Episode 27

Rafay's dad took hold of his wife as they started trekking to protect her from falling down or slipping. Although his father was old but he was fit for his age he swiftly climbed up and down the rocks where as his wife was slow for her age so he adjusted as per her speed. Rafay on the other hand guided all of them expertly. Elnaz and the maids carefully took steps to prevent any scenes of embarrassment.

His parents where walking ahead, Elnaz and the maids in between and Rafay was at last walking behind them. At one point the rocks were too slippery as it had algae on it. So his parents warned them to avoid any mishap. But no matter how cautiously Elnaz slowly stepped her foot couldn't gain control and she slipped. But luckily Rafay who was watching her steps behind her moved fast and caught her hand. She shrieked as she fall but as soon as his hand caught hers she held it firmly.

All the maids laughed at them as his parents smiled at the couple. Rafay looked at her concerned checking if she got hurt or something.

"You should be careful. Here hold this stock place it before you before you take a step." He said her. She looked at him surprised and nodded her head. He slowly let go of her hand s she stood back on her feet. Then they started their journey once again this time Rafay stood in front of her as he guided her on slippery edges.

At times she would look at him admiring his skills and techniques. Subconsciously she took note of how strong he was and how caring he was. When ever their eyes would clash her heart would skip a beat.

Finally they reached their destination. The water fall from such height that it made a loud swooshing noise. It was cold around and airy around. The birds chirped as the trees shadowed all around the waterfall. Elnaz walked near the river flowing where the waterfall ended. It was crystal clear. The pebbles at the rivers bed shone like gems. The sunlight gave a sparkling look to the water.

She removed her sandals cursing that it's was the reason why she slipped as she didn't thought that they would be trekking. Slowly she immersed her feet in the water. The water was cold as the gushing water tickled her feet's she laughed softly. Rafay who was setting his barbecue grill looked upon her hearing her voice. He smiled looking at her. Her stole blew with the wind as her feet's were wet in water slowly her flare dress was also drenching due to the force of the water flowing through her. He was happy that she was enjoying herself. After all that's why he had arranged the trip so that he could make her journey to California memorable. Suddenly the thought of her leaving made him sad. He had grown to acknowledging her presence around him. It had became habitual.

"Rafay?" His mother shook his back startling him from his thoughts.

"I am calling you from when. Where are you lost?" She asked looking at him.

"Nothing. What happened?" He asked looking dumbfounded at his mom.

"I wanted to know that should I ask the maids to cuts the veggies and meat for the barbecue?" She asked him.

"Yeah you can." He answered going back to his grill to light the charcoal.

"ELNAZ!" His mother shouted hearing he quickly whiplashed to look at her. His mother ran towards Elnaz who was suddenly flowing with the force of water. Rafay quickly dropping the matchbox ran towards her on his way he discarded his jacket and threw his phone and wallet on the ground as he jumped in to the river. He started swimming against the current towards her as she was not able to fight the current as it swept her with it. Before she could drown in it Rafay pulled her hand and forcefully pulled her body towards his. She was trying to breathe hard but was loosing her consciousness in process.

He held her tightly as he swam across the currents holding her securely to him. He could see his parents standing looking at them scared for her. The currents were strong therefore she couldn't fights it. He thought.

Once he reached the bank he lifted her and put her on the ground getting himself out too. She had lost consciousness. Quickly her pumped her lungs to remove any water that could have entered her lungs after five minutes she sat up coughing for life.

"Shukar-e-Khuda (thank god). You are all right. You made us all scared beta (child)." His mother said as she quickly wrapped her shawl around Elnaz. She was wet and shivering from cold air which hit against her wet and cold body. Plus she was scared and shocked with what happened there.

"You are wet. Have you bought any spare clothes with you?" His mother asked to which she shook her head to no.

"We don't have spare clothes also with us to give you. What am I suppose to do now?" His mother panicked.

"Ammi I have a spare shirt and tracks in my bag. I will give her." Rafay said looking at Elnaz.

"Okay go beta (child) wear his clothes that's the last option we have now. Or else you will catch cold and fever ." His mother chided. Elnaz didn't protested as she was right it was too chilly to stay in wet clothes so she went with Rafay to borrow his clothes.

"Ammi I have my clothes in the bus so i will bring it." He said.

"Take her with you. Where will she change here? At least in the bus she will have some privacy." His mother told him to which he kept quiet looking at Elnaz to join him. Slowly she joint him and both of them left back to reach back to his.

Elnaz had lost nearly all her energy from drowning and fighting the current that she felt light headed as she struggled trekking back. Looking at her exhausted self Rafay took hold of her hand in his in order to avoid any more accident. When ever she would trip or skid he would quickly stop her from doing so.

'She is too clumsy for trekking.' He thought.