“Aida!” Haashir called her.
“Aida! Wake up!” Haashir shook her slightly. Aida moaned and turned on her right side, clutching the quilt tightly to her. Haashir grinned at her but did not have the heart to wake her up. She looked so adorable sleeping on her side, the quilt sheet clutched in her fist and her hair cascaded over the pillow. She made a fetching sight. He turned around and started gathering their belongings to pack their bags because he knew they would be short of time when she got up, and then they will have to leave for Islamabad. He was desperate to get back and announce their good news to everyone at home. A smiled dawned on his face at the memory of how Aida’s face showed her shock when he had slid the ring on her finger. That moment would be engraved his heart and cherished forever in his heart.
He picked up her bag, unceremoniously dumping her toothbrush and other necessities in the bag when a shiny silvery strip caught his attention from within the bag. Curiously, he picked up the strip which looked suspiciously like medicine. Turning it over, he read the name and his eyes popped out. No wonder she slept like the dead, he thought. Pocketing the medicine, he got back to work. He decided to discuss about this once they were back in Islamabad. Once finished with the packing, he returned to the bed and shook Aida. She didn’t budge so he sprinkled some water on her face. She moaned and opened her eyes, looking at him with a confused expression.
“Wake up, sweetie, we need to get going.” Haashir said with an over-bright smile.
“Hmm… Yes!” She said and sat up in bed.
“I have packed our belongings already. You just have to get fresh and then we’ll be on our way. We’ll grab breakfast from McDonald’s on our way back.”
“Okay. Give me only ten minutes.” Aida said, getting off the bed she walked to the bathroom. Haashir was worried for she was taking high potency sleeping pill for no reason. He couldn’t understand that how could she take pills and hide it from him. Aida had so many layers to her, whenever he thought that he was getting to know her, something came up that told him that he didn’t. His forehead furrowed in a frown. He had to talk to her. It was high time she realized that she needed to open up and trust him.
They grabbed egg muffins and coffee from McDonalds on their way back to Islamabad. Aida took a sip of her coffee and looked at Haashir. He seemed different today, brooding and serious. Something was definitely wrong with him. His hands on the steering wheel, he looked straight ahead while his brow was furrowed in a frown.
“What’s wrong, Haashir?” Aida asked at the same time Haashir asked her.
“Who was the guy at the hotel again, Aida? He looks vaguely familiar to me.”
“I told you, he was the guy who helped my mother the day of the accident and brought her to the hospital. I saw him there for the very first time.”
“Hmmm...” was all that Haashir said.
“Is something wrong, Haashir?” Aida asked, observing him.
“Nothing!” he said.
Aida placed her empty cup in the side pocket of the door and turned the dial on the radio, looking for some suitable songs to play lightly.
“Aida, I will have to leave for a few days when we reach Islamabad. My boss has called me to the office for a meeting. I want you to promise me something?”
“And what is that?”
“I don’t want you going out alone, Aida. I will leave Ahmar in charge as soon as he winds up his work from Lahore and returns. And Aida, I don’t want you to get into any trouble before I return.”
“I won’t. But how long will you be gone?”
“Only two days.”
“Alright” Aida stifled a huge yawn. Haashir smiled at her.
“You can push your seat back and take a nap.”
“I guess I will.” Aida pulled back the lever on the left side of her car seat and pushed it back, getting comfortable. Less than five minutes later, she was asleep. Haashir looked at her sleeping form and smiled.
****
Aida stirred and opened her eyes. The car was parked at the rest area and Haashir was standing near the car hood, smoking. Aida adjusted her stole and sat up. The clock on the dashboard told her that she slept for almost four hours, which meant they must be nearing Islamabad now. Wanting to stretch her limbs, Aida opened the car door and stepped out. The air was refreshing and she stretched her legs. Haashir turned around and quickly threw the cigarette, looking at her sheepishly.
“I am going to get some coffee.” Aida told him and turned towards the tuck shop.
“I’m coming with you.” He said and followed her, his gaze moving in all directions. Haashir made sure there was no trouble inside the small shop before he let Aida enter. He ordered coffee for both of them while Aida went to one of the aisles to grab a packet of chips. A prickling on the back of her neck made her uncomfortable and she turned around to see Haashir watching him. She gave him a small smile and turned around towards the paying counter. She paid for her things and then walked out, Haashir walking behind her.
“Okay, I know you want to scold me Aida. Go ahead, at least say something but please don’t stay silent. I hate it.”
“Say what, Haashir? You know your well-being better than me so it’s your life; you make your own choices.” Aida said and turned towards the car. He grabbed her arm and turned her around.
“I am sorry.” He let go off her arm and pulled his left ear. “I am sorry, miss, it won’t happen again.”
Aida smiled at him.
“It’s alright. Shall we go?” she asked.
“Sure. Let’s go.”
The thirty minute drive to Islamabad passed quickly and it wasn’t long before they reached home.
****
