Possession by Laila Ali (young adult books to read .txt) 📗

She didn't understand, why she was restless on his departure. She should be happy, that her tormentor has gone and maybe never come back. But why this sadness. 

'Is this love?'

No voice answered. It was all quiet inside her. Her emotions were immensely imbalanced these days and for a moment, she began to think, she actually was pregnant, due to the mood swings she possessed these days.

"He would come here often" his grandfather's voice interuppted her thoughts.

"This was his favourite corner where him and I spent most time talking. He was always an extraordinary boy, very refined and detail-oriented. You know, you were his favorite topic of chat. He used to tell his grandmother everything he heard about you from his father, that you are afraid of dogs, your sole ambition is to become a good doctor from a young age, you would go around and try to treat anyone who got injured. He told her every little thing. I've demanded to cut all the ties off of with your family but I knew that he loved you sice a young agae. I just acted along, pretending as if I don't know everyone" the old man chuckled, reminiscing the good old moments os his graand son. He already had lost hope, that Irtaza would come back. He was sure he won't.

His enemies would never leave him alove for more than two days and for what reason they should keep him alive? So he could run away from there captivity or his men reach him in time. There was no possible way of him being alive.

"His office drawer used to be filled with your pictures. He used to tell her grandmother that he would just marry you. He will wait for you as long as it takes. I guess, that's called being head over heels in love with someone" He said to Zahra, grinning from ear to ear and looking at the starry sky thinking about his childish tactics. "Stupid boy" he muttered under his breath looking at the star which twinkled brightly.

This was the second time, she was witnessing his soft side and she was shocked to say the least. This is the about induced sadness it brings people close and compelss to speak their hearts. At the same she was overwhelmed because of his words, because of Irtaza. Her heart felt heavy and dejected, her smile long gone only uncertainty and guilt residing in her. Emersed in thoughts she didn't realise that her Dada had left .

With her head hung low , she went to her room and tried to get some sleep but everytime she would close her eyes, his face, his grey irises troubled her. She was genuinely worried about him.

Sending a prayer to sky, she welcomed sleep with open arms. A short escape from the restlessness in her.

.......

"Drink the juice" her mother said to her at the breakfast table. Nobody was present there except the one who was leaving for universities, Dua, Haseeb and her and her mother.

After that day when the news was announced, a weird sadness lurked at each and every hallway of haveli. Everything was immensely quiet. There was a pure silent that even the whispers could be heard clearly. Everyone kept themselves locked in their room, specially her grandmother and Irtaza's father.

Haseeb didn't joke anymore as he used to, Haya had busied herself in her studies only the little Alizey would play around and frequently ask about Irtaza to which no one was able to answer. He was most probably dead for the haveli members and dead, indeed for the outside worl. More than 10 days has passed but still, only ominous news welcomed them. 

Dua, she hadn't acme face to face with her that day. It was after three days, Zahra was looking at Dua who just keeps on looking away whenever Zahra had an eye contact with her.

After finishing her breakfast, she stood up and went towards the garage as Haseeb followed behind her to drop her off to her university.

She was standing in the garage alone, when she saw Dua coming instead of Haseeb.

"Where's Haseeb?"

"He is coming" Dua replied, approaching her. "Are you fine?" she asked to which Zahra nodded.

"Are you angry with me?"

"No. I'm not. Just a bit disturbed"

"Zahra" Dua held her hand suddenly, "I'm....sorry" her voice broke. She was feeling so guilt for being rude with Zahra and accusing her of everything. Zahra had been through alot. It was his brother who was at fault, not her. She was truly sorry.

She held Zahra's hand, tears fluttering out of her eyes .

"I am terribly sorry Zahra. I didn't know that you suffering all this while I only cared for my brother and didn't pay heed to your side. Wish I could take my words back. I am so so sorry. God! What all did say, it was so wrong of me. I am sor-" she cried out

"It's ok. I would have done the same. I understand" said Zahra and embraced Dua in a hug. 

"Are you not angry with me anymore?"

"No"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Dua. Don't worry yourself"  Zahra replied and they pulled back.

A small smile played on their lips.

"I'm so sorry for what your cousin did to you Zahra. And you too recieved a blow of betrayal from the person you loved, just like me. I totally understand"

"It's ok Dua. I'm fine now. And strong enough" she replied when she saw, Haseeb coming towards them and then they both left for their universities as Haseeb told er, Aamman would pick her up from university on the way back. He had some important work to deal with.

After an exhausting day at University she came out at dipersal time only to find Amman approaching her.

"Haseeb asked me to pick you up" he told and she nodded.

"Ok. Thank you" she replied and without thinking twice sat in the car

"Ma'am we have to go the hospital for your check up. Haseeb told me so that your mother had asked him to take you to hospital"

"Okay fine" she replied. Her mother had been bothering her since a while to pay a visit to hospital. Her pregnancy chances were vague but still these mood swings were killing her.