ONISM (rewriting)

chap 33

• R I Y A •

I slammed the door after me. I sat down on the bed covering my mouth. What was going on? How can they think of this?

My own father turned his back on me.

It felt like I was standing in the middle of nowhere and the only guide I had has left me too.

I dug my fingers into my hair and tried to think harder.

Grabbing my phone, I dialled Yawar's number. On third call he picked it up.

I didn't say anything. It was just tears after I heard his breath.

"Riya? Hey." And then suddenly he stopped as if observing, followed by his worried voice filling my ears. "What's wrong?"

I still couldn't talk instead I just cried on the phone.

"Why are you crying? Just tell me."

"I can't do this." I wiped my face. "Its unacceptable."

"Riya, please just stop crying."

"I can't. Baba knows about us going out and he is so mad."

"Your father has spies that's keeping eye on you or what?"

"I don't know."

"Is that why you were crying so hard?"

"No. No. They think its better if I marry off Hambal. I can't--"

"WHAT THE--what the hell are you talking about?"

"I am scared."

"Don't be. I am coming over."

"No. Don't. Please."

"No one will know." He hung up the phone and the blood from my face drained.

I instantly texted him.

R: Yawar please don't come here.

R: Baba is already so mad.

R: it will only worsen things.

R: I am going crazy, don't come here.

R: everyone already thinks of me a culprit, just don't screw the little bit of respect I have left.

R: if Baba gets slightest bit of idea that I have told you anything. He will kill me.

R: please don't come

I cried even more in fear and anticipation of what will happen. It was as if I was going out of my mind. I was imagining car horns and shouting when there weren't any.

After a few minutes I received his text.

Y: balcony!!