Episode 9

At first i felt weak and the stupid headache that coursed through my head every time i would open my eyes to look at some thing made it difficult. I knew that i just stressed too much out and i should have slept at some point rather than crying the night out. Seriously i felt more pathetic now. If my mother would have been here she would been preparing a chicken soup for me while my dad would have bought the whole lot of medicines to my room. This thought made smile remembering them. It's true a girl misses her parents too much if she is away.

"Elnaz? Thank god you are awake. Look i made you chicken soup. Its hot and ready to be devoured." Umera aunty said as she entered my room and kept the tray on the end of my bed while she touched my forehead perhaps to get to know of my temperature. She is so sweet. I was thinking about mom and was feeling lonely while here Umera aunty was there with me.

"Your body is still warm. Drink this soup i will bring the medicines. Okay." She said while i smiled warmly at her.

"Ohh betiya( daughter), look here are your meds. How do you feel now?" Rehan uncle asked as he came in and handed me the bag while his wife stood with him.

"Allhamdullila i am fine. Just a head ache. Thats it." I replied.

"Ohh. I know what to do. Wait i will bring hot coconut oil and massage your scalp. You will feel better." Umera aunty said as she sauntered out of the room.

"You had us worried in the morning. Come on have some soup. I will talk to you." Rehan uncle said as he sat down on a nearby chair while i started drinking the soup. It was really tasty.

After i had my soup and medicine i saw him waiting patiently. After i was done he started.

"I know what happened yesterday and i must apologize for Rafay's behaviour." He said.

"No uncle don't be." I instantly said feeling guilty for an unknown reason.

"No child. It is. He has some this temper. Don't take him as a bad guy. He just acts like that when he feels his dearer persons endangered." He told me while i looked at him confused.

"You know that day you did informed us but we forgot to tell him about your updates which made him worried. After all you are our responsibilty and he though you as irresponsible. Even though it doesn't gives him the right to talk to you or behave in such a manner." He explained.

"I understand uncle."

"But he will apologize to you. Just till he does that accept my apology." He added.

"No uncle. Please don't say that."

"No Elnaz. Its because of yesterday that you became stressed and fell ill. It makes us feel guilty to no extent that we couldn't give you a proper environment." Umera aunty said while she sat on my bed. Honestly hearing them out eased me to an extent. Looking at their caring behaviour and upset faces let me know that what ever happened was a product of misunderstanding. I smiled towards them as they looked at me with warm eyes. Where as Rafay is concerned i do understand that he acted on instinct but still that was no way to speak." He continued.

Shaking my head i smiled at him and thankfully he ended the conversation as it was making me guilty as of fact. Its a past we can not change it. Its better to move ahead then to think about it.

Ohh my almighty! I totally forgot about office. Great now i have given him another chance to feel disappointed. He might be thinking i am not capable to handle any responsibility.

"Where are you lost beta (child)?" Rehan uncle asked me disturbing my train of thoughts.

"Nothing uncle. Today i couldn't attend office as you know. I hope that doesn't creates any problem? I hadn't informed -

"No problem beta. You shouldn't be concerned about it. Rafay has given you a week's holiday. So take rest and be happy." Umera aunty bucked in.

"Ohh." He has been considerate enough to guve holiday. Any ways that lessens my stress then.

*****

Rafay on the other hand couldn't help but feel guilty. He knew that he was the reason that caused Elnaz such distress. He shouldn't have lost his temper. But he was so worried. Worried that he couldn't take care of her. If any thing happened to her then he wouldn't have liked it. He always took responsibilty of those younger than him. He always looked out for Firdaus and Elnaz.

"You are not her husband!" His subconscious mind reminded him and he couldn't help but remember his mothers words in the morning. She was right. He was not her husband nor they remained in contact. Both were like strangers for each other than why every time her name or any topic relating to her sparked his interest? He admitted that he cared for her but that can be because she was Asad's sister. Right?

But deep down in his heart he knew that he cared for her irrespective of the fact that she was Asad's sister or not. He hoped that she was feeling better now. Lastly he called his mother to know about her and it lessen his burden of guilt that she was better and resting. Feeling at ease e was able to concentrate on his work much better.