REMARKABLE

18

3 years later

He removed the watch enclosed around his wrist, sighing, it had been a long day.

He dialled his employees number.

'Arsalan, it's me, Yahya Firas. I called to ask how's your brother doing?' He said putting the phone to his ear.

'They are operating on him, right now. Things look good, Doctors are saying he'll be able to walk after the operation with regular physiotherapy sessions.' He heard Arsalan and the happiness, seeping out of his voice and small smile etched on his lips.

'That's good. That's very good. Do you need help with something?'

'No, Boss. I still don't know how to thank you for everything that you have done.' Arsalan utterred, grateful.

'Don't thank me, yet, Arsalan. He still has to walk. I'll expect sweets when he does.' Yahya said without loosing his smile as he gazed out of the long windows at starry, night sky.

'Ofcourse, Sir. Thank you very much.'

'I am glad, I could be of help, Arsalan. Please, call me if you need anything.' He said, before cutting the call as temporary relief washed over him.

He put his phone beside him and laid flat on the bed, his arm thrown across his eyes as the piercing silence of the room whispered in his ears, lulling him into a haunting sleep.

He didn't have it in him to close the nightlamp, not when his demons ran rampant in his muddled mind.

Before the terrors of the night could seize his cardiac muscles, the ping of his phone echoed against the four walls of the room. He rubbed his eyes, sitting up, his muscles taut under the blue T-shirt he wore. He tucked the phone in the crook of his neck, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

'Yes, baba?' His voice hoarse.

'Yahya, did I wake you up?'He heard his father, his eyes still closed as sleep gathered behind his shut lids.

'No.' His father didn't say anything for a moment or two. They both knew what his 'no' meant.

'Come down, then. Let's talk.' He nodded as he heard his father before he cut the call.

❇❇❇

Armineh sat on the couch in the living room, sipping tea.

'Where are you running off too, Lee?'

Alizeh threw the scarf around her neck and shrugged an overcoat, pulling her hair out.

'Where else, I am going to pick Sarah from school.' Alizeh glanced at the clock,'Shit! shit.'

'Hey! Don't curse. You are already, early.' Armineh said, rising to her feet, moving to the kitchen island.

'I know. I had to meet with someone regarding the facility. I told you, didn't I? and I am late.' We have been talking about it for months. When the time is here, I am late!' Alizeh hastened, nearly forgetting her bag she had kept on the table.

'Close the door, I'll see you, later. Bye.' Alizeh told her as she picked her car keys from the table.

Anaam glanced at the rolex watch enclosed around his wrist. He had been sitting ducks for a while now. He had more important matters to attend than sitting here, idly and wasting time. He waved a hand to call the waiter but dropped it when his phone vibrated inside his pocket.