The car stopped moving, I sat upright and looked outside. It was pitch black, I could barley see anything. The street light giving bare light. Mr Ahmed turns back to look at me, and we looked at each other - both waiting for something.

"I think there's something wrong with the engine," he said and looked back in front. He hit the wheel and groaned.

"Do you know where we are?" I asked, my voice sounding brittle.

"I don't know where we are," he admitted, taking out his phone from his pocket.

"What do you mean you don't know? You were the one driving, you are supposed to know."

"Layla don't start..." he said in a low tone.

"You are unbelievable," I mumbled and got out of the car. I walked aimlessly, trying ignore today's events. The flickering street lights were of no use. Fear wasn't the only emotion I was feeling, walking in the streets in the dark. Lucky for me — I thought, I have Allah to protect me. Alhamdulliah, my mind assured my racing heart. So the random people walking by, the weird noises - didn't feel all so scary.

But still my heart managed to skip a beat, whenever something or maybe someone moved in an alleyway. It was moments like this, I start to question myself. Why did I leave home? Better yet why did I get out of the car. This is ridiculous, my mind concluded. I should be able to take care of myself. This is insane and unsafe, my conscious reminded me. As if a scolding, to remind me that this is real life and not some sort of movie. I turn back and all I see is darkness and flickering lights, looks like I have managed to walk further away from the car. The only means of transport available. Great Layla, just great.

Someone grabs my arm and pulls me back. "Hey there pretty lady," a masculine husky voice whispers in my ear. And at this moment all I was thinking about was death and honor.

I scream, "Help!". The man quickly puts his hand over my mouth. Struggling out of his strong grip, feels impossible. I still struggle, I don't give up easily. I can't.

"You are a feisty one. I like it," he said and starts dragging me. "Don't worry I won't hurt you. We are just going to have some fun." My heart starts to beat rapidly, I couldn't think straight. All I could hear was the sound of my heartbeat through my temples. Tears now streaming down cheeks. I still scream, though they are muffled. His hand on my mouth and the other dragging me. Trembles overtook me, fear almost paralyzed me. But it can't end like this for me.

"Layla," I hear a familiar voice call out my name — it's Mr Ahmed. I bit his hand and tried to escape. He got a hold of my hand. I screamed, I didn't stop. "Layla," his voice got louder, and clearer.

"Ugh!" The man left my hand. "You can't keep still can you." I close my eyes, and all there is in my heart is a prayer. All there is left in me, is faith and hope.

"Step away from her." I turn around and see Mr Ahmed. I take a step back and a breath of relief escapes my mouth.

"Or what?" The stranger asked, as if it to dare him. Mr Ahmed strides closer to him.

"Or I will hit you repeatedly until you can barley f*cking breathe," he said in a stern tone. The man didn't flinch, he stood his ground. Mr Ahmed didn't look like he was bluffing either. The man spat on the sidewalk. He punched him in the face, before the man could even return the punch, Mr Ahmed punched him again. That's all it took for him to pass out. I looked at him fall. I looked at the cold body on the ground. Then I look at my boss, he looks enraged and disgusted, at the sight of him. He starred at the body, as if he was waiting for him to wake up so he can punch him again. Mr Ahmed didn't look he was done with his vengeance.

"Sir..." I said. He faced me and walked towards me. He held my wrist and started walking, pulling me behind him. The grip around my wrist tightened, it was painful. But I didn't bother to complain, he just saved my life. We walked in silence, until we reached the car. "Mr Ahmed," I said in a barely audible tone. But he heard me, and he stopped walking.

"What is it?" He looked at me. I look at my hand and then I look at him. Hoping he got what I was trying to tell him. He did, and he let go of my wrist.

"Thank you," I told him.

"You are obstinate and impatient," he said. "I fixed the car."

"Okay..." There was some truth to what he just said. It's been a long night, I really don't want to argue with him. I have no strength left for it.

"Get in the car," he ordered. I got in the back seat, I was so tired and traumatized. I was haunted by the man's creepy voice, it all felt like blur to me until Mr Ahmed came and saved me. Alhamdulliah... I am going back to Hudaa's place, she must be worried. I haven't replied any of her messages.

❤️