d

to make my parents happy. Call me old-fashioned or conservative; others' opinions don't matter to me. What matters is what my parents think about me

and that makes me an independent girl. This was the sole reason they let me do anything in my life, as they know I will never say no to them. Thus, I liv

e to their wish as I knew they will choose the best for me like always, and I was glad I let them decide since my soon-to-b

with me. He respected my parents as his own and would always seek Dad's permission before meeting me. What more could I ask for? I don't believe in power or money or the fact that mon

e monthly expenses, and that was the sole reason I wanted to keep the engagement a simple gathering rather than make it glorious. I sat at the center of our fun-filled living room while two

mom always dislikes, and no matter how much she lectures me, I would end up being the last to pray. My dad always consoled he

ement. I closed my eyes and let out a grati

I frowned at his lost state. The rest of the evening went by in a blink, and I never realized that even s

bed when I heard my mother's shriek. She

e me freeze at my spot. My father was lying unconscious on the kitchen floor, and Mom

d me, "You should stay with your si

around, I saw my sisters, Ayat and Ashna, sobbing on the couch. They were just teenagers and were petrified seeing Dad on the floor. Being t

n the afternoon, suddenly turned silent, and

t the eerie silence in the house was broken w

asked him the m

hair and closed his eyes in

ned to Dad?

red, and I knew he was tr

wanted to talk to Jawad alone about Dad, and with

nce. I, too, was shaken hearing about my father's condition, but I had to stay strong for my siblings. The momen

ctors are talking about an ope

I said, but deep down, I too

oking expectantly at hi

were dying to hear me say that, and I don't regret making him the

n of the day, we both ended up sleeping in the same posture. It was when Jawad's phone rang

answered

as brought out of my trance when Jawad stood up walkin

for the treatment and wants me to be

l," I said. Jawad wanted to protest, but I

the hospital in a cab. Today's traffic jam was unusual as we were stuck up in the traffic f

aid with a raised voice and looked

junction, and they are investigating the crime scene,"

ty? I was shocked at t

ld only whis

e?" he shrugged

s information was new to me as I always thought our c

ed, "They are everywhere; it's just they keep a low profile. Thi

I had to ask, seeing his confi

norantly sleep," he said with a dark tone making me gulp. That was the

n my own problem, and as I took a turn, I hea

ing in a whisper, and I could see her shoul

hy would I be devastated? I knew it was wrong on my part to eavesdrop on my m

t crowded, and I could hide near

ing money; otherwise, they will break the allia

s asked for money. Is that why Dad was stressed out? And the call? Was

how I will arrange money for his operation now." When Mom said, I could only stare at the opposite wall in s

t of one hundred thousand. I would forever be grateful to you if you can help me arrange

ct was the last bl

Mom couldn't complete her sentence and let out

ave helped Dad financially. At least he wouldn't have been stressed out and ended up being in the hospital. It was becaus

passerby gave me a sympathetic look, but that was of least concern for me. My body shook when I tried to muffle my sobs, an

oron, Dad was doing above and beyond, just for my happiness.

cheek, and I hiccuped, whispering, "Please, help me." I knew

hands in prayer while sobbing hysterically. I was still crying, cl

n college but not for good reasons. Although I never mistrea

w her giving me a look. I know

d shocked. Not her fault, no one approached

tear-stained face and heavy voice. I lowered my head a

me in the college. I was surprised you even know my name." I know she was tryi

r? I heard she was an escort and sold h

o say something, anything,

eplied, flipping her keratin smooth hair but never stopped ga

They were true." I gaped at her for a few seconds before she let o

tled, hearing

orry I didn't m

a sigh. I don't know why but I felt g

then me; she seems to understand w

id after a while when

em for people like us?" I sai

" she m

en I needed a shoulder when she could have chosen to walk away. Sensing a stare, sh

head before replying, "No, it's just t

eeded to talk to s

I could walk further, she said, "I can help you." I started taking a