Aliya sat by the poolside, gazing up at the sky, the moon nowhere to been seen as the darkness of the sky engulfed it.
She hugged her knees to her chest as tears streamed down her face. Feeling helpless and defeated as the endless abyss of the darkness in the night enveloped her as well. Feeling the same helplessness she felt when her marriage was called off and Zain unexpectedly came into her life as her shahuar.
She wept quietly or so she tried as she wiped the tears off her face.
The chilly breeze of the night caused goose bumps to arise on her skin as shivered. She brought her knees closer and rocked back and forth slightly, bowing her head and resting it on her knees.
A hand above her reached out to touch her but was retracted back hesitantly.
Zain put his hand back in his pocket and cleared his throat to make Aliya aware of his presence and allow her some privacy to compose herself. He had watched her for the past 5 minutes weeping, but unable to do anything to help her.
"Zain...umm...what are you doing here? Sorry I hope I didn't wake you up." Aliya said her voice still slightly quivering, her hands wiping her tears. She still continued to look ahead of her, not turning to look at Zain.
Zain moved closer to her and to Aliya's surprise sat next to her, as he had that one fateful night, changing her life.
Both sat there, lost in their individual thoughts. After a moment of silence, Zain spoke.
"The question is why are you out here so late and more importantly why are you crying Aliya?" Aliya remained silent.
"And no you didn't wake me up, I just sensed that you weren't on the bed and when I looked you weren't there...so I got worried." Zain replied rather maturely and quietly.
Aliya shocked for a bit, stared at the rippling water and found Zain staring at the water also, their gaze meeting each other's.
His expression still questioning her tear streaked face, the concern and care evident.
"Are you worried about phupa? He asked after a while. "If you are, don't worry Aliya, he will be fine, just you wait and see." Zain said, this time turning to look at Aliya.
Aliya turned her teary gaze towards Zain shocked again to hear how he knew why she was upset.
"How did you know?" Aliya whispered.
"Pagali, he's my phupa also not just your abbu" he said smiling at her, "and besides if a shauhar cannot sense why his wife is upset then who else going to, huh?"
For the first time Aliya felt like Zain really meant what he said, which brought a genuine smile to her face.
"And, besides I don't like the rona-dona Aliya, I like the tit-for-tat Aliya, who always has a punch line ready for me."
Hearing this Aliya let out a soft laugh.
"Thank goodness, at least my chit chat made the madam laugh" Zain said smiling.
"Zain" Aliya whispered her smile disappearing, and eyes turning moist.
"Hmmm" he answered.
"Abbu's going to be fine right, nothing's going to happen to him, he won't leave us right, he won't leave me, he's going to be okay" Aliya quivered, her tears starting to fall again.
"Aliya, shhh" Zain scooted over, first being hesitant of whether or not to touch her, him also remembering that fateful night, Aliya telling him not to touch her but, seeing her shake uncontrollably, he pushed the thought away and held her face gently making Aliya look at him.
His heart winced seeing her tear stained face, it was as if a magnetic force was pulling at his emotions and feelings. His attachment, care, concern, and love, he questioned, budding all at once. He looked away for a moment, hoping to regain his composure.
Zain looked back at Aliya, her angelic face was broken with despair and hurt, and it hurt him to see her in such a state.
Zain slowly wiped her tears away with his thumbs, and then removed the hair from Aliya's face.
Aliya held Zain's arms as he held her face both staring back at each other, seeking comfort within their own sanctuary of being in each other's presence.
"I'm here right?" He whispered, "I'm going to make sure phupa gets better, okay, that's my promise to you but, I need you to be strong, you have faith in Allah, right, then know that He will listen to your prayers and have mercy on your abbu."
Aliya nodded her head, gazing at her husband amazed at his maturity.
She was slowly realizing that whenever she was in need of support, intentionally or unintentionally he was always there to console her.
There was a bit of ray reflecting off the rippling water, Aliya and Zain looked up at the sky, and saw that the dark clouds were drifting away slowly as the moonlight started to peak through.
Aliya looked back at Zain, his actions and his words tugging at her heart. She didn't know what to call this emotion she was feeling right now, it was something she never experienced before. But as the moonlight peaked through, she realized that no matter how much darkness that has been put forth towards her, her light at the end of the tunnel was always Zain.
Her eyes darting back and forth, trying to read his face, wanting to uncover the hidden feeling of restlessness brewing inside of her. Why the mere touch of his gentle hands, brought such comfort and solace to her soul.
Not knowing what else to do, Aliya launched herself into Zain's arms. Her sudden reaction startled him, as he had to balance her and himself.
Aliya wrapped her arms around Zain as she rested her head on his chest. His heart beat calming her senses and giving her a sense of protectiveness and security.
Zain baffled for a while looked down at Aliya, seeing a content smile on her face, causing him to smile. He slowly wrapped his arms around her body, tugging her closer to him, as she tightened her hold on him. Both at that moment took their first step to eliminating all the barriers they have put around themselves, finally agreeing to alas meet in unity.
Phewww, this is like my what 5th ZaYa OS, lol. Hope you guys enjoyed reading it!!!
Don't run away yet, please do leave feedback 😊
My other work:
Good Morning Mr. & Mrs. Abdullah: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/beintehaa/3901874/os-good-morning-mr-and-mrs-abdullah
Our Baby: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/beintehaa/3931996/our-baby-a-zaya-os
Seriously, I'm in Love-Zain: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/beintehaa/3934319/os-seriously-im-in-love-zain-abdullah
And then He Kissed Me: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/beintehaa/3937046/and-then-he-kissed-me-zaya-os
Love,
Marci ❤️
Anupamaa
