The Bends : Final Chapter

"It's sure wasn't an easy decision, for Aden to eventually comes to his senses, to proceed with his marriage plan with Maya. Some I believe might say, Maya is kind of shallow head and stupid to risk herself, with this deadly virus...upon her marriage with Aden. Is it worth this sacrificed at all? I don't know...! But, what if Thaqif was in my brother's shoe...will I still crucify my soul...for his love? To fall in this dilemma, I rather be dead...! All right, just let me be honest...my answer..NO! My mindset, spiritually and emotionally, I'm not as strong enough as Maya. Aden is one lucky dude....to really found himself a love of his life...Way to go bro! But, kudos to both of them, cause....before they had really consolidate their mind frame upon their marriage solemnization, upon Altaff one of the Afghan boy there, whom my bro had become close with... and not forgetting.... ME.....had persuade both of them to come back to this homeland....which Aden has almost forsaken for three years, therefore, further  medical advise and treatment could be done for both of them. Thank God, it is possible for both of them to live as a husband and wife...like how those normal married couples do. The risk is there, definitely, but with all those safety 'gear up'...well the risk is only one percent...!

Like what my mum had foresee, Maya is sure one special girl, smart, strong-willed, confident...and sure one risk taker...and she's my best friend! From a cripple and traumatic soul, she had forsaken all that...well through Aden's love. My bro...he's one dream head , at times it is sure hard to get things straight out from his mouth...and we can't read thoughts. He needs to be knock on his head, to get those unspoken mind clearly stated from his mouth. Well...good luck Maya, I'm sure you have already found ways and means to unloose his unwritten statement." Aleeya, sign off her blogging account which she had keep it under private account only for her keepsake and place her mini laptop by her side side. Thaqif was sleeping by her side with his newspaper on his tummy. Aleeya smile lovingly towards him  as she took that newspaper and place that too, on the side table.

"Would I sacrificed my soul for the sake of you?" asked Aleeya as she gently caress his hair and cheeks.

"You have already done that...! Remember during that fire, I wouldn't have been here with you, if it wasn't you who had save my life." utters Thaqif with a smile. Aleeya nods with a grin, and then Thaqif had his hand on Aleeya's bulging tummy...a new addition in her family. "Aleeya, thank you for doing this, for all of us." exclaimed Thaqif, as he brings his face closer towards her and gently kisses her lips. Aleeya, move her body nearer towards him and held her arms around his the back of his neck as she felt the warm pleasure of being gently touch and caress by Thaqif's warm..steady hands.

"Mummy....daddy!" cried Aaron, Aleeya's and Thaqif's five years old son..as he came inside their room and climb onto their bed. "Look mummy, aren't this pretty?" asked Aaron, as he proudly showed them a huge star and love sign, which he had drawn on his arm...with the black permanent marker pen. And adding to his art work, which he had done on his arm... huge words 'MUMMY..DADDY' written on that too.

"Aaron, what did you do?" asked Aleeya frantically, as she sat up on her bed and looks at her son's tiny right arm.

"Daddy, had pretty pictures on his arm..so I draw some pretty pictures on my arm too." grinned Aaron as he grin his darlie grin, towards both of them.

"Thaqif, don't say that I nag,...but please do something about your tattoo...!" exclaimed Aleeya, as she turn to face Thaqif, who begins to smile sheepishly.

"Come on son, let's clean you up." utters Thaqif as he carried his son..on his back, making Aaron chuckles with excitement.


"Finally, that tattoo was off from his arm...what a relief! Poor Thaqif, that laser treatment, does leave some slight red and pinkish burn mark on his arm..but it will be heal..sooner or later. Being married to him for almost six years now...it' sure such a Blessed...real God's Send ! Aaron, the love of our life...apple of our eyes...only five but..one mischievous chimp. Thaqif had often said, he got that stubbornness from me..yah! Whatever!

 How we both discovered that I'm pregnant....well, during one of my bike racing tournament..(THIS IS LEGAL MUM)...and as usual, I've won again....so right after the finishing line...I puke all over my bike...grossed...! Something, that had never happen to me. As usual Thaqif...a real panic-freak person, becomes overly concerned about this...and drove me straight towards the emergency department, making sure I was okay. Well, a test was done..and hey! I'm pregnant...! Both of us leap with joy....especially Thaqif and not forgetting Aden, both brothers seems to be so busy preoccupying themselves, with some selection of names...and I was only two weeks pregnant.

It was the worst plight of my life, I could hardly get up from my bed...and I often puke...after each meal. Thank fully Maya, was there with me throughout my first semester...she nurse me well. My mood swing, it was horrible....I was always angry...and my victim..well make a guess..Thaqif!" Aleeya stop typing when she felt the movement of her little princess in her tummy. "Thaqif want to feel this?" asked Aleeya excitedly.

Thaqif drop his work report and came closer towards Aleeya, as he gently place his hands onto Aleeya's tummy and felt the strong movement of his little girl. "Tharah, daddy here...my, you one strong little lady aren't you?" utters Thaqif with a smile. Aleeya looks at Thaqif lovingly as she lays her head on Thaqif's shoulder.


"Aden, today is our appointment with the gynae." utters Maya as she phase around the living room of their apartment, which used to be Zaki's..but was presented by Zaki as their wedding gift.

"Oh, yes...I have almost forgotten about that." exclaimed Aden, while he begins to file in the account statement of his company's monthly income and carefully place that whole sheets into the thick file. Aden was now, the head director of his late grandfather's company, upon Adam's his adopted father's request. " I shall fetch you in twenty minutes times." utters Aden as he shut of his lap top and headed straight towards the door. " Nelly, if anyone tries to find me, get their messages and not forgetting their contact number. Thanks" said Aden before he left and headed towards his car.


"From the report which I have received from the lab, this junior is free from HIV...and therefore, upon your consent, this healthy embryos will be transferred to Maya's uterus." explained the doctor as she showed both Aden and Maya the results, of their third attempt on this IVF programme, which they had both decides to give another shot, for some little feet and tiny tots laughter in their nest. Maya held on to Aden's arm, as both of them begins to shed theirs tears of joy.  Finally, a prayer and hope, which they had both awaits anticipating for almost five years of their marriage.... at last, those long awaited moment which they had both persevered, with so much love,patience and endurance has been answered and gifted...a real blessed from God's Mercy and Compassion.

"Did you say embroys?" asked Maya curiously, while Aden still held on to her hands.

"Yup, you both will be expecting twins. Congratulation." exclaimed the gynae specialist, as she smile broadly towards them. "So, next week, both of you will be required to be here again, for another appointment...therefore I could proceed with the procedure of implanting those embroys inside your uterus. The nurse outside, will explain further details about your appointment and please have a lot of rest...before I see both of you again next week." exclaimed the gynae with a smile of hope and joy written in her eyes.

The full moon blooms gloriously...above the night sky, spreading it's lightness throughout the dark...and adding to the beauty of this magnificent sight, were the dazzling stars...which were set and gazing high upon the sky. Maya stood by the window, as she had her sight towards that beautiful sight....a Blessed gift from the God Almighty. Aden came close and stood behind her, as he gently wrap his arms around her waist bringging her body close towards the warmness of his heart. He kisses her right cheek, and then playfully, he bit a tiny part of Maya's right ear lobe. Maya giggles, as the ticklish sensation was set upon her...but soon had her eyes close, as Aden begins to cup his lips upon the corner of her neck and her bare shoulder. Maya quiver and moan..as she turns, and had her doe eyes looking straight into Aden's wondrous hazel brown eyes.

"Did you ever regret, being with me?" asked Aden.

"Aden, that thought, had never ever cross my mind." replies Maya as she held her arms around the back of his neck.

"Maya, I wouldn't know...how much longer I can live." utters Aden with teary eyes. "And if I ever stand a chance to watch our children grows up....!"

"Aden, please...don't say that." whispered Maya as she held her fingers onto Aden's lip. Aden kisses her finger, as he bring them close towards his heart. The fear of losing Aden due to this disease, was such an agonizing turmoil emotion, cutting deep inside her soul. But she kept that piercing torn in her heart, away from Aden's knowledge. Cause Maya knew, showing any of this negativity signs of shudder and solemness emotions, might just withered Aden's will of courage to fight on with his battle to live. Maya brings her face closer towards Aden's, as she lovingly kisses the tip of his doe eyelids......he closes his eyes, mesmerising the pleasure of Maya's tender and warmness of her gentle kisses. Aden held on to Maya's body right close to him, as Maya teasingly brings her lips, brushes them against his chisel cheeks and then finally had those sweet lips on Aden's. It was such a beautiful...unexplainable feeling of warmness being embrace and lovingly entwine. Aden knew the risk of infecting Maya is there, therefore, he had always keep that in mind as not to put Maya's life at risk too.

"Remember, those marriage vows which we had made, for better or worst, till death do us apart? I'm keeping that vow rooted deeply inside me." whispered Maya..as Aden had his lips at the corner of her neck and her bare shoulder....linger them further below towards her bare, ample body.

"I love you Maya." utters Aden. Maya quiver and trembles as the pleasure which she had felt from Aden's love was simply unimaginable...it was beautiful.


              ....................................................


"Finally, I had my last touch up on our family portrait..right before dawn sets in. It was amazing, how our family had extend this big..well, this is all the miracle gift from God Almighty....the most Merciful...the most Compassionate.

Aaron, our son, he's eight years now....yup! He had my eyes and my hair..a splitting image like his grandpa I guess! Not only that, he had the art flair from me.....should check out those stick figures and other hill side mountain drawings, which he had significantly drew on our wall. Well, Thaqif....please do something about those walls now. Tharah, my beautiful princess...turning five....she's, quite a handful, very imaginative...just like her daddy. Always pretend to be a cop or some agent, as she will run and jump, roll over the floor...acting like one of the Charlie's Angels babe...wearing her daddy's oversize vest which had the word..written SWAT at the back of it. Thaqif, he's been promoted as a chief captain of a swat term, which he was leading currently. Faith had keep me strong....knowing that Thaqif, will always come back home safely with us.

Aden and Maya.....well Faith plays it's greatest part between them too....! After being Blessed with two lovely twins, Mikael and Alisya...., Aden was now seems to be more creative, not such a dreamer, as he talks and nags a lot now. OH! GOD! HE SOUNDS LIKE YOU MUM! Maya, super cool home maker,.....making sure, Aden constantly takes his antibiotics and go for follow ups medical check up, at the local clinic....wrap up any of his sores, if it happens.

The stigma is there, they both had felt that, even at the beginning of their marriage. People just talk shit behind their back..pointing fingers at their faces. Aden, well he don't give a damn shit about all those negative remarks, which he had simply heard, brewing behind his neck..but he's main concerned are his wife and kids....he's afraid all this negativity comments might just drained their moral low and cause some impartment on their relationship, but Maya was his back bone, the angel that had given him the wings...to soar up high again, the oars of his boat..(I know....I know! I'm getting to carried away now)...Fate, plays it's part too...I meant, who would expect that, despite all this entwine bends of episodes which they had both faces, but the foundation of love and Faith which they had both struggle hard to build...was a battle worth to fight for.

Maybe, some of you might asked...whatever happen to that Ilhan dude!? He's dead....due to cancer! But, Aden fulfils his request....he managed to visit Ilhan in his cell, and it's quite heartbreaking..on how Maya had relate to me. Ilhan was already half paralysed on the right side of his body..due to the cancer which had spread to his brain....and it was not easy for him to manouvere, especially in the prison cell which he was locked in. Maya was filling up some documents, as she requested Ilhan to be transfered to the hospice centre, cause she knew Ilhan is dying. While Maya was busy with her paperwork, Aden phase along the narrow but dimly lit corridor, of Ilhan's cell...unknowingly. Suddenly, some prayers beads might has been snapped from it's tread, rolls out from this particular cell, over the corridor, right beneath Aden's feet. Aden stoop down and tried as best as he could, picking up the beads before they rolls further away from him. As he picks them up, he cupped those beads in his palm, and walk closer towards this cell. "Sir, I guess, this might be belongs to you?" cried Aden, as he place his palm which was fill with the beads, in between the cell gate...and what a shocked he had, when those beads were actually belongs to Ilhan. Aden was to startle by this meeting, until he drops those beads off from his palm. He remains speechless.....numb...no reaction at all. He can't be angry, the hatred and revenge which Aden used to had on him...just dimisnised. "Ilhan."

Maya, soon came with the warden as he opens up the cell, for both of them to enter. Ilhan, covered his face with both of his palm, as he begins to wept tearfully.....the guilt and remorsefullness, were clearly written on his eyes and through the sounds of his weeping. What saddens them, Ilhan left leg has been amputated too....due to the bone cancer which had definately, was killing him in silent...! Aden, reaches out his hand and held on to Ilhan's shoulder....though no words were spoken between them....but their silent, tells it all. Aden had actually, stay for few hours with his 'foe'....cause, he does not want Ilhan to feel lonely...and it's sure painful, to be dying alone, with no one to turn to....without any shoulder to cry on.

After, Ilhan was transfered to the hospice, he's already in a comatose state. In just a week after, he passed away, with Aden by his side. Yet, I asked myself again, will I be able to take all this....I mean, the trouble to really care..for this foe, which had actually destroyed my life and future? I don't know...I guess, Aden got that graciousness and compassion...traits from my father. To forgive....someone, who had poison your spirit, it sure takes a lot of courage to do that!

Aden, had always told me secretly, without Maya's knowledge, he knew...his days were numbered  and it's heartbreaking.....just to hear him say those words...! I never grew tired of injecting him with courage, if,  this sudden onset of depression came upon him, I simply told him....to take a look at Maya, Mikael and Alisha....they are with you together in this battle, you are their valiant knight....they are your swords of hope, courage and love....used them. Aden will smile amusingly, as he will still playfully tugged my fringe. Nobody could ever tell that he's HIV positive, cause..he looks normal....well, still as cool as ever, he had cut his hair shorter though, but he still keeping his goatee...it reminds him of Kabul, that's what he had always says.

All right, now about me....! I have hung up my paramedic boots....cause I feel now is the right time for me to pursue what I had always love....painting. Adam's Eye, has been relocated nearer to our home town..and it has been transformed into an art school, since more and more students were joining in this class, I have recruit more professional art teacher to help me out. Thank God, it all turns out well. Aleeya's Touch, believe it or not....was combine with Sarah's bakery shop..Peach Olive Turf. Well, it's Thaqif's brilliant idea, to kill two birds with a stone, while client came over to check out my art works to make an order, they can enjoy some coffee with fresh bake buns or cookies.

 I almost forgotten, aunty Nadia and uncle Zaki, finally got the chance to become parents, after almost twenty-five years of waiting. They both had decide to try for this IVF treatment and it's a miracle....their junior will be due in three months time. Their adopted twins, in their third semester in a local college here.

I know, the bends of lives which we are facing right now, will not just ends there, but with strong believe in Faith, Love and Virtures.....things will turn out to be....just fine! God's Willing." Aleeya sign off her blogging account, as she place her mini notebook on the side table. Thaqif, had already left for work, Aaron and Tharah were in the midst of their dreamworld. Aleeya, headed towards the veranda..and look upon the vast morning skies, as the brightness of the morning light begins to give it significant rays of new day..new chapter. From above this all, Aleeya knew....the love of her life, her mum and dad...is looking down on her too....with smiles of comfort and calmness written on their carefree spirit.

                                                                          THE END

The Bends : Chapter Thirty- Four

"Before you decides, to walk out from my life....ask yourself this question?" utters Maya. "Have you been fair towards me?" asked Maya. "But, I have already got that answer.No! Cause you have no faith in me and our love. You wouldn't even give me, a tiny bit of chance and hope.... to prove to you what our love was all about." cried Maya as she fight back her tears of rejection from falling. "Anyway...thanks Aden, for everything." exclaimed Maya as she walks out from the camp away ahead from Aden...and joins in with the medic doctors in treating some of the sick victims of the wreak.


"You won't be dead due to your disease man....but you will be dead due to these" exclaimed Altaff towards Aden. It seems Altaff had overheard, Aden's tense conversation with Maya. Aden shuts his eyes, without saying anything. "I would not wasted my chances for a lady like her." continues Altaff coyly. Aden stared hard towards him with anger on his look. "You are jealous?" asked Altaff with a grinned. Aden gave a huge sigh as he sat on the empty bed with his head hung low. Altaff soon joins with Aden as he sat beside him. "As a friend and a brother, let me give you this piece of advise. I know, you meant well with your choice and your decision of being here....rendering your sweat, blood and tears for my country....but have you ever thought about your love ones back at home...who are still, diligently praying hard ....waiting for you to be back in their arms again? Have you being fair towards them especially towards Maya? This is my country and I'm proud to be born here....but due to the callous of the wrongdoers here that had destroyed this beautiful place, whom our fore fathers had build. And dragging you along with this plight which our country is facing right now....it is unfair." exclaimed Altaff. "Aden,  I have lost my wife and my children in this war....but I don't run...I still remain close with them spiritually, but you seems to act the other way round. Please forgive me for saying this Aden, but you are using my country and your photographic skills...to run away from your responsibility as a husband, a brother and a son. That is a sin. Our teachings, does not allows that." utters Altaff as he stood up and decides to walk out from the tent. "Think about it." continues Altaff before he left.


It was such a magnificent and breathtaking sight, as Maya sat on the rocky mountain which faces the view of the vast open sandy dessert. The rustling wind and the fresh scent of the morning dew, upon the shrubs had somehow or rather injected some strong sense of adrenaline rush...through Maya's mind. But the hollowness, which she had felt, could never detached itself away from her soul. She held on to her knees close to her chest, as this bring in some comfort for the gap upon her heart. However, Maya was not aware that Aden was coming closer towards her...as he looks at her with so much unspoken love and messages. Maya soon begins to sense the closeness warm of someone's presence. She was startle, when she saw it was Aden who had actually sat beside her...and gave her the warm comforting pleasure towards her heart.

"I can't blame you...for falling in love with this." exclaimed Maya with a smile as she glued her view towards the wide spread of the horizon dessert. "This must have drawn you away from me..." utters Maya as she hung her head low...but her fingers begin to held on to the pendant necklace, which she had wore it around her neck for almost five years.

Aden held out his hands and glide his fingers through Maya's loose dangling hair above her shoulder. "Do you still have that ring with you?" asked Aden. Maya nodded, but she kept her head low towards the rocky ground, as she tries to hide, her real pain of losing him. "Will you take Aden Ahmed Zaki, as your lawful husband.?" asked Aden, as he brings her hand close towards his heart. With tears of enlightenment, at last Maya found the courage to look straight into his eyes...with the answer yes.. written all over her beaming sweet face.

The Bends : Chapter Thirty-Three

Aleeya opens the front door as she called out to Maya, however she knew Maya had already left, as Maya had already set her mind straight upon her plan of visiting Ilhan, who was kept imprisonment...for the entire of his life.


"This is his case notes...and good luck." exclaimed the prison warden as he hands her Ilhan Mansur's case sheets in her arms and then he lead her towards Ilhan's prison cell.

As they were both approaching closer towards his cell, a calm voice of someone reading the holy Quran could be visibly heard..."That's impossible." thought Maya to herself....but her guess was right...it was Ilhan's soothing and calming voice.....reciting verses after verses of the holy Quran....the main verses on redemption and repentance.

"Ilhan, your new counsellor is here to guide you." utters the warden as he begins to unlock his cell and usher Maya to joins in with them. Ilhan close the holy Quran, as he brings it closer to his face and gently kiss it before he carefully place it on top of his bed. Slowly he turn to face them, and what a shocked he had when he saw Maya was the new counsellor, whom he was suppose to see that morning. Ilhan saw so much fury and hatred in her eyes piercing directly inside his heart....and this cause so much guilt and fear in his soul.

"I can take it from here. Thank you sir. I shall call you, once I'm ready to go." exclaimed Maya, as she still had her sight looking intensely towards Ilhan's.The warden nodded and left the cell, leaving Maya and Ilhan together alone in that dark cell, which was only dimly lit by the small lamp which was hang on top of the celling.

"Nice cage!" utters Maya sarcastically.

"I heard, you have been doing well with yourself. I have read and kept some of your articles on social issues about slavery, illegal children and woman exploitation....there are good..." trails Ilhan as he reaches out towards the wall and bring down some of Maya's writings, which Ilhan had cut out from the local newspaper.

"Cut the crap....don't act Saint with me." cried Maya as she slammed the thick case sheet on top of Ilhan's tiny finger.

Ilhan withdraw his finger in pain, away from the case sheet with tears in his eyes. Maya smirk upon seeing him reacting this way. "You are not here to guide me aren't you?" utters Ilhan sadly.

"What did you just say? To guide you? Is there hope for you?" asked Maya as she begins to mock Ilhan's real sincerity of repentance.

"Please forgive me Maya....please forgive me!" cried Ilhan tearfully, as he held his palm and covered his tearful face.

"I have overcome all those grievous acts which you have cause me....but what you did to Aden is simply unforgivable.....you have destroyed his life...you son of a bitch." cried Maya as she fought back her tears of anger.

"I'm sorry." wept Ilhan.

"It's that all you can say...?" asked Maya as she turn her back against him. "Why did you do it? Why?" yelled Maya. Ilhan remains silence but continue to cry silently. "What were you thinking at that point of time...when you attacked me....and then you had your bunch of bastard friends raping me?" asked Maya furiously.

"It was a mistake and it was my sin....I know...I can never gave you back your dignity or anything, to redeem all of my wrong doing against you and Aden.." trails Ilhan as he struggles to get his crutches which he had place them against the wall.

"I do not expect you to give me anything. What can you possibly give us anyway?" utters Maya sarcastically. Suddenly, she heard something fell and as she turns, she saw Ilhan was struggling to get up from the floor with his crutches far away within his reach. And then, Maya notice..Ilhan right leg was gone....and so were some of his fingers and a tinge of emphaty slip into her soul. Maya held back her tears and refused to barge as she just stood there and watch Ilhan....as he keeps on struggling to get himself up from the hard concrete floor. However, she took Ilhan's case sheet and begins to quickly run through them....when suddenly, something had caught her attention. Ilhan's medical records....Ilhan was diagnose with bone cancer...and he would only live for another three months, as the cancer had spread throughout almost every part of his vital organs. Ilhan is dying. Maya close the case sheet as she shut her eyes....God the Almighty has shown it to her.....Ilhan has been punished..this is his karma..his retribution. Ilhan coughed frantically, as he crawls towards his bed and held his hands around the bed frame, as he tries to get up. Maya came closer towards Ilhan and held out her hands, as she assist him to stand up and make him sit on his bed.

"My fate has been written this way....I accept all this..I accept." wept Ilhan sadly...and Maya knew..he is sufferring....due to the pain of the cancer virus..and his spirit has been damaged....due to his past sins and wrong deeds.

"You have found your way back towards Faith...that's good." utter Maya as she plays her role as his councellor....and this time....she had frame up her mindset and goals of helping Ilhan, going through the last phase of his life....emotionally and spiritually.

"Maya, here...take this. The promised which I made before." exclaimed Ilhan, as he hands her a piece of paper after he had scribble something onto it. Maya took it and read what was written.....it was a telephone number and an address. "That will lead you to Marsha and Reena." utters Ilhan as he smile faintly.

"Ilhan, there's still hope for you.....go for your treatment." exclaimed Maya as she tries to coax him.

Ilhan shook his head. "I'm happy this way....it has been such a long time....I have never felt this joy and enlightenment in my life. Just one thing...which I.....I requested from you." utters Ilhan.

"Say it." said Maya.

"I need to see Aden." requested Ilhan as he looks tearfully towards Maya's eye.

Maya remain silence, but this time she had her tears stream down on her face. "We are not together anymore." utters Maya sadly. "He left......on our wedding day. It was that faithful day, when he knew, he had HIV positive." continues Maya as she took off her glasses and wipe the falling tears off from her eyes.

"Please forgive me Maya.....!" cried Ilhan.

"It's getting late....I'm sorry....I can't fulfil your request. But, I will always be here for you." utters Maya with a smile, as she signs her report onto Ilhan's case sheets as she decides to take on his case...and do the counselling on him.

"Thank you Maya." cried Ilhan, as he saw her walk out from his cell with the warden by her side.

In the cab, Maya held on towards the address which Ilhan had given her, and then she crumples it and held it in her palms with tears in her eyes. Within those two years, when she went back to Thailand, she had managed to track Reena back......and thanks to Nadia and some of the social worker term there, for their continuous assistance towards Maya's search.When the first time, Maya set her eyes onto her long lost companion....it was such a heartbreaking sight, when she saw Reena was living in a slump and her condition was extremely beyond her recognition. Reena was left with her bone stuck to her skin....her eyes were deep and hollow.....there were sore almost every part of her frail body. Maya took her back towards Zaki's welfare home and nurse her until....finally......she draws out her last breath.

And it was from Reena's info...which she had managed to say it out on her deathbed..that had eventually lead Maya back to her son Marsha. Maya, drove towards the city area and came upon Marsha's home, she stay in her car for a while, as she decides to catch a glimpse of her son just from a distant....and true enough..she saw a five year old boy...having the colour of her dark ash brown hair...and her smile..came running happily into her foster mother's arm....it was heartbreaking moment for her....but she knew..she had to let it all go. He belongs there....she has no right over him. With a heavy heart, she reversed back her car and drove away.


"Aleeya, I'm back.....I've bought some pack lunch for us today." exclaimed Maya as she enters the front door...and then, there she saw Aleeya stood by Aden's room with tears in her eyes. "Aleeya, what's wrong?"

"Aden." cried Aleeya tearfully.

"What happen? Aleeya tell me." cried Maya as she place the pack food and her bag onto the coffee table.

"His camp base was attacked and bomb by the terrorist." utters Aleeya.

"What? No!" exclaimed Maya...as she shakes her head in disbelieve. "How's Aden?" asked Maya as she tries to put up a brave front, as she does not want to breaks Aleeya's spirit, of seeing her own spirit being crushed by her fear of losing Aden.

"There is still no news on him....despite the authorities there has been trying to gain assess to that area." explained Aleeya. "Aunt Nadia and uncle Zaki will be here in just a moment. Uncle Zaki has been trying several times to get hold of Aden's where about and his condition but..it was all in vain." wept Aleeya.

Maya took out her mobile phone from her hand bag and then she begins to dial some numbers...and from her conversation....Aleeya heard..few words spoken by Maya...availability of a flight.....ticket booking towards Afghanistan....and fear runs into Aleeya soul. "Maya, please don't tell me you are leaving? It is a suicide mission." exclaimed Aleeya.

"I take my chances. I'm not losing him to this...! I shall bring him back...to where he belongs." explained Maya as she went straight into Aleeya's room and pack her clothing inside her bag pack.

"Maya, maybe we should wait for further news from Kabul authorities...." trails Aleeya as she wipe her falling tears off from her face.

"My flight, is in an hour time. Please let me go Aleeya." pleads Maya. "All right, once I'm there, I shall call you and inform you about the condition of that area. Just give me the name of his base camp, and the place where I could report for my arrival." requested Maya. Aleeya was left with no other choice but to comply as she SMS to Maya all those necessary details on Aden's base camp and his others frequent lodging.


Aden sat on the wooden bench as he decides to rest in just few minutes, before he will run back towards the destroyed base camp as more dead bodies were recovered....and those survivors were left dying without any proper medical treatment.....it was such a horrific and heart breaking sight. Children and woman wailing for some mercy.....throughout the night and the weeping goes on. Aden had injected himself with an antibiotic, which the doctor had prescribe to him....as he begins to feel sick himself....but he's not giving up at this point of time. Aden stood up and walks out from the local hospital as he followed....Altaff, one of the local Afgan boy there in his van...as they headed back towards the war torn base camp.


The ten hours flight which Maya had taken, does not seems to tire her down, but the sheer feeling of courage and a mixed feeling of anxiety was all she was carrying in her soul at that point of time. Upon reaching the airport, she was welcome by Saleha...an Afghan woman who was in charged of Aden's visa and visitation pass...eversince he had landed himself in that country. Maya was warmly welcome by her and she felt blessed cause...she knew...she can rely on Saleha......on this. "Thanks for this trouble Saleha." exclaimed Maya as they both headed towards the pick up truck which has been waiting for Maya's arrival.

"No trouble at all....in fact we do feel relief...cause in the process of searching for Aden, you are willing to volunteer in one our refugee camp here." replied Saleha with a smile.

"Any latest news on Aden's camp side?" asked Maya intensely....and hoping for some bits of info.

"From what we heard, there were not many survivors....the one who had actually survive the bomb were seriously injured...and some were dying." utters Saleha, as she and Maya hopped on the pick up truck.

Maya heart sank upon hearing that news from Saleha, but Maya was still determined on her search for Aden's where about, as she wanted to see him ...right in front of her eyes.....no matter in what condition he might be.

"Sadly, there's more bomb attacks occurred right after Aden's camp was hit." continues Saleha....as they headed on towards the train station....cause that was the only route which will lead them, towards Aden's base camp. Maya look upon the barren land across the country side.....it was a war torn country. However, it was the beautiful people and the children there..which seems to drawn her and wanting her to be closer to this place.......and this logical explanation had indeed, been the main reason, on why Aden still remained in Kabul despite the danger, which he might get himself into. The warm but vast clear dessert.......with it's smooth light pattern....cream and orangy sand.....it was such a heavenly sight.


"Hello Aleeya...it's me Aden." cried Aden, as he held on to the mobile phone, which he had managed to borrow from one of the local volunteer there.

"Aden.....Praise to God .....you are okay." squealed Aleeya in excitement. "We are so damn worried about you!" exclaimed Aleeya with tears of joy in her eyes. Nadia and Zaki came closer towards her as they really wanting to know more about Aden's situation. "How are you taking it?" asked Aleeya with concerned in her voice.

"I should be fine...even though most of my belonging were gone." utters Aden as he pull off his shawl from his neck and place it on his shoulder instead.

"Your medication?" asked Aleeya frantically....cause she knew...it will be doom, if Aden was to miss any dose of  his antibiotics and other necessary supplements.

"Not to worry about that..all right. I have my means and ways." grinned Aden...cause after the antibiotic which he had jab into himself...he does feel better.

"Is Maya with you right now?" asked Aleeya, as she looks at the clock and it was almost five in the morning. Aleeya pretty sure, Maya must have reached her destination at this point of time.

"What did you just say?" asked Aden again, as he brings his phone closer towards his earlobe.

"Is...Maya.....with ..... you....?" cried Aleeya. "She took an available flight to Afghan this morning." continues Aleeya.

"Whatever was she thinking?" exclaimed Aden sternly....a sense of worry came into his thoughts.

"I have tried to stop her....but she insists. She wants to bring you back home." utters Aleeya. "So, she's not with you?" asked Aleeya as she begin to fear for her Maya's safety.

"No! Oh God!" exclaimed Aden, as he covered his mouth and chin with his palm. "Aleeya, I've got to go....if in case Maya had called you...please inform me all right." requested Aden before he hang up.


The train seems to be overload with passengers, but Maya and Saleha was left with no other choice, but to get on it anyway....cause for them to wait for the next train..it will take them another day, and Maya simply can't afford to waste yet another day, just to get close to Aden. Saleha and Maya remain standing for almost an hour throughout their journey....as the train travels at a steady speed. Some of the local woman there, looks at Maya with their queer eyes....in between their burqa. Maya smile towards them...and surprisingly from those eyes, she could tell...they were smiling back at her. Saleha and Maya was not wearing their burqa but they both had loose shawl covering their heads instead. It was such a scorching hot afternoon...and this journey was sure, not a pleasant trip for both Maya and Saleha at all. Maya tries to divert this uncomfortable moment, by peering through the window of the train, as she begins to sip in the magnificent view of the mountainous area which was then surrounded by the vast creamy dessert sand. Maya close her eyes, as she tries to recall all those beautiful moment which she had with Aden.....and all those significant memories...it seems like, it was only yesterday.... he was gone.

In the midst of her flashback moment, sleep overcomes her and she almost doze off while standing up in between the crowd, when suddenly the train stop in a halt and this had cause her to startle...but the jerk of the train was so strong, until it derails off the track. In a split second, loud deafening scream of woman and children could be heard, bodies were crushed against one another, bags, luggage's and all sort of things...being violently flung and thrown around due to the impact of the crash...as the train had over turn to it's side..... and then, everything just stood still. Maya trembles as she tries to get herself free from the huge luggage which had fallen on her.

"Saleha..!" she called out as she looked for her new found friend frantically.

"I'm here." replied a small voice..and to Maya's relief..she saw Saleha was in between a crowd of people, who slowly begins to regain back their conscious state. It was such a confusion and turbulence moment ....for most of the survivors....including Maya herself, as she tries as hard as she could to push off the huge luggage off her. Finally, as soon as she managed to get that luggage off her, she begins to scanned throughout the condition of the train and the passengers of it. All she could ever see were, bodies being buried against one another...and there seems to be only few survivors including herself and Saleha. This is a sight, which she knew, she would never forget for the rest of her life. Maya regains back her balance but she felt, her right rib might be fracture, as the pain begins to consume her energy and her courage. Maya slowly stood up as she had her left hand supporting the right side of her wounded rib cage. The rest of the survivors too followed suit, as they tries to stand and walk pass through several of the poor motionless body...as they all headed towards the crushed windows and used that as an escape route from the unfortunate train. However, Maya, Saleha and some of the other survivors had actually stayed behind to check on any  more passengers, who were still alive and help them to get off from the ruined train. Thankfully one of the passengers has actually regain back his senses as he called the authorities for help....when everyone else seems to be too deeply emotional and rooted by this horrific incident...including Maya herself. When finally, as they all felt sure that was all the survivors which they could find, they rested by the rocky and sandy ground....with sweat, blood and tears covering their mind and soul.


"Aden, bad news man....few more places has been attacked....and the worst is, a train coming over to us has been derailed...!" exclaimed Altaff, whom Aden had known and become close with. Upon hearing the derailed train, anguish and fear begins to engulf inside Aden's heart...as the thought of Maya's safety and where about shudders his spirit.

"They need more rescuers at that wreak area. Since things has been more quietened and settle over here, I guess I should be joining that side..to help in the search rescue." exclaimed Altaff .

"I'm coming with you." utters Aden, while he secured the shawl around his neck, as he could feel the evening wind had began to disperse it's rustling breeze beneath his skin. Aden begins to tremble, due to the coldness of the wee evening and he knew his illness was about to succumb him..but he was determined to go along with Altaff.....as his main concerned now is Maya's condition and where about.

"Are you sure Aden, you want to join us in this mission..? May be you should take a break." exclaimed Altaff as he felt worried for his friend. Altaff knew about Aden's plight and his disease, therefore he was not keen on Aden's idea of joining the rest of the term. And from his perspective, he felt that Aden had done beyond his limits and this might aggravate his frail condition.

However Aden was persistent and insists of joining them. "I shall be fine. I have just taken the paracetamol which the camp doctor had prescribe to me just now." said Aden as he was determined with his mission.

And soon, Aden and some of the volunteers rescuers, had gather in the pick up truck, as they all headed towards the wreak side. The journey took them almost an hour before they had eventually reached upon the first few carriages which has overturned, and the crashed was extremely horrific,as some of the carriages were simply beyond their recognition. Aden's heart sank, as he roam his eyes around that horrific scene as more and more victims either were rescued or being place in the morgue bags. Without wasting any more seconds, soon Aden and his term begins their task, carrying the victims and bringing them away from the disaster sight. But there were still no sign of Maya, much to Aden's dismay.

Night begins to sets in, as the brightness of the evening sky had given it's way towards the dark clouds instead. Aden and his term knew, this is not going to be an easy rescue mission. Things get worst, as the roar of the thunder from the far distant area showed a sign, that a storm is brewing up sooner or later.

"This is no good." utters Altaff as he look upon the heavy clouds..hovering above the night sky. More generators were set up, as they need more visibilities of the light..to guide them in their mission. Some of the other terms which had arrive just arrive, soon begins to set up more mercy relief section, which consists of some basic medical equipments, as more causalities which has been rescued, needed extra area for them to be treated and taken care of physically and emotionally.

The abundance clouds soon, pours it's blessed rain....drenching and soaking the area....restraining more on their rescue effort. The rescuers knew, they had to act fast or else, the heavy torrent might cause the  collection of the rain water, inside the overturned carriage, might lead them to more difficulties in their rescue effort.


"Maya, you need your rest now..I think you have done enough." utters Saleha, as she secured the bandaged around Maya's side of her rib. After it has been fully secured, Maya button up her blouse and then she stood up. "Maya, with that injury...I think it will be better, if you just get yourself rested." exclaimed Saleha again as she pulls Maya's hand and urge her to lay on the small mattress, which has been place in the tent.

"Saleha, this is just muscle strained....I will be fine." utters Maya with a smile, as she steps out from her tent and walk through the rain...heading straight towards the mercy relief side... as she get herself occupied with the cleaning, stitching and dressing up the wound of one of the victims there. She make full used of her skills which she had learned from the welfare and orphanage home back in Thailand...and used all that valuable lessons and knowledge as she renders her volunteer service for the victims of the wreak train.

"Make way......please make way." cried a voice and soon...a group of rescuers had came in with an old man on a stretcher....with his calf hanging lose by it's bone. He was bleeding profusely but he was not conscious.

A medic quickly came forward to assists the rescue team. "Miss extra hand here?" requested the medic, as he usher Maya to join in with the transferring of the poor man from the stretcher towards the small medical bed. In the midst of their task, however Maya did not notice that Aden was one of the rescuer, as she was too engrossed of assessing the victim. Aden was not aware of Maya's presence until, he saw the wedding ring which he had given to her on her finger. Aden look up towards this particular lady, with that ring on her finger and...... she is Maya. A tinge of joy leaps in his heart...as he felt relief seeing Maya was okay.

"You gentlemen, please stay focus...!" exclaimed the medic towards Aden, who was caught in his daze....as he had his sight on his beloved Maya. Maya look upon this gentlemen.....and like a fate which had played it's game of finding the missing word on her scrabble board....at last she had found Aden. Maya quickly looks away from him...as she tries to hide that tears from her eyes...beneath those glasses. And soon, Maya and the medic gets themselves occupied ....treating and nursing the dying men....as Aden stood few feet away from them with his sight still focusing on Maya.

"Aden, are you coming along?" cried Altaff as he called out to Aden.

"Yah." utters Aden shortly...and then he left. Maya watches he leave....with tears in her eyes.

The heavy torrent had finally stopped, as dawn begins to sets in.....the rescue effort was put to a halt for a while, as the authorities found that...there's no ending to this...and they can't afford to sent any more extra men towards this crashed sight. Aden and some of his term mates....took their ablution as they decides to do the morning prayer together, at one of the base camp which was left empty...therefore, prayers could be conducted in there. Some of the rescuers were disappointed, by the decision which has been made by the higher authorities....but they were left with no other choice but to comply. After prayer, Aden decides to look for Maya around the mercy relief area...however, there were no sign of her. Aden walks out from that area...and to his surprised there stood Maya right in front of him.

"So you think, that I'm not strong enough to beat all the odds?" asked Maya with tears of disappointment and a slight tinge of anger in her eyes.

"Maya, Praised to God, you are all right!" exclaimed Aden, as he pulls and held her, as close to him with all his might. He gently caress her hair beneath her shawl with tears in his eyes.

"You left, without saying anything...but those unspoken words...has definitely kills me." utters Maya as she held her arms around Aden's body. "How could you be so cruel?" asked Maya as she let herself away from his arms....but had her sight towards Aden's eye's instead. Maya could see, Aden was fighting hard to live and this had indirectly breaks her soul. He looses few pounds and his beautiful eyes...seems to tell many tales of painstaking effort just to live another day. Maya held her hands towards Aden's over grown hair, which had almost touch the lower part of his neck..and then she brings her hand towards Aden's chisel features and gentle caress his face and his chin which he had kept his beard very well trim. "You look so different now." utters Maya with a smile. Aden took her hands and bring them closer towards his lips. "Aden, please come back with me. Now, give me the chance to fulfil your dreams.....our dreams, remember?" utters Maya as she look straight into his hazel brown eyes.

"I have chosen my path." said Aden." And the choice which I have chosen.....is to be here." exclaimed Aden. "Please go back...and never look upon me again." utters Aden sadly, as he walks away from Maya's arms and turn his back against her with tears in his eyes....it's heartbreaking for him to say those words ...but he felt that was the right thing for him to do....cause to love is to let go.

The Bends : Chapter Thirty-Two

"Aleeya, here some sausage rolls which I have make for you, so that you could have them for your supper later tonight." utters Maya as she hands her the nice warm sausage roll which she had neatly wrap up in an aluminium foil. Aleeya smile as she took that pack food and stuff in her bag pack together along with her uniform , as she was getting ready to set off to work.

"Maya, please forgive my brother...I wouldn't know how to react if I were to face up with this kind of situation myself." exclaimed Aleeya as she look straight into her eyes.

"He just shut me off...!" utters Maya as she felt dejected and disappointed by Aden's reaction of not wanting to take and reply to any of her calls and messages.

"Give him more time to get his mind frame straight again." exclaimed Aleeya as she zipped up her bag and carry them on her back.

"Three years has gone..does he still need more time on that?" asked Maya with a huge sigh.

"You know Aden, he's some kind of a dream head...so he takes longer time to really consolidate his thoughts and mind." utters Aleeya with a grinned as she hopes to cheer Maya up.

Maya giggle after hearing those words from her. "Yah..I guess you are right." said Maya at last.

"Tomorrow, are you really serious with your idea, of visiting that piece of shit? asked Aleeya as she was not very keen on Maya's idea of visiting Ilhan who was serving his life time jail sentences in the prison.

"Some things which I really need to clarify with him." exclaimed Maya with tense in her voice. The real truth behind all her sufferings under his hands....the real truth about her missing son and friend...she just want to know why.

"I just do not want you to get hurt again." utters Aleeya as she felt worried for her dear friend.

"What possibilities can he do to me...being in that cage?" exclaimed Maya as she was still determine with her plan. Aleeya nods her head but the concerned look was clearly stated in her doe brown eyes.

As Aleeya was busy tying up her paramedic boots, while Maya continues to read her novel, suddenly there was a knock on their front door. Maya place the book mark pendant, which Aden had given her onto the last page, which she has been reading as she stood up and head towards the door. She was surprised when she saw Thaqif. "Aleeya, someone is here to see you." said Maya as she opens the door wider to let Thaqif in.

Aleeya becomes dumbfounded when she saw Thaqif had actually stood right in front of her with a cookie jar. "You have forgotten this." utters Thaqif with a sheepish grin. Aleeya simply ignores him as she stood up and carries her bag pack with her helmet in her right arm. Thaqif presence seems to be a non-existence being to her, as she walks away from him and headed straight towards the front door. "Aleeya, stop acting like a child." exclaimed Thaqif as he held on to Aleeya's arm with his hands.

"I shall be in the kitchen....!" cried Maya as she stood up from the couch and left...heading towards the kitchen.

"Let go of me...you idiot! I'm already late for my work." exclaimed Aleeya as she struggles away from Thaqif's grip who seems not wanting to let her off...but he actually pulls her closer to him instead, as he smile charmingly towards her. "So you think this is funny...?" as she tries as hard as she could to get her arm away from Thaqif's grip....when suddenly his mobile phone rang.

"Please excuse me." utters Thaqif but he still had his hands around Aleeya's waists. "Yah..Thaqif here. Khalisah, what's up?" asked Thaqif, with Aleeya having her full attention towards his conversation with his new 'leading' lady. "All right, I shall be there right away." exclaimed Thaqif as he released Aleeya from his grip. "Aleeya, I really got to go." utters Thaqif but from his tense looks after receiving that call...Aleeya begins to feel a tinge of anguish in her heart.

"Thaqif, what's wrong?" asked Aleeya with concerned in her tone as she looks worried.

"I need to attend to this case right away." said Thaqif as he gently caress Aleeya's hair and her tense looking face. Aleeya was surprised with her own unexplainable emotion at that moment.....it seems so hard for her to let go "Just remember me in your prayers all right." Thaqif, walks out from the door as he headed straight towards his car and leave....Aleeya stood by the gate until his car was out from her sight.


"Aleeya, look at the time now...you are fifteen minutes late reporting." cried Julian, her senior superintendent.

"Sorry madam....something crop up at the very last minutes." exclaimed Aleeya as she pushed her stuff inside her locker and headed straight towards her bus....the ambulance..that's how the paramedic had actually rename their ambulance.

"It's simply not you at all..for being late." exclaimed Saiful her partner for that night as he key in some reports to pass over to Aleeya from his PDA.

"Come on, lets roll..!" utters Aleeya as she hops on the bus and do their rounds around that town. Aleeya went behind the bus as she begins to do the stock checking..making sure there's enough supply of medication, drip lines and any other nessesary equipment which need to be stock up...and next she check on the oxygen supply and the e-bag.


"Are you sure this is the place?" asked Thaqif as he steps out from his vehicle followed by Khalisah..when suddenly they were approached by another group of under cover cops.

"Thaqif remember me?" asked Yazeed as he held out his hand and pat onto Thaqif's shoulder.

“Yazeed….yah! It has been such a long time, we have not seen and heard from each other ever since that fateful day.” exclaimed Thaqif as he smile anticipating after seeing his long time partner, when they were both were assigned to crack down the drug lord and Thaqif  had eventually gathers enough evidence against Dante and his underground deals.

“Thanks mate, for saving my ass.” cried Yazeed with a smile.

“Anytime man!” utters Thaqif with a grin.

It was on that fateful night, when the boat, that carries the illegal substance were been raided by the swat term at the port which Ilhan and Thaqif aka Nazril, was supposed to make the deal, was the night when Yazeed unintentionally, was discovered to be a mole which was sent by the swat term. Thaqif, who was known as Nazril, as that name was to be used, whenever he was need to be involve while gather more information regarding Dante’s dark dealings. Thaqif knew, Yazeed and his family fate will be seal cause, his identity has been disclosed. Eventually, Thaqif had volunteered himself to finish off Yazeed and the rest of his family, with a condition, it was supposed to be a one man show. Without wasting any time, he took Yazeed and his fearful family away from that state, by asking his long time biker buddies to rent a normal pick up truck and used that truck, to transport Yazeed with his family away from that state safely. Thaqif was lucky enough as he know how to play his part very well, until he was totally been fully entrusted by Dante’s as he was name to be the next lord. Thaqif was smart enough to make full used of this opportunity, and penetrate more deeply inside Dante’s dark world…until one fine day the golden opportunity had come for him to seize…as he had the main keys to unlock all the explicit deals which Dante had been working on, almost throughout his entire life. Just after a month after Aleeya’s family tragedy, Thaqif roll out the dice and gain back his poker card.

One night, Dante had invite him over to his place for dinner and while doing so…he begins to rant and brag about his so call success in this explicit businesses which he is so proud off. Thaqif had it all plan before hand, as he had implanted himself with a micro chip recorder in his boots…a daring act which he knew..once he’s caught..that will be the end of him. As Thaqif begins to ask more and more questions towards Dante, the swat term which Khalisah was leading..was already awaiting for the next move. And finally, as the full evidence which has been successfully recorded by Thaqif, Khalisah and her term move straight in. It was such a chaotic sight for Dante’s man but not on Thaqif, Khalisah and their term. Exchanging of gun fire occurred between them….Dante as usual the coward piece of dung becomes frantic as he ordered Thaqif whom he had thought Nazril, to figure a perfect hiding place for him…..but what a shocked he had, when Thaqif had eventually point a gun at the back of his head..with an arrest warrant in his hand. “You’ve got the right to remain silent…anything you say or do will be put against you.” utters Thaqif as he handcuffed Dante and drags him out from his home and pushed him into a police petrol car.


“Khalisah, I hope you don’t mind if I were to take Thaqif away from you just this once.” exclaimed Yazeed as he orders Thaqif to be part of his term.

"He's all yours Inspector." exclaimed Khalisah with a grin.

"All right, here the location of that building." utters Yazeed as he show the rest of his team, including Khalisah's term the blue-print map of the building. "We have received some info about the illegal activities in that building...this is serious because...it does not only consists of drugs, but they had some explosive substance and other weaponary which has been illegally smuggle into our state. Therefore, I need bigger term for an assistance involving in this operation. Thanks Khalisah for accepting my request." exclaimed Yazeed.

"Anytime sir." replied Khalisah shortly.

"Good. We need to split up. Thaqif and few others will be with me. We shall be the first term to enter into that area, followed by Khalisah...to cover us up..and to call for further assistance if things turns the other way...which I'm sure we all hope that none of the unexpected things might happen." utters Yazeed as he continues to explain further about this operation. "Okay, lets move." exclaimed Yazeed as he and his men proceed towards the building which was twenty feet away from them.

The silent of the night was soon begins to be broken, by the sound of the clicking guns and footsteps as they rushed ahead towards the building which looks like an old warehouse. Yazeed lead ahead followed by Thaqif...however for the rest of his three men..he had asked them to round up towards the back area of the warehouse instead. "Are you ready?" asked Yazeed intensely towards Thaqif. Thaqif nodded confidently and soon, Yazeed enters the warehouse front door much to Thaqif's surprised, cause it was not locked....such an easy assess...thought Thaqif to himself.

"Maybe, we should wait for the rest of the guys." requested Thaqif..but what makes him feel more uneasy about this operation, suddenly Yazeed locked the warehouse from inside. "Why are you locking the door?" asked Thaqif curiously.

"My men from the back will be unlocking the back door...therefore, Khalisah and term could easily raid from there. Come on, let's not waste any more time....let's check around this place." utters Yazeed as he instruct Thaqif to move along towards the stairs, which lead them to the upper floor of the warehouse. The visibility if the warehouse, was based by the dim light on every tiny corner of that area. Thaqif could sense, something was not right about this whole deal but yet, he still followed Yazeed orders as they both climb up the stairs towards the upper level.

"Why does your man take such a long time to be here?" asked Thaqif again, as he looks at his watch and it was almost fifteen minutes, but there were still no sign of Yazeed's man. However Thaqif knew, Khalisah and her term will move in once, Yazeed gives the order.

"Because, I only need you." exclaimed Yazeed with tense in his voice as he points the gun at Thaqif's head.

Thaqif was taken aback by his action but he remained cool. "What's this all about?" asked Thaqif again. "Two men enters this warehouse, one shot dead, they sure know who's the shooter...so don't be a fool." utters Thaqif again as he set his eyes intensely towards Yazeed.

"Shut up Thaqif, don't try to act smart with me. You can fool that stupid Dante but not me." cried Yazeed furiously.

"I'm just curious...why are you against me?" asked Thaqif while he set his mind fast to work out a plan to get himself away from this tight situation, despite Yazeed's gun was pointed at his head.

"You want to know why..you had spoilt everything....everything that I have been working hard on." yelled Yazeed. "Before you step in, Dante adores me....I was his favourite. I was to be his right hand man..but you..you had take it all away from me." cried Yazeed.

"We are cops..for goodness sake....we should be working together to crack these people down, but not to join them. Have you forgotten our vows during our academy time?" asked Thaqif as he brace himself and walk closer ahead towards Yazeed, who still had his gun pointing towards Thaqif's head.

"With the mere salary which we've got, compare to the loads which Dante had given....!" yelled Yazeed as his hands tremble upon hearing those words from Thaqif.

"You are a stained to our uniform...an our society." cried Thaqif as he wasted no chances as he pushed Yazeed hands away and with all his might, he pushed Yazeed against the wall and slammed Yazeed's hand as hard as he could, until finally he managed to drop his gun, however as Yazeed had gain back his balance he kick Thaqif on his chest, sending him sprawling onto the floor board...and soon both of them begins to struggle in a fight.

"You are a fool Thaqif..I will not let you off this easily...!" yelled Yazeed as he took an iron rod which he had found on the wooden floor board, and charge towards Thaqif. Thaqif was quick enough, as he sway his body to the other side and pushed Yazeed away from him...however, it was a mistake as Yazeed had regain back his weapon and begins to aim and shot several times towards Thaqif, until one of the bullet had eventually penetrate into his left thigh and the pain was simply unbearable. Thaqif was left with no other choice but to limb, crawl and hide....to defend himself.

"You are making a big mistake on this.....Yazeed." thought Thaqif to himself, as he took out his gun and in just one aim from his hideout, he had a bull's eye target on Yazeed's head...but he simply do not have the heart to kill a fellow cop....even though...he's a stained. Therefore he had his target towards Yazeed's hand instead and in just one shot...bang, Yazeed's hand was wounded and due to that impact, Yazeed's weapon was flung out from his fingers.

"Shit!" he yelled furiously.

"Surrender yourself Yazeed....the penalty will be lower, cause an offense to kill a fellow cop is the gallows." cried Thaqif as he steps out from his hideout.

"I won't rest until you are dead!" cried Yazeed...and to Thaqif's horror, he drew out his lighter and set it alight.

"Surrender now...or I shoot." ordered Thaqif.

Yazeed smile wickedly, as he threw his lighted lighter into one of the barrel which contain the gun powder. In just in a frenzy moment, loud explosion occurred sending Thaqif few feet away from that sight as his body slammed hard against the concrete wall of the warehouse, whereas, Yazeed was blown up due to the impact of the explosion and was dead on the spot. Thaqif fight to regain back his consciousness and there he saw Yazeed, half burn body on the lower deck of the warehouse..and he knew Yazeed was anticipating this....he wanted to commit suicide without cutting his throat first. Fear came upon Thaqif's mind, as the blazing fire begins to engulf throughout the lower deck of the warehouse and then soon, that fiery blaze begins to set itself towards the stairways.. Thaqif stood up and decides to head towards the narrowest escape as quickly as he could before the fire could ever reach the upper deck...and towards where he was standing.....however suddenly, one of the thick wooden plank becomes loose due to the heat...and falls heading straight towards him. Thaqif had no chance of escape, as he was pinned down by the wooden plank. He heard several commotion outside, and he knew.. Khalisah and her term had arrive but due to the fiery blaze, there were not chance for them to get close, even an inch towards the door.

"Yazeed...Thaqif!" he heard his name been call...and soon he begins to cough as he feels his lungs becomes choke and drown within the smoke. Blurred visison soon begins to engulf and surrounding his mind....and he knew..he's losing his will to survive.

"Come on let's roll our bus on this." exclaimed Aleeya, as she quickly finish up her coffee and threw the paper cup into the rubbish bin nearby, where their ambulance was parked and start the engine as she headed towards the warehouse...not knowing that Thaqif was the victim in that warehouse as he still fighting to survive.

"This is bad....!" utters Saiful as Aleeya brought out her e-bag and other equipment towards the group of fire fighters, who was seeing trying as hard as they could to control the blazing flame.

"No more...only this one." cried one of the fireman, as he carried the chared body of a man...and carefully place the dead soul onto the trolley as the other paramedic covered the burn body up with the blanket.

"No...there's one more..Thaqif.....I had one men still in there!" yelled Khalisah.

Upon hearing that name been mention, Aleeya heart trembles and palpate in such a speed....as fear begins to surround her. Aleeya looks at Khalisah from a distant...and then she took her steps closer  towards her.

"I can't risk my man by sending them into that blaze..!" yelled the superior officer towards Khalisah as he begins to feel annoyed towards Khalisah's demand.

"Holy shit....can't you people do something?" asked Khalisah furiously...while Aleeya stood by her side..with fear and anguish written in her eyes as she looks up towards the building..which had almost been burn down by the fiery fire.

"No one can survive this shit..lady." screamed the superior officer..in such a sarcastic tone in his voice...a real ego and chauvinist piece of dung...thought Aleeya to herself.

"No, I'm sure something can be done." utters Aleeya as she nods her head.

"Are you smart enough to think of a plan..you are just a mere lady paramedic?" he utters mockingly.

"Try me!" yelled Aleeya as she rushed towards the bunch of fire fighters and ordered them to roll up their fire ladder towards the small opening window, which Aleeya found right at the corner of the building.

"Aleeya, what are you doing?" cried Saiful as he pulls her away....however Aleeya remains silence as she puts on the firefighter visor and carry a tiny oxygen tank behind her back. "Aleeya, I'm asking you?" yelled Saiful.

"Saving a life!" replies Aleeya..as she headed straight towards the ladder and climb up as fast as she could ....cause she could not afford to waste anymore time....as she knew this building will collapes anyime soon. As she reached upon the opening of the small window...she kick it as hard as she could...and shattered the glass of the window...sending bits of pieces flung almost everywhere onto the floor. The moment she enters, she knew...from the sight of the lower deck.... no one could ever survive this...as the flame was so thick and the heat was simple unbearable...Aleeya, put on her oxygen mask and carefully move on towards the upper deck which was already almost invisible due to the thick smoke.

"Thaqif." she cried several times...praying for hope. When suddenly, she saw a body was pinned down by the wooden plank and she knew it was him. Aleeya, rushed in between the smoke and the tiny flames as she stoop down to look at him. He was unconciuous. "I can do this....I can do this...Please God help me!" cried Aleeya, as she pushed the wooden plank away from Thaqif as hard as she could. And soon, Thaqif body was free from the plank.."Thaqif, wake up....come on!" utters Aleeya..as she took off her oxygen mask and cover it onto his nose and mouth. "Breath.....breath!" cried Aleeya with tears in her eyes, as she lays Thaqif's head onto her lap. Fear run through her spine, as more wooden planks and several of the zink roof top begins to give way...and fall several feet away from them. "Thaqif....come on...you can do this." prays Aleeya and to her relief..Thaqif regains back his conscious as he begins to cough out the smoke from his lungs.

"Aleeya." he utters weakly.

"We have not much time...!" cried Aleeya as she too begins to feel drown due to the flame....Thaqif took off his mask and pass it over towards Aleeya's face. Aleeya saw the gun shot wound on Thaqif's thigh...and with all her might she help him up...and together they both limp as fast as they could towards the opening window.....and to their relief, several other fire fighters were already there as they help them climb out from the window and down the ladder. Upon reaching the ground....soon, more zink and wooden planks could be heard, falling against one another...and the superior fire officer, quickly give order to his men and other people surrounding that area to back off. Thaqif was place onto the trolley and was transport towards the local hospital as fast as they could..as he had sufferred some burns on  his legs and hands and not forgetting due to the gun shot wound. Aleeya, had few burn marks too on her hands..but thankfully it was not serious.

"You are just lucky!" utters the ultra ego superior officer.

Aleeya, took off her visor and slammed it hard against his huge belly. "This visor doesn't fit you at all." and then she walks away....as she joins Saiful in their bus and headed fast towards the hospital.

"You have done well Aleeya...I'm impressed." utters Saiful as he drove smoothly towards the hospital ground. Aleeya nodded, but her anxiety emotion keeps on tracking her back..to haunt her. The flashback of her parent....and the fear of losing her dad..and now just like a flash back recorder...the fear of losing Thaqif...!

Aleeya, key in her report into their PDA, while Saiful parked their bus on one of the empty parking lot. And soon they both enter the premises of the emergency department, while Saiful went towards the stock room to take out some gauze and saline to top up in their bus....Aleeya stood by the glass panel as she watch helplessly towards Thaqif who falls back into unconscious state again....a haunting and anguish moment for Aleeya's tiny heart to retain.

"Thank you Aleeya..for saving my men." utters Khalisah as she pat Aleeya on her shoulder. Aleeya looks at her in a wonder..."My man, in what sense?" thought Aleeya to herself. "I'm inspector Khalisah..Thaqif's superior." exclaimed Khalisah..as she could figure out that question from Aleeya's
eyes.

"I'm just doing my duty." replied Aleeya shortly.

"You meant a lot to him....trust me..!" utters Khalisah as she wink her eyes before she left towards the exit door and was soon out from Aleeya's sight.

Aleeya, frown as she had her sight towards Thaqif again as he lays motionless on his bed....with the oxgen mask on his face and some drips line and plugs were inserted in his hands. After the doctor had left the room, Aleeya begins to ask about Thaqif's condition..and with a sigh of relief...she knew..Thaqif will be okay...it is just that he needs alot of rest. Aleeya left as she continues to join with Saiful..as she still had few more rounds to go on that night.

The next morning, after she had her quick shower and change into her plain clothes...she headed back towards the hospital as she decides to visit Thaqif. Upon reaching the ward, Sarah was already there...looking tense and worried about her son...but after seeing Aleeya, a tinge of cheerfulness comes back into her mind. Aleeya embrace her with all her might...."He's okay...I have already spoken to the doctor again this morning."exclaimed Aleeya.

"Thank you Aleeya, for saving my son's life." utters Sarah with tears in her eyes. Aleeya held on to Sarah...lovingly. "I go and get some coffee..do you want anything dear?" asked Sarah with a smile.

"It's okay aunty...I just had mine this morning...you go ahead." replies Aleeya. Sarah nodded and then she left. Aleeya, walks into Thaqif's room and she finds him still resting. Aleeya took a chair and sat close by his side....and soon she begins to fall asleep, due to the tiredness of her night duties and not forgetting the crucial moment which she had been through with Thaqif.

In just a few minutes suddenly, Thaqif begins to stir in his bed and start to get restless. Aleeya woke up in a startle motion...as she stood up and gently run her fingers through Thaqif's hair. Thaqif  blinks several time as he slowly opened his eyes. He smile upon seeing Aleeya by his side. "Tell me this is real....or am I dead?" utters Thaqif with a grin.

"This is real stupid!" utters Aleeya with a smile as she held back her tears in her eyes. "Inspector huh?" asked Aleeya with a frown.

"Yah...she's my inspector....what do you have in mind?" asked Thaqif coyly. Aleeya pinch his arm in annoyance. "Ouch that hurts." cried Thaqif as he giggles. Aleeya decides to stay around much to Thaqif's joy...as they both soon was engrossed with their conversation, chatting and giggling away....the feeling that had automatically brings them back towards their teenage years.

While, they were laughing away with Aleeya's story about that silly man, which got his butt stuck in the car bonnet as he tries to hide away from his wife....suddenly her mobile phone rang. "Aleeya speaking." answered Aleeya....and then in just in a spilt second...her face turns solemn as she end her conversation with the caller.

"Aleeya, what's wrong?" asked Thaqif worriedly.

"Aden.... his camp side was attacked by the terrorist....it was bombed." utters Aleeya as she trembles with her words.

"How is he?" asked Thaqif as he begins to fear for his brother's safety.

"He's uncontactable......the authorities were unable to get contact from anyone at his base camp." replies Aleeya with tears in her eyes.

Thaqif reaches out his hand as he held on to Aleeya's face. "Stay calm all right....may be you should go home and wait for any more further news from Kabul." utters Thaqif as he tries to console Aleeya and calm her fears away.

Aleeya nodded her head several times."Yah, you are right..maybe I should leave. I wonder if Maya had already knew about this?" exclaimed Aleeya. "She's putting up at my place...within this few days." utters Aleeya as Thaqif watch her with concerned in his heart. "How about you?" asked Aleeya in a sudden gesture.

"Aleeya, I will be fine...you take care all right." utters Thaqif as he bring Aleeya's face closer towards him and gently kisses her lips. And then soon, Aleeya stood up as she sling her helmet in her arms and left. Throughout her journey....Aden's vision keeps on running through her mind....she can't lose anymore of her love ones...no... just the thought of it...it feels like a sharp spear piercing.... right through her heart.

The Bends : Chapter Thirty-One

Being a full time paramedic for almost two years now, was a real wealth of experience and certainly and eye-opener for Aleeya. Bringing back the dead...or seeing the life ones fade away...had somehow or rather stirred some melancholy emotions deeply scarring her soul. It was not easy at first for Aleeya to adapt to that sort of situations....dealing with human lives..however...dealing with her emotions and seeing some of the characters of the human behaviour it seems to be more complicated. Event though she had mentally and physically prepared herself..spiritually and Faith, before she decides to choose a path as a paramedic as her career...the fear of not being able to bring back a life was definitely a blow to her. It's just like a repetition of an unfinished story or a drama...as the life ones fought hard to live and survive but God Almighty had better plans for them. Aden could easily figures out why his sister had chosen..this line as her career path...due to their parents unfortunate death. Aleeya struggles emotionally, each time a life was gone...but triumph when a life was safe. At times, she will visualise herself being flashback to the scene when her parents were cruelly taken away from her....and she will be there to save them....but at last it was just like a hope for a bucket of gold at the edge of a rainbow.

Aden had once warned her about the emotionally and psychological, impact that might cause her due to the choice of her career path, but Aleeya had stood firm with her decision as she signs up the five years bond as a paramedic which was offered to her at the local hospital emergency department.

"Aleeya, would you like to join us for some bowling game later tonight?" asked Stephanie one of her paramedic team members.

"I'm expecting my old time friend coming over to my place this evening." exclaimed Aleeya. "Anyway, I will be covering Lance duties tonight." continues Aleeya as she shut her locker after she took out her helmet. "It's okay why don't you guys go ahead without me."

"Aleeya, we rarely see you chilling out or on a date. Maybe you should take a break once in a while." exclaimed Stephanie as she feels concerned towards Aleeya's monotone life.

"Thanks, all right may be one of the nights I shall make myself free for you guys....I promised." utters Aleeya with a smile.

Aleeya, ride on her bike passing by several shop houses until she decides

to take a different route on that day. Aleeya looks at her watch and she finds the day was still early for her....to spend some moment within herself. She parks her bike along the empty parking lot and gets off from her bike as she slings her helmet onto her right arm. She decides to phase around the shop houses which she had actually never set her eyes upon them before. As she walks around, she came across a shop which sold all sorts of paintings stuffs. "What a treat?" thought Aleeya to herself as she bought all types of diferrent paint brush, some oil paints and a new sketch book. Aleeya do find some precious moment, to live on with her passion..... painting. And at times, if she was to take a long vacation, she will used that to travel back to Adam's Eye and not forgetting her Aleeya's Touch. Although some of her daddy's treasures were left untouched for her personal keep sake, some of her magnificent art works will be sold and as usual, the money which she gained from her sold paintings, part of it, she will donate to the local charity with an anonymous cheques which she will sign without her name on them. Aleeya was about to head back towards her bike, when suddenly, one particular shop had actually caught her attention. It was a new but rare bakery shop...with a unique name..PeachOlive Turf. As she enters the shop, the smell of the fresh bake cookies and buns had simply mystify her. The shop was tiny but it was fill with all assortment types of cookies, which was place presentably in a cookie jars. "Such a unique sight." thought Aleeya to herself again with a smile... as this place had stirred a new inspiration for her next painting. Aleeya was not able to make up her mind on what type of cookie she should get for herself...until she came across this cookie jar which was label...'Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie'....and she remembers that used to be her favourite type of cookie and there's only one particular person whom she knew..and kept that secret recipe....she was Sarah. Aleeya was soon becomes mesmerised with it's smell and it's quaint look as she begins to stare at them in a wonder.....frowning her eyes..another unique trademark which she had inherit from her dad.

"Aleeya, oh! Gosh! It is you." cried a soft but comforting voice which she once had known...it was Sarah.

"Aunty Sarah....it has been such a long time." utters Aleeya as she came closer towards her and gave her a loving hug.

"Oh! My! Look at you now. You do carry your father's features....especially with that natural chestnut brown hair of yours." exclaimed Sarah with a smile as she playfully, tugged Aleeya's hair.

Aleeya grinned and then she asked. "Aunty, does this bakery shop belongs to you?" Sarah nodded anticipating. "Well, I'm impressed. You have done well aunty." exclaimed Aleeya as she held on towards Sarah's hand.



Aleeya looks at her watch, "Well, I can squeeze some moment with you." exclaimed Aleeya as she grinned her darlie smile, while she took a seat on the stool by the coffee table.

"So what are you doing right now|?" asked Sarah as she had her sight towards Aleeya's plain dark navy blue tight fitting t-shirt, which goes along with a dark navy blue pants...which looks some kind of a uniform.

"I'm a paramedic right now." replies Aleeya as she took a sip of her coffee, which Sarah had served.

""That's awesome.....I'm sure your late parents will be proud of your choice." exclaimed Sarah. Aleeya smile upon hearing that remarks from Sarah. "How's Aden now?" asked Sarah as she offers a peanut butter chocolate cookie to Aleeya. Aleeya took it in her hand and place it on top of her saucer.

"He's doing fine at Kabul." utters Aleeya..solemnly. It was such an agonizing moment for her...to conceal the real truth about Aden's condition. It is sure hard, as she needs to bury this heartbreaking secret about Aden's disease....for almost three years now. Aden had often called her or at times he will sent her an email...with some attachment photos which he had amazingly taken at Kabul. From those photos, Aleeya knew it was not easy on Aden's part too....even though he still looks healthy but the sadness and the pain which he had been enduring was clearly written in his eyes. Both of them will gather some time to chat with each other through online. Aleeya had often asked him to come back...but he will simply laugh it off or just pushed the blame on his tight schedule....but Aleeya knew...it was just a plain cover up.

"Such a pleasent moment spending some time with you....enjoying this nice coffee and not forgetting my favourite cookies." compliment Aleeya as she took the last sip of her coffee. "A delightful pleasure...I can say." continues Aleeya with a smile.

Sarah smile upon hearing those compliment from Aleeya and then she asked. "Once in a while, do come over to my place for dinner. I really miss having you around my home." exclaimed Sarah as she held out her hand and hold on to Aleeya's finger. Aleeya remained silence for a while, as she set her eyes towards her porcelain coffee cup. Sarah knew...what exactly had withdrawn her away from her home.

"Was it because of Thaqif?" asked Sarah. And yet again Aleeya still remain silent, as solemness set through her doe brown eyes. "Are you still angry with him?" asked Sarah again.

"I don't know aunty. I can't be angry forever..." replies Aleeya as she tries to held back her tears. "I guess fate had been written this way...so I have to accept it." continues Aleeya. "How is he?" asked Aleeya as she had her view focus towards the table clothe now.

"He's okay....I feel more secure, as now he was station more frequently in our state." replies Sarah.

"You meant, he's no longer an undercover?" asked Aleeya wondering.

"Ever since, that Dante guy and his lowly underground business has been raid by the cops...Thaqif has been transfered to narcotic bureo department....even though, it's quite tough on him..but I find...it is more stable." exclaimed Sarah with a sigh of relief.

Aleeya nodded in silence, however deep inside her heart, the urge of wanting to know more about Thaqif's recent bends of life is simply killing her. Three years had passed by since that horrific incident, which had eventually crushed her relationship with him. She was too blinded with her own anger and ego..as she simply refused to listen to any of his reasons...but to push him away from her life.

"Just wait a while....while I packed some of treats for you." exclaimed Sarah as she pat Aleeya's hand.

"Please aunty...I do not want to trouble you." utters Aleeya with a smile as she felt a tinge of cheerfulness..inside her broken soul...Sarah just like her mum...not exactly alike..but the similarity of the motherly love which she had been deprived off.....ever since her mother had pass away... Sarah's presence had definitely gives some lightness inside her soul.

"Oh! No..no trouble at all. I'm sure you and Aden must have miss my cookies." exclaimed Sarah with a loving smile. Aleeya grinned...cause it was the truth which she can never hide from Sarah. As Sarah went back towards her baking area, to pack some cookies for Aleeya, Aleeya decides to phase around the bakery shop as she begins to admire those beautiful...and appertizing looking cheese raisin bun, which was pleasantly arrange on the serving tray. Suddenly, she heard the entrance door was open and there she saw Thaqif entering the shop bringing a young woman beside him. Aleeya, stood by the corner of the shop, hoping that Thaqif will not be able to spot her there. Aleeya soon begins to pay her full attention towards Thaqif and the pretty lady beside him. Suddenly, Thaqif took a glance at the corner where Aleeya was standing, and his greyish blue eyes widen upon seeing her there. He stood frooze...he seems to be confused not knowing how to react or what to say...but his eyes remained on her. Aleeya begins to feel awkward...upon being seeing like this. Without second thoughts, she walks away from him....headed towards the door and left.

Thaqif still remains motionless, as he stood firm on the ground, "Aleeya!" utters Thaqif to himself as he rushed out towards the door and step out from her mother's bakery shop. But he was too late, Aleeya has already gone along with her bike. Thaqif went back into the bakery shop and from his look, Khalisah knew...something was not right about him.

"Hey! What's wrong?" asked Khalisah.

"Inspector, you are here too?" asked Sarah as she approached closer towards them. "Where's Aleeya? I have packed some cookies for her." exclaimed Sarah as she scan her neck to her right and left..hoping that Aleeya will still be around.

"She left mum." utters Thaqif..solemnly.

"And you didn't stop her?" asked his mother as she held her arms on her hips.

"I guess, I was too late.."replies Thaqif feeling dejected.

"So, she's Aleeya..the girl which you had told me about..during that case which had gone wrong? asked Khalisah towards Thaqif her junior. Thaqif nodded as he walks towards the window sill of the shop and peer through it....as he had his sight towards the busy street.

"She asked about you." cried Sarah with a smile. "So I believe....you both still stand a chance in this relationship. So this time...go for it." exclaimed Sarah excitedly.

Thaqif...feel a tinge of en lightness after hearing those words from his mum. "I guess she must have misunderstood us." exclaimed Thaqif as he looks at Khalisah.

"Well good! It shows she's still cares." cried Khalisah with a grinned.

"Really?" asked Thaqif.

"She's jealous silly.....can't you tell? That meants..you do meant something to her." exclaimed Khalisah again.

"So now....bring this cookie and sent them to her home...right away. He's off duty now..right inspector?" asked Sarah as she passed the cookies jar onto Thaqif's arm.

"Oh yah..he's off duty for now.." replies Khalisah and that set both of the ladies to giggle..leaving Thaqif making his next move....on winning Aleeya's heart again.


As Aleeya enters her home, the alluring smell of the lavender essence oil been turned on and burn...she knew..Maya is back. And true enough, there stood Maya after all this years she has been gone....but Aleeya was surprised, cause there were tears of sadness and heartbreak written in her almond shape eyes. "Maya, what's wrong?" asked Aleeya curiously.

Maya showed Aleeya the unseal envelope and the letter which had destroyed Aden's hope and future. "How could you do this to me Aleeya? How could both of you breaks me like this?" asked Maya in between tears.

"Maya, I have left with no other choice..and so is he." replies Aleeya with tears in her eyes.

"You know..my love for him meant more than anything that you could ever imagine.....how could you hide this truth from me?" asked Maya as she sank on the floor...crying tearfully as she covers her face with both of her palm.

Aleeya came closer towards Maya, as she too sat on the floor beside her. "Cause Aden knew....you might still want to be with him..despite of his current condition....that's why..the truth was to remain hidden and he had choose to leave." utters Aleeya as she let her tears stream down her face.


It was such a peaceful sight, the sky was vast...together with the open desert among the hilly mountain side....the air was cool, especially when night had begins to sets in. Aden brings his shawl and secured it around his neck. It has been his routine now....some sort of his own easing way of spending his little moment being away from the busy city of Kabul and came upon this hill side....each time after his night prayers. He knew..he's condition has been deteriorating...but he's still fighting...fighting not for himself....no...but for this poor children of Kabul. All those photos taken..which he and some of his team mates had sent to the local and other region web side..was an eye opener to the world..telling the first class world... the real naked truth of the cruelty of war and deception. Somehow or rather..by doing this tiny deeds...he feels a great pleasure and content....his heart feel more at peace. The wind getting stronger now...as the breeze begins to blow it's blessed coolness against Aden's hair, which he had over grown it until the edge of his collar. Aden decides to go back to his base camp which he needs to share with some of the local soldiers and the refugees there, when suddenly his phone rang.

"Hello." utters Aden...but there was silence...but the distant sound of silent cry could be heard..and he knew...it was Maya. Aden's heart fluttered as he begins to smile, however suddenly, that smile was gone but was replace with solemness. Aden had wanted to shut his phone off...but he do not have the heart to do so. "Maya." cries Aden....a name, which has been long unspoken but still remains strong in his heart. "Please forgive me..for running away." utters Aden sadly...however...Maya just refused to say anything and he knew..he had definitely breaks her heart. "Forget about me all right." said Aden at last as he was about to shut his phone off.

"Do you really think our marriage could not with stand all the trials and turbulence...? So you think that, I'm not strong enough to stand by you...giving you my moral support and pour some courage inside your soul?" asked Maya. "You have gone so far....to help me...rescuing me, giving me a new breath of hope and life....you had actually shown me the real humanity and compassion, which I had never ever once, could ever taste." continues Maya with tears in her eyes. "So let me do my part now..for you." exclaimed Maya.

"I'm dying Maya....I can't be there for you any more...so just forget about us." utters Aden sadly as he shuts his phone off. The bitter coldness had begins to take effect on his lungs as he begins to cough continuously. Aden wipe the fallen tears off from his face as he stood up from the sandy ground and walks back towards his base camp.

"Some might asked,"What's the used of the sand upon the desert.....which can never give life to the living beings..but to deprived them from their needs? " But from another perspective, that Blessed sand...was a pleasing sight for a battered soul.....the beauty and the serenity of it...had gave and enlightened a broken spirit. The uniqueness of this sandy desert..it presence will never stays the same..it will never be....it will keeps on transit and transformed itself.....thanks to the calmness of the wind....been gently blown against them." Aden place the dried leave bookmark onto that page, and place Zhorif's journal under his pillow.....with tears in his eyes. "Am I that wind,who had gave her some alluring pleasure and calmness to her soul..or am I the storm, which that had actually crushed her spirit and hope?" thought Aden to himself as he begins to stir to his left and right....however, sleep was not coming to him at all. At last, he decides to take his ablution as he decides to read the Quran to ease and enlightens his anguish mind. He steps out from his lodging area as he walks further away from there and headed towards the washing area, where most of the refuges do their washing or showering there.....when suddenly, he heard a loud bang that had came from his lodging area...the impact was  so strong until he was thrown few feet away from where he was standing. Soon the area was covered with thick smoke and debris..with a strong stench smell of charred meat. Aden, cough frantically as he slowly bend and stood up with his eyes scanning through that area. The sound of the crying woman and children was heartbreaking. Everyone begins to scattered around in confusion and it was such an unsightly....and sorrowful vision that Aden had ever come across. He felt lucky as he walks out from his lodging area...just in a nick of time. However, he knew..his camera, his medications and together with Zhorif's journal has been blown away by that bomb. Aden soon joins in with the other soldiers and some of the refugee male there, clearing out the place...carrying and collecting dead bodies....of the old and the young lings. Seeing these the future generation, being cruelly taken away by the merciless terrorist of that country....had makes him wonder, "How could you shed the blood of your own children? Does that justify your darkened and hardened soul?" Suddenly, just like a new breath of courage spill into his mind...he survived this as God The Almighty had given him yet another chance to contribute something to this society....to his Faith..and to his love ones.