Chapter 6: Grounds of suspicion
At the Hospital
Ayan Ahmad had never seen himself so helpless—not even on the day of his own accident.
His youngest child, the light of his home, lay before him lifeless and exhausted.
The man known for his strength and composure was, at that moment, nothing more than a helpless father.
He knew that after calling upon Allah, Zahra would have called out for him. He wanted to cry with all his heart, but he was a man, and in their society men were not expected to cry.
Yet, for the next few moments, the hospital walls witnessed an unusual sight.
Ayan Ahmad—the man whose piercing gaze could shake even the bravest people—stood there with tears glistening in his dignified dark eyes.
The Next Morning
Hadi had stayed beside Zahra throughout the night.
After comforting the rest of the family, he had sent them home. Convincing his mother to leave the hospital had been the hardest part.
All night long, he sat watching Zahra's face.
The sister whose face was always full of life now lay pale, silent, and exhausted.
She still hadn't regained consciousness.
The doctors reassured him that it was the effect of the medication.
Hadi hadn't slept at all. His dark eyes showed clear signs of exhaustion.
Suddenly, Zahra's body moved slightly.
Hadi immediately stood up, gently brushed her hair back, and softly called her name.
There was no response.
He adjusted her dupatta and hurried to call the doctor.
A little later, he returned with the doctor.
His beard had grown slightly, his hair was messy, and the fatigue on his face was impossible to hide.
The doctor examined Zahra, changed her IV drip, and left.
A Few Days Later
Zahra had returned home from the hospital, but she was still very weak.
She spent most of the day in silence.
After Hadi repeatedly questioned her, she finally told him everything she remembered about those missing days.
Hadi had already filed a complaint with the university.
For the time being, Zahra had stopped attending classes.
Friends came to visit her.
One day, Fajr arrived with Professor Sarwar Mustafa.
He was wearing a black shalwar kameez and black shoes, looking as composed as ever.
Professor Sarwar: “Zahra, I'm deeply sorry for what happened to you. How are you feeling?”
Zahra suddenly raised her voice in anger.
Zahra: “You almost got me killed! You left nothing undone, yet somehow I survived. Was this my punishment for not accepting your apology? You should be ashamed of yourself!”
Professor Sarwar looked at her in confusion.
She was wearing her niqab, but her tear-filled eyes were visible.
Kashaf quietly apologized to him and escorted him outside.
That evening, when Hadi came home, Kashaf told him everything that had happened.
After that, Hadi completely abandoned his plan to move abroad.