The concern

Chapter 24

I stepped onto the mat picking up the sword that was set there, I sat down graceful lifting the sword above my head before gracefully un-sheathing it. With the blade bare and sharp I commenced with the sword performance.

I leave the mat, with a high score at hand. The final day of the competition was off to a good start. Zafar supporting me, motivating me, and Mutaq guiding and keeping me calm. I felt terrible pains in my ankle that day, but it didn't bother me as I entered the weaponry kata category not fighting.

Next was the unison kata (group) Yacob had joined us on that day, not as a spectator but as a competitor. We performed empi (slow) a kata that required large movement. With the strain, I felt I continued to walk onto the mat with my team, and on landing the jump in the kata I heard a little crack. I prayed that we did not tie-up with anyone as that usually happens at large competitions like this one. Out of respect, I left the mat on my own trying not to show how much pain I was in.

Mutaq carried me to Zafar who immediately examined me.

"what happened?" Zafar asked annoyed

Mutaq rolled his eyes as he gently set me down near Zafar." she sprained her ankle again. This time there was a break."

" what do you mean?"

" just take her to the hospital, " Mutaq said leaving annoyed.

I was given first aid by Zafar as The day went by with me not being able to complete the competition. With two more gold medals, I left immediately after the award ceremony. Zafar Rushed me to the hospital where i was given a cast. A huge set back that I did not need in my karate career.

I watched Zafars worried face as he sat beside me in the ward I was in. I'd have to be on the cast for at least three months. It didn't bother me since I used to train with one on my knee when I was younger.

" I'm sorry I ruined your holiday, " I say sitting up

"You did nothing wrong. Besides I wanted to spend time with you so it doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing."

"you're like a character out of a fictional movie. Too good to be true. After the scan we get to leave though, I'll buy us something to eat."

" wouldn't you prefer a delicious home-cooked meal?"

" maybe some other time, when you on holiday you have to eat out as much as you can."

"can't argue with that."

Ameera rushed Into the ward out of breath, " are you okay?" she asked grabbing me

" im perfectly fine. Your just in time to join us for dinner."

" so it's nothing major, and of all places, it had to be at the nationals…I heard sensei's furious, this has never happened before."

"If I were him I would be to. I'll take whatever punishment he gives me tomorrow, " I say leaving the ward with the both of them tending to me.

No motorcycle for 3 months or intense stances. After we ate I went back to the dorm with Ameera, it's been a while since she's focused on me.

"sooo, where's Yacob?"

" his with Mutaq…they had something to attend to."

" I see, do you plan on explaining what happened to operation snatch Mutaq," I say turning on the tv

"Well, to be honest. I fell for Yacob but he's still trying to hook me and Mutaq up."

"What!" I say tossing her with a pillow, " how could you mess up like this…clear this misunderstanding with Yacob as soon as you can, before you lose him too. I'm going to bed."

" wait not yet, you've got to help me and Mutaq said he wanted to see you when you were alone."

" we'll talk about that later. Tell him I'll see him in class tomorrow."

" Okay then…" she says switching the lights off, "I'll have an early night too as well."

~ zafar~

I arrived at the airport at midnight, the signs written in a foreign language. At first, the food smelt strange and looked weird, the people were confusing and I was lost...

I took a train to the mountainous suburb Nura was currently training at. It wasn't easy trying to find, on my way to the dojo I met her friends who directed me to where she was.

" Mutaq…" I say…patting his shoulder

He turned towards me asking for privacy from the people around him

"jee, how can I help you?"

" Nura isn't around her campus where is she?" i ask showing him a map

" Check the yoga area of the dojo, she usually rides up there with me after class, but she wanted to be alone today, " he said patting my shoulder before leaving.

Clearly, he didn't want me to see her since the instructions he gave were useless to a foreigner. After being guided by one of the restaurant owners nearby I finally managed to find her…

The scenery up there was beautiful, I stood there watching her…the wind blew her hair in all directions, she still wore the same leather coat she use to during our varsity years. With her rushing into my arms, the wait I had endured to be with her felt amazing.

Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes were what I missed the most…

***

"Zafar what are you thinking about?" she asked trying to feed me some of her food

" Nothing, how's your leg doing today?"

" it's okay, oh yes by the way. tomorrow is the cherry blossom festival."

" so soon, would be something interesting to look out for."

"yes, and I'm glad that I get to see something this beautiful for the first time with you by my side."

" me too, don't you have class now?"

" I do, but if I go I'm definitely going to get severe punishment... I'll get going then."

"I'll drop you off," I say helping her stand up

" no need, the taxis already here. I'll see you tonight then."

"see you,"

I watched her hop into the taxi...will she ever fall for me?

***

I arrived at the dojo handing my medals over to my sensei, even if I brought most of the achievements back I was on cleaning duty for a month and had to punch a pad that had a rope wrapped around It till my sensei told me to stop, for some reason Mutaq decided to do the rest of my punishments...he asked if he could do all of it and ended up dragging Yacob into the mess as well.

a few moments later and me having to attend normal class, the blood on my knuckles although dry stung a lot.

" you can go home, I'll clean up for you, "Mutaq said helping me up, as he finished wrap up his wrists.

" Thank you, but I messed up on my own...let me do it."

he caught me as I tried to stand on my own, " I'm not asking you if you'll allow me Nura...I'm telling you that I'll do it."

" I'll have to owe you a huge favor then.." I say as he sat beside me placing my crutches near me.

He helped me clean the wounds on my hands, " there's no need for that, just take better care of yourself."

"I will if you promise you will too."

" deal. now leave before Zafar comes over."

"I'll see you then..."

I really couldn't understand him and his actions but, he always was and is there for me when I need someone...