Matters Of The Heart

𝟕. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 .

𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘺𝘢:

It had been a month since our paths crossed, a month that felt like an eternity. Life had taken a somber turn, as a relative from India had passed away just a week ago. My parents and siblings had departed to pay their respects, leaving me alone with my thoughts. With Sarah already settled into college, I found myself with thirty minutes to spare before my class commenced. The silence was a welcome respite, allowing me to reflect on the journey that had brought me to this moment.

One month had passed since he joined our college as a professor, and with the passage of time, everything had changed. He had begun to distance himself from me, and I couldn't help but notice the growing chasm between us. I attempted to bridge the gap, seeking to understand the reason behind his sudden aloofness. Yet, for the past week, he had been ignoring me, leaving me with only silence and unanswered questions.

A sentiment I couldn't quite articulate had been germinating within me, leaving me feeling lost and uncertain. The novelty of this emotional terrain only added to my distress. Never had I navigated such a situation before, and the pain of his silence was suffocating. The fact that he refused to divulge what was amiss only intensified my anguish.

As I stood there, entrapped in my thoughts, a lone tear betrayed my composure, trickling down my cheek. Brushing it away, I continued on to the next bus stop, my heart heavy with emotion.

In the midst of this turmoil, another development had arisen - a marriage proposal from Abdullah, a relative from my maternal side, just a week prior. The timing couldn't have been more inconvenient, leaving me to ponder the complexities of my heart.

Haunted by a dark history, I've endured the unspeakable since childhood - his relentless pursuit to exploit me in every conceivable way. The memory of his lecherous gaze still sears my mind, a constant reminder of the trauma I've faced. Only Sarah knows the truth, a burden we share in secret.

When my parents presented the proposal, I flatly refused, grateful that they respected my decision without further inquiry. But the threat he issued still lingers, a chilling promise to reappear in my life. His words echo in my mind, a grim reminder of the terror I've faced and the resilience I've developed

Lost in the labyrinth of my mind, I was oblivious to the danger lurking nearby. Before I could react, a cloth was pressed against my nose, releasing a sweet, pungent scent that clouded my senses. I struggled to stay awake, but my eyelids grew heavy, and the world around me began to blur. Despite my efforts to resist, the darkness closed in, shrouding my vision and plunging me into unconsciousness.

𝘡𝘢𝘺𝘺𝘢𝘯:

Today's schedule is packed with meetings, but my mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Madiya. Ishan and Qasif's return from LA two weeks ago has done little to distract me from the realization that has been growing within me - I am in love with Madiya Ahmed Khan. This secret remains locked away, known only to my brother and two close friends, a select few who have been privy to the whispers of my heart.

One week has passed since I began to distance myself from her, the revelation of the proposal still fresh in my mind. Though I've come to accept that her feelings may not mirror mine, I couldn't help but wonder why she didn't confide in me about the proposal. A spark of determination ignites within me - I am resolute in my pursuit of her heart, convinced that if fate intends for us to be together, no obstacle can stand in our way. In a heartfelt plea, I turn to Allah, asking for a singular blessing - that she may come to love me with the same fervor that I hold for her.

I stood there, lost in thought, when Aameen's fearful gaze pierced through my reverie. His eyes darted back and forth, as if searching for an escape route. He opened his mouth to speak, but the sudden ring of my phone cut him off. Jack Tyler's name flashed on the screen, and I answered with a sense of trepidation.

❝ Jack, what's up? ❞ I asked, my tone was firm but curious.

❝ Sir...ma'am... ❞ Jack's voice trembled, and I sensed a fear I'd never heard before.

❝ Jack, what is it? ❞ I pressed, my impatience growing.

❝  Madiya's been abducted , ❞ Jack blurted out in a single, ragged breath.

My eyes widened in shock, and my mind reeled as if punched in the gut. Kidnapped? The word echoed in my mind like a scream. I felt my anger ignite, burning away all reason.

❝ What the hell are you saying,
Tyler? ❞ I bellowed, my voice echoing through space.  ❝ Where is Madiya? I need her back in one hour, or I'll kill each and every one of you if anything happens to her. Is that clear, Tyler? ❞

My words hung in the air like a death sentence, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. Aameen took a step back, his eyes wide with fear, as if he'd never seen me like this before. I didn't care. All I knew was that Madiya was gone, and I'd stop at nothing to get her back.

I grabbed my keys and burst out of my room, Aameen close behind.
❝ Aameen, call Chase now and get him to track Madiya's phone! ❞ I urged, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

As we rushed through the hallway, I couldn't shake off the feeling of helplessness. Where was she? Was she safe? I prayed fervently for her well-being.

❝ Aameen, try to calm me down, but nothing will happen to her, right? ❞ I asked, seeking reassurance.

Aameen placed a steady hand on my shoulder.  ❝ Zay, calm down, we'll find her. Nothing will happen to her, I promise. ❞

But my heart refused to listen. 
❝ Where are you, my love? Please come back to me,❞ I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion.

My eyes narrowed, determination burning within me.  ❝ I won't let the person who took her, get away. They have no idea who they're dealing with.❞

Just then, my phone screen lit up with an unexpected name - Brayden. My eyes widened in shock, my mind reeling with the implications. Brayden? The name echoed in my mind like a betrayal. I knew, deep down, that Brayden was the one who had kidnapped Madiya.

A mix of emotions swirled inside me - anger, disbelief, and a hint of fear. How could Brayden, someone I trusted, do this? The thought sent a chill down my spine.

I answered the call, and Brayden's chuckle sent a wave of anger through me. ❝ Hey Malik, how are you doing? ❞ he asked, his tone nonchalant.

I cut to the chase, my patience worn thin.  ❝ Where is she, Brayden? If anything happens to her, I swear I'll make you pay ❞

Brayden's tone turned mocking.  ❝ Oh, are you trying to threaten me,?  ❞

❝ I'm not trying, I'm promising, ❞ I growled, my voice low and deadly.  ❝ I'll make sure you regret ever crossing me.❞

Brayden's voice turned serious, a hint of warning in his tone.  ❝ Calm down, Malik. I've sent you an address. Come alone, and don't try anything smart. ❞

I seethed, my anger boiling over.
❝ I'm warning you, Brayden, don't you dare touch her. She's mine, and if you harm her in any way, I'll make sure you suffer in ways you never thought possible.❞

The line went dead, and I was left seething with rage and worry.