Scumbag

Chapter 28

I booked two tickets at the airport, both set for the same time. After dropping Ameera off I rushed over to my terminal. One ticket was chosen as I got onto the plan an hour later to regret it.

I arrived at the location and set myself up at a hotel before my second flight which was tomorrow. It's been a while since I’ve been there I thought to myself before falling off to sleep. I hopped onto my second flight well-rested and refreshed, and a few hours I arrived at my destination.

The school he went to was huge…I walked around the place with my bag at hand before asking the receptionist for his dorm number. I went over to the class he was currently in as I watched his presentation. Back at his dorm, I set out a few candles and balloons. I know that he was still angry and upset with me, but this time I was the one chasing after him, the one who was willing to wait for him instead.

He arrived switching the lights, the sound of the confetti falling on top of his white coat. I flopped the first time because it was his roommate but im glad that I got it this time. I rushed over hugging him before he gently pushed me away. I watch his gaze fall to the ground as I hand him a box.

“ care for a chat?” I say pulling him close to me

He nodded in agreement before sitting across me in his dining room.

“ I would first like to apologize. You were right, I wouldn’t like it if a woman tagged along with you the majority of the time if I was not next to you.”

“ there’s no need to apologize. Maybe I overreacted.”

“let me finish, Zafar…I know we might not be together for the first few year’s of our marriage…but I want you to know that I only want to be with you…and even if that means giving up everything now, I’m more than willing to do so.”

Before he could speak a pretty girl walked into his dorm calling out for him, tall slim, and blond, with a lab coat and his phone in her hand. I watched him gently received the books and phone from her before she left after noticing that she was interrupting us. I looked towards him, swallowing my jealousy.

“ you were saying?” he said turning his gaze back towards me

“ I’m done, anyway think about what I said and get back to me. I’ll be staying at a hotel nearby I'll pin you my location when I arrive,” I say standing up

He pulled me onto his lap before shutting the door behind us. He drew my face closer to his and gently sat his soft lips onto mine, I felt my heart skip a few beats. After the short kiss, he let go of my hand as I stood up watching him walk towards his room.

I felt my heart race… That was very unlike him. I rushed out of the dorm into a taxi. I couldn’t think about anything else…after setting my mind straight I remembered the girl and her smug face, I had muscles almost everywhere because of the intense sport I was involved in so I couldn’t look as skinny as she did, not everyone is an Ameera I thought to myself, not that I look like a bodybuilder.

I set up my room and sent the location. I had a vacation as karate began in February this year. I waited for hours, and he still hadn’t responded to me. The first week I spent alone exploring the place the second I stalked him and found him around that girl I saw on the first day of arriving, they looked comfortable around each other, to comfy. The third week I went for a tour….my flight was on the same week…

I had to go home, sad enough I was leaving alone…I packed my bags taking a cab to the airport. Zafar had school until next year March. It was sad that I didn’t get to spend any time with him…nor did I get a response about the apology I made, and that girl…I already had a lot of weight in the marriage…there was no need to add any more.

Zafar isn’t one to cheat one thing I was sure about…I arrived home, as in the home that our parents bought for us. It was difficult walking in as all I remembered was the memories made at the place. I left everything wrapped except one-bedroom, I’ll be leaving at the end of this week. Most of the time my mother bought over some food or I ordered take away. I couldn’t stop thinking about Zafar giving me the cold shoulder as if I had really done something to defy our marriage...and what was up with that kiss...

The more I stayed at home I thought about how a normal life would be between a wife and husband, at the age of 25 we would have started our own family. I would be cooking, cleaning, and serving my husband and kids. He would have to work for days and nights. I would have to cover up for him missing most of the time and feed him at odd times due to his special profession. We would renew our vows, and even if I don’t get to spend every moment with him…at least I would get to see him every day.

I don’t know what you’d call our marriage at this stage… it's beyond gravel…I wasn’t expecting a miracle to fall from heaven, but I know how Zafar can be when it comes to his studies.

Elham stayed over often, I noticed the burses she had all over her arms and neck. She would usually speak about everything except her marriage…she would shiver at night and cry in the middle of her sleep…

“ breakfast pancakes or last night's leftovers?” I asked tossing a bag to her.

She cried in pain as the bag hit her.

“ are you okay?” I ask looking at the bruise on her hand.

“ I can’t take this anymore…what happened!”

“ Nura,” she said smiling at me with tears in her eyes.

“ it’s my fault…”

“ what’s your fault? What did you do?”

“ I lost another child…I deserve this pain.”

“ is it Zayn, ”I asked furiously.

“ he did this to you?”

She shook her head, asking for water. She explained to me his constant abuse. I knew Elham was a soft person, I was willing to stand beside her in divorcing him but she had to be strong enough to end it on her own.

Later that night I sneaked out while she was asleep and went over to the bar her stupid husband would go to every night.

I pushed him to the side as he exited alone. He tried pushing me back but I dogged his shove.

“ Why are you such a dog," I ask looking at him trying to stand, "Come now, beat me up… let's see if you can pick on someone your size, ” I dropped my helmet as I shoved him continuously once he got up.

He was wobbly and all the swings he made with his bottle failed until I grabbed it and broke it at hand pushing him to the ground.

“We'll start the divorce procedure soon, ”I say kicking his head

The most repulsive person I’ve met on this earth…Lord forbid that I wanted to kill him when he didn’t respond to my questions…weak idiot.

I told Elham that she could stay at my house until she recovered, and even if she began opening up to me I involved a professional. The new year went by with the procedure taking place and Zayn was charged with rape, abuse, and many more. I saw Elham become herself again…the last weeks I spent with her trying to fix her up, with her still asking about the huge cuts I had to get stitched on my palm.

I finally returned to Japan, Zafar hadn’t contacted me since my visit…maybe it was really over between us.

We began class, and for once Ameera was beside me. She announced her engagement with Yacob as she told me about her story. Mutaq walked into the class looking towards the other side of the room.

When class ended he was waiting at the door for me.

“ long time no see,” he said looking down

“ jee I replied tightening the bandage around my left hand.”

“ Nura…I never asked you to return the feeling…I only want to protect you from afar…watch you….and be by your side as your friend.”

“ See that's where your mistaken Mutaq…I don’t allow my own husband to protect me. Don’t forget that I’m not your average girl, I can take good care of myself…I don’t need a scapegoat or a bodyguard.”

“ I understand it won't happen again…friends?” he asked handing me a jewelry box

“ friends…don’t let emotions overpower our friendship again.”

With everything almost back to normal…there was still no sign from Zafar….