Page 142 of Storm
Before he could say much, Zidaan told him, he was not welcome. Saying clearly that, we had no idea he was planning to join, as Ibbi never mentioned. So now, our car was full. Either he can take his own car or join Umber's brother Humza and his wife Aaira in theirs, or he could opt out of coming and we’d completely understand.
It became apparent to me, that Ibbi, Umber, and Sani were also not glad to meet Zidaan’s cousin. They were just good at masking their dislike. Zidaan wasn’t.
Haadi nodded in consideration,
“Ibbi told me Humza and Aaira will be taking their car.”
Zidaan did not answer.
He went on,
“So it’s a good idea. They also won't get bored if some of us join them.” He pretended to be thoughtful, “How about Ibbi, Sani, and I travel with Humza and Aaira? Everyone will be comfortable, instead of squeezing in a single vehicle. We'll meet you guys halfway?”
Like hell! As if I would let them decide who drives her to such a long distance.
Ibbi started to oppose saying if Haadi can go alone with them, he wanted to travel with us. While Sani stood resigned to whatever they decided. She was just staring at me miffed. As if, it was all my fault.
Ignoring her, I pulled Zidaan aside,
“She is not going with him.”
“If she does not object, I can't. Frankly, I hope she doesn’t refuse. He would otherwise feel we are doing it on purpose. Relax, Humza and Aaira...”
I was shaking my head vigorously even before Zidaan had finished talking.
“Zidaan I don't care about Haadi. And it’s not because of him I'm saying this. I just can't let her be driven by anyone else other than me, when I'm here. Even if it’s just a few blocks away and not to another town. I can't let her.” I urged him earnestly.
“But why are you so insistent on driving her...” Zidaan stopped speaking all of a sudden, as realization hit him and he saw me with raw understanding.
“Please.”
He just nodded, completely bowled.
Staring at her with determination I muttered firmly,
“She can't go in that car. She is coming with us in my car and that’s final Zidaan.”
I tried to keep my voice low, but Sani had heard me anyway, and marched towards us with puffed cheeks and narrowed eyes.
Grabbing Zidaan, she pulled him barely three steps away from me, before rounding on him,
“Zee what the hell is going on here?! What’s his problem exactly?”
“I think I know what the deal with him is. But still, why is Aariz involving you in it, that’s something I would like to know the answer to myself.” Zidaan sighed.
Then gave her a pleading look, “Go, and sit in his car already, or else, we would never even start the journey.”
Sweetheart, I wish I could tell you my reason. Maybe someday I will. Because if I can make anyone understand. It'll just be you.
Sani
Huffing and puffing, I walked towards Aariz’s car, the front door of which he had opened for me. I ignored it and moved to sit in the back, passing him a glare. In response, Aariz looked straight back at me in seriousness, making me jump in fear. Not that I was afraid to glare at Aariz or anything, it’s just...Never mind.
Shortly we started the journey as Haadi left to Humza and Aaira’s place.
The wind blew my hair, soothing me with its caress. It provided me with peace and tranquillity, I had longed for since past few days having missed an essential human's touch in my life.
I threaded my fingers through my hair, feeling the rush of cold morning wind when my eyes fell on the front mirror. Aariz was watching me while he drove us, his eyes intense as ever.
