Parking Hall
Inaya lay unconscious on the cold concrete floor of the parking hall, her dark hair splayed beneath her like a shadow. A thin trail of blood trickled slowly from a deep gash on her temple, pooling beneath her head. Around her, a small crowd had gathered, whispering in uneasy, hushed tones. Yet no one dared step closer to help.
The metallic scent of blood mixed with the faint exhaust fumes hanging in the air. The flickering fluorescent lights overhead cast long shadows that danced across the walls and the scattered cars.
Just then, the sound of an engine echoed through the space. Faqair entered, searching for an empty parking spot. His eyes caught the crowd, and his steps quickened with concern.
Pushing through the murmuring bystanders, his gaze fell upon her.
"Inaya…" he breathed, frozen for a moment in shock.
His heart plummeted as he knelt beside her, reaching for the bloodied wound. He pulled out a handkerchief and pressed it gently against her temple, his hands trembling uncontrollably.
"Someone call an ambulance—please!" he yelled, desperation ringing through his voice.
A bystander spoke from the edge of the group, voice tight. "We already did. But they said it'll take some time."
Faqair's eyes filled with tears. He whispered fiercely, "She's hurt… I can't just sit back and do nothing."
Carefully, he lifted Inaya into his arms, holding her as if she were the most fragile thing in the world. His breath quickened as he moved toward his car.Gently, he laid her across the backseat and settled behind the wheel. His voice barely more than a whisper, thick with emotion: "Inaya… don't worry. I'm here. I promise."
His eyes locked on her pale, motionless face in the rearview mirror. Then, with a surge of determination, he slammed the accelerator down and sped out of the parking hall.
***
Hospital – Emergency Room
Minutes later, Faqair burst into the emergency room, breathless and frantic.
"Doctor! Please, fast—she's badly hurt!"
A team of nurses and doctors rushed out immediately, pulling a stretcher toward him. Gently, Faqair lifted Inaya once more, his fingers trembling but steady.
She was whisked away into the operation theater as the doors slid shut behind her.
Faqair remained outside, his clothes stained with blood, heart pounding, mind racing with a storm of emotions—helplessness, fear, and an aching hope.
***
Parking Hall – Moments Earlier
Meanwhile, just before Faqair's arrival, Meher had been following Inaya's phone location to the parking hall.
When she arrived, she spotted a man holding the phone—stained with blood—and her heart stopped.
"How is she?" Meher asked, voice cracking.
"She was badly hurt," the man replied quietly, handing her the phone.
Her hands shook as she took it. Fear and dread curled in her chest.
"Inaya…" she whispered, almost to herself. "Where is she? Who took her?"
"Someone took her to the hospital," the man answered before disappearing into the crowd.Without a second thought, Meher turned and ran back to her car, tears stinging her eyes as she raced toward the nearest hospitals.
Her phone rang suddenly—it was Faqair.
She frowned, reluctant, and declined.
But it rang again, insistent. Frustrated, she answered.
"I'm busy, Fa—"
Faqair's urgent voice cut her off. "Inaya had an accident. I brought her to City Hospital. Please come fast."
Her breath caught, and the fear tightened her chest.
"Okay… I'm coming."
She pressed the accelerator, speeding toward the hospital as dread and hope warred within her.
***
Hospital – Outside the Operation Theater
Meher parked hastily and ran inside, scanning the corridor until her eyes found Faqair standing near the operating theater.
His white shirt was soaked with blood, and his face was pale but composed. His eyes were locked on the glowing red light above the doors, a silent vigil in the quiet hospital.
"Faqair…" Meher called softly, breathless. "Did the doctors say anything?"
He shook his head slowly. "No… not yet."
Tears spilled down Meher's cheeks. Faqair gently guided her to a nearby chair.
"Miss Meher, don't cry… please. Everything will be fine," he said softly, though his own voice trembled.
She swallowed hard, wiping her tears away.
"She was so happy… how can everything change in just a few seconds?" Meher whispered, voice breaking.
Then, a sudden thought struck her—Nabeel.
He would be waiting for Inaya, and he needed to know what had happened.She pulled out her phone, hands shaking, and dialed his number.
It rang once. Twice. No answer.
She tried again.
At last, he picked up.
"Inaya got into an accident. She is in City Hospital—"
"I'm busy," Nabeel cut her off coldly. "I'll call later."
The line went dead.
Faqair's eyes widened in shock. The whole hospital corridor seemed to fall silent, their hushed conversation the only sound echoing against the sterile walls.
Meher stared at her phone, breathless. "I expected that… but Faqair didn't."
Faqair's face darkened with disbelief. "I know Nabeel," he said quietly. "I didn't think he was capable of that."
Meher wiped her tears and whispered, "She still thinks he loves her."
Faqair looked away, jaw clenched. "Then don't let her find out. Not now."
The red light flickered and suddenly turned green.
The operation theater doors opened, and a doctor stepped out, pulling off his mask.
"Thank God you brought her in quickly," the doctor said, exhaustion lining his face.
Meher rushed forward. "Doctor! How is she?"
The doctor gave a faint, tired smile. "She lost a lot of blood, but she's safe now. Out of danger. You can see her soon."
Relief washed over both of them.
"Thank you, doctor," they said in unison.
***
Inaya's Room – Some Time Later
The nurse appeared moments later, her face soft with sympathy.
"The patient has regained consciousness," she informed them.
Faqair and Meher hurried into the room.Inaya lay on the bed, her skin pale and fragile beneath the hospital sheets. A white bandage was wrapped carefully around her head, a small patch of dried blood staining its edge. She stirred slightly and groaned, her eyes fluttering open.
"Ugh… what…?"
Meher rushed closer, voice gentle. "Inaya… you're okay. You had an accident. Don't you remember?"
Inaya frowned, trying to piece together her memories. "I don't know… I was talking to you, then suddenly—" She stopped, confusion clouding her face.
Just then, Meher's phone rang again. She glanced at the screen—her father's name. She declined the call silently.
Inaya noticed. "Who is that?"
"My father," Meher replied, her voice guarded.
"Why is he calling so much?"
"Nothing important," Meher dismissed quickly.
Inaya's eyes sharpened. "Don't lie to me. Did something happen at the company?"
Meher sighed. "It's just a small issue. I'll handle it later."
"Meher, your dad doesn't like you being distracted from the company," Inaya warned gently. "Please don't get into trouble because of me."
Meher's gaze hardened. "I'll go later. I promise."
Inaya smiled weakly. "Okay… I'm glad Faqair's here."
Faqair looked up, a little surprised.
"Yes, Miss Meher," he said quietly. "I have no urgent matters. I'll stay with her."
Meher hesitated, then nodded.
"Okay… I'll come back after sorting things out."
She took her bag and headed for the door.
Before leaving, she turned back and looked at Faqair, placing a hand on his shoulder."Please take care of her." She whispered, "And… I know Nabeel won't come. So don't let her think about him."
Faqair met her gaze steadily. "You can trust me."
Meher nodded once, then left the room.
Faqair watched her go, his thoughts heavy.
She's like Zayn, he thought. Always noticing everything—reading faces, sensing truth. Cold on the outside, but when it comes to those they love… they'll do anything.
To be continued...