In The Midst Of Serendipity

|Chapter 29| The Change In The Atmosphere

Everyone was already at the table. I greeted them and took my usual seat. Dado was not present. She must be here any moment. Zarnish sat beside me and immediately asked

"How was the party last night?"

Her voice held a mix of sadness and accusation. So, I simply answered

"It was as usual."

I decided not to talk about Shiza and the incident. I don't think she would want to tell anyone. Zarnish sighed and then stated

"I always used to go with you. I felt really bad last night for not accompanying you."

I just hummed in response. I was really not in the mood to talk. My mind was preoccupied by Shiza's behavior. Her strange attitude and the way she was crying made me think hard. What went wrong? Did someone tried to do anything to her? I don't know but a sudden wave of anger washed over me. I don't know why I am acting like this. But it is beyond my control. I can't stop it. Zarnish's voice brought me out of my trance

"Are you even listening to me, Zain"?

I looked up at her. She was pouting slightly and looked somewhat offended. Why did she always get so upset on little things? I then said

"Sorry but I'm really not in the mood to talk right now."

She looked taken aback but nonetheless nodded her head. She turned to the front and remained quiet. Soon, dado also joined us. But a frown was immediately etched onto her forehead. She turned to look at me and I know what her next question will be

"Where is Shiza, beta?"

I sighed and answered

"She was tired last night. She is still sleeping."

Before dado could say anything, mama decided to say

"So, now she will bend the rules of the house too? She should be present on the breakfast table. She is not anyone special."

Her voice held a different kind of edge into it. Before dado could say anything, I replied

"Mama, I didn't wake her up. She was tired and it doesn't hurt anyone if could take a little rest."

I don't know why I took her side. But I just hard the urge too. Mama looked shocked before she muttered angrily

"She has started to lure you in her trap."

I'm tired of her talking about stupid things again and again. I'm already not in the mood and she is just adding fuel to the fire. I stood up from my chair losing my appetite. Dado turned to me before asking

"Are you going, beta?"

I nodded my head. She looked sorry and I shook my head at her. It was not her fault. Mama didn't look up. I sighed taking a deep breath. I turned to Zubeda aunty who was pouring the tea in the cup. I then told her

"Zubeda aunty, Shiza injured her hand yesterday. Can you please change her bandage?"

She nodded her head before saying

"Of course. It's no problem."

I politely smiled at her before thanking her. Everyone at the table looked too shocked to even react. Zarnish was practically shaking from anger...maybe. I don't care right now. I bade farewell and exited the house.
***

Shiza's POV

My eyes opened on its own. I blinked twice to clear out the sleepiness out of my eyes. I sat up on the bed before stretching out my arms. I felt exhausted. I felt disgusted. Last night's incident played inside my head making me cringe in disgust. His awful hold on my wrists.