Late night update🌚 Comment!!!

Not edited.

"I'll get going now, Ma'am."

Nana offered the nurse a small, barely visible smile along with a curt nod. The Nurse took that as her cue to leave. Turning around on her heels, she walked off and disappeared down another corridor, mingling with the busy attendants there.

Blowing out a small breath, Nana's fingers tightened around the handle of her bag. She flicked her eyes close for a brief moment, and took a few moments to gather her thoughts. A few seconds later, she parted them and hesitantly rose a hand up—taking the door knob and pushing it open slightly.

Muttering a salaam under her breath, though she's very much aware it won't be answered, she stepped into the room—and almost immediately, the warmth in the embraced her like a blanket.

She didn't let her thoughts dwell on the atmosphere. Instead, she closed the door behind her softly and then trudged past the small corridor and into the room. The first thing her eyes fell on were the objects scattered on the floor. Paint brushes, a broken canvas, and paint adorned the rug covering the floor almost like it was done intentionally—and in a way, it was.

Releasing a breath she didn't know she was holding, she looked around the room, taking note of the damage done—like most times. Thankfully, there wasn't much aside from the mess on the floor. The bed wasn't exactly tidy, but it wasn't a mess either. It just seemed like the owner got up after a long sleep, and didn't bother to fix it.

Blinking, her eyes darted from the messy bed to the window on the other side of the door. It was drawn open, allowing the warm breeze to flood into the room, filling the atmosphere. The curtains swooshed back and forth, swaying to the tune of the air in a serene manner.

Situated just by the window, a canvas was set. The figure seated on the stool by it held a paint brush, her hands moving across the no longer white board with a certain attentiveness that showed she had unplugged herself from the surrounding. The rays coming from the open window casted a certain glow on her, making her seem like a portrait straight out of someone's painting.

Her hair, straightened as it has always been was pulled into a messy bun—not bothering to cover it. Who cares? Certainly not her. A white knit cardigan covered the white shirt she had on, the sleeves stopping just by her elbow. A few drops of paint tainted the article, but like everything else, it meant nothing at that moment.

Her eyes never left the canvas, along with the movements of the brush she held firmly in her hands with accuracy that showed she mastered whatever it is she's doing. The only time her gaze moved from the painting is when she takes the brush, dips it in the paint again, and the move back to flick it in patterns yet again.

Eyes focused on her work, her expression remained blank—the only change being the occasional squishing of her brows, before the crease between it would disappear. Her lips were set into a straight line, not once twitching to give an expression of what's going through that web in her head. It's always been a mystery to everyone around her.

Nana tore her gaze from the woman. Carefully watching her steps, she made sure to not step on the mess covering the floor as she covered the distance between them before quietly slipping into the chair in front of the woman—keeping her bag aside.

Crossing her legs, she leaned back and quietly watched the woman went about her work, not in the least connected to her surrounding in any form. Her action continued for about fifteen minutes—and during that time, not a word, or a glance was exchanged between the two women.

Nana of course, had her gaze fixed on the woman—the latter though, wasn't even aware of the former's presence. It wasn't until after those long minutes, did her hand dropped the brush. Blinking, her eyes took in her work and for the first time, her lips stretched into a wide smile—her eyes gleaming.

She blew out a breath, her shoulders slumping in the process. Flicking her eyes up, her gaze then fell on Nana who was quietly watching her. Like an excited kid, she placed her hand on either side of the painting, not in the least bothered by her hand being dirtied by the paint yet to dry, and turned it around so Nana could see it.

"How does it look?" She questioned, her voice slightly throaty—probably from screaming for hours before she finally unplugged herself. At that moment though, she didn't seem like the woman that threw a tantrum and nearly turned the room upside down.

She seemed like a kid, trapped in a particular moment in her life. A moment she captures in every painting of hers for years now.

Nana's eyes pranced from the giddy woman to the painting. She found herself taking a sharp breath when her eyes met that of the girl in the painting. For as far as she'd known this woman, she has never, not once drawn or painted anyone because she knew it's not permissible.

But, since she lost herself, that's all she ever does. She draws this particular girl over and over—either in the form of a child, or an adult. There's an array of paintings she'd made of that familiar face in the corner of the room in stacks.

Nana wasn't sure how to take this. She was worried...beyond it actually, and guilt ridden to say the least. But, she knew none of those emotions would change anything so she tends to mask it.

Her lips stretched into a small smile. "It's beautiful." She replied with the same statement she'd given regarding the other tons of paintings. Today, the woman in the frame was painted as a kid—a vibrant kid.

The compliment had the woman's grin stretching into a grin. "I know right!" She turned the painting around, and stared at it lovingly. "My daughter is the prettiest of them all." She reached her paint tainted hands out to caress the girl in the painting, almost as if she's seeing the real one. "Everyone tells me she's extremely pretty."

Nana swallowed thickly, blowing out a shaky breath. "She is." She intended to voice out, but it came out as a shaky whisper. She's normally a tough woman. But, when it comes to this, she drops all her guards—not that she has much of an option.

The woman's smile faltered slightly, almost as if having remembered something. She looked up, and tsked with slightly narrowed eyes. "When will she visit?" She questioned, "The stupid women here won't allow me to go and see her!" She hissed loudly, her fingers tightening around the edge of the painting.

"Soon." Nana gave her the same reply she'd given her all these years. Her daughter will visit her soon. Of course, that's all a lie but it's better to say that and keep her sane for a while—though she's still in her delirious state.

And of course the nurses won't allow her out. It's a nursing home for a reason. And besides, she isn't in the right mental state to be anywhere. That's why no one knows where she truly is, with the exception of Nana of course.

The woman didn't seem to exactly buy the lie, but she didn't seem wary of it either. She was still muttering colorful curses at the people taking care of her there, since they won't allow her out. God knows how many times she'd tried to escape.

She'd wreaked havoc—she still is. She'd hurt herself, and hurt them too to the point some needed emergency care. She'd tried to escape through various means but none worked.

It's always a tough time with her. The only times it isn't, is when she's painting. That's when she's calm, though not sane.

Nana never once blamed her for the condition she found herself in. Instead, she blamed herself, and the people truly responsible. Amidst quietly watching the delirious woman, her phone which she held in her hand started to vibrate. She ignored it, not bothering to check the ID.

It's always been like that. Whenever she comes here, she tends to keep everyone away because she wants no distraction. And it always works. Except this time.

Her phone continued to vibrate, and when she finally decided to turn the phone off, her gaze fell on the caller ID—Tauhida. She sighed, and tapped the reject button. As she was about to switch it off, a message came from Tauhida—one she couldn't ignore even if she wants to.

When her eyes took in what is written in the message, she whipped her head to look at the woman sitting in front of her, still caught in whatever web she created for herself. She swallowed thickly, and pushed herself up—taking her bag in the process.

Casting the woman one last look, she suspired, turned around and hastily exited. All the while, not once did the woman even recognize her presence to even realize she's alone in the room again.

Who cares? She's alone in the world anyway.

~*~

Arriving at the hospital, Nana maneuvered her way around in search of the room Tauhida told her Farrah is admitted. Her steps were hasty, and her eyes moved around the place not wanting to miss the room by any chance. A few minutes into her search, she arrived at the destination.

Without a second thought, she took the doorknob and pushed the door open. Stepping into the room in a rush, her gaze instantly fell on the petite figure on the bed. Her feet moved on their own accord, and in a flash, she found herself sitting on the bed and keeping her bag aside.

With brows squished together, her lips slanted downwards into a frown as she took the unconscious girl's hand in hers and gave it a comforting squeeze. Her heart clenched, just like how it had been doing since she read the message about what happened to the girl.

Well, technically, it didn't say what happened to her. All it says is that she is in the hospital, but that was all it took for the old woman to lose her calm.

Now that she's seeing the girl though, she could only hope it's nothing bad. Even so though, she is so close to snapping because she needs an explanation and she needs it right at that moment!

She looked up, her gaze falling on the figure she found in the room with Farrah. She didn't pay any heed to her earlier, because she had urgent matters to attend to. Now though, she has questions—starting with. "What are you doing here?" She questioned, her tone cold as always.

Zoya swallowed thickly, though her gaze never faltered from the woman's. Yes, she's intimidating—and they aren't exactly on the best terms but she has a feeling that will soon change. "I brought her here." She responded, her voice coming out strong.

Her facial expression didn't give away the slightest hint that she's nervous or anything of that sort. She is. She is also worried sick about the unconscious girl, but she has done well to hide it.

This is the side of her that everyone knows after all. No matter what, she always holds up that image of hers, the unfaltering one that's calm, collected, and strong in front of everyone else. The only one who she allows to see the weak side of her is Asad, and he isn't there.

Nana's eyes narrowed at her slightly the minute those words left her lips. "How did you run into her?" For as far as knows, Tauhida is supposed to pick her up and take her home. She's also supposed to stay with her until she returns.

Zoya blinked, almost lazily to give the impression that she isn't fazed by the woman's cold attitude. Deep down, she is. "I ran into her and the woman who's the reason she's here." She shrugged, lips puckered slightly.

Nana slowly slipped her hand out of Farrah's, and with every gentility in her, she tucked the girl's hand under the comforter. She then unfolded to her full length, and took a few steps towards the Lebanese. "Quit the riddles, and tell me what happened. I want to hear everything." She voiced out slowly, her tone low and holding a warning as to what would happen if Zoya does otherwise.

Zoya arched a brow almost immediately she heard those words. Everything? The corner of her lips tilted upwards slightly, and she didn't bother to hide it even when Nana threw her a glare.

Sighing, Zoya folded her hands over her torso and threw a glance at Farrah who's unconscious. Thankfully, she's out of danger since they managed to bring her on time—as the doctor said. "I'm sure you already have an inkling regarding everything." She kept her voice low, despite being the only ones there. Shifting her gaze from Farrah to her great grandmother, she offered her a smile that's anything but comforting. "You might want to take a seat for this."

~*~

Of course, Zoya didn't tell her everything. There are things she still isn't certain of, and she won't be a fool to make the mistake of saying stuff without evidence. What she's certain of though, and what she knows Nana is aware of, she told her along with evidence she's gathered.

There's really no need for it, since it's obvious but she hates being termed a liar. Everything she does, she does it with evidence that will be hard to refute. That's how she's been able to win all this while.

By the time they were done, she was sure she already got Nana right where she wanted. And it didn't even take much for that to happen. Now, all she will do is sit and watch the bait she threw take its course.

The door pushed open, putting a halt to her train of thoughts. From where she stood, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, she watched with profound interest as Tauhida and the devil she's just thinking about step into the room.

Her lips immediately slanted into a small smirk. Oh, she's certain she would love what is about to go down.

The two must've noticed the tense atmosphere in the room, because they stopped after a few steps in. Tauhida was the first to do so, when her gaze fell on the woman seated on the chair beside the bed, her expression cold as ever.

The young lady swallowed thickly, blinking repeatedly. "Nana..."

On hearing the name of the woman she's been fearing her arrival, Yasmeen's eyes instantly widened as she came to stop beside Tauhida. Her heart hammered behind her ribcage, threatening to jump out.

This is what she's been scared of. Nana's arrival.

She's been in fear since Farrah was brought to the hospital. Of course, she had been blaming herself for everything that has happened though Tauhida tried to convince her otherwise. It didn't work.

She felt a little better when they were informed Farrah would be okay. But, that was only until she remembered how she would face Nana and Asad. It's obvious the old woman cares a great deal about her great granddaughter. It's only natural.

But the woman scares her—more than anyone else.

Then, there's Asad. How is she supposed to face him now? After everything he'd done to her, she brought his daughter to the hospital. What if he believes she did it intentionally? Perhaps, this was the reason he kept her away from the little girl—because he feared she would harm his kid.

And now, she has.

The last time she was this scared was when her wedding with Rafael was called off. Now though, it feels even worse because at least then, she's a bit used to her parents' anger—her dad especially.

Now, it's different. She didn't know what to expect. Not to mention, she's all alone in this.

She was snapped out of her trance when Nana pushed herself off the chair and slowly approached the two, her cold eyes never leaving Yasmeen's. She is furious, that much showed on her face. And by the looks of it, she's about to vent it out on someone.

Instinctively, Yasmeen took a step back and hung her head low the minute the woman approached her. Her heart rate accelerated, and she wouldn't be surprised if everyone in the room hears it.

Tauhida had done well to calm her when she took her out to get some breather. Now though, all her fear was back, chocking her up and threatening to put an end to her.

Nana stopped in front of Yasmeen, her flinty eyes narrowed. With everything she's just found out—or more like was confirmed, and all she's been through throughout the day, she was close to venting it all out on Yasmeen.

It would only be right.

But, she's trying to hold herself back—even though it's hard.

Noticing the look masking the old woman's face, Tauhida spared at Yasmeen who's obviously terrified and then tried to come to her rescue. Swallowing thickly, she tried to voice out. "Nana..." She called out cautiously. "...this is all my fault--"

"Shut up, Tauhida." Nana voice came, a bit low but the warning rang loud. "I don't want to hear a word from you." That was all it took for the said lady to zip her lips shut.

She knows better than anyone in the world how Nana's anger is—she knows what she's capable of. So, she wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of it.

Taking a step back, her shoulders slumped. There's no fighting the old woman when she sets her mind to something.

Nana took in a sharp breath, finding it extremely hard to stop herself from lashing at the girl standing in front of her—quivering in fear. She gritted out. "Get out." The words came out slow, as if to engrave itself in Yasmeen's brain.

Yasmeen looked up, her eyes slightly red from the tears she'd shed earlier. "Nana--" She knows the woman hates her, and rightfully so but she wants to explain herself at least.

"Don't make me repeat myself." Nana cut her off, her voice never raising through the bubbling anger behind it is prominent. "Get out of here, and don't show your face here again. Which part of that don't you get? Or do you think being Asad's wife automatically makes you the girl's mother?" Just a few weeks back, she was glad that Asad is getting married and that Farrah would get a mother.

Not anymore though.

Why is he always picking the wrong ones? If it's up to her, she would make sure he lets go of this woman before things could get out of hand like the last time.

Yasmeen took in a sharp breath. Those words were meant to hurt, and it did. She didn't consciously assume herself as the girl's mother—but after being with her, she realized she wouldn't mind filling that empty spot.

"—Farrah is not your daughter, the earlier you engrave that in your brain, the better. Do you really think we'd ever entrust her with you after what just happened?"

Yup. Those words definitely hurt. But, Yasmeen still wanted to clear her name. It's stupid, but she wants to at least try. "I didn't know of her allergies--"

"Is that something to be proud of?" Nana scoffed, the sound taunting. "If you don't know the girl, why insist being with her. No one asked, right? You seem to be too delusional for your own good." She paused, shaking her head slightly. "Farrah will never have you as a mother—not someone as cheap as you are. Now, before I lose my calm, leave this place this instant."

This time around, Yasmeen didn't argue. There was no need to. So, with blurry eyes, she turned around and quietly slipped out of the room with the little bit of dignity left in her. It hurts, it does more than she'd like to admit.

With her gone, Zoya's smirk widened as she tilted her head to the side slightly. Sighing in obvious relief, she shifted her gaze from the door only for it to fall on Tauhida who was glaring at her. In response, she simply offered a smile to get on the woman's nerves.

It worked. They've never liked each other before. And they never would.

~*~

Toh, Yasmeen sai da haquri. Ni I want you to suffer. Dazzal.

Kekuma Nana drink Ice warra. Ehen. Take warra and calm down.

Zoya, my guyyyy. Keep bringing vayolence left and right. Forget these people that hate you. Shey you know you're my favorite after Asadu, right?

Speaking of which? Asad come back with your own reaction abeg?

Moving onnnnnnn, last chapter's game. We have our winners.

The OSTs are: Love Maybe by Melomance from Business Proposal.

And, La Vie by Sole from Little Women.

A lot of you guessed the first one, but someone already got it so...sorry. As for the second one, only three people I think got it, or was it two? I'm not sure. Bottom line, we have our winner.

I've seen some of you mentioning other OSTs, one of which is 'With you' ko? From Our Blues. One; I didn't even watch it so that's not the one I'm aiming for. The name has nothing to do with that OST.

Thanks for participating though.

Have a good night.

Love, Jannah.