H U M Z A A N D I

W O R D C O U N T:

I was walking down the corridors of Harrison high, the local school where I worked as a teacher for the small kids. I needed money for Nabiha and my education. Although I didn't earn much, it was enough for our basics.

The happenings of yesterday kept on playing itself on a loop inside my brain. Now I was left alone to decide whether I should go or not.

The answer that crossed my mind a zillion times was definitely a 'no', not because I was scared or something. I am not afraid of him or maybe I am but he doesn't have to know it. He just can't threaten me like that or force me into something.

And besides he shouldn't even matter, after what had happened yesterday, I am 200% sure I don't have to worry about it. Its obvious my aunt wouldn't marry me to a person like him. She doesn't despise me that much.

Letting out a sigh, I made my way to the staff office. I was almost there when I heard someone call my name. "Anaabiyaaaa." I twirled around to find Ahad panting hard. "Were you running a marathon?" I asked him sarcastically. "No No, I was searching for you. Now tell me about yesterday. What happened?" I can't believe it. How can he be so thrilled and peppy about it? I know he loves and adores me to the core. Plus he is my only friend cum brother.

Ahad and I have grown up together. He is kind of my best friend. His mother, my aunt died soon after she gave birth to him and my mother fed him as I too was born around the same time. So you can say he is a mehram to me.

He is a month older to me and so he treats me like his baby sister. "I'll tell you later, I need to go home now. I am exhausted." We both entered the office together. He too worked here. It was because of him that I too got a job here. "Then come on! I will drop you home. Its already 7.30." The only thing that caught my attention was that it was past 7. Humza must be waiting but good, he should learn to wait. He is completely wrong if he thinks I am going to show up.

Ahad dropped me a few yards away because my aunt always suspects that Ahad and I have something going on between us, although she knows the truth.

On our way home, I had told him everything and he warned me to block Humza's number. I was pretty much happy that I didn't go and Humza couldn't do anything about it. It was a hard punch on his face. A smug smile crossed my face as I thought about it. I was sauntering towards my home when I thought of blocking Humza's number. I searched my bag for my phone and when I did find it, my eyes were as wide as a soccer.

24 missed calls and 8 messages. 19 missed calls from Humza while 5 from my aunt. The messages were all from the same person, Humza.

With trembling hands, I started opening the messages one by one.

.

My phone was on silent mode, that's probably the reason why I couldn't receive anybody's call.

What's wrong with me?

My body was nearly going to collapse. I was trembling. This man is crazy. What was his problem?

Was he.. Was he following me?

I gulped nervously as I looked around for any suspicious activity but I found none. The whole Street was deserted.

Blocking his number, I started prowling at a fast pace so that I could reach my home as soon as possible. Ya Allah save me this time. I promise I will always pray on time. I strarted praying silently.

When the door to my house was visible, all my worries subsided. What caught my attention was an audi that was parked outside my home. I reached for the door to my house but it was already left ajar, so I entered it. As soon as I did, I found a young man in tux sitting on the old worn out furniture of my aunt. His eyes met mine and he stood up. "Excuse me miss, sir Humza has been waiting for you at Starbucks and I would suggest you to come soon." With bewildered eyes I watched him, unable to grasp his words. "I am sorry I am not going. Just tell your boss that I won't... Won't marry him. He doesn't have to.. to worry." I almost stuttered, pleading.

"But ma'am he told me to get you any how. He is not in a good mood so I would suggest you not to delay." He expounded.

"I said I won't go." I almost shrieked at him. Beads of sweat had already covered my forehead.

"Your family has been taken away and if you want their safety you'll have to come with me." He has got to be kidding. I looked around but found no one. They can't take my family away.

"How dare you? Where are they? I swear I won't leave any of you if anything happens to them." I was in a state of dilemma. What is this man? A gangster?

"Please ma'am if you want their safety then you have to come." He kept on repeating the same line again and again.

Putting aside all my ego, I decided to go with him and give Humza a piece of mind.

Starbucks wasn't even far away. Ya allah please don't let him harm my family. I had a habit of praying for every small thing, though this time it wasn't something small I was praying for.

We reached Starbucks within 10 minutes. The man who was driving escorted me inside. The whole place was thronged. I hoped that he doesn't create a scene in front of everyone. I looked around for him but he was nowhere. Also the guy who had brought me here had left.

What are they upto? My heart wasn't beating at its normal pace. Any person near me could hear my rapidly beating heart. I rubbed my throbbing temples, as if it would reduce the pain.

"Get the hell out everyone." I turned around abruptly, almost tripping down. I was frightened by his harsh voice. The voice belonged to none other than Mr. Humza who was currently sending me death glares. I averted my gaze. Panick struck me, yet I tried hard to camouflage it. What is he doing?

The people peered at us for a second and then started running away helter-skelter.

Why were they petrified of him?

In a minute the whole place was desolate.

The only people left in were Humza and I.

on 28.12.2017