How Love Happens - Chapter 26

 

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Author's Note

This chapter is dedicated to three of my closest friends and my most loyal readers. Lala, Sunshine, and the Businesswoman. (You know who you are). Thank you for your support.

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Haifa observed the local news crew conducting an interview with Zishan on the uninhabited island he had chosen. They arrived at the island around ten in the morning on Saturday. The island resembled the one he had taken her to previously, perhaps a little larger. Basith was also present, joining the rest of them.

The night before, it had rained, and the morning still held the promise of another shower. The clouds hung dark in the sky, barely allowing a glimpse of the sun. Despite the potential for rain, the weather was ideal for an outdoor working day, with the overcast sky shielding them from the harsh morning sun rays.

Zishan had opted for a formal look and appeared exceptionally handsome in his attire—a dark blue shirt paired with sleek, dark slacks. As he spoke passionately about the importance of preserving the environment, Haifa noticed a visible change in his demeanor. The initial nervousness faded away, replaced by a more relaxed and confident aura. Haifa was pleased to be by his side, supporting him in something that meant so much.

She observed his sincere face, captivated by the expressiveness in his eyes as he spoke. Watching him, she found herself enamored by every detail—his soft hair framing his beautiful face, the tilts of his head, and the warmth of his smile. Haifa wondered if he had any inkling of how effortlessly handsome he appeared. There was a certain magic in the way he spoke and carried himself, resembling a dreamy hero—dashing and undeniably manly.

As Haifa observed Zishan, her mind wandered to thoughts of his past relationships. Saira had mentioned that he was heartbroken, and a pang of jealousy crept into Haifa's thoughts. She found herself feeling possessive, not liking the idea of any woman being a part of Zishan's past or potentially in his future. Guilt washed over her, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Despite her lingering insecurity, Haifa felt a sense of pride for standing up for herself in last night's conversation with Aseel. It might not have been a monumental victory, but for the first time, she had expressed her true feelings, and it seemed like Aseel had finally listened. However, a lingering fear remained—what if he decided she wasn't right for him or had no intention of changing, leading to a potential breakup?

Haifa was gradually realizing that being stuck in a toxic relationship was far worse than the prospect of being single again. While she desperately hoped that Aseel would be willing to work towards a shared future, she acknowledged that if he continued to resist, she might have no other choice but to end the relationship. The thought of it was heart-wrenching, but she couldn't sacrifice her well-being for a relationship that wasn't fulfilling.

After the work was done, they came back to Vavathi. Zishan shook the hands of the local news agency’s people before they left. He turned to her and Basith, “Well, it's done.” He said with a nervous laugh. “They said they would be publishing the article in two days.”

“You did good” Haifa encouraged.

“Really?” he asked.

“Absolutely.” She replied.

He smiled, “Thanks. Basith, you've been a great help.” Zishan clapped Basith on the back. “If this works, we should be able to start your training and that of nine more candidates in about a month.”

“That's fantastic news,” Basith beamed. “I'll see you tomorrow,” he said before departing.

“Is Razi not joining the training?” Haifa asked Zishan as they walked towards her home.

Zishan shook his head, “No, unfortunately. His mother is sick again. I've given him two weeks' leave, but I think he'll need more,” he replied. “We've already booked tickets for him to take her to Male’ for consultation. She has a heart condition,” he explained.

Haifa caught her breath, “Oh no,” her heart felt heavy. “How long before she leaves? I'd like to visit. Is that okay? I mean, she doesn’t know me…” she asked, her eyes wide.

“Yes, of course. She would be delighted,” he reassured with a warm smile.

In just a matter of minutes, the rain began to fall, starting with a light drizzle and progressing to a heavy downpour. Haifa clenched her bag to her chest with one hand. Why did she have to wear her pink top today? If it got wet, she worried that not only would it cling to her body like a second skin, but it would also become see-through.

Despite having worn her headwrap to cover her chest, she still preferred not to be in such a situation. She cursed herself for not being more prepared and not carrying an umbrella. They were now jogging, but she had low hopes of reaching home before getting completely drenched, and it was still a few blocks away.

Haifa felt Zishan's fingers cover her wrist as he pulled her towards a Holhuashi tucked at the side of the road. With relief, she ran as fast as she could with him to find shelter in the small structure resembling a gazebo normally scattered around islands as a communal place to rest.

Safe from the rain, Haifa checked herself to assess the damage. To her dismay, her top was drenched, except on her chest where she had held her bag. Her headwrap was fully wet, sticking to her forehead at odd angles, and rainwater dripped down her nose and chin. Brushing the water from her face with the back of her hand, she said, “I can't believe it's raining this hard.”

“I know, right? I should have brought an umbrella. It rained so much last night, I assumed it wouldn't be this bad in the morning,” Zishan said.

Haifa turned to him, her heart doing a double skip at the sight of him. His wet hair was even more beautiful than when she had seen it dry, the strands smooth and pushed over his head, likely by his fingers. His face looked bright, and his eyes twinkled like a kid enjoying a fun activity.

He smiled as he looked at her, and her eyes couldn't stop staring at his full lips. Swallowing hard, Haifa lowered her gaze, but she quickly realized it wasn't the best decision. His wet shirt clung to him, defining the hard muscles underneath. Haifa shook her head; how was it that she probably looked like something the cat dragged in when he looked this good? It was criminal and he should be arrested. She thought sourly.

“Although if I ever get caught in a romantic rain scenario, I would always hope it would be with you,” he said, fully turning to her. Haifa felt her heart drum faster and realized that they were still holding hands.

“I have a boyfriend,” Haifa blurted out, pulling her hand from his.

“I had figured as much,” Zishan said softly, his eyes never leaving hers.

“You did?” she asked, confused; she certainly hadn’t told him that. “How did you know?”

“Look at you, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” he said as his eyes caressed her face, “There is no way you are not taken by someone. Beautiful, smart, intelligent, you are the full package,” he grinned at her, though she saw a little sadness in his eyes. “Besides it’s a small island, words get around.”

“Stop saying things like that,” her temper rising, “If you had known, then why are you always sweet talking like that? Does it give you joy to seduce other men’s women?”

Haifa knew she was crossing a line, but she felt hurt. He did her wrong. All this time she was worried she was the one leading him on. He knew! He purposefully got out of his way to be sweet and romantic. He knew she cared about him. Was it his intention to make her fall for him? Was Aseel right all along? She couldn't believe how naïve she had been, letting Zishan sweep her off her feet, assuming he was the kindest person she had ever known.

Zishan’s face hardened, and a shadow crossed his features, “You think I plan to say the things I say to you? You think I have any control over what I do when I am around you?” For the first time she had met him, Haifa realized she was seeing him actually angry, “Words come out of my mouth before thoughts form in my mind. Every day I make a resolution not to be swayed by your voice or your eyes, and every day I fail.

From the very first moment you fell into my hands, I could not get you out of my mind for a single second. You have gotten under my skin, taken over my sanity, ruined me for everyone else. And now, spending time with you, getting to know you, I have realized I have fallen hopelessly and utterly in love with you. All the times I have fallen in love before don’t even measure up to the way I feel about you.” His breath became shallow, his voice rising over the thundering fall of the rain.

“And I ask my God every day why, why did I not meet you earlier? Why am I not the one you are with? If you were mine, you wouldn't just be my girlfriend; you would be my wife. I would announce to the entire world that you are mine. You have become my passion, my life, my entire universe.”

“When I am with you, the world ceases to exist, everyone else just fades away, until it's just you and me. I love you so much I want to promise you the stars and the moon. I physically want to bring every beauty in the world just to make you smile. I want to make all your dreams come true, I want to be the one besides you for the rest of your life.”

He took a step closer to her, Haifa’s heart beat a million times faster, her emotions in turmoil. The way he had bared his feelings, the rawness overwhelmed her, driving her sane thoughts miles away. She wanted to let loose, let herself feel the things she had denied for so long.

Her feet closed the gap between them before she knew it. Zishan tenderly brushed his fingers along her cheeks, wiping away a tear she didn't know she had shed. Her eyes searched his, exploring the deep depths. She watched as his head dipped, feeling her face being lifted. Moments away.

Her hand moved on its own accord to touch his beautiful face, the face that had made her heart skip. Her fingers brushed the side of his face, wanting to erase the anguish she saw in his eyes. Her eyes then fell on her own hand, watching how it moved while she felt his skin against the pads of her fingers. She saw her sleeve fall back, her eyes locking on the skin of her wrist. She frowned at the band of lighter skin on her hand; the place where she had worn Aseel’s wristband.

It was a beacon calling her out from the haze she was in. Haifa suddenly caught herself and pulled her hand away. No, she couldn’t. Zishan felt her stiffen but did not resist when she stepped away. Haifa’s hand swept over her face, and her steps staggered. She was not a cheater; she remained true to the one she was with. Her feelings for another were wrong, and she couldn't let a moment's weakness take her over.

“I can't…” she stammered as she turned. Haifa pressed her hands to her stomach, realizing the gravity of what she had almost done. Then she ran—she ran until she was far away from Zishan. She ran away from her feelings, her longings. She ran until she reached the safety of her home, her room. She locked the door behind her, leaning her back against it. Panting, she struggled to calm her racing heart.

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Have a wonderful day!