After losing his dream job, Zain returned in a state of mess.
With a crushed dream, scattered hairs, roughly rolled sleeves and an exhaustion dripping from his face.
He didn’t know what to do.
Hoorain was humming to herself and saw he was home early.
“Zain. You’re- Are you okay?” She paused after noticing his stress.
“Do I look like I am?” He asked weakly, rubbing his temples but taking a seat, not lifting his head.
“Certainly not. Did something happen?” She asked tenderly, sitting beside him, holding his arm for assurance.
“Zain? You are early. What happened?” Aima came as well.
“I.. lost my job.” Biting his lips, he breathed out after a long silence, telling them everything which happened.
“What!? Who is this person!? How dare she?!” Hoorain almost yelled in repugnance to think people like her exist.
“I don’t know what to do anymore.” Zain’s voice broke, not lifting his head, hiding his face in his hands.
“It’s going to be alright.” Aima whispered, rubbing his back.
“No, it won’t be, Mama. Cooking was my dream, the only skill I had all this time. If I can't do it, I can’t do anything else.” He reasoned, tears collecting in his eyes which made their heart constrict.
“I am useless without it and after this incident I won't have a job anywhere.” He whispered, making a tight fist with his quivering lips.
“Don’t say this, it’s going to be alright. Don’t be dejected.” Hoorain whispered, hugging his arms, holding his hand tightly.
“I am sorry… I should have remained silent.” He said sorrowfully, biting his lips.
“No! Why would you bear someone talking when you have done nothing. You are not their slave.” She reasoned angrily, tightening her grip over him.
“But, now I don’t a job anymore.” He whispered, turning his head to her.
“Why are you vexing? It’s going to be alright.” She smiled, having faith in him.
“Argh…” He growled, rubbing his forehead.
“You relax. Wash your face, regain your senses. Everything is going to be okay.” She said, helping him to stand, a smile not leaving her lips.
“Hoorain.” Zain called, stopping in his tracks.
“Hmm?” She smiled, not leaving his hand.
“I am sorry.” He said sincerely.
“For what?” She asked but he turned his head away.
“Nothing.” mumbling, he walked.
“It’s not your fault. Now go and calm down.” She said, hugging him from behind, kissing his hand before enunciating,
“I am with you.”
***
Weeks passed by, Zain’s career destroyed before it could even start, no one was ready to accept him.
At least not for the next six months before it ends.
“Gosh, this woman!” Rayan cursed when they were standing on the rooftop of Ahmed Mansion.
“You know her?” Zain asked, after it, the liveness in his voice died along with the radiance in his eyes.
“Who doesn’t!? I warned you not to work there but no.” He growled.
“It was a five-star hotel, my first job. It could improve my profile.” He mumbled, resting his elbow on the railing, not looking up.
“And now it has become your stain. She has smeared your name all over.” Rayan frowned, closing his arms, leaning on the railing.
“And after this review. No one will hire you anymore. What are you going to do now?” Rayan asked, turning his face to Zain who didn’t move.
“How will you take care of my sister? How will you afford her expenses? You basically have no other skill.” He asked sternly, his biggest concern- His sister.
“I.. am trying to find a job.” Zain replied weakly, biting his cheek.
“You are unemployed for almost a month now.” Rayan said coldly.
“You don’t have marketing skills, don’t know accounts, no communication skills. I can’t even find a job for you.” He sighed, holding his forehead.
“I was just following my dream, Rayan. You know how much it meant to me.” He responded, tone woeful.
“If it deems more important than you shouldn’t have married Hoorain, Zain. You should have stood on your own feet first.” Rayan spoke harshly.
He bit his cheek harder to swallow his talk and nodded in agreement.
“I know… I understand.” He whispered, trying to maintain his posture.
“I don’t understand when you become like this in the first place? Your career was above everything and now, look at you.” He mumbled, rubbing his forehead.
“I understand your concern for Hoorain as her sister.” Zain replied, forcing the lump in his throat.
“Zain, you have seen how we have brought up Hoorain, she had things before she wished for them but to her you matters the most.”
Rayan whispered, turning to him. Rayan was right in his position, she was his beloved sister and seeing her in this state broke his heart.
“I know.” He nodded.
“But, I am her Brother and she is my priority.” He said strictly.
“I want to take her with me until… you know. You get a job.” Rayan said, softening his tone.
“Yeah. I don’t want her to watch me struggle as well.” Zain forced a smile, knowing if he refused, he would be taunted for his unemployment.
He wanted her to stay but no chance of it.
Rayan sighed deeply and patted his back, “I will also try to find a job for you.” Rayan said and left him alone on the rooftop.
Lowering his head more, his lips tremble, shutting his eyes, taking deep breaths.
But, he had to bear it all because he was nowhere near them.
A tear rolled down his cheek when he went back to convince Hoorain to stay- though it was unfavorable on his side.
“Hoorain, you should stay with us. It's been a while.” He stopped outside when Hania’s voice came, trying to make her understand.
“But, I want to go home.” She spoke innocently.
She cannot understand why her family has gathered her like a predator to convince her to stay.
“What? Have you forgotten about us in a few months?” Emraz asked, trying to sound cheerful and make her stay.
“No, that’s not it. You guys know it. Zain needs me right now.” She said, narrowing her eyes, slightly angered at their words.
“But, Hoorain. We are missing you-” Rayan whispered, trying to take her hand but she pulled it away.
“You don’t have to twist words to make me stay. I won’t.”