MILK & WINE

CHAPTER 07: DEBT

He was a man that worshipped himself, never considered anyone resilient to his charms. He always got what he wanted, never lost, or gave up. Perhaps this is why when he saw her, he saw a target to be achieved, a project to be accomplished and not as a potential partner. He intended it to be a trivial encounter and nothing else. But little did Mr. Know it all knew, that fate had something completely contrary to his plans in store. 

PAST

FATIMA'S POV

I closed the door behind me and leaned against it. My heart was hammering against my chest as if it would break out of my ribcage. I took a deep breath as I placed my palm over my chest. I felt shaken by what happened in the kitchen. I walked to the vanity table and sat on the vanity stool. I grabbed the bottle that was placed there and gulped down water from it. I kept the water bottle down and dabbed my lips with my hands. I stared at my hands and saw them trembling. What have I done? A few minutes ago these hands were holding a knife as I told a person that I would kill them.

Have I lost my mind? What did I think when I pulled off that stunt? Oh my god, they will kick me out. No one wants a potential murderer in their houses. Oh my god.

I looked at my half-unpacked luggage. Should I start repacking? I don't even know anyone here. How will I survive? I stood up from the vanity table and turned away from the vanity desk. I will go back to Pakistan. I thought. I wanted to kick myself.

But he started it. They will never believe it. Oh gawwwwwd, I so screwed and it's not even my first day here. I covered my face with my hands. I could feel tears pricking my eyes. Can't life just give me god damned break?

I wiped my tears and zipped my luggage. I started putting things back in my backpack. Luckily I have enough money for one night to stay at a hotel.

I wiped my tears and sat on the bed. I had cleaned the room to make sure I don't leave any bad impression behind. I felt my headache returning. I threw my back on the bed and let the tears flow from my eyes. I felt like the most unfortunate being on the planet.

I don't know for how long I just laid there and wept like a loser, but I did that until I heard a knock at the door. Here comes the invitation to get the hell out of here. I thought to stare at that dreaded door. I sat up and wiped my tears. Well if that's how fate has it then so be it. If I am to be kicked out I will do that with dignity. Where and how does one make being kicked out dignity filled?

The door knocked again. I looked at my luggage. Well, at least I have my things packed.

There was a third knock. "Fatima?" It was Zulekha Aunty's voice. She must be hating me now. Wow, Fatima, you have made your parents so proud. There was a knock again.

Better get that. I told myself standing up.

I opened the door to see Zulekha Aunty about to knock again when her eyes met mine, they went wide.

"Fatima? Were you crying?" She seemed shocked. Maybe she'll have some mercy on me and not kick me out considering that I regret my actions.

I just looked down and tears started falling from my eyes again. My throat constricted and went dry. I had no words to explain to her that I am not some sort of psycho killer and I was genuinely threatened by her son, and I just don't put a knife on anyone. I waited for chastising words to follow her question but what happened next left me shocked.

I felt her warm embrace envelop me.

"My sweet child, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you must be feeling." She led me to my bed and made me sit on the bed. She held my hands as she lifted my chin.