8 Chapter 6: Threads of Redemption

Dafne sighed as she witnessed her favourite couple, Aayat and Abyad, falling apart once again. While she loved Abyad like a brother and adored Aayat's personality, it was becoming increasingly difficult to be on both sides. She felt a sense of guilt for not standing up for Abyad, but the weight of the evidence against him left her feeling helpless. Deep down, she knew that once Aayat calmed down, she would eventually see Abyad's innocence.

Despite the tension between Aayat and Abyad, Dafne made a conscious decision to stand by Aayat's side, knowing that Abyad was strong enough to handle himself. However, she couldn't help but worry about how she could help him in the midst of the blackmailing scandal he was currently facing. She was well aware of everything that was going on in his life, and it included the challenges he was enduring.

Memories of the first time these two had fallen apart flooded Dafne's mind. Back then, it was Aayat's mistakes and Abyad's stubbornness that had driven them apart, and it took months of effort on Dafne's part to bring them back together.

*Flashback*

Dafne knew Aayat for the past six months, and she had noticed a drastic change in her demeanour. Once a bundle of joy, Aayat had become silent and withdrawn. Her smile lacked its usual warmth, and her appearance seemed neglected. Dafne was concerned about her friend's well-being, suspecting that it might be related to her feelings for a guy named Abyad, whom Aayat often praised.

Determined to help her friend, Dafne decided to reach out to Abyad. She attempted to call him from Aayat's phone, but he didn't answer. Undeterred, she used her own phone to contact him, arranging a meeting at the cafeteria during his lunch break. Dafne sought to understand what had transpired between Aayat and Abyad and hoped that he could talk some sense into her.

As Dafne sat down with Abyad at the cafeteria, she shared her concerns about Aayat's deteriorating state. She revealed that Aayat had stopped eating, barely slept, and was constantly exhausted. Dafne implored Abyad to talk to Aayat, as she believed that he was the key to helping her friend recover from her heartbreak and self-destructive behaviour.

At first, Abyad seemed guarded and questioned Dafne about the purpose of their conversation. However, he eventually opened up and acknowledged that he still loved Aayat deeply. Something was holding him back, and Dafne couldn't quite figure out what it was. She urged him to confront whatever issues were preventing them from reconciling and encouraged him to be there for Aayat, even if they couldn't be in a romantic relationship.

After Dafne left, Abyad was left contemplating her words. His emotions were in turmoil, and he knew he still cared for Aayat, but he was hesitant to act on his feelings. Meanwhile, Dafne returned to find Abyad's friend trying to convince Aayat to eat, and Alya was fiercely protective of her, threatening to use her shoes if Aayat refused to eat.

Dafne couldn't help but smile, witnessing the care and concern Aayat's friends had for her. She knew that Aayat was fortunate to have such dedicated friends, but she also hoped that Abyad would gather the strength to face whatever obstacles lay between them and find a way to mend their broken relationship. In the end, Dafne could only pray that Aayat and Abyad would find their way back to each other, as their love still seemed to linger, unresolved and waiting for closure.

*flashback ends*

Abyad clenched his fist, trying to control the surge of anger and frustration coursing through him as he spoke to Rania on the phone. Her voice grated on his nerves, and he regretted even picking up the call.

"Rania, stop this madness! I won't help you hurt her anymore," Abyad said firmly, his tone laced with determination.

"Oh, come on! Can't you see she's just putting on a brave face? Deep down, she's hurting, and she'll come crawling back to you," Rania retorted, sounding eerily composed.

"I won't fall for your tricks again! You manipulated me once, but I won't let you do it again. Aayat deserves better than this, and I won't let you destroy her any further," Abyad declared, his voice unwavering.

"You're such a fool, Abyad! You think she'll forgive you for everything? She'll move on, and you'll be left with nothing!" Rania's voice dripped with venom.

"It doesn't matter. I've hurt her enough, and I won't add to her pain anymore. I won't be a part of your sick games," Abyad said, his heart torn between his love for Aayat and his anger towards Rania.

As the conversation continued, Abyad couldn't help but think back to the time when he and Aayat were truly happy together. He remembered their laughter, their dreams, and how they had promised to be there for each other no matter what.

But everything had changed when Rania came into the picture. Abyad had been vulnerable and easily manipulated by her cunning ways. He regretted every moment he spent with Rania, and the lies he had told Aayat to protect her from the truth.

"Enough, Rania! I'm done with all of this. Just leave me and Aayat alone," Abyad finally snapped, ending the call before she could say another word.

He leaned against the wall, feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. A wave of guilt washed over him as he thought about the pain he had caused Aayat. He wished he could turn back time and undo all the mistakes he had made, but he knew that was impossible.

Meanwhile, Aayat was sitting in her room, lost in her thoughts. She missed Abyad terribly, but she also knew that their relationship was toxic and had brought her nothing but heartache. She had tried to be strong, to move on with her life, but the pain of their breakup still lingered in her heart.

Dafne, entered the room and saw Aayat lost in her thoughts. "Hey, are you okay?" Dafne asked gently, sitting beside her.

Aayat forced a smile and nodded. "I'm trying to be okay," she replied. "It's just that... I can't stop thinking about him.”

Dafne put her arm around Aayat, offering comfort. "I know it's hard, but you deserve better, Aayat. You deserve someone who will treat you with love and respect, not someone who hurts you like he did.”

"I know, but it still hurts so much," Aayat admitted, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I understand, but you're stronger than you think. You've been through so much, and you'll get through this too," Dafne assured her.

Aayat had become a master at putting on a facade of strength during the day, but behind closed doors, her nights were filled with tears, dampening her pillows with sorrow. The breakup between Aayat and Abyad was far more complex than they let on, and it had left a profound mark on both of them. Dafne had witnessed their previous falling-outs, but this time was different. It was as if something had severed a deep bond in her friend's heart. She longed for the return of the cheerful Aayat, the one who always wore a radiant smile. If only Dafne could turn back time and bring her friend back to that place of happiness.