The Promise Made

(32)

Anah's POV

It's been almost two days since I last saw shourya. Almost is the key word and that's the bugger stopping me from running to the hospital and hugging the life out of Shourya.

I sighed and tighten the shawl against my shoulders to save the coziness, Shourya's name in my mind gives. Slightly raising my neck to see the subdued darkness in the sky and the light twinkle of the stars.

It's going to be a long night.

Shourya called just a couple of hours ago and look at me, such a clingy fiance I am becoming.

Fiancè?

A goofy smile adored my lips while I kept fantasising all the dates I will take Shourya on. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even noticed when Khala entered the room.

Beta? I turned around slightly scolding my mind for being in such a daze. Yes khala? Why are you up and standing Anah? Doctor told you to lie down, you might faint and if you are standing and might I mention on the edge of the balcony you could have fallen into the garden!

Bubbles of laughter burst through my throat as she narrowed her eyes at me. Aww you are so cute khala when you overthink and exaggerate. God the way you said it I will never forget the funny expression on your face.

Haha! More proof that you are unwell as you are taking a very serious thing as a joke so you better.. she trailed off, held my hand and literally pulled me to bed. After tucking me in like a little baby I am offcourse I simply rolled my eyes.

You miss, keep your eye rolls for Shourya only he can tolerate your  tantrums. Good riddance he is marrying you. The teasing tone of hers made me narrow my eyes.

She chuckled and gave me a side hug and a forehead kiss. Look at you, now I, will never forget this expression of yours.

I shook it off with a smile and we both sat in comfortable silence. Anah? Hmm? You are happy na beta?

Khala you tease me so much about Shourya have I once complained? No right. Off course I am happy. It's like meeting the right person for all the wrong reasons.

Bhai's death being the worst of them.

I looked away to blink away the tears pooled in my eyes with the bare thought of him.

Khala gave my hand a tight squeeze. It's so weird na khala, I met Shourya because I lost bhai. If only...

Anah! Don't think like that. You met Shourya because God knew he was the one for you. Loosing Asad wasn't a way for you to meet Shourya, it was an emotion that bonded you both, it was grief.

Beta, relations made during the worst time of your life are the best judge of the other person's character. We all know, Shourya didn't had to step up. He could've just said no to all the absurdity of it and none of us would have questioned him.

But he stood with you Anah, without knowing or caring, about his own feelings. Beta you both are so young, don't even let doubt fill in the crevices of your love.

She gave me a reassuring smile, kissed my forehead and went away. I was just thinking about her words when my phone rang. Hey Ri! There was no response from the other end. Riya? Are you there? There was one shuffling noise but no response yet again.

I frowned. I was about to redial when someone spoke and that someone wasn't Riya. My blood went cold as he spoke, "How are you Anah? How's Khala and babajaan? I hope they are well".

Wh-who's this? And where is Riya? Don't worry I haven't touched your friend, your friends are my friends Anah. Did you really forgot about me, my Anah? I am so, so disappointed.

Well you better not touch my friends or family, you won't like the consequences. My heart was thumping so loudly I just wished he couldn't hear it.

I knew that voice, I know I've heard it before but where! Think Anah.

Bravery suits you Anah. And cowardice you! If I were you, I'll watch my words before speaking. I don't want your father who is sitting in his office looking at your mother's picture hearing you or Khala in the living room.

I looked around like a lunatic and got out of bed. Careful darling. You don't want to get hurt again, do you? The cool tone of his was making my blood boil.

How dare you? Why? Why are you doing this? Hiding behind shadows! Oh I know because you are nothing but a weak, very weak man.

That's a very pretty vase you got there, mosaic right? As soon as the words left his mouth, the glass near the window shattered, and vase broke into pieces.

My scream rang so high that it even scared me. Hey hey hey, don't be scared. The bullet will never touch you Anah but can't promise about the things you love or more like people which are equivalent to things in my eyes. So, next time watch your words.

Sleep well.

The phone fell from my grasp and my knees buckled. I fell on the floor while  Papa's and Khala's voice echoed in my ears. Slowly I looked up facing them, but everything was hazy. My vision was blocked by nothing but my own tears.

Anah? Anah! What happened? Say something!

They gathered around me protecting me like a fragile doll, without the knowledge of its them in danger and maybe I will prove to be their doom.