The hospital corridor carried a soft echo of footsteps and distant conversations, and the afternoon sun streamed through the tall glass windows, painting long, golden stripes across the tiled floor. Meher stood at the reception counter, fingers drumming lightly on the payment machine as she settled the final bills. A short distance behind her, Inaya sat on one of the stiff hospital waiting chairs, moving carefully, her body still a touch weak from the recent discharge. Yet her gaze was warm—watching the girl who had stayed by her side like an unannounced guardian angel.Inaya's thoughts whispered quietly inside her:
She pretends to be reckless, but she's a big sister in disguise… always there before I even ask.
Meher finally turned around, stuffing the receipts into her bag. She caught Inaya staring at her—softly, thoughtfully.
Meher: "Is there something on my face?"
Inaya, smiling: "Yes. A lot of love for me."
Meher scrunched her nose dramatically.
Meher: "Ewww… where do you even get these lines from?"
Inaya, laughing under her breath: "Must be the fresh air after the discharge."
Meher's expression softened.
Meher: "So… should we head to my place?"
Inaya: "Absolutely not. Your house feels like a war zone most days."
Meher laughed—a deep, genuine laugh that made a couple of nurses turn their heads.
Meher: "Okay, fine. I'll drop you home then… and stay the night there."
Inaya, grinning: "Now that sounds cool."They walked out together, Meher keeping a steady hand at Inaya's back, guiding her with a quiet protectiveness as if every step needed a little extra care. The moment they reached the car, Meher quickly moved ahead, opening the passenger door first and helping Inaya ease into the seat with gentle patience. Only once she was sure Inaya was comfortable did Meher circle around to the driver's side. The engine hummed to life, and soon they were gliding through the city roads, the slightly open windows letting in a soft breeze that seemed to lift the leftover weight of the day from their shoulders.
Scene: Outside Inaya's Apartment
The modern apartment building stood tall in the warm afternoon light, its sleek exterior glowing softly under the sun. Meher pressed the button for Inaya's floor, and the doors slid open smoothly, revealing the polished interior of the lift. They stepped inside, the confined space making Meher instinctively move closer to Inaya, ready to steady her if she felt weak.
Inaya leaned lightly against the wall, her hand brushing the railing. She caught Meher's worried glance and let out a soft laugh.
Inaya: "Meher, I'm fine. Really. I'm feeling a lot better—otherwise they wouldn't have discharged me. I can even climb the stairs now… three times if I want."
Meher hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering protectively near Inaya's arm. But seeing the quiet confidence in her friend's eyes, the gentle steadiness in her posture, finally eased her.
She relaxed, letting her hand drop to her side, and offered a small, relieved smile as the lift glided upward toward Inaya's floor.They stepped out of the lift as it chimed softly at Inaya's floor.
The corridor was quiet, bathed in the warm afternoon light streaming through the tall windows. Meher patted her pockets absentmindedly, her brow furrowing as she searched for something.
Meher: "Shoot. I left my phone in the car. You go ahead—I'll be right back."
Inaya: "Okay."
Meher gave her a quick, reassuring nod before turning back toward the lift, while Inaya walked slowly toward her apartment door, still steady and confident despite the recent discharge.
As Inaya approached her apartment door, her steps slow but steady, something felt wrong—an unusual stillness, a shadow cast too close to her door.Nabeel was standing there. She stopped seeing him.Her breath stilled, her heartbeat dropping into a cold rhythm.
Inaya (flat, icy): "What are you doing here?"
Nabeel turned, attempting a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Nabeel: "Inaya… I was busy, I didn't even know you had an accident. I just found out today. Since they said you'd be discharged, I came straight here."
Her jaw tightened.
Inaya: "If you had asked how I am, that would've sounded better."
He sighed dramatically.
Nabeel: "Come on. I explained everything already. Why are you still acting so cold?"She gave him a short, bitter smile—one that held more exhaustion than anger.
Inaya: "What about the girl at the bus station that day?"
The color drained from his face.
A flicker of panic crossed his eyes.
Nabeel (hesitant): "How… how do you know?"
Inaya (voice hardening): "I was there."
He took a step toward her, hand lifting slightly as if reaching for an excuse in the air.
Nabeel: "It's not what you think—"
Inaya, cutting him sharply: "Move. I don't want to hear anything. Let's break up."
She stepped forward, intending to walk past him, but his hand shot out, fingers closing around her wrist—tight, rough.From inside the lift, Meher stepped out with her phone in hand. She froze mid-step as she saw the scene unfold near Inaya's door, her eyes narrowing. She stayed silent, pressed lightly against the wall, unseen, watching every movement.Nabeel (urgent, pleading): "Please, just listen to me—"Before he could even finish his sentence, Inaya's fist shot forward, connecting sharply with his cheek. The punch landed with a crisp, explosive impact that made him stagger back, stunned, as a thin trickle of blood appeared at the corner of his lips.Nabeel (anger rising): "How dare—"
He didn't finishInaya stepped forward, breathing hard, eyes blazing.
Inaya: "Want more?"
Nabeel spit blood onto the floor, glaring.
Nabeel: "You'll pay for this."
Inaya smirked faintly.
Inaya: "Speaking of paying… here's my last spending on you. Go find a doctor."
She reached into her pocket and threw some money at his feet.Meher stepped forward casually and tossed some more money beside it.
Meher: "And this is for your medicines."
Inaya crossed her arms.
Inaya: "Now leave."
Nabeel stared at them—first at Inaya's unwavering eyes, then at Meher's mocking smile—and finally he turned, shoulders tense, and walked away without another word.
The moment he disappeared around the corner, the tension snapped.
Inaya spun toward Meher, a huge grin blooming across her face.
Inaya (excited, breathless): "Did you see that?!"
Meher launched forward, wrapping her in a tight hug, both of them laughing as they bounced lightly on the spot like victorious children.
Meher: "YES! That was epic!"
Inaya: "Then let's celebrate!"
Meher: "Yeesss!"
Still laughing, Inaya unlocked the door to her apartment, and they stepped inside together—hearts light, spirits high, as if they had just slammed the door on an entire chapter of pain.
To be continued....