A heavy silence descended upon the room as soon as the words were out of Adan's mouth. She looked frantically between her father and brother. Their shocked expressions told her they were as perturbed by the turn of events as she was. She shook her head. "How could we be so careless? I have been blowing up her phone, but she's not picking up. That should have given me a hint, but I was too distracted and too worried by..."

She left her sentence as if completing it would only give her more pain.

"Adan, are you sure? There must be a loophole." Faran began. He looked behind her at Misam, silently asking him to negate her conviction.

Misam's answer was exactly opposite to that. "It's true, Faran. Adan had her doubts and when we finally reached Aahil's place, Daniel confirmed it to us. His men saw Sila's car in the parking lot and were satisfied that she was inside. Only, she's not. The apartment is empty. That was a miscalculation on their part."

And on our part too. Faran thought restlessly. Adan was right. They had been careless. How could they not know where Sila was? She should've been here right beside Aahil. But they entrusted her safety to their guards. How could they not see her leaving?

How did the thought that she wouldn't be there never cross their minds?

Faseeh ran a hand on his face. His worry was palpable. Beside him, Sabah swayed on her feet. The weight of this knowledge was too daunting for her.

Mahad was quick to hold her. He made her stand on her feet. Tears drenched her cheeks as she looked up at the people around her.

"Where's Sila? And...Aahil..."

She took a shuddering breath, focusing on her husband. "Something is wrong, Faseeh. Gravelly wrong. Something has happened to my kids. Bigger than them."

She had given the voice to everyone's disturbing thoughts. As per Faran, Sila was there when Aahil got home. She was the one to inform him of that. What happened after it was the unspoken truth.

Aahil's accident.

Sila's absence from their place under these circumstances was not a coincidence. They wouldn't delude themselves into thinking that she merrily left to spend time with her family or her friends when the clusterfuck of Aahil's past had literally erupted on itself right in front of her.

It meant only one thing. Something had gone down between Aahil and Sila.

Something that brought Aahil to where he was. And to Sila, she just left without a word.

They had to do something. They'd look for her. She must be there at Wadia House. She had to be there. And—

They heard it all too clearly, the footsteps outside, the summons to hell, or the whispers of salvation.

Dr. Noordin appeared there, flanked by two members of his team. He looked at them with an impassive face. Did he know that right then, the key to their lives was in the palm of his hand? That his words had the power to shatter them but sew them whole, both?

"Mr. Jahangir,"

He faced Faseeh who had shedded all the semblance of a powerful tycoon. Right then he was just a father, on the brink of losing the last shred of sanity and peace if the doctor told him what he hoped he'd never have to hear in this lifetime.

"Please, have a seat." Dr. Yaseen Noordin pointed toward the chairs in the corner. This might not be his usual professional decorum but the peculiarity of this case wasn't lost on anyone.

Faseeh did so as such. He tried to look in control of his racing heart and anxious mind but he couldn't fool a person in the room.

Dr. Yaseen folded his hands in front of him. "We've completed the operation."

Bated breaths. Praying hearts. Hopeful eyes. They were all the pictures on the same canvas. His calculated words weren't encouraging. But still, they tried to be optimistic for each other's sake.

"Is he...my son out of danger?" Faseeh finally asked the question that had the tendency to change everything.

Dr. Yaseen Noordin stayed put. "It's too early to come to that conclusion. Mr. Jahangir, the accident wasn't a minor one. Aahil has sustained a head injury among some other physical traumas. And the most confusing thing about such a situation is its unpredictability. TBIs are usually an exhausting experience for this very reason among many. Nothing can be said with conviction. We've operated on Aahil. The surgery checked all the medical marks. But now is where the tricky part begins."

He leaned forward. "The next few hours are critical for Aahil. He's on the brink. It could be either a slow but definitive transition back to consciousness or..."

"Or?" Sabah whispered, scared that if she posed the question aloud, the outcome would come true.

"Or he'll slip into a coma, Mrs. Jahangir. The chances of this are always high when it comes to head injuries. But as I said, Aahil is on the brink. The next 48 hours will decide which way it will go for him. Let's all hope that it's the way back to us."

Saying that, he got up, ready to leave. His words had been precise and curt. He hadn't sugarcoated the situation to them.

So, the trials were far from over. Aahil might be alive but he was as far away from them as he was when they brought him here.

And no one could say with conviction when they'd hear his voice. See him healthy and happy.

If they'd ever see him that way.

The doctor's departure left the room submerged in silence once again.

The storm was still raging on. Only its attacks were without any loud proclamations.

𝄞

The morning had dawned on the city with its usual chaos. But for many, there was nothing about the day that fell into the normal category.

The white bungalow in Parsi Colony depicted the same exhaustion and confusion. Uncle Jeff's stereo was switched off as there was still time for him to wake up. The same was true for Saleema Baji and Banu Auntie.

Haleh anxiously peeked inside the empty TV lounge. The coast was clear, much to her relief. But for how long? In about half an hour the rest of the occupants would wake up and they'd instantly get to know that Amal, Rameen, and her hadn't gotten much sleep last night.

What reasons would they give them, Haleh had no idea.

She turned back to the task at hand and filling up the jug, made a beeline for her room.

Once inside, she found Rameen and Amal in the same postures as she had left them. Rameen was trying Sila's number for quite literally the hundredth time and Amal was scrolling through the hell sites.

"Has all of it really gone?" Haleh asked, filling a glass of water for Rameen. She took it with an anxious nod her way.

Amal shut her laptop and leaned against the pillow. "Yep. Almost everything."

"Jahan's social media team is working overtime, then."

A frustrated groan left Rameen's lips. She threw her phone on the bed and dropped herself close to Amal with her head in her palms.

"If things are under control now, why is this girl not picking up our calls?" She said, filled with frustration and worry. Amal and Haleh had no answer to that.

Things had been going berserk since last night. They had found the malicious content online, as many people did. It didn't take them long to understand another smear campaign was at play here. They had seen something similar before. And knowing Sila's proclivity to lose her calm under such situations, they had to be there for her. She might not be directly involved, but Aahil was and that made it Sila's problem as well.

Only their calls didn't go through. They could understand that. They had an idea the damage control demanded such things but still they needed to hear from Sila if she was okay.

The whole night they called her number repeatedly but it was of no avail. Going to her place wasn't wise. They didn't want to pry. It was basically a Jahangir issue and no matter how forthcoming Sila's in-laws had always been, the three of them didn't want to cause them any trouble. They had their plate full already.

"She'll be fine right?"

Haleh asked. Her uncertainty was palpable. It wasn't like Sila to ghost them this way. The internet might be a peaceful place now that the Jahangirs had done their work but they wouldn't sit peacefully until they heard from Sila.

"She has to be." Amal's eyes were hard but they couldn't hide the unease behind her resolve. "And she's in for a solid whacking once I get my hands on her. Is this a joke? That 6'2 bane of her existence is taking up all the space in her life. She's not even picking up her phone. This treatment can't go on. Not on my watch."

Rameen and Haleh smiled slightly at her words. Even when everything was bleak and dark, they still found something to smile about. They wanted the same for Sila. She needed them. There were never any doubts.

Then why wouldn't she acknowledge their incessant attempts at getting through to her?

Rameen glanced at her phone's blank screen and sighed. Amal followed her movement and held her hand.

"She's okay, Reen. Don't race your brain."

Rameen's shoulders slumped. "She was acting strange at Alina's party. Said it's the workload but I don't know... she didn't look tired. She looked sad."

Rameen had already told them this tidbit. The repetition was just an indication that she couldn't ignore it. Amal remembered Sila from the party. The last time they had met. Even to her Sila's body language felt a bit odd but she brushed it off. Workplaces can be a royal pain. Sila's reasoning was understandable.

"Reen, you're overthinking." Haleh was the one to interject this time. "If anything was a serious matter, she would have confided in us. When hasn't she?"

That was supposed to give Rameen some semblance of comfort but she still felt restless. If only Sila picked up her call.

That never came to be.

What happened after left them too confused to say much.

Mahad's car stopped outside Wadia House. Haleh was the first one to spot it. She was also the one to tell them in hushed whispers that it was his.

But he hadn't come alone. The presence of Osama was still somewhat acceptable to the normal trajectory of the day but it was Adan Jahangir's face that told them something was wrong.

Seriously wrong.

They left the room and came outside to welcome them in. The greetings were exchanged hastily. The anxiousness etched onto their faces was enough to make them wary as well.

Adan's eyes surveyed the interior quickly. She bent her head, disappointed.

"Sila isn't here, is she?"

Rameen, Amal, and Haleh gaped at her, perplexed.

"Why would she be here? She's supposed to be at her place with Aahil!"

Amal exclaimed, confused and angry. There was visible tension between the three guests at the mention of Aahil. This didn't appear to be any good.

"I think we need to sit down for it."

Osama said. Before they could oblige, the arrival of Dinbanu garnered their attention. She was as confused as the girls. The commotion had woken her up. She was ready to tell the girls off for creating such a ruckus early in the morning but had gotten the surprise to see they had guests.

"Is everything alright?"

She asked. Adan shook her head, bracing herself for the retelling of last night.

Dinbanu and the girls waited patiently for her to say something. But they knew it was not going to be any good.

It was probably after fifteen minutes. Adan had narrated to them the happenings of the disastrous night.

Aahil's accident. Sila's disappearance.

"We thought that she was at their place only...she wasn't. And now we don't know where to look. And Aahil..." Adan took a shaking breath.

"We don't even know if he'll come back to us or slip into oblivion."

Mrs. Wadia held her hand. She was shaken to know all this. Worried sick for Sila's safety but her heart went out to the woman sitting before her. Adan nodded at her, thanking her for the gesture.

"I don't know how it turned into such a disaster."

"Maybe I can help?" Amal cut her, standing up. All eyes went toward her. Rameen and Haleh's widened. They knew her too well to think that she was going to say anything encouraging. She was livid.

"Why don't you start by asking yourself how the hell you all didn't know Sila's whereabouts? Since yesterday evening, you have been working overtime to clear your son's reputation. Full marks for dedication. But his wife has been missing for hours and you didn't even notice? How could you not? How couldn't your guards see her leaving her building? She should've been there with Aahil when he was taken to the hospital. Why didn't it cross your mind right away to get her? Wasn't she important enough to be with the family? Seeing she's a part of it? Your brother's wife for the love of God!"

Her voice cracked as she uttered these words. Sila's absence had turned everything upside down. Rameen, Haleh, and Dinbanu tried to stop her but Amal didn't care for their attempts. She had to get it out. The Jahangirs had done a shoddy job at keeping Sila close and safe when Aahil was not around and it was high time they knew that.

Adan agreed with every word she'd said. Her slumped shoulders vouched for it. There was no denying it. So lost were they in the whirlwind of Aahil's accident and its aftermaths, that they slipped up when it came to Sila. They should've known better. She should've immediately gone to get her, as she wanted to. Without caring for any protocol.

"Now's not the time for this, Amal." Mrs. Wadia said tersely. "We all should come together and pray for Aahil's speedy recovery all the while looking for Sila wherever we can."

"Yeah. We definitely should. We have to find her." Rameen wiped her tears and got up. There were a myriad of questions lurking in her mind. What had possibly gone wrong between Aahil and Sila that she left without saying anything? Without a trace? But the people around her were as clueless as she was. Only Sila or Aahil could tell them what had happened and that was not a possibility at the moment.

They needed to find Sila. And Aahil needed to get back to life. That was the utmost priority right then.

"Do you have any guesses where she might've gone?" Mahad took his part in the conversation. Osama looked on expectantly toward the women of Wadia House.

"Not to her Mamu's place," Haleh added hotly. It was common knowledge that whatever the circumstances, Aqeel's house wouldn't be on Sila's list as the potential lodging. If anything, Wadia House would've been her one and only choice and she wasn't here. That made the rest of the options less plausible.

"Still, we should make sure," Osama said hopefully. It wouldn't hurt to have a look. Anything if it meant they'd get to know Sila's location.

"If that's the case, I'll go there. I'm not going to call Nisha. She'll cause a racket out of nothing. Let me handle it. Even though I know the chances of Sila being there are not high."

Rameen announced, ready to leave. She checked the time. The office hours were about to roll in but this matter was more important.

"I can take you there, Rameen." Osama offered.

She shook her head. "Thanks but I think it's better if I tag Danish along. There are some other places in that neighborhood where Sila might have gone. We have some mutual friends there and few of the neighborhood aunties will be more than ready to host her if she appears at their doorsteps."

"And I need to make a quick call to Murree."

Mrs. Wadia wasn't wrong in her assumption. After Wadia House, her uncle's place at Murree was the most likely place for her to be at. But Naheed's motherly love aside, Sila wouldn't step foot in there. She and Ikram Ayaz were still at loggerheads. She wouldn't choose such an environment in a vulnerable emotional state. One battle at a time.

And emotionally exhausted she'd be. If she weren't, she wouldn't have chosen to get lost in the mist.

What had gone wrong between her and Aahil? The question raised its head in the minds of Rameen, Haleh, and Amal time and again but after Amal's initial outburst, they chose to stay silent. It wasn't the time to pose this query. Not when no one seemed to know the answer to it. Aahil was fighting between life and death. How would you take your anger out on someone already at the mercy of fate?

This was the worst conundrum.

They all got to work immediately. Adan stood up from her seat. Her countenance was defeated. Amal's words had hit her right on the mark. What hurt her the most was the fact that she had been absolutely right.

"Sila is no less dear to us, Amal. It's a shame that we couldn't get it together in time. It's not an excuse. We should've been more mindful."

How would she explain it to these people that they had all dreaded this outcome of Aahil's past for so long even after taking all the measures to prevent it? That in their hearts, they knew that his destruction would come barrelling into his life and they wouldn't be able to do much. That, when it finally happened, was worse than they had expected. That his life became their priority.

That life still oscillated between everything and nothing.

Her pained expression morphed into one of sheer determination. "But I promise you, we'll find Sila. As soon as we can."

They didn't doubt that. Amal nodded, without uttering a word.

Haleh shifted in her place, uncertain. "Adan...can we...see him?"

The request was timid. As if she didn't believe that the Jahangirs would give them this. Aahil wasn't just associated with them through Sila. He had made a place in their lives that was entirely his own work. To know that he was on the brink of...

That thought alone was unsettling.

Adan nodded with a teary smile. "Why not."

She wiped her tears. Would her brother ever know how many people cared for him? She hoped he would.

"I'll take them," Mahad told Adan. "Security is paramount. Faran Bhai said so."

He turned to Rameen. "I'll call Danish. You two can visit Sila's old neighborhood. Don't go there alone, Rameen."

This was the right way to do it. This should've been the way from the get-go.

"And Mrs. Wadia,"

Adan called the matron. She looked distraught by the knowledge. Her worry for Sila was evident.

"Baba will also talk to Naheed Auntie and Ikram Uncle. Faran is already in contact with Muaz. Don't worry. We will find her."

The reassurance was well accepted by Mrs. Wadia. She saw them all getting out of the house to start their quest. Saleema held her by her shoulders and stood close to give her the support. Jeffery solemnly pushed his stereo back into its cabinet. No music will be played at Wadia House today.

Despite the conviction of everyone, Dinbanu couldn't brush her fear away.

The illusion that Sila was happy in her married life had been shattered and how.

𝄞

In all her life, this was the first time Sabah had been to the ICU. She had lost her parents and her husband's parents. The people that meant a lot to her. They had left this world after a brief battle with old age and a number of medical complications.

Still, she had never ventured deep into this part of the hospital. Where life was fighting to get free from the shackles of the body every second and the hold to keep it grounded was paper-thin.

She had, never, in her wildest dreams and her worst nightmares thought that her first visit to an intensive care unit would be to see her precious boy.

As the door was opened for her, she held its knob to gather her courage. It refused to come.

But she had to see her beloved son.

The doctor might be terse in his briefing but the nurses had no such restrictions. They had, not in a subtle way, told her that they all should be thankful that he was at least alive.

Alive. The mandatory thing for a human to be.

At least alive. The worst thing your beloved boy can be.

Faseeh held her hand, trying to convey some of his resolve to her.

As if he fared better. But it did the necessary, giving Sabah a smidge of courage. She held onto him as they ventured further inside.

He was there. Still. Lying on the bed. His torso was covered with bandages. His head looked the worst. As it was the most affected. Machines were attached to him, alive than he was. Welcoming than he could be.

There were no wicked smiles for Sabah. No lazy whining for Faseeh. No infectious grin as he wound his arms around both of them. Taller than his father. Towering over his mother. Challenging Faseeh's work ethic. Getting spoiled by Sabah. Outrageous demands. Unsolicited advice. Unhinged thoughts he refused to keep to himself.

Nothing.

Just a stillness that pierced through Sabah and Faseeh's hearts as if it had pointed ends and a mind of its own.

Sabah dropped herself close to his bed. Faseeh kept standing. He was sure if he bent down, he wouldn't be able to stand up.

"Aahil..."

Sabah's whisper was tender. Coaxing him to come back to her. They were back on their lawn. He was angry at something minuscule. Throwing a tantrum. She stood at the door. Beckoning him close. Showing him the ice cream she had gotten for him. He was torn. She hid her smile. His dilemma was cuter than anything she'd ever witnessed.

"Come back to me, beta. Your Mama can't do it anymore. Never without you."

Faseeh looked away, wiping his tears. The day came rushing back to him. Aahil's first driving experience with him sitting shotgun. His disapproval of his driving even though he was pretty decent. Aahil's disregard for his assessment. His deliberate attempt at making him ten minutes late for his meeting. His vow was that he'd never let him drive again. No more cars for him. He could kiss that Porsche goodbye that he kept demanding.

How he wished he had taken that vow seriously.

"Sir,"

The voice of the nurse reached them loud and clear. "The time's up. Please."

She was respectful in her request. The basic ICU protocol.

Where your time is closely monitored. Where you get scheduled minutes with the people who are the center of all the years of your existence.

How right that person was who said living was nothing but a tragedy.

The nurse didn't have to tell them twice. Sabah and Faseeh left their darling boy amidst the stale air and machines.

Hoping against hope that he'd be the one leaving this room soon.

𝄞

Dark.

Static.

Lost.

Calm? Serenity? Maybe?

Or a storm raging? He wouldn't know.

Stars? Or confetti?

Peace but mayhem.

Nothing. Still everything. A realm unknown. A world he knew by heart.

A melody?

Or a laugh.

Both had the same cadence.

Both had the ability to enthrall him. All the same.

The strumming of a guitar. A hand holding his.

The melodious echoes. The head resting on his chest.

He traced the piano keys. Amiss. A void.

The dim lights of his car. A hand crept along his shirt collar and kissed him.

Whole.

Everything.

The drums he no longer used. The thudding of his heart when he pulled someone closer to feel at home.

Her.

Who was he? Who was she?

Bereft. Home. Wanderer. Oasis. Maybe. Absolutely.

Aahil. Sila.

Lost...and a loss.

And the dark was here again.

𝄞

The ICU rules around here didn't allow anyone outside the family to visit the patient. But due to the Jahangir influence, the staff had been lenient.

Osama and Mahad had been brave to see their friend. Haleh and Amal couldn't muster the same courage for their Dulha Bhai. They resorted to getting a glimpse through the glass door and that was enough to cause them distress.

He was...unrecognizable. And it had nothing to do with the two cuts on his face. The stiff countenance, the body alive but still devoid of life and the stillness.

This could never be the Aahil Jahangir they all knew.

Haleh perched herself on the bench right next to Mahad. Her eyes darted across the hallway. Amal had just excused herself to talk to Ammi. She wanted to comfort her even though the news that Sila wasn't there in Murree had been nothing but painful information for them. But Ammi was there, alone and worried. They didn't expect Abu to be vocal with his emotional support. So they had to take up the task.

Osama was also busy on the phone. Alina was inconsolable. The news of Aahil's accident and Sila's missing made her want to leave everything and return home. Both Mahad and Osama were adamant that she'd complete her professional obligations. They'd take care of everything here. She'd be privy to every development but she'd not mess up this career milestone. She wasn't easy to reason with but Osama was doing a fine job at being a sensible and practical boyfriend.

Mahad rested his head against the wall and rubbed his eyes. Haleh gave him a sideways glance.

"Hey."

She nudged him gently. He looked at her, his emotional fatigue was not easy to conceal.

"Are you okay?"

That was a futile thing to ask, she knew. But she couldn't pretend that it didn't affect her. He was more silent than Haleh had ever seen him. He and Aahil might always be ready to tear each other a new one but the depth of their friendship was not hidden from anyone. Mahad looked like he'd been through hell.

On finding him silent, Haleh pursed her lips.

"Wrong thing to ask?"

"I don't think I'll be okay for quite a while."

Haleh agreed with the sentiment. She could say the same about herself. Until Sila was safe and sound and back among them, she wouldn't know peace.

"When we saw the content was no longer available on the internet, we thought the worst was over. Never knew this awaited us all."

She whispered solemnly. At the mention of the smear campaign, Mahad's eyes flashed.

"Are the Jatois again at it?"

Mahad's jaw clenched. "They wouldn't dare. After the treatment last time, they'd be a fool to try something again. It's someone else. A leech Aahil nurtured long enough that it became a snake. Fucking bastard."

His anger radiated off him. Haleh hadn't expected to see such a reaction.

"Woah. Calm down."

He ran a hand through his hair agitatedly. "I hate him, Haleh. I always have. If he were in front of me, I swear I would've—"

The sudden pressure on his hand made him snap out of his angry spiel. He looked beside him and found his hand enclosed in her.

"Now isn't the time. We need to find Sila. And pray constantly that Aahil wakes up. That both of them make out of this safe and sound."

She made absolute sense. Mahad saw through his lapse and gave her a curt nod.

They were too engrossed in their worry to realize that they had their role reversed. For the first time, she was the mellow one and he was all over the place.

And she had impeccably calmed him down and he had let her.

Some other day, they'd dwell on it. But today wasn't the day.

𝄞

Stopping the car outside the hospital, Danish glanced to the side. She was yet to register their surroundings, lost in her musings.

"Reen?"

She looked at him and then outside the window. A weary sigh left her mouth.

Danish could understand her frustration. He was getting ready for work when Rameen's call had him leave everything. The timing was odd and soon he got to know why that was. He wasted no time in reaching Wadia House. Since then he had been with Rameen.

The search around Johar had been futile. Not something they weren't prepared for. Sila would never rely on her uncle. Rameen had paid a brief visit, making up an excuse that was believable for Ambreen Mami, while Danish asked around their mutual friends from the neighborhood.

Sila hadn't contacted many of them for months.

This left the option of her being at Murree their last encouraging thought. Rameen was too scared to call Mrs. Wadia to confirm. Danish had to take it up from her.

Only for her apprehension to be proven right.

Ammi had informed both Faseeh Jahangir and Mrs. Wadia that Sila wasn't there in Murree. She was as confused by the news of Sila's disappearance as all of them. And now she was constantly in touch with Mrs. Wadia and the girls, trying her best to know Sila's whereabouts and any update on Aahil's health. Muaz had also been informed. He couldn't do much due to his strict duty but he was on the lookout.

"Let's go inside."

Danish held her shoulder gently. Rameen gave him a tired nod. Haleh and Amal were already inside. Had they seen Aahil or not, Rameen didn't know. He was still not stable. His recovery was still a big question mark. The only consolation was that he was alive.

The enormity of this situation was suddenly as clear as the sky overhead and it made Rameen want to cry her heart out.

How did something that looked so promising turn to...this?

It was a question none of them could answer.

𝄞

"The pictures have come out beautifully."

She exclaimed and looked at her mother expectantly to agree with her sentiments.

Nabiha raised her head from the mobile screen but didn't say a word.

Sila grudgingly took another spoonful of her favorite combination—brownie and vanilla ice cream. Too basic but she couldn't help loving it.

"Danish made sure it was a surprise till the last moment. I never expected to have so much fun but I did, Mama."

Nabiha smiled lightly at her and placed the phone on the bedside table. She was yet to say a word.

"And the gift! I've saved that for the last moment. He's put so much thought—"

"Did he apologize for forgetting your birthday?"

The question came her way, expectedly so. Sila huffed, mock-glaring at her mother.

"Can you let it go?"

"So, he didn't. Great. I expected nothing else."

Sila left her place and sat before her mother. "It was an honest mistake, Mama. He has a lot going on personally. Then he also had a packed week at university. Cut him some slack. He arranged the party for me. That's more than enough."

"You were down with a fever on his birthday but you didn't forget to wish him and even sent him gifts and flowers."

Sila chuckled softly. "I can't believe you're keeping this petty score. It should be my thing."

Nabiha gave her a long stare. Sila squirmed under her scrutiny. Her mother's strict lecturer's avatar always left her feeling like she was a troublemaker in her class.

"This must look petty to you, Sila but these small things matter. They can make or break a relationship. Everyone has got their struggles. It's the thought and consideration that matters."

In subtle words, she had conveniently told her once again that she could do better than Danish.

Nabiha wasn't the biggest supporter of this relationship. As it was evident.

"Oh come on, Mama." She whined and hugged her, dropping her head on her shoulder. "My verdict remains the same. Danish is it for me. I'm not leaving him because he has been in a rough patch after his father's passing. That'll be a low move."

Nabiha could only shake her head at her naivety. "I'm not a heartless woman, Sila."

"I never said you are, Mama. You just need to let go of the notion that I have to be Danish's utmost priority. This isn't how things go. That kind of love is true for fictional universes only. Everyone has got their struggles. We have to work through those."

Nabiha caressed her hair. "Meri Jaan, you need to understand it's not entirely about Danish's struggles. He remembers all the important stuff regarding his family, his university life, and even his friends. Then why does he always forget it when it comes to you? And what did you say about being someone's utmost priority? That love isn't fictional, missy."

Sila giggled. "Oh, I forgot. You and Baba had the exact same kind of love story."

"Exactly. I had a man who lived a complete life, Sila. He had a family, work, friends, a thriving social scene, and several other roles to play. But did any of those ever stop him from making me his first and foremost priority? Never. Am I wrong to wish for the same kind of love for my daughter? If I can get it, she should too. And right now, you're trying to be accommodating to Danish's lapses but one day, these very things will start suffocating you. You're too young to settle for the bare minimum, my love. You have your whole life before you. What if someone comes along? Someone who makes you his priority before everything else?"

Sila gave it a thought. But that seemed a mother's way of viewing things. Where she wanted just the best for her child.

Danish had the same goals as her. He wanted to reach the same career zenith she was striving for and his notion of love was replete with practicality, just as hers did.

"I understand where you're coming from, Mama but Danish is it for me. He checks all the boxes."

Nabiha tsked. "Maybe. But I have a feeling someone will come along and change this perception. He will change the checklist too. My daughter deserves nothing less."

Sila chuckled. "Oh, you big romantic. Let's see."

𝄞

"Mama!"

The word left her mouth in earnest. But the reverberations came back to her. Empty as this room was.

She sat up straight and pulled her knees together. That was a vivid dream. A memory from a time long gone. When her mother was alive and healthy.

And when she hadn't ruined herself by putting her expectations on someone who couldn't bear the weight of them. Her mother would be so disappointed to see that.

She roamed her eyes around. The room was devoid of the life it once boasted. It consisted of a mattress she was lying on and an old table. But by the standard of the other rooms, it still had much.

She didn't know when she decided to come here. It was a last-minute decision. No other place made sense to her in that instant. She had vowed that she'd never come here with her baggage. That when she visited, she'd be the happiest person alive. As she was when she stopped by the last time. She wouldn't strain her happiest memories. But how that came to be?

When she was torn and broken like never before, she could only think of this place. Her happy place. Her mother's warm embrace. Her father's strong arms. Where she had learned to dream. Where she put her faith in those dreams. Where every hurt was at bay.

When she got there, the empty rooms greeted her. But they were far better than being tuned out all the while screaming at the top of her lungs. Her voice was hoarse. Her face flushed. But he was oblivious to her as if she was not real. Part of the air. A figment of a fleeting dream he had forgotten the details of the moment he woke up from his sleep.

Her eyes found her dead phone on the table. The charger was in her hand carry. But she didn't have it in her to plug it in. She wanted to tune out the world the same way she had been tuned out by him. Was it fair? She didn't know. Was she being unreasonable? Absolutely. But she wanted these few hours to be spent with herself.

He must've started looking for her. Was he going sick with worry? Had he figured out she was here? Had he informed their friends and family? Had he told them it was his doing?

A part of her snorted at the picture her mind had formed, refusing to believe that her departure would've made any difference to him.

He didn't care, remember? His words. Not your assumption.

But the other part, bigger and more naive, knew he'd come looking for her.

And before that came to be, she wanted to stay alone. Without any interactions. Without any interference. His or anyone else's. She wanted these few hours to be just about her. She didn't want to think about him. Their doomed relationship or what remained of it. The eventual decisions they'd have to take. Choices they'd have to make.

Everything, she tried to lock in a jar and throw it out of the window.

These hours of solitude were going to be about Sila Nouriaz. No Aahil Jahangir was allowed entry here.

And why would he want to enter anyway?

It wasn't as if he cared.

He didn't. His words. Not her assumptions.

𝄞

Sila was not in Karachi.

She was not in Murree as well.

Both these facts had spurred everyone to action. Especially Faran. Just like Adan, he had also acknowledged their mistake. They had to find her not because it was the right thing to do to rectify their mistake.

More so because she was part of the family and the Jahangirs looked out for each other. Always.

He had made some calls as soon as the search for her at the potential places had turned out to be futile.

The result of those calls was before him shortly after.

"She boarded the flight to Islamabad?"

Adan asked, just to be sure she had it right. Faran nodded. "And she landed there as well."

Islamabad was it. That made sense. That would be her route to Murree.

Then why hadn't she reached her ancestral home there yet? The distance wasn't hours long.

She was still in Islamabad. Or stuck on her way to Murree. Both of these scenarios were plausible. Murree has had an influx of tourists these days. The arrival of the winter season had beckoned the people from all over Pakistan to swarm the hill station.

"Faran," Adan began but he had already got to it. "I'm going to ask the authorities to check all the hotels in Islamabad. The search around Murree will take some time but we'll do that too."

That did alleviate her tension but she was still apprehensive.

"Adan," Faran held her shoulder. "We will find Sila. I promise you."

"We have to. For her sake and..."

She looked behind at the ICU door she stood in front of. His alive but lifeless body came into her view through the glass window.

"For his."

Faran's hold on her shoulder increased. She wiped her tears and entered the room.

The day was tough.

But nothing would ever top this.

They all would take a while to get used to seeing him this way.

But Adan hoped they wouldn't have to.

𝄞

"Great party, man!"

"I'm having a gala time, Aahil."

"Dude, bring the guitar."

The voices faded behind him as he closed the door to the beach house and stood on the sand. The gash he had gotten during yesterday's football camp didn't hurt. His mother's magic had worked wonders.

He smiled to himself and walked away from the house. His destination was unknown to him. But on his way, he did see Mahad, Alina, and Osama. They beckoned him toward them but he just shook his head.

He pushed his hands into his pockets. The sand beneath his feet thinned and suddenly, he was on concrete. His favorite Nikes were in his feet as he made his way toward the end of the road. His Berklee varsity jacket hung from his one shoulder, about to fall down. He had been in a hurry.

Maya stood there, smiling at him.

"You're getting late."

She said as soon as he came into the hearing distance. He nodded, knowing too well how right she was.

He was getting late.

But for what?

"What am I getting late for?"

He wheezed as if he had run a marathon to reach there.

"What else?" Maya said with a knowing smile and raised her hand. He followed the direction and in his direct view, under the canopy, he could see her waiting anxiously for someone.

For him. The realization was quick and he acted fast.

Behind him, Maya's infectious laughter made him grin as well.

He reached the canopy. His footsteps announced his arrival. She turned around and glared at him.

"You're late again, Aahil."

He took in her form. The red Saree from their wedding reception. He wanted to tell her she looked ethereal.

But.

"You look beautiful, Sila."

The words tumbled out of his mouth. The hesitation was nowhere to be found. His eyes widened. Hers remained aloof and sad.

He could say that to her.

He had said that to her.

"And I love you. It means everything to me. I care. I bloody care. A lot."

She came closer. Her eyes never strayed from him.

A tear rolled down her cheek as she settled his tie over his coat.

"You're getting late."

"I'm with you here. There's nowhere else I need to be."

Sila raised on her feet and kissed him on the cheek. He closed his eyes.

But her broken whisper made him open those with a start.

"You're getting late. Please. Aahil."

And with that, she was gone.

"Wait! Where are you going? Sila! Come back here!"

But she was gone.

"Where are you!"

He shouted.

"And what am I getting late for?"

He whispered to himself.

Without thinking more, he ran.

He ran to find her.

This was what he was getting late for. But as usual, he was late to realize it.

𝄞

Adan was engrossed in the contours of his face, trying to imagine his smile when she first felt it.

The flinching of his eyelids. She brushed it off, thinking of it as her mind playing tricks with her.

But it happened again.

It was his hand this time around. The fingers shook ever so slightly. Adan saw, with bated breaths.

Another movement. Quiver of his lips.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. As if the mere task had been a herculean one.

Adan didn't know what to do. Cry her heart out in gratitude, call for the doctor or just keep on looking at her brother.

Who was finally awake.

She wiped her tears, deciding that the wisest thing was to call the doctor. But before darting out of the ICU, she bent down and kissed his forehead.

"Welcome back, you royal pain. I'm just going to get the doctor. Stay with me, please. Don't disappear again."

He looked at her with his half-closed lids. Adan tried to get away but something in his gaze stopped her.

A plea. Earnest.

"Aahil, you've just woken up. Please, don't strain yourself."

A tear rolled down his cheek. Adan closed her eyes, the realization dawning on her.

"Sila...Sila is outside. You don't have to worry. Once the doctor has examined you, I'll..."

His eyes alone were enough to tell her it was futile to lie to him. They probed into her. Urging her to be truthful. The urgency in those stumbled Adan. His lips trembled. Tears continuously rolled down his cheek. He was such a picture of helplessness that Adan wanted to hide him somewhere. Discarding the caution to the bin, she caressed his face, wiping his tears.

"She's...we'll bring her here soon. She's in Islamabad right now. Faran will get to know her exact location shortly. Then she'll be right next to you. I promise."

Adan had solved this for him but he was far from calm. He couldn't do much. He couldn't even move his lips properly. Adan wanted to stop him but she did have the heart to do that.

His struggle was heartbreaking.

"I need to call the doctor, Aahil. Please."

She tried to get up but stopped when she saw his lips moving.

Adan didn't have to guess.

Sila.

"Sila will be with you, Aahil. I'll make sure of it. We'll find her very soon."

Saying that she left him and dashed out there in search of the doctor.

Sila...

That wasn't the only thing he had to make her understand.

But that was the only thing he could make her understand.

His meager amount of energy gave away right then.

And his lids closed on their own accord. He hadn't lost consciousness.

But he might as well have. If this helplessness was going to be his fate from hereon.

𝄞

Author's Note

I've taken some creative liberties about some aspects of this chapter. It's not a lack of research xD