Destined To Be.

Chapter 24

3 years later

James

"How is she?" I hate asking that question but it will always be the first one on my mind when I ring Aqsa. I can hear the weary sigh, the same response but worded differently.

"Putting up a front like always. Working non stop, being a super mom to Salwa, getting thinner by the day, the list can go on but you get the picture." She replies worriedly.

My gut clenches at each word. I maybe on the other side of the world but she has never once strayed from my mind. Five long years have passed and even though I've only seen her in the family pictures that Aqsa and Mamma sends me the only image of her that is so vivid that's stands out above all is her wedding day. The day she was going to marry another man. The day that changed everything and I knew that I had to leave her forever.

"Damn, I feel so utterly useless." I rake my hand through my hair in frustration.

"James, stop! I know you care but what you are doing to yourself is way more worrying than Ayla. No... hear me out please! You are living your life in limbo. Do you know that?" Aqsa's voice is laced with worry and I know she means well but I hate it when she brings this up constantly.

"Aqs, I'm perfectly fine and very content with my life, now h....".

"Content!!" She scoffs, "maybe so but I know damn well you're not happy and you know perfectly well why that is." Her words hits me hard but I know she speaks the truth. 

"Aqsa darling girl are we seriously going to go there again." I joke half heartedly but she's having none of it. 

"Listen to me James and listen good, Do you still love my sister?" Woah, straight to the chase as my heart lurches at the question.

She sees my hesitation in replying and continues." Well then get you ass in gear and come home. You hear me, come home and tell her." 

What the hell!! Did I hear that correctly.

"Hellooooo, James , you still there?" She asks clearly annoyed.

I cleared my throat before I spoke ."Are  you feeling okay Aqs, cos I thought I heard you saying t..."

"I am perfectly fine, you heard perfectly  correct and now you will take my advice and come back home." She replies calmly, whilst I'm becoming a mess of emotions.

Is it really that straight forward as it seems to Aqsa. She has never been so forward and blunt and now today of all days she just lays it all out there. 

"I don't think it's that easy Aqs. You know how I feel about your sister but she has changed, she's not that same girl or woman that I left behind. She has been through a lot, from being a wife , a mother and widow. People change Aqs." She senses the emotion in my voice and sighs.

"Ayla is still the same James. Yes she has been through a lot, she has had her heart broken not only once but twice in her lifetime but underneath it all she's still that same beautiful soul of a girl." Aqsa's reply sadly.

"I know loosing Azlan was hard but with Afsan sh...".

"That's not what I meant James." She cuts me off sharply. "You were the first one to break her heart. You were the first man to cause her so much heartache. Yes Azlan passing deeply affected us all but that was Allah's will. You on the other hand wounded her so deeply." The anger is evident in her voice and I know I should have thought before I replied but my words are out before I can stop to think about them.

"Is that why she got married straight after her declaring her feelings for me. I bet she was really heart broken then." I regret it almost immediately but there are out there now, I can't take them back. I remember non of it was her fault. It was all mine.

A moment of silence before Aqsa speaks.

"I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer. I don't want to fight. I know you love Ayla, you've always have. I also know that deep deep down inside she feels exactly the same, she just had to bury it when she married Afsan and he helped her forget it all even though it was only for a while... she needs to dig deep James and you are the key to that." The sincerity in her voice has my gut clenching and a sliver of hope has me catching my breath.

"I love her Aqs. I've always have and I'll always will. Apart from my little man she is the only thing that keeps me going." Tears springs into my eyes and I let them fall for I know she can't see them.

"I know you silly stubborn fool of a man. Now what are you going to do about it?" She answers excitedly. I chuckle at her reaction. She makes me feel hopeful and optimistic.

"Well let me tidy up around here, I need to put the house up for sale and put everything in order before we head back." I wipe away at my eyes and my hand shakes at the feelings that have taken over my body.

"Now that's the James we all love and miss. Wait till I tell Mamma. She's going to be ecstatic." Aqsa screams with joy. 

"No.. Don't!!. I want it to be a surprise so keep it between the two of us ." I'm already mentally preparing a list of things to do.

"oh my God!! I can't believe this is happening. I can't wait!!!" I had to take the phone away from my ear as Aqsa's excitement gets the better of her normally reserved self.

"You finished?" I bring the phone back to my ear cautiously.

"Yep all done." She replies happily.

"Okay, so judging by my calculations I'll be there within 10 days. The house is no problem to sell as friend of mine has always been interested in the location so he'll be more than happy to take it off my hands which will be beneficial for both of us. I just need to pack and do the rest online." Now that this is happening I can't wait to get back. I can't wait to see everyone.

The anticipation of finally seeing Ayla is causing havoc within me. But damn I'm so looking forward to it.

We discuss a few things more until it's finally time to hang up.

"Oh one more thing before you go James? Aqsa's interrupts quickly.

"Yes"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH". I quickly hang up the phone  with a stupid ass smile on my face.

Five long years. 

Five long years have passed and I'm finally heading back home. Australia has been great but it has never been home. I won't find it difficult leaving this place as I know what awaits me when I go back but my little man will have to uproot and that's the only downfall of leaving this place.

He has made good friends here, adjusted so well as this is the only place he has known. Breaking the news to him will be a task on it's own but I hope he will come around. I guess staying in contact with Farren will be an advantage as he has formed a good relationship with her. They have been face timing each other quite regularly and I have Mamma to thank for that. 

Who would have thought that the spoilt rich brat Farren would walk out on the lavish lifestyle of her parents and end up as a waitress working for a living. That was not the only shocker, she has become best of buddies with Mamma. The mother of the girl she used to bully. 

Life is unpredictable and I know that first hand. I would have never in a million ways thought that I would heading back and finally admitting my feelings to the only woman I have ever loved. There are many negatives swirling through my mind but I over ride them all.

Come what may I will confess my feeling to Ayla. Aqsa may have given me hope but I know that's not enough. I know that at the end of the day it all comes own to what Ayla wants. I know that it will not be plain sailing. How can it be. She has gone through so much, but I'm not going to give up this time.

Even if I have to wait for her for the rest of my life. 

Salam and hey guys,

Yep, you are not seeing things. A very short but quick update..yayyyyy.

So I came up with this overnight and I hope you guys are okay with it.

Comments are very most welcome.

Lets hope I can do another one soon.

Love

Shazk80 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx