The hospital room was quiet except for the steady beeping of the heart monitor. Pale light filtered through the window, falling on Inaya's tired face. Her eyes were half closed, her breathing weak but restless.
Faqair walked in quietly and sat down on the stool beside her bed. He looked at her with worry, his brows drawn close.
"Inaya," he said softly. "You need to rest."
Inaya's lips moved, her voice a fragile whisper.
"Faqair… please, can you take me to the bus station? It's very important. I'll tell you the way."
He frowned. "Inaya, you're not well. You just had an accident. The doctors won't let you leave."
She slowly opened her eyes and looked at him with determination.
"No," she said, shaking her head weakly. "I have to go."
Faqair sighed, torn between reason and the strange loyalty he felt toward her.
"Alright," he muttered. "But how? The doctors will stop us."
A faint smile touched her lips — a mischievous one.
"Then we'll find another way."
Faqair groaned and leaned back.
"Oh no," he said. "Not that look again."
***
The Hospital Escape
Moments later, Faqair peeked into the hospital corridor. It was empty. Moving quietly, he rolled a wheelchair into the room and shut the door behind him.
"Inaya," he whispered urgently. "Hurry, before someone sees us."
He helped her sit in the wheelchair and began pushing it quickly through the corridor. They moved past nurses, patients, and doctors, blending into the noise of the hospital. Every turn made Faqair's heart beat faster. Finally, they reached the main gate.
A security guard stood there, arms crossed, watching everyone who passed.
Faqair stopped. "Now what?" he whispered, his voice full of panic.
"Wait," Inaya said, thinking hard. "Let me think…"
"There's no time!" he hissed. "We'll get caught!"
"Stop making me worry! Just—just give me a second," she said, closing her eyes.
Suddenly, Faqair's face lit up.
"Idea!"
***
Outside near the gate, Inaya hid behind a bush with the wheelchair while Faqair walked dramatically toward the guard, clutching his stomach.
"Ahhh! My stomach!" he cried, collapsing near the man. "It hurts so bad!"
The guard rushed to him. "Sir, what happened? Are you alright?"
Faqair groaned louder, rolling on the ground.
"No… I feel like I'm dying… ahhh…"
The guard panicked. "I'll get a doctor!" he shouted and ran inside.
Inaya immediately wheeled herself out from behind the bush and grinned.
"Chalo, ho gayi acting! He's gone."
Faqair opened one eye, looked around, then stood up, brushing off his shirt.
"Why am I doing this?" he muttered. "A few minutes ago, I was a respected man…"
Inaya laughed softly. "Push the wheelchair! Want to get caught?"
Faqair smiled despite himself. "Yes, yes. I'm coming."
They both laughed as they rolled past the hospital gate — free at last.
***
The Ride
Faqair carefully helped Inaya into his car. She winced slightly as she moved, but her face showed relief more than pain.
"Tell me the directions," he said.
She nodded, her voice soft. "Straight ahead… then turn left after the bridge."
They drove in silence. The world outside blurred past — people walking, buses roaring, life continuing as if nothing had changed. But inside the car, tension hung heavy. Faqair stole glances at her — her pale face, her trembling hands, the hope flickering in her tired eyes.
***
The Bus Station
After some time, they reached the crowded bus station. Faqair parked and stepped out, helping Inaya stand. She leaned on his arm as they slowly made their way through the noise and the smell of diesel.
Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching. And then suddenly — she smiled.
"There!" she said with a spark of joy. "Nabeel!"
She pointed toward a bench where a young man sat, scrolling through his phone. Inaya's eyes softened. She took a weak step forward, her heart racing.
But then — a girl ran up to Nabeel, hugged him tightly, and kissed him on the cheek.
Inaya froze. The color drained from her face. Her lips trembled.
Her eyes stayed on the scene, the smile fading completely.
"Take me back…" she whispered. "Please. I want to go back."
Her knees gave way. Faqair rushed to her, catching her before she hit the ground. He didn't speak. He just held her quietly for a moment — then lifted her in his arms and carried her back to the car.
***
The Drive Back
The drive was silent. Inaya sat motionless, her eyes on the window. Tears rolled down her cheeks, unnoticed. Faqair kept his hands steady on the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the road.
The laughter and mischief from before had vanished.
Only the sound of the engine filled the air — and the quiet ache of two people who had seen too much in a single day.
To be continued....