with that. Honey colored hair with hazel eyes; he sometimes made her pulse rate increase. There was an assurance and aura about him that forced her to trust him, that told her that he was there to take her pain and bring happiness into her life. Aida had already shared a lot with him, things that she had never even shared with her mother and then he had done something that was unspeakable. He had kissed her in his room the only night that she had gone there and she had liked it.
“What are you looking at?” Haashir asked, his lips curved into an amused smile.
“Nothing. I wasn’t even looking at you.” Aida turned and settled her gaze on the road. Haashir’s smile grinned knowingly. He knew the thoughts going through her mind which were identical to the thoughts that were going through his own mind. He loved her but how to tell her without scaring her.
Aida was his childhood friend and he loved her since they were kids and used to water fight in their garden. He remembered how happy and loving she used to be and how she had changed so much over the years he had been abroad but he could sometimes still see the old Aida in there, hiding, waiting to be found and he vowed to find her; which meant, he had to find her father’s murderer and which reminded him of something that he had to share with Aida.
“Aida, we’ve got a lead and for that we have to travel to Lahore tomorrow. Pack your bag for a weekend trip because I’m not leaving you here at any cost while I’m gone. Therefore, I’m taking you with me.”
“But..but.. how can I go with you? Did you ask your mother about this?”
“Yes, I already have the permission of your and mine mother and they have no problem with us going out for the weekend. Aida, before you think of some issues or problems with this arrangement, may I remind you that we are trying to uncover the truth about your father’s murderers.”
“Yes, I remember that. I will be ready to leave with you tomorrow.” She agreed because Haashir had rendered her speechless.
Haashir grinned inwardly at her reply. She had no idea what she had bargained for and how he had trapped her in saying yes. OF course, their parents had no such issues with them going together because they were childhood friends and they trusted them with each other. He had another motive for changing her environment and taking her to another city, where they had to find her father’s murderers but also to remind her of the person she was and what she was losing. He wanted to find her life there, where they had visited as children and stood by each other.
****
