UnFading LOVE(Completed)

26 - Disaster 🌀

🙋🏻 - Abid's POV
🗓️ - October 31, 2022 - November 01, 2022

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The exhaustion of the longest meeting I'd ever attended clung to me as I finally made my way back to my suite in Dubai. My back ached from the hours of sitting, and all I wanted was the solace of my bed. I had arrived the previous night and spent the entire time working on presentations and statements. This project was crucial for my company, a landmark opportunity to be the first Dubai-based company to market internationally with Iran. I couldn't afford any mistakes.

Fortunately, everything went well. This was the last meeting I needed to attend here; the rest could be managed from India. Despite the busy schedule, my thoughts frequently drifted to Areena. Our last encounter had ended poorly, but I hoped to explain everything to her, to make her understand. I knew she was disappointed that I hadn't reached out after the incident, but I wanted to give her some time to process everything. This meeting was too important, so I left without informing her.

As soon as I unlocked the door to my suite, I collapsed onto the bed, ready to succumb to sleep. Just as I began to drift off, my phone started ringing incessantly. Groaning, I ignored it, hoping it would stop. When it finally did, it began ringing again almost immediately.

Frustrated, I got up and reached for my phone. It had been charging since last night, and I saw eight missed calls from Tahir, my secretary. Something urgent must be happening. I was about to call him back when the phone rang again with his name on the display. I answered immediately.

"What happened, Tahir? Why are you calling so urgently?"

"Sir, I'm sorry for disturbing you, but your father has been admitted to the hospital. He’s not well. Your sister asked me to inform you and request you to come as soon as possible."

A heavy burden settled on my chest.

"What happened to him?"

"Sir, I don’t have many details. Your sister was crying and couldn’t explain much. She just asked me to inform you."

"Alright. Book me on the first flight back."

"I already have, sir. You just need to get to the airport. Your flight leaves in an hour."

"Thank you, Tahir. I'll be there."

"It's my duty, sir. Have a safe journey."

I disconnected the call, packed my belongings hastily, and left for the airport, anxiety gnawing at me with every step.

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The seven-hour journey to Mumbai felt endless, each passing minute amplifying my restlessness. When I left for Dubai, I had assured my father I'd return in 2-3 days. His ominous words still echoed in my mind:

"If you don't come back, there's no need to come to my funeral either."

I refused to think like that. Nothing would happen to him. Maybe this was all part of his plan to trick me into coming back early. I hope so.

Upon landing at Mumbai airport, I immediately called Afiya. She answered after several rings.

"Assalamualaikum, Bhai. Where are you?"