HEY GUYSSS!

AFTER SO LONG..

I HOPE YOU ALL ARE DOING FINE AND WITHOUT ANY FURTHER UNNECESSARY TALKS LETS MOVE TO THE CHAPTER.....

Sitting on her small kirana store Libah stared the dark hue of the sky in the day time,dark clouds moving away in quick pace with no trace of silver lining at all. The sky is gloomy today but her heart has been gloomier for weeks now.

Life has never been easy for Libah but she never thought she will suffer such agony one day where she doesn't know what to do and how to think anymore.

Father has started insisting her more to call Roshan's parents for dinner because his health is getting worse and worse now; he is scared he doesn't have much time so he wants to settle everything for his only daughter so that he can die in peace but unfortunately Libah don't know how to answer him because she isn't able to connect to the number anymore that Roshan has shared as his personal.

Whenever she tries to dial it always seems like number doesn't exist any longer. So what should she make out of it? Is Roshan actually avoiding her now or something really had happened to him? She doesn't know anything anymore.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't see a boy of 8-9 years olds frantically running towards her from her house door who often comes there to play with the cute lambs that she has in her place.

"Libah Bajiiiiii"

His breathless voice snapped libah out of her thoughts and his scared face made her even worried.

"Arey Golu, Tussi kithe bhage ja rae o?" Libah asked looking at him.

"Libah baji tuwade baba ji...baba ji..."

And this was it for Libah to run into her house leaving everything behind. She entered her house to find her father coughing in pain and blood stain was visible in his mouth. This has Libah frozen on her place. This is the first time she has seen her father coughing blood.

"Baba..." She immediately reached her father side and helped him to sit properly and wiped her face while trying her best to control her tears.

"Main tuwannu haspatala le jariya, ho gai gal!" Libah told her father sternly, he didn't have anymore e energy to protest so he also nodded.

Libah wiped her tears and gathered strength to not to fall apart and helped her father on his feet ready to take him to hospital. More like a very small hospital like clinic with few of equipments in there village and that's also too far from her home so she will be needing help.

Libah's father was active on the regular medicines that was prescribed by the small clinic near by in his village. However the doctor of that clinic wrote him some tests but for those test he has to visit city and they were also the expensive ones. They neither have the amount nor the convenience to go there, so he decided to hide these details from Libah.

Hospital in there village is something you can call a ground floor almost collapsing building in urgent need of white wash, the green almost now grey dirty and torn curtains that is telling the tales of the times it has gone through the days by wind, storm, dust and hot sun without ever been taken of from the rope supported by the doors. Falling windowsill and rusty hinges of the doors look like has seen better days.

People were rushing in and out of the namesake hospital where Libah sat there worried with stained tears on her rosy cheeks staring at everyone with her taya jaan (father's elder brother) by her side and one and only available doctor with a big pot belly in his 50's, his shirt hanging loose from the stained pants examining her father behind the patched curtains.

"Patient k sath kon hai?"

(who's with patient?)

Cringe but stern voice was heard behind from the curtain. Libah quickly wiped her tears on the call and rushed inside while her Taya jaan was right behind her.

"Ji dactar sahab, main ehndi betti "

(I am his daughter)

"Koi test vest kraya c inka?"

Libah started at her father confused who immediately looked away in guilt.

"Test? mennu to koi test di ittela na c"

(I have no information about any test)

Libah cleared staring at the doctor, worry and restlessness now even more clear on her face.

"Dacter ji, ki hoya h meri baba nu?" Libah asked almost on the verge of crying.

"Dekho bibi apke baba ko pehle b bola tha k test karwa lein inki halat koi khas achi nahi h. Pr ap logo ne abtk test nahi karwaya or bimari ka koi pata nahi. Inki halat bad de badtar ho gai h or hamare pas inka koi ilaj nahi. Ab inka jo b hoga shahar jake hi hoga."

Doctor spoke leaning back on his chair care free, putting his hands behind his head in a relaxing position.

(Listen girl, your father was already told to go through some test because his health was very best however you guys turned blind eye now we don't have any solution for him here because his condition is now out of our hand so the only option is to visit the hospitals in city)

"Sheher?" Libah was shocked to even move.

(city?)

"Ji bibi sheher..wahi leke jayein baba ko apne" Doctor confirmed getting up from his chair and leaving the family behind.

(Yes city, that's the only option)

"What should we do now?" Rehman asked to Libah and Tabrez once they are back at home.

"Nothing, I will be waiting for death ro come to me now. " Tabrez joked on his brother's question.

"We can talk to Roshan." Rehman offered.

"No,No I don't want to trouble him. The boy has just settled there." Tabrez denied.

Libah who was coming into the room suddenly stopped hearing their conversation.

So her father doesn't want to undergo any treatment.

That's impossible! He has to!

"Baba don't worry, we will arrange something. You just rest and focus on your health the rest I will manage with Taya jaan " She assured her father while sitting beside him before spooning the porridge to feed him.

"Libahhh! How will you manage? You know nothing about city and the expenses? How are we suppose to afford." Tabrez protested against her daughter.

"Lets reach us the city first, the rest I will figure out. Don't worry!" She assured again putting another spoon in his mouth.

"But libahh...."

"No..! just rest!" She scolded sternly while Rehman chuckled.

"Tabrez Libah is right, don't worry we will manage something." Rehman assured him before getting up to leave for his home with so many thoughts running in his mind.

Meanwhile Libah waited for her father to fall asleep so that she can sneak where she has to even if she doesn't want to after the way she was ignored and abandoned.

Libah reached the booth and with shivering hand she dialled the very first number of the company that was shared by the Roshan because she isn't able to connect to his personal number anymore. So this number now is the only option left with her. Mumbling some duas in her heart she finally dialled the digits and here goes nothing.

"Yes Ma'am! Main apki call abhi sir ko redirect krti hu. Wait ..." Receptionist told before redirecting the call to the said Sir.

(Wait I am redirecting your call to the Boss)

"Hello!"

"Roshan Sir, there's a call from your Village from a certain Libah she wants to speak to you urgently."

Roshan, who was enjoying the coffee with Sarah and was discussing a week long vacation to Goa was suddenly interrupted by this call ruining his entire mood.

"Tell her there's no Roshan and not to call here again." Yelling that he hung up

Receptionist on the other hand stared at the phone and sighed before preparing herself to answer Libah.

"I am sorry Ma'am but there's no one with the name Roshan. Please don't call here again." Saying this the receptionist hung up.

Libah was stunned on the call. She knew that woman was lying or else why would she say she will be transferring her call on to decline it after putting her on hold. She already have the slight idea what must have happened. Libah has this gut wrenching feeling, now her senses are getting even more stronger.

Roshan is avoiding her on purpose and she isn't that fool to not understand. Whatever is the reason but he doesn't want to be in touch with her anymore.

But she is helpless, she doesn't need his help. She will ask for her money back that she has given him to leave the village because he hadn't have a single penny on him. During that time Libah offered him her whole saving and that wasn't a small amount. The amount is enough to help Libah and his father in city.

And now she needs that sum.

"Who was it Roshan? Who made you so upset?" Sarah asked cupping his cheeks with so much care when she saw stressed lines on his forehead.

"Nothing baby, just some attention seekers from village."He assured her with a fake smile before taking her in his embrace.

Roshan and Sarah was enjoying the peaceful moments in eachother's arm when his personal phone from the desk blared. Roshan stared at the caller ID noticing its his father.

"Sarah give meva moment please" He pulled away excusing himself and waited for Sarah to leave before he can answer the call.

"Ji Baba kese hain?"

(how are you doing father?)

"Main to thik hu beta pr Tabrez ka haal kuch acha nahi h." Rehman sighed disdainfully.

(I am fine but am not sure about Tabrez though)

"Kyu kya hua Tabrez chachu? Sab thik h na?" He asked a little worried.

(What's wrong? is Everything fine with Tabrez uncle?)

"Tabrez ki halat bht kharab h, yaha doctor ne jawab de diya h. City hospital leke jana hoga tabrez ko. Pr samjh nahi aaraha Libah kese karegi ye sb, vo bechari bachi. Roshan agar tum unki kuch madad kardo...koi doctor rehne ka bandobast..." Rehman started of hesitantly.

"Baba pr..pr main kese main to khud yaha abhi abhi shift hua hu, meri almost sari income mujhe settle hone me lg gai yaha...thode bht paise chaiye to thik h,pr usse zyada main kuch nhi kar sakta ..." Roshan declined sternly.

Rehman was speechless. He didn't know what to say. He believed his son and he agreed on his point as well now what more he should do to help Libah and his brother.

Whereas Roshan thought he doesn't have money to waste on unnecessary people. He already has his vacation planned with Sarah. He is the one financing the trip for both of them, its already an expensive trip he has planned for them and now he don't have enough money to spend on his uncle's stay and medication in the city.

"If this is all Baba, I am hanging up." Saying this Roshan disconnected the call and sighed rubbing his head in frustration.

"Ma'am how many times do I need to tell you there's no Roshan! Please stop calling us!"

Receptionist yelled before hanging up the phone only for it to start blaring again after five minutes. This is happening for four days now. Libah call everyday constantly from two to three hours to get in touch with Roshan but all the attempts are fruitless.She is not ready to give up because this time his father is the concern.

Libah called the fourth time and the receptionist ignored again left it ringing when Azlaan was passing by.

"Why are you not attending the phone?" Azlan snapped starting the ignorant receptionist who was busy in her own phone.

"Si..Sir its the same girl.." She stuttered not understanding how to answer her super boss.

"which girl..." Azlan asked curiously.

"The same girl who used to call Roshan before you ask us to redirect that call to you." Receptionist was fidgeting with her finger not daring to look at him.

"Libah" He breathed her name in shock.

Its been almost a month since he had blocked her number but unfortunately the thoughts and restless to hear from her was still there. If anything it had made him more anxious. He don't remember how many times he has woke up in the middle of the night and has urge to unblock the number.

That melodic voice of hers has been haunting even in his dream. He has tried to get laid, going back to his old ways but anything it has made it worse, A random girl moaning his name in her screeching voice couldn't give him any satisfaction at all if anything he started hating it more and soon he came up with so many doubts about himself that he completely ignored for the sake of his sanity.

"And what did she has to say?" He asked impatiently, his heart thudding fast.

"She is constantly calling saying its sn emergency and she wants to speak to Roshan urgent..." She didn't even get to finish before Azlan rushed inside his cabin with a worried look.

He sat on his chair before pulling out his phone before tracing the name ok the blocked contact and finally after taking a long breath he unblocked it.

He traced her name for a moment, emotions choking his wind pipe making it hard for him to speak. Finally he is going to speak to her again. He never thought he will be today after mentioning of her he couldn't control himself.

He pressed the call option.

"Hello!" The call was immediately answered.

Azlan closed his voice relishing in that soothing voice,the one he was craving for weeks now.

"Libah..." Azlan breathed her name like an answered prayer. A smile, a genuine one now stretching on his lips.

Meanwhile libah, she choked on her emotions. How can she forget this voice and the tenderness for her. This is her Roshan, finally he is speaking to her, again'giving her mixed signals by the way he called her name.

Libah didn't know what to speak so she started sobbing over the call. She was so overwhelmed.

"Libah..." Azlan was suddenly alert.

"Libah what's wrong?" He asked impatiently.

Is she fine?

"Are you okay baby?" Azlan asked desparately not realising that endearment even slipped from his mouth for her. " Is everything alright there? Speak up damn it!" Azlan eventually yelled when he couldn't take his sobbing anymore.

"Mujhe nahi pata apko kya hua h or aap kis baat p mujhse naraz hai pr abhi mujhe apki zaroorat hai..."Libah sobbed, melting again hearing that tender voice for him.

Suddenly she felt calm as if half of her problem already have been sorted.

"Batain to hua kya hai Libah.." Azlan cursed himself mentally, regretting to ever block him.

She sounds so vulnerable and hopeless.

"Rosh..Roshan..." That name irked him again but he waited for her to finish patiently.

"Roshan Baba ki tabiyat bohot kharab ho gai hai, doctor ne sheher le jane ka bola hai o..or..or mujhe sheher ka koi andaza nahi h...muj... mujhe.... mujhe vo bs..." Libah was hesitant to ask for her money.

"Libah bolein..." Azlan encouraged feeling sympathy for that poor soul.

"Ky..kya ap mujhe.. mujhe vo 25 hazar de sakt..sakte h jo maine apko sheher jane k liye diye the..." She felt guilty for asking money but she is helpless.

Azalan was shocked hearing this. He can't believe this girl has given that stupid man all her saving to pursue his dream and now he isn't even attending her calls to atleast hear her once. He can't imagine how much she has gone through to collect that sum of money. In that moment Azlan wanted nothing more than to drag Roshan out of his cabin and beat him blue. He gritted his jsw already planning his murder mentally.

Azlan knew he is a monster and a selfish bastard but he can swear he never has used anyone like this in his life.

"Libah sune.." Azlan straighten himself before he started speaking.

"Aap tension na le, na paise ki, na doctor ki or na hi sheher me rehne ki. Ap bs sheher aane ki taiyari karein baki sab main dekh lunga. Thik hai.." Azlan assured already making up his mind that he is going to help her, no matter what.

"Ro.. Roshan pr..pr ap itna sab kese karenge akele ...ap to..."

"hush!" he interrupted " Maine keh dia na kisi chiz ki firk nahi karni ab apne..."

Libah suddenly felt guilty for thinking bad about Roshan when here he is ready to go all the way to help her. Libah was so overwhelmed and finally at peace listening to him and in this moment she realised that her love has increased 10 folds for the man she is talking to now. Its a completely different Roshan she is experiencing because as far as she knows her Roshan was caring but never to this extent or probably he never has shown her his this side.

"Bs apna address note karwa do ap mujhe.." Libah frowned at his question.

"Apke pas to hoga na hamara pata." Libah asked, Azlan rolled his eyes for his stupid question.

"Haa baba mujhe pata h, pr apko pick karne k liye jis gari ka intezam kiya h use nahi pata. To agar aap mujhe apna proper address bataengi tbhi to apko gari pick karne aaegi..." Azlan tried his best to cover up while Libah nodded in understanding before speaking.

"Kya hume gari lene aaegi?" She was really shocked.

"Ji Libah apke gao apko kl subah hamare office ki ek gari lene aajaegi..." Azlan told her and Libah eye's were out of the socket.

"Office k .ki gari...." she breathed.

"Haa actually my boss is kind enough, so he has a free van for the employees in case of emergency." And that's true. "Now address" Azlan reminded again.

"Likhiye...."

"Alright! A car will pick you up tomorrow so please be on time." Azlan instructed while tracing the address on the notepad.

"Thik hai ab..ab main rakhti hu taiyari n karni h.." Azlan could hear anxiousness and excitement both in her voice before she hung up.

Azlan sighed in content smiling at his phone. He can't believe Libah will be here tomorrow, in his city, heart pumping hard and fast. He don't know how to suppress his happiness and excitement. Finally he will be seeing his little Mermaid tomorrow.

And in that moment his all.doubts about him came clear. He realised how his restless heart is back at peace just listening to her voice. How he was anxious to comfort her when she was crying for her father and her pain pained his heart like hot needless piercing inside and most importantly how protective and aggressive he became on the mention of that cheating bastard and how without even second thought and waiting for any consequences he was ready to help her with everything in city.

Azlan Hussain Mir is in love.

He is finally in love with a woman who has no face!

It's stupid but now its the living reality that Azlan Hussain Mir, the notorious playboy is in love with an innocent mermaid.

Let me know your thoughts in comments.

What do you think will happen?