* PSF OS Contest : Results *

Yesterday's ample amount of rainfall continued to pour in throughout the night, in exchange with light amounts of drizzle covering the windows near dawn. The skies hadn't cleared up, it was still dark. Yet a beaming ray of light sunshine was visible through the clouds. Last night was the first time in five years that Khirad had willingly set foot into Ashar's territory. Despite searching for numerous excuses of escape, she knew it had been far too long for her to continue camping out in Hareem's bedroom. Especially since Hareem had recovered almost completely after her surgery and had resumed going to school once again. Even though Ashar himself was just completely ashamed and broken, she could once again see the hope of pursuing a marital relationship in his eyes. His eyes which were full of this existing guilt, embarrassment, and miserableness. There was this never-ending regret present within them for his previous actions and words. As she had firmly decided to stay with Ashar for the sake of Hareem, she knew she eventually had to return back to her regular habits and way of living. It was bound to happen one day or another. Thus, she had carefully packed her belongings and placed them into Ashar's room while he was busy putting Hareem to sleep.

Fate was so unexpected. Despite promising herself to never step back into the life of Ashar Hussain, never having to face an encounter with him, it had brought her back to his doorstep, made her plead to him in order to pay for Hareem's illness. Made her sacrifice her pain, her self-respect, forget her rough and scattered past, just for the sake of her daughter.

Khirad could sense the cold wind in the room, sending a chill down her spine. The open window was welcoming cool air, making its way all across the room. The sound of the raindrops hitting harshly against the windows mixed with the bustling wind caused her eye to awake at a much earlier time than expected. She took a quick glance at the watch on her wrist and decided to continue lying in bed silently along the edge. She was staring at perhaps nothing, lost in deep thought, re-calling memories. Khirad quivered at the thought of all the memories attached to his room; the room which she could once freely pronounce as their room yet now felt limited in doing so.

She conveniently sat up against the headboard making sure not to pull the comforter too hard, careful not to disturb Ashar from his sleep. Khirad undesirably looked across at Ashar. He was laying there in such a serene mood, the way he calmly slept looking so complete, snuggled up warm, sound asleep in his blanket.

Suddenly she felt nauseated and appalled lying on that same bed as Ashar, a place where both of them had shared those familiar moments. Moments that had caused both to evoke and eventually progress into a relationship known as love. She felt uncomfortable by his presence, could experience the olden days, feel his rough touch against her soft skin, inhale his warm breath. Her body shivered, she desperately wanted to bury the past away.

She quickly averted her gaze to slowly observe the state of the room, feeling surreal. It continued to exist in the exact same manner as it did five years ago. Ashar could have never accustomed himself to change; he hated it.

Unknowingly her eyes once again changed direction to face Ashar. In spite of carefully separating herself at the largest possible distance between them, sitting away from him as much as possible, she still felt disturbed. As she turned to face him she saw him breathing lightly, his eyes shut close. A faint smile lit up on her face as she reminded herself of all the nights she had sacrificed her sleep, just for Ashar's sake. Yet now, all those nights seemed completely pointless and empty.

She noticed the lines on her forehead. He'd grown old. Perhaps it was the smoking or the sleepless nights. She herself had been so tired having to face the brunt of so many accusations, tired of all the challenges and hurdles; having to carry the burden of her pregnancy alone in those dreadful and uncomfortable nights. She finally needed someone; needed him.

Khirad decided to step out of the comforter, wanting to catch a moment of fresh air for herself. She carefully put her foot down onto the floor, making sure she'd cause as less of a distraction as possible. Her tresses fell down onto her back perfectly, as she began to untie her bun, wanting to comb it. She examined her plain hands. They were once adorned with those beautiful bangles. The one's Fareeda had offered to her when Khirad and Ashar had decided to commence their married relationship.

Khirad wanted to get up at once feeling restless and agitated, yet she felt a strong force holding onto her arms, preventing her from leaving. She was absolutely startled at the way he had grabbed her wrists without any prior permission to do so.

"Khirad!" she hesitated to look back, merely listening to his voice. She didn't want to face him. Didn't feel like answering any of his false words.
"Kahaan jaa rahi ho?" he asked her. She still remained unresponsive, continuing to look downwards onto the floor.

"Idhar aao, yahaan betho", he made room available for her right next to him. Yet, Khirad ignored him once again.

There remained a moment of silence, a long pause, before he tugged onto both her arms and pulled her closer to him. She didn't look up to his face. She just wanted to close her eyes and be gone from here right this instance.

She could hear him opening his drawer, searching through his belongings. He was holding a box.

"Yeh main tumhaare liye laya tha", Khirad intently glared at him and then looked the other way, as he opened the deep blue box and offered her a set of bangles.

"Khirad!" she could tell he was constantly looking at her, waiting for her to answer. But she didn't respond. Instead, she moved across the bed, ready to leave, when he cautiously grabbed her arms and adorned them with the heavy gold and topaz bangles. She looked up at him; her gaze was deeply studying his face. Ashar apologetically looked towards her. He didn't know what to say, whether he was in the position to do so as well. He let go of both her arms and silently sat there. He knew he didn't deserve her forgiveness, yet he felt like slightly easing her pain, perhaps spreading some joy in her life.

Khirad's eyes widened becoming moist with water. Her arms now looked so complete. She swiftly walked across the room, leaving, shutting the door behind her. She couldn't understand what had just happened, feeling strangely perplexed yet happy. Her eyes were radiant with a smile, yet her heart remained tangled with disappointment and annoyance at Ashar.

Was this the start of a new relationship? Were both Ashar and her ready to commence into their married life once again? Could they move across from the past and build a new future. Khirad began thinking of a thousand different questions, trying to seek answers. Yet, she knew it was inane to do so. She smiled while looking at her arms. Perhaps there was hope. Maybe they could discover and build a new relationship instead of searching for the old one. She looked towards the room door, silently pulling on the doorknob. She wanted to speak with Ashar. She had to express her gratitude for this gift.