CAPTIVE

CHAPTER 16

Unknown POV

The car ride was awfully silent. Mustapha sat next to me in front while Jian sat at the back. You could feel the tense atmosphere in the car. Mustapha leaned forward and switched on the radio. I glared at him but he ignored me. Some talk show was going on. I wasn't in the mood for noise. He changed it to the next station. The annoying Adele's song was playing, Hello.

"Hello from the other side,I must have called a thousand times," Jian sang along in her annoying squeaky voice.

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel trying to ignore her. The more the song continued, the louder she sang. She must just be trying to get on my nerves. I glare at her from the rear view mirror. She rolled her eyes and kept singing.

Just as she was about to hit the highest note I smirked and turned off the radio.

I looked back at her smirked. She sighed and mumbled something I couldn't hear.

It's my car and I hate it when people sing along.

No one else said anything. Except for Mustapha who told me which way to go.

About an hour later, due to the traffic we finally reached the masjid. I parked my car opposite the masjid and walked out.

I looked opposite the masjid and sighted a group of people standing in a circle. What were they all looking at?

The place was quite noisy. What could be going on there?

I then notice the signboard, "Iya Beji's Spot". No wonder.

"Jian baby, can you check the masjid for hanniya?"

She mutters something under her breath and walks reluctantly to the masjid.What's with this girl and muttering? I scanned the surroundings. It's a really busy area. My eyes wander to the group of people across the road. For some reason a very obnoxious part of me is bugging me to go there. Why on earth will I want to go there?

Greasy foods just aren't my thing. Mostly when they are made under unsanitary conditions like the one in front if me. I can imagine the amount of germs that get into the food. The cluster of people alone is something to put me off.

Why is Jian taking forever? I glance at my watch. She is actually gone just for thirty seconds. Why am I so impatient?

It's because it has to do with my Noor's safety.

Just then Jian walks toward us with a long face.

"It's completely empty. There is no sign of her."

I sigh and scan the environment. Jian leans into Mustapha who puts an arm around her. At least they have each other to comfort themselves.

"Hey why don't we ask around. Someone probably saw her leaving", Mustapha suggests.

I sigh. "There is no need. The last thing I want is to keep getting my hopes crushed. I have to get to work."

I walk to my car as they trail behind me. I make a U turn close to the local restaurant. I use that opportunity to look at the people gathered around.

It seems like there is a girl on the floor. I lean forward to see why she is on the floor. Just then Jian also leans forward and turns on the radio.

I glare at her and switch it off. I reverse and leave. Forgetting all about the girl on the floor.

Hanniya's POV

I stare at him as the commotion in front of me increases. You know that trance you go into where everything goes into slow motion and it's just you and him.