Chapter XII

                                    

                                          
Two weeks had passed since Umeed was discharged from the hospital, and those had been the most peaceful weeks she'd had in the last three years. Having her best friend, Haya, by her side brought her comfort, yet there remained an uneasy feeling deep within her soul. During that time, Umeed and Haya had discussed the events that led to the accident. Umeed explained how Farjaad had approached her and admitted the foolishness she had displayed. Perhaps that was why Farjaad hadn't visited even once. That was the only time they mentioned his name during those two weeks after that, Umeed made sure to avoid it.
Two days after her discharge, Umeed returned to her café, despite Haya's scolding. Farjaad, however, was nowhere to be seen-he seemed to have vanished into thin air. Kashaf even mentioned how Farjaad had been at the hospital, and when asked, she recounted everything that had happened during Umeed's unconsciousness, skipping the "dialogue" he had said. However, Haya had still not been able to get Umeed to open up about the exact story everyone was curious about. Haya patiently waited, not forcing anything, knowing Umeed would eventually share it in her own time.
Secretly, Haya kept in touch with Farjaad, hoping to learn something more, even though she had no idea where he was either. But not once did Umeed bring him up. Every morning, when she entered the café, she would scan the customers with a quick glance, her eyes flicking over the tables, but then, with a deep sigh, she would turn to begin her work. The same routine would repeat in the afternoon, then the evening, and once more just before closing, each time her gaze lingering for a moment longer.
Tonight, the girls had planned to have dinner at the café, as Haya would be leaving in a couple of days due to her studies. They were all seated, chatting softly, waiting for their meal to arrive. The air was filled with a mix of warmth and a sense of bittersweetness, knowing that soon, Haya would be heading back to continue her studies, leaving Umeed alone once again.
"Umeed, tum aise udaas tou na ho na, mai dobara chakkar lagaungi, I promise," Haya said, and Umeed smiled at her, though it was tinged with sadness.
"Warna tum ajana na, tum bhi tou chakkar laga sakti ho.." Haya continued, tapping Umeed's forearm. That small, sad smile on Umeed's face quickly shifted into a tension-filled sigh as she averted her gaze, looking away to the side. Haya's expression softened as well, the playful light in her eyes dimming, and she quietly observed Umeed.
"Haya, tum bhaly ghar pe sabko bata kr aayi ho, lekin mai aise mun utha k tou nae asakti, kese face karungi sabko.." Umeed muttered the last part, barely audible, though the girls still heard her.
Kashaf reached out, placing a comforting hand on Umeed's arm. "Mai chalungi na tumhare saath. You don't have to deal with anyone unless you're ready."
Umeed gave her a sad smile, grateful for the support, while Haya felt genuinely relieved. In Kashaf, she saw someone who truly cared for Umeed, a friend who would stand by her when she couldn't do it alone.
That night, like many others, was restless for Umeed. Sleep eluded her, and her mind churned with unspoken thoughts. Around 4 a.m., her eyes opened. She prayed Fajr, hoping for solace, but even afterward, rest was far from her grasp. Deciding she couldn't stay in bed any longer, she swung her legs off the mattress and got up.
Initially, she thought of going to her café to organize a few things and maybe even work a little. She stood in front of her wardrobe, considering what to wear, but then dismissed the thought of anything formal and opted for her usual comfortable T-shirt and trousers.
Driving to the café, her hand hovered over the lock when she suddenly remembered a passing comment from a customer about a nearby park within walking distance. The weather was inviting, a gentle coolness in the early morning air, and the thought of fresh greenery pulled her away from her original plan. She checked the park's location on her phone, locked her car, and decided to head there instead.