21- Painful Yet Captivating Emotion

After countless efforts, Isra couldn't walk out alone, she was too frightened to face what hexed her jovial life with ill-fate. The thought alone made her heart swing in undesirable thoughts. Isra got ready and sat on her couch, realizing she woke up too early and Rayan was still sleeping. When he woke up, he found his wife ready to leave for work without having the trouble of seeing someone else but how long could she avoid him? "Morning." She greeted him. "Hey... What time is it?" He asked, thinking he must have overslept. "Eight." "I see... you're ready early." He yawned, sitting up. "Hmm." "You okay?" He asked, looking at her, concerned. She passed him a faint smile and nodded. "If you say so..." He shrugged and got out, leaving for the bathroom. She waited for him and when he came, they left the room together. Isra stood beside him, watching his back timidly, biting her lips by unnerving thoughts stirring her mind. I can't believe you are with me. Is this the extent of your love? It was hard for her to cope with the situation which was freezing her hands. Trap in the vault of spite, the mystic rage formed layers under her skin to sew this grudge close to her heart, reminding her she can't do anything. They walked down and thankfully Emraz was nowhere to be found, the dismal written on Isra's face was very telling. She was trying to pretend nothing happened but it was hard to let out the thoughts tensing her. They went to work and Isra finally relaxed a bit, Rayan noticed her look of consternation but the only thing he could supply her was empty consolation and she was well past them. They were coming back from work as Rayan asked, "Isra... I know Emraz Bhai's presence is too much for you to bear. You can't-" "I have to, Rayan. I don't have a choice. Besides, it was clear the moment I agreed to marry you that this day has to come sooner or later." She told him in a voice louder than a whisper, trying to control her agony but it was plied to her eyes and even after being aware of her despair, he couldn't do anything because she would never let him. Looking away, Rayan didn't say anything as they left for home. Emraz, who had locked himself in the room, watched from the window, his lips curled upward. "Here, take a bite." Hania said, feeding him herself. He put his hand in between, "I am done." "No, you are not. You haven't eaten anything, eat up. Come on, one more bite." She frowned, helping him to eat, looking down he let her mother do it. "For how do you intend to stay here? Go to work, it will refresh your mind." Hania said sadly, setting his hair with her free hand, smiling a little. "I feel afraid... of the looks." He mumbled, looking down, biting his lips to not cry. She put the spoon down and made him look at her, "Then why did you run away, Emraz? You have to face this now." "Mom.. I.. didn't want to but I had no choice..." He whispered in a hoarse voice, putting his hand over hers. "What exactly happened that you are stuck on one explanation?" She asked softly, he sniffed, wiping his eyes and looking at her. "I.. am sorry." "I don't want this sorry. I want my son back. Look at what you've done to yourself." "I think I deserve it." He smiled sadly, removing her hands. "Emraz..." Hania didn't know what to say, things were falling apart as the couple began to doubt their decision of Rayan's marriage to save their pride because it could clearly build a wall between their unbreakable bond. "I am fine." He whispered, forcing out a broken smile. Sparing a compassionate gaze, she stood up and left after taking the tray. He smiled to himself, leaning back and closing his eyes, thinking; These embers are fierce, maybe that's why it was beyond my capabilities to hold them... or perhaps, they never belonged to me in the first place... The time passed, a few days later, it was Sunday, things went monotonous. Isra was going to the kitchen to get herself some water and the moment she was avoiding for a week occurred, she stumbled upon Emraz. Her heart skipped a beat in pain, staring at his face for a few second but soon a scowl took over and making a 'tsk' sound of annoyance, she was about to walk away but His voice came, slumped in lamentation, "I know it won't have any effect but do try to forgive me if you could." She stopped turning to him, closing her arms at her chest, "I would never, especially not when I am ignorant of the reason." Her stone-cold voice came, giving him an expressionless look. "Why bother when it wouldn't alter anything?" He asked in a mournful tone. "Actually you are right. Wreck has been made, why search for its reason?" She mocked, closing her arms at her chest, glaring at him. "Then why don't you embrace your new morning?" He asked, turning to her fully, linking his eyes intently with hers, "I don't need you to tell me this." She snarled and was about to leave but he held her arm, pulling her back, "What the hell is your problem?!" She whisper-yelled but all sorrows on Emraz's face faded as a dire took over, "Then Free him." He said assertively, taking a step closer, staggering her, "What.. Do you mean?" She asked hesitantly, taking a step back. "You know exactly what I am talking about. Why was it so hard, Isra? Don't punish my brother for something I have done." He asked seriously. Holding the hem of her dress, she stole a glance away, muttering, "Don't speak riddles. I don't have time for it." "You never had."