Flip Chart : Final Chapter

Iman was surprised when she notice the light from her apartment was on. “Hmmm, who could it be?” thought Iman to herself. She quicken her pace as she fumbles with her purse, while digging for her home keys, when suddenly the door was open and there stood Bashir.

“MasyaAllah. Bro!” exclaimed Iman gleefully.

“Assalamualaikum Iman.” said Bashir as he stand aside, while letting Iman enters into her home.

“Wa’alaikumsalam.” replies Iman with a smile. “Yasmeen, masyaAllah how I miss you so much.” cried Iman as she came closer towards her sister and gave embrace her with so much love.

“I miss you too kiddo.” mutters Yasmeen, choking back her tears.

“I’ve waited for the both of you at the award ceremony and ?” cried Iman with both her hands on her hips. Yasmeen laughed just seeing her sister’s reacting in such a way, a real exact replica of their late mother Sharina. Yasmeen still keeps mum as she bits her lower lips, just to control her laughter.

“What’s so funny?” asked Iman, as she turns towards Bashir for the full explanation. Bashir grinned and with a lame reason of wanting to go to the loo, he left both Yasmeen and Iman in the living room.

“Well, duh what is the story?” asked Iman again.

“Didn’t he came?” snapped Yasmeen as she wheels her chair closer towards Iman.

“Who?” asked Iman clueless.

“What do you meant by who? Who else could it be then?” retort Yasmeen.

“How’s my little nephew Abel?” twist Iman.

“Well, he’s doing just fine with his nanny. So please Iman, don’t try to change the subject.” utters Yasmeen.

“So, you are the one that had actually gave him the invitation letter? The invitation letter which meant just for you?” cried Iman in disbelief.

“He deserves to be there more than I need too.” said Yasmeen.

“Why are you doing this Yasmeen? Why did you pushed him away ?” snapped Iman.

“Yes I admitted. A mistake of the past which I will never forget for the rest of my life. He was in desperation, in need of help and psychological support, when Zee Ruth dominates his soul, but what did I do, back then. I pushed him away, strike him off from my life, just like that, without even listening to the side of his story. I’m a counselor, holding a degree of psychologist, but yet I’ve failed in helping him, due to my own personal feeling  and also due to my ego.” utters Yasmeen, with Iman holding back her emotions. “So Iman, please don’t make the same mistake like I do. Please don’t turn away his love for you.” continues Yasmeen as she held her hand onto Iman’s palm. Iman shakes her head. “Iman, please don’t deny your heart about this?” said Yasmeen as she finally let her hand away from Iman, and wheel herself towards the guest room, shutting the door right behind her.

Three years had pass on. Been back at the park bench where, he and Yasmeen used to spend their younger days together, sure brings so much significant memories on his past. His late grandparents apartment has been torn down, for the future development . Oasis finally, blew it’s last breath and Ezekiel had his tiny body been buried in the ground, by the shady tree, where Ezekiel used to do his quiet reading there.

“Thank you Ezekiel, for sharing with me a lot about your past.” utters Iman, as she sat by his side.

“And for all those reasons, that’s why I simply can’t bring myself to stop you from leaving.” mutters Ezekiel. “I can’t break any more hearts….I just can’t. I’m too afraid of giving hope and then I might just crushed it all again.

“But not this time, and ever again. InsyaAllah.” said Iman, as she brings his palm and place it on her bulging tummy. Ezekiel gives a compelling smile for their new found dream and future.

“Well, thankfully, you are not too late for that last piece of cherry pie.” Exclaimed Ezekiel with a grin.

“Ha!Ha! Yeah right.” Cracks Iman, but deep down a significant moment where she would never regret. Reflecting back those compelling but beautiful moment as she lays on the grass with Ezekiel by her side.

The last orange light of the café was still lit on, much to her content. However, the close sign has been put up by the entrance. Taking her final stroll of noteworthy courage, Iman took her pace along the path and headed straight towards the entrance. She swung the door open, but there seems to be no one available at the counter or anyway near the café itself. Iman decides to hang around for a while as she took her stand by the bay window which was located at the right end corner of the café. And there she saw him, bringing in some files upon the front counter, probably wanting to finalize his financial report status of the month, thought Iman to herself. Iman just stood there in silent, as she had his sight towards him. She was mesmerize with his looks, but that was not about all, that her feelings for him seems to have grown. It was during those brief moment where, Zee Ruth aka Ezekiel had stir some infinite attractions to her. He was kind, gentle, with good sense of humor and the best part of it all, he does know how to treat woman with respect. Iman took a step back when suddenly her elbow had accidently hit the tiny cactus plant and cause it to drop on the laminate floor with a thud. Ezekiel almost had his nerves jumps out from his skin, but he was more than surprised for there stood his true love.

“Iman..” mutters Ezekiel in bewilderment. Iman can’t contain her emotions any longer, as she ran towards him and held him close to her with all her might.

“It will be stupid, if I came back here, just for a pie.” Cried Iman solemnly.

“Well, it’s never too late, for I always keep the last piece for myself, but from now on, we can always share that together.” Utters Ezekiel with wondrous tears of joy in his eyes. “Would you love to be my wife?” propose Ezekiel.

“Yes.” An definite answer with no turning point of time.

Beautiful moment lays upon those two hearts, sharing the fragmented reflection of the significant beaming moon rays, that had send it splendid rays upon the lake, quenching souls, calming hearts. Their rose love blooms splendidly upon the garden of their hearts shedding alluring fragrance of hope, faith and trust. 

Flip Chart : Chapter Thirty-One

‘Flip Chart

Fragmented glory,

Been painted on this chart.

With mystical fountain of colors,

Hidden tales of pondering heart.

But underneath the chart,

Such a different sight,

Faded colors of darkness

Secret tales of burning plight.

I can be the one , you own

I can be the one , your foe

I can be the heart,  that takes,

All your colorful, love and hope.

Just plunder me with your

Moonlight glows….

Enlightened my dark sky night.

Flip away my past chart,

Thanks to your glowing might….

Illuminating emotions,

Hidden tales of wondering heart.

Set my sight, on my fresh chart,

Another tale to tell…

But what other tale is left then…..

Since the moon just playing to hide..

You can be, the one you own

You can’t be, the one I foe

You can be the heart that takes

All the empty shadows, my darken night sky…

Me waiting for

The moonlight glows…

Just shed thee moonlight glows…’ “Yet another fascinating poetry by Ezekiel Bukhari.” utters Iman as she carefully place back the printed copy of that poetry back into the empty A4 size paper envelope. In a midst of that crowded conference room, which was held somewhere in Reagan state hotel, somehow Iman felt kind of lonely. “Thank you for all the appreciation and attention given, while me sharing this significant piece with all of you. It is sure such a great honor for me, of receiving this award, for being the best editor of 2011. But, I don’t solely deserved this, there’s someone else, who deserved this more I than I do.” said Iman solemnly. Ezekiel’s latest submission had some how or rather, had cause some uncertain emotion on her side. “Was this poetry meant for her, or was it just another writing of his splendid pleasure?” run those questions on her thoughts. Iman says her thanks before she step down from the stage. However, she did not headed back towards her seat, she took her pace towards the open air garden of the roof top instead.

The cool night breeze was simply marvelous as it gently caressing her soul. The fresh smell of the blooming roses and lavender which was grown along the path of the open balcony was indeed such a breathtaking moment for Iman. Iman closes her eyes with a content smile of comfort curving upon her lips, when suddenly, Ezekiel comes onto her thoughts. She misses him, too much, but she was afraid, too afraid to tell, too afraid to commit. She just could not figure out why either. Was it because of Yasmeen or was it just because of her own guilt?

“Oasis misses you too.” mutters a voice.

Iman was stunned as she gets her mind back on track. And there he was, standing just three feet away from her. “Oasis. How did you get here?” cried Iman still feeling shocked, and what more stunningly shock moment she had now, is seeing Oasis just been there by her side. Iman came closer towards it and sat on her knees, bringing Oasis close to her palm. “Ezekiel please come out from behind that big flower pot.” exclaimed Iman with a grinned.

“Assalamualaikum Iman.” said Ezekiel, as he steps out from behind the pot as he grinned sheepishly. “ I thought I just want to give you a surprised.” explained Ezekiel.

“Wa’alaikumsalam. Well, I’m very surprised indeed.” noun Iman. “How did you get here?” asked Iman curiously.

“Well, I can’t miss this chance, since I was given an invitation letter for this event. And knowing that you are one of the nominee, so here I am. By the way congratulations for the award.” states Ezekiel as he came closer towards Iman.

“Thanks.” utters Iman. “An invitation letter, I don’t remember sending any invitation to him, since I’m the one in charge of all those letters.” thought Iman strangely.

“I really appreciate for your hark work, in making my poetries to be known. Thank you.” states Ezekiel solemnly.

“It’s my job.” replied Iman briefly. It felt kind of strange though. Back during those days of Zee Ruth, there seems to be so much things to talk about. But now, it seems so different. Her notion was stirring in such a turbulence moment of excitement though, since now, she has Ezekiel so close by her side, however on the other part of her mind, she just felt like shedding away from his presence. “Why didn’t you stop me from leaving State?” suddenly shot Iman.

Ezekiel was stunned but then he turn sober. “I…I…” trails Ezekiel feeling kind of dumbfounded. He did want to stop her, at the café where she had her last cherry pie and latte, but something just stops him from doing so. Iman still awaits for Ezekiel to explain further with tears of disappointment in her eyes. “I do not want to be the barrier for this golden opportunity of yours, to become something worthy for your company.” explain Ezekiel shortly, but deep down he felt like an idiot, because that was not the main reason of it all.

“Oh really? So, I’m just not worthy to be someone special to you then? Or was it because of Yasmeen?” cried Iman with remorseful guilt burning inside her soul, for that last question just flew out from her mouth unintentionally.

Ezekiel remains silent but he had his eyes looking intensely towards Iman’s.

“Iman, here you are. Grace is looking for you.” cried someone from the corner of the wall. It was one of Iman’s working partner.

“Be there in a minute.” replied Iman and then she turns to face back towards her secret love. “I’ve got to go.” mutters Iman choking back her words as tears begins to form in her eyes.

“You’ve bring back Ezekiel. Someone whom I used to loathe, but with Allah’s grace, you have make me realized what worthy person I am. If you did not came bringing back all of my old writings, I still be living with so many unanswered questions about myself. After reading back most of my past works, it sure does somehow or rather had contemplate my soul. Making me reflect back about my terrible past deeds and mistakes. Valuable lessons which I’m keeping till the rest of my life.” utters Ezekiel with tears in his eyes as he came nearer towards her, and bring her palm close to his heart. “I’ve fallen in love with you, actually from the very first time that we have met.”

“And Yasmeen? Since your memory has return, don’t tell me, you have totally forgotten about your past with her.” cried Iman. “I may have forgive you, for you not been telling me about your real self, when the first time we had met, but I can’t forgive you, for what you had did to my sister. For crushing her hope and love, which she has been pinning so much on upon you.” utters Iman sternly as she pulls her hands away from him. “I guess the reason on why you are not stopping me from leaving State is already clearly written there, from the look of your eyes. You still have Yasmeen’s love inside your heart.” continue Iman as she let her tears fell streaming on her first.

“No Iman. Please forgive me, for that was not the answer to your question.” mutters Ezekiel’ soul and with a heavy heart, he watches Iman walk away from his sight.

Flip Chart : Chapter Thirty

“Riley, please forgive me!!! Please forgive me!!!” cried Eva hysterically, making Ezekiel wakes up from his sleep in a startle. It was almost dawn, soon Ezekiel realized as he took a glance towards the clock. Moving out from his bed, Ezekiel quicken his steps towards his mother’s room in alarm, for Eva begins to wept and scream in such a horrific manner. It seems, Eva was struggling in the midst if her blanket. Her eyes socket were so sunken and it looks like she was in a frantic moment. Ezekiel dashed towards his mum, and as he touches her forehead, she was burning hot. “Mum.” cried Ezekiel as he begins to panic, but he knew, he got to keep calm. And then without any hesitation, Ezekiel took his mum’s car keys and then carried his mum in his arms, staggering along the stairs. After opening the door, he headed towards the car, and place Eva at the back seat of the vehicle. It took him almost an hour, before he finally reaches the general hospital, to get the medical attention which his mum needed.

“What is your relationship with this patient?” asked the doctor.

“I’m her son.” utters Ezekiel earnestly.

“I’ve taken some blood sample from her and it seems, her fever is due to an infection. Further investigation, therefore is needed to be carried out, so that we can confirm, what is the exact cause of the infection.” explained the doctor again.

“Please do all what you can to ease my mother’s plight.” said Ezekiel feeling kind of anxious. The doctor nods his head and then he left, headed back towards the nurses station as he gives out further instruction to the nurses, regarding his mum’s further investigation.

The heavy anti-biotic drips and sedations must have put his mum into a deep slumber. Ezekiel gently caress his mother’s hair with tears of sorrow in his eyes. “Please forgive me mum, for being such a great disappointment to you.” whispered Ezekiel. Then he took the half damp wet flannel and place it onto her forehead, in order to bring her temperature down. Eva would occasionally moans in pain and wakes up in a alarm. Ezekiel religiously would help her mother turn to her sides or bring the vomit bag, for Eva keeps on puking due to her fever.

“Eze, I’m so sorry for putting you into this mess.” cried Eva remorsefully.

“Mum, please don’t say that. Let me do my duty as a son to you now.” replied Ezekiel which had simply taken Eva’s tormenting horrific pain of her past away from her heart. She felt new high spirited begins to form inside her soul, and from then onwards, she has made a vow, to throw her old charts of darkened colors, but to flip on towards the fresh chart for the new colors of new beginning with her son.

“Eze, I’m so proud of you. Do you know that? You have tapped my heart with your sincerity and love.” mutters Eva as she sat up on her bed, while Ezekiel adjusted the pillow behind her back to make her feel more comfortable.

“Glorify to Allah. With Allah’s grace mum. You are the only mother I had in this world and nothing could change the blood which flow inside me, with any other being.” utters Ezekiel with a smile.

“Good, now I can see that Eva is looking and feeling better now.” exclaimed the doctor as he enters the room, taking a case notes in his arms.

“So how is her condition?” asked Ezekiel.

“When can I go back?” asked Eva too.

“Going home, not so soon madam. And for her condition, well the test results shows that, she was having some indigestion problem, probably due to her drinking habit.” replied the doctor as he looks with full intensity towards his mum. “You are lucky madam because your liver is not infected, but if you continue living with this kind of style, I’m afraid you are self-destructing yourself.” continues the doctor again.

“Please do all that you think which is best for her.” said Ezekiel with his hand still holding on to her mother’s palm.

“I will administered few more anti-biotic and some medication for her tummy. As for her drinking habit, she need to seek help from any local rehab, therefore she could just kick this habit once and for all.” explained the doctor again.

“I’ve been having this drinking problem ever since I’ve been married to Riley.” utters Eva, as she sank her back on the living room couch, with Ezekiel listening attentively by her side. “I can’t blame him either, but this is all due to my fault. He was not born as a Muslim, but I should be the one that suppose to guide him with this beautiful religion of ours, that is Islam. But I’ve failed. Riley, he never stop me from partying too much or for been to socialize. Even though, once in awhile he would warned , not to go over board with the freedom which he had granted me with. But I took full advantage of it and soon, I knew my drinking has becomes beyond control.” mutters Eva as she fight back her tears from falling, from her eyes. “Blaming solely on Riley, for he can’t give me any children from his blood, I began to forsake him, as my duty as a wife towards him. That’s where, I was in desperation for wanting you here back with me.” stops Eva abruptly as she begins to wept. Ezekiel hang his head low as he too was struggling hard with his inner self. About his secret darkened past. “But, I’m just making used of you as my smoke screen, to show you to the world that, I am strong and capable enough to become a mother. However, yet in the end I’ve failed.” mutters Eva with so much regrets heaving inside her soul. “Anger and jealousy begins to be filling up the hollow cracks of my heart, when I realized, both you and Riley somehow or rather becomes so close. I should be thankful, but, I was too blind to see the significant bond which both of you had, in such a short period of time.” relates back Eva. “My worst straw came, due to my illicit affair with Phil. And pushing the blame upon you due to Riley‘s suicide, which actually it was all due to my stupidity” utters Eva remorsefully.

“Mum, please. Now it is about time, that we should move on to something which is so much worth taking.” mutters Ezekiel, as he glides his fingers in between his mum palms. The same way, where during his childhood days, which he could remember.

It has been almost four months now that Eva has finally managed to over come her alcoholisms problems, thanks to Ezekiel’s full pledge love and support. Not only that, Ezekiel brings his mum along with him to some spiritual classes and other’s splendid Islamic gatherings, much to Eva’s joy. She had never felt so much light hearted with transcending bliss, in such a manner before…and she felt  thankful for Allah’s Almighty grace and mercy, in giving her another chance to set her lines straight again.

One late afternoon, while they were both having their tea with some light crackers by the verandah, Eva place a piece of paper with a written mobile number onto Ezekiel’s lap. Ezekiel took it and frown hard in wonder, as he begins to stare at that piece of paper.

“Oasis, misses you.” utters Eva with a sheepish grin.

“Mum…” trails Ezekiel.

“Eze, Iman has been taking care of that turtle of yours ever since you have been missing away from her life. So I think maybe you should show her some gratitude, by just giving her a call.” continues his mum again.

“I shall see about that. InsyaAllah.” replied Ezekiel with a grinned. “By the way, how come both of you have become best friend?” asked Ezekiel cheekily.

“Thanks to you.” noun Eva, twitching her lips in annoyance. Ezekiel, giggles due to his mum’s cute and funny reaction, but still with his sight fix towards the little written numbers on the paper.

                                    Flip Chart : Chapter Twenty-  Nine

“Hie sweetheart. How have you been doing lately?” cried Eva as she welcomes Iman into her Cherry’s Vine café.

“Alhamdullilah, I’m doing good.” replied Iman with an angelic smile.

“It has been quite a while you have not been here?” state Eva, as she place the fresh cherry pie and a cup of latte onto the serving tray, bringing them over towards where, Iman had took her seat by the corner of the bay window.

“Thanks aunty. I was out station for the past few weeks. And I kind of missing my best cherry pie here.” remarks Iman gleefully. Eva giggled as she shakes her head.

“Has he called you?” suddenly asked Eva.

“He’s back?” cried Iman.

“Yeah, I’ve given him your latest number about a month ago. You meant, he still have not called you?” asked Eva again with a sighed.

Iman shakes her head, but from her eyes, Eva could tell, Iman was feeling kind of dejected. “It’s okay. Maybe he might be busy or something.” utters Iman glumly. “Or maybe he still missing Yasmeen, who knows. She used to be with him anyway.” continues Iman, with unspoken words narrating in her thoughts.

“I shall asked him again.” cried Eva nodded her head.

“Aunty, please don’t. Just let him be. But if he wants his Oasis back, I can bring it back here.” said Iman again. Eva nods her head and continue to have few conversation with Iman, before Iman left again for work.

“Mum, are you about this?” asked Ezekiel, as he begins to read through the deeds again.

“One hundred percent. I belief you are capable enough in handling both Cherry Vine and  Edge Book Loft accounts, since you have mention to me about your previous experience in working as an accountant in a café before.” state Eva profoundly. Ezekiel, remains silent as he begins to feel quite anxious about this whole deal. “Eze, we can work this out together as a team. I’m getting old now, and I really need someone to work along with me. I can’t figure out any one else but you. So please…could you do this for me?” cried Eva.

For a week Ezekiel has been made as an accountant at both Cherry Vine and Edge Book Loft. Though Ezekiel has managed to straightened back the unbalance account, he knew he needs lots of time to really adjust to this new but compelling task. Thankfully, he was not alone. His mum and the rest of his co-workers were very supportive in a way, how he had been carrying out his duties.

“Can I have one cherry pie and a cup of latte take away please?” noun a voice.

Ezekiel, place back his file onto the back of the counter as he turns to serve his incoming customer. “Iman.” cried Ezekiel with a smile.

“Ezekiel.” exclaimed Iman excitedly, trying her best to hide her silliness after seeing her secret love again. Iman realized, Ezekiel has change so much. “Wow.” beams her heart, for she was amazed with this new Ezekiel.

“How have you been?” asked Ezekiel as he took the pie and place it into the tiny brown paper bag, next he went to the coffee machine and fill it up with the fresh brewing latte.

“I’m doing good and so is Oasis.” replied Iman, feeling more like an idiot now. “Oasis, what the heck am I talking man.” jumps her inner voice again.

“Oasis? Oh yeah! Missing that old thing.” said Ezekiel as he laughed. “Missing that old thing, what a thing to say….it was not only that old thing that you are missing Ezekiel, it’s more than that.” state his notion in his mind.

“Glad to see you back here again.” said Iman as she managed to compose herself.

“Thanks.” replied Ezekiel as he place all the food inside the bigger paper bag and place it on the counter. But deep down in his heart, he was not wanting for her to go too soon. “How’s Yasmeen?” gasped Ezekiel. “Stupid question” retort his mind.

“Oh, she doing fine. Expecting her first child now.” answered Iman. “Stupid answered. Darn!!!” cried her inner voice.

“That’s great.” replied Ezekiel with a smile of contentment for he felt so happy for the new life which Yasmeen had happily form with her husband Bashir.

“You still at Burbur’s? asked Ezekiel.

“Yeah.” mutters Iman with a faint smile. They both stood still in silent for the last few seconds until, “Eze, can I have my pie now?” noun Iman.

“Oh! Yeah! Yeah sure.” utters Ezekiel as he pass the paper bag to Iman. “This my treat.” continues Ezekiel again, but this time he had his eyes solely onto hers, making Iman feeling kind of nervous but sure it is such a wonderful kind of intuition.

“I’ve got to go.” mutters Iman.

“Yup of course.” state Ezekiel as he look away from her with a faint smile. “Could she be the one? My true love?” thought Ezekiel to himself as he watch Iman slowly walks out from the café and headed back towards the street.

“Ezekiel, you did not invite her over to our home for dinner?” asked Eva in shocked.

“Dinner? What dinner?” replied Ezekiel as he begins tapping his head with the pencil. “Ohhhhh….why accounting?” grumble Ezekiel.

“Now, now boy, please don’t try to change the subject here.” cried Eva, folding her arms across her chest.

“No mum, me not changing any subject here. Please take a look at this figure, where did this extra cash comes from?” noun Ezekiel, as rubbed head with his palms.

“Ya Allah. Ezekiel, that extra cash is for Edge Book Loft, float my dear son.” cried Eva shaking her head.

“Oh yeah. Heeheehee…silly me.” said Ezekiel with his sheepish grinned.

“Okay, now back on the subject on Iman?” continue his mum again.

“Mum, please can we just try not to talk about this matter now. I need to focus on this.” pleads Ezekiel.

“What do you think of her?” brushed his mother’s off as she grinned.

“Okay, she’s nice, smart, funny, cute, so are you satisfied with my answered?” cried Ezekiel. “Actually there’s more mum….but I just can’t figure out what?” thought Ezekiel to himself.

Ever since the last time which he had met her at his café, she never came again, much to Ezekiel’s dismay. “Was it something which I say, or something which I did? Was it because of that stupid question which I had asked her about. About Yasmeen?” thought Ezekiel to himself while he busy himself by arranging the empty cups onto the rack.

“Salam Eze.” cried a voice.

“Wa’alaikumsalam.” replied Ezekiel with a beaming smile upon his heart. “I know, you need your favorite, cherry pie and latte.” continues Ezekiel. It seems some kind of remarkable feeling of glad and joy igniting his soul.

“Ten scores for that.” answered Iman with a smile. “I’ve not only come for the pie, there’s something else.” said Iman and then she place Oasis bowl with Oasis in it onto the counter top. “I’ve come to return him, to where he supposed to belong.” mutters Iman looking solemnly. Ezekiel looks at her with questions of uncertainty playing inside his head. “I won’t be able to be caring for him any longer and…” stops Iman abruptly, while Ezekiel awaits with a heavy heart, for the next statement of her. “And I won’t be having this nice cherry pie any more either.” state Iman choking back her tears.

“But why? I can always take back Oasis, but why won’t you be having this pie any more?” asked Ezekiel remorsefully, as he walks out from the counter and stood closer by Iman’s side.

“I’ve got an offer, as an Executive sales manager at Reagan.” utters Iman. “And I’m taking that offer. I’m migrating over there too.”

Ezekiel looks distraught as he struggle hard to fight back his tears. “Good luck.” state Ezekiel nodding his head, but he can’t had his eyes on her any more, for this might just kills his spirit away.

“Thank you.” mutters Iman grimly as she took her food and left. Ezekiel watch her until she was out from his sight, as she walk among the crowd along the busy street.

 Been in Reagan for about half a month now, was sure a hard work. However, Iman never forgets to carry our her duty as a Muslimah, with her spiritual faith practices. This does ease away her anxiety due to the pressure of her work and reading the Quran does sure calms her soul too. After finishing her night prayer, Iman turns on her note book lap top, to check on her face book status. Suddenly, she saw Ezekiel was online. “Should I, or should not?” whispered Iman to herself. Iman, bring her mouse towards the chat index and then, in just a split second, she off her chat line.

On the other side, where Ezekiel was awaiting for Iman too, was not surprised after seeing Iman’s line was off. Clicking his mouse towards his draft note, soon Ezekiel begins to immerge himself with his latest poetry name. ‘Flip Chart’. With a smile, Ezekiel tagged the note for Iman, before he logged off and went to bed, taking Oasis with him as he place it back inside it’s bowl.

Flip Chart : Chapter Twenty-Nine

‘Closing my senses

Had that scarf around my eyes

Am I on the field now?

Is that you….I feel Thee Light?

Morning dew caress my heart…..

Blinded by my own faults

Entangled my soul, with unspoken doubts….

Fallen due to, my own inner foes….

Instilling Trust…You have shown me how.

In a trance…

I sought for Hope…

Unveil my sight….

Ignite my Faith…

Searching for that infinite dew…

Though…in just a sheer moment

Before the significant noon sets in.

Transcending Bliss….

I felt your Love….

Regain my sense…..

Relentlessly…

Discovering back the alluring courage. That has been conceal inside my soul. And I’m Thankful….!’ Iman held on to that note, with Oasis lay on her tummy. Yasmeen has left with Bashir to Europe for their honeymoon, and probably they have the intention of migrating over too, as both Bashir and Yasmeen has been offered a full time post there. Despite, of Yasmeen disability, but due to Bashir constant love and support, Yasmeen once again excel to her old self again and in fact even stronger, as that’s what Bashir had often says. In the middle of her daze, suddenly the door bell rang, causing Iman’s nerves to be jumping out from her skin. Looking at the wall clock, it was almost twelve noon. Iman was not expecting any guests here at this time of the day. After placing Oasis back inside it’s bowl and then she quickly clear out most of Ezekiel’s old notes back into her file, next she jumps out from her bed and dashed towards the door to welcome the unexpected guest. And like what she had unexpected, it was Ezekiel’s mum standing on the front porch of her apartment. Iman was stunned but she welcomes her into her home anyway.

“Please forgive me for coming like this this, in such an abrupt manner.” noun Eva looking utterly remorseful.

“It’s okay madam.” utters Iman, as she ushers Eva to take a seat on the living room couch.

“Do you want cold or hot drinks?” asked Iman.

“Please don’t trouble yourself. I just had mine at the café below. Anyway I won’t be long here either.” said Eva, with both her palms, clasping close against one another. Eva nodded solemnly, as she awaits in anticipating notion. “I saw him.” exclaimed Eva, as she hung her head low, fighting hard against her emotions.

“You did? When and where?” asked Iman, as she sank on the couch which was lay right apposite to where Eva was sitting.

“Among the old shop houses, somewhere downtown, which was situated few hours from our state here. And then at the bank. There’s where the last moment, where I had set my eyes on him.” utters Eva with regret.

“Huh? And you had never asked him, where he has been staying now?” demand Iman. Eva shakes her head in dismay. Iman had her sight towards the view from her open window, as she looks at the bushes along the pavement of her home town. Her heart was trembling with anxiety. “How is he?” finally asked Iman.

“Surprisingly he looks well. But, something had happened at the bank.” mutters Eva, as she begins to relate back the horrific robbery incident.

Iman, shuts her eyes as she simply just can’t imagine that Ezekiel had eventually been shot, and right until now, his mum was unknown, about the latest state of his condition and where about. Eva was looking so distraught and devastated, much to Iman’s concerned too. Placing her palms, gently onto Eva’s as Iman gave her a courageous smile. “I’m sure, he’s going to be all right. Your son is one remarkable man. I know.” utters Iman, lifting Eva’s spirit after upon hearing those words from her. “Together, we will find him.” continues Iman again with pure certainty.

With his palms still on the seven centimeter scar of the gun shot wound, Ezekiel had his sight towards the beaming moon that had risen, sharing it’s gleams of rays upon the delicate waves that lays across the significant ocean. The compelling scene had some how or rather, stirs some inclination dual thoughts of his past, but it seems hard to let go and forsake all the tormenting pain, that’s keep on haunting him. Ezekiel had quit his job, because he was afraid. He was afraid that his mum might be looking for him, since they both, had eventually met at that area point.

“To feel enlightened with yourself is simple, learn to forgive and move on.” said Ashraf as he sat beside Ezekiel on the wooden bench which has been place on the verandah, that had faces the open sea. “Mind you, those were definitely not my words though, words from one of the significant sage.”

Ezekiel hang his head low. “But I can’t just simply leave you here all by yourself. You have done so much for me. I can’t even repay you with all the deeds and love which you have taught and guide me.” mutters Ezekiel with tears in his eyes.

“Eze, I’m never alone my friend. I have Allah here with me.” state Ashraf with a smile. “Go, go to her, She needs you.” continue Ashraf again, with his hands upon Ezekiel’s shoulder.

With salutation of salam, Ezekiel walk towards the front door of his old mansion, which Riley had gifted him with. Ezekiel, pace towards the tiny flower pot of pink daisy, which amazingly still blooms it’s glorious petals, despite after he had left this home, for quite a long time. He took his home key, which he had cunningly hide beneath the clay pot. With a grin, he look intensely towards the key and stood up.

“Bismillahirahmanirahim.” utters Ezekiel as he opens up the door and enter his old home. “Glorify to Allah.” continues Ezekiel again, as his home was left in such a mess. With newspaper been strewn all over the floor, empty cups were laying around the table, with half empty wine bottles been left on the coffee table too.” Ezekiel shakes his head in dismay, but he knew, he got do, what he needs to do. After he place his, small paper bag which contain few of his belongings, he begins to clean up the mess. First by dumping all those alcoholic beverages and then the cups in to the big garbage bag. After the sweeping and the moping almost all over the kitchen and the living room, next Ezekiel march towards the bedrooms and continue with his task. Finally, after he had hew minutes of break, he took his shower and do his late evening prayers, together with his holy Quran reading. Ezekiel, knew his mum won’t be back so soon, but still he awaits in full anticipation.

 After his night prayer, Ezekiel took a nib of his left over plain bread, which Ashraf had kindly packed for him. Looking at the kitchen clock, it was almost quarter to two in the morning. Ezekiel, struggles to keep himself away from falling asleep as he continue to do some reading. Suddenly, there were the sound of a vehicle entering the front porch of their home. Ezekiel, place his book onto the side of his bed and left his room. However, just as he was about to greet his mum, she had fallen asleep in the midst of her drunkenness on the couch. Ezekiel heart turns sober when he had his sight on her. And then as gently as he could, Ezekiel removes her shoes and place her feet onto the couch. Then he took the blanket from his room and place it on her. And with a smile for new significant hope, Ezekiel switch off the main light and sat on the couch by her mother’s side.

Eva wakes up in a daze but with sober thought. “I don’t remember covering myself with these?” wonders Eva with a frown. She was ultimately surprised when she saw her living room has been tidied and kept clean. All her left over wine and vodka has been cleared. And so were all the unwashed mugs and glasses, which was left on the table, after the hard party which she had held, few days ago, were all gone too. Eva stood up from the couch, with the warm blanket still covering up her body, she took few steps towards the dining area, as she could smell some appetizing meal, has been prepared.

“Riley?” she cried with tears of regrets in her eyes, for she could never forget those once upon their wonderful time together, where Riley would never miss his part, preparing the breakfast. There were so much love, fun and compelling moment which she had missed spending her time with him.

“Assalamualaikum, mum.” utters Ezekiel as he stood few feet away from her mother’s back.

Eva, took a swift turn and there she saw her son, standing right in front of her eyes. Choking with her words and tears of guilt, Eva sank on the floor and begins to wept sorrowfully. Ezekiel, walk closer to her and sat on his knees. Bringing out his arms as he embrace his mum with silent tears in his heart.

It was not easy on his part, in order for him to help his mum, kick her drinking habit. But he can’t quit on her. He knew, his mum is struggling hard too. However, one day, his mum yet again, had broken the rule. She came back almost quarter to two in the morning and she was not alone. She got a male company by her side. Both were so high with booze, much to Ezekiel’s dismay. The male companion seems to be having the time of his life, for he had his hands all over his mum. No doubt that his mum has almost reached in her early fifties, but she still got that alluring persona and charms that able to bewitch any weak souls. Laughing like lunatic hyenas for both begins to indulge in more booze, which the male had bring along. Sinking their souls upon the huge couch, with both entangling with sinful desire, Ezekiel’s heart trembles furiously. Without second thoughts, Ezekiel pulls the drunken man away from his mum, by the collar edge of his shirt and drags him towards the door. Eva snapped and becomes infuriated towards Ezekiel’s attitude, telling him that, he should not be rude to her guest. Ezekiel would not care less, as he continue to pull him away from his mum. However, Eva was unpleased with Ezekiel’s reaction. She took her half empty wine bottle, and threw it towards Ezekiel, almost hitting it on his head. Ezekiel was shocked but there’s nothing much he can do either, for she was too drunk to realize, what she had almost did. After, Ezekiel managed to kick the man out from his home, he help his mum back towards her room. Laying her on her bed and covering her up with the blanket. Before he turn in to his bed, Ezekiel took the ablution and do his late night prayer. Next he begins to recite few verses of the Quran, with silent tear in his soul.

Flip Chart : Chapter Twenty-Eight

Ezekiel revert back to his pleasure moment of writing, but for this time round his words were fill with secret love and hope. Ezekiel, decides to sharpen his pencil as he carefully stood up and pace towards his part of the closet to get his stationary set out. Standing on his toe, with his hands grapping towards the corner for his stuff, suddenly the corner of his elbow hit something, until it fell off from the edge of the closet. It was an old shoe box. Ezekiel, decides to place it back to where it belongs, however the old tattered shoe box, give way and tore up to few large pieces, spilling out most of the contains of it.

“Oh! Dear!” exclaimed Ezekiel, as he bend on his knees to pick those things up. Much to Ezekiel surprised, most of it were old photographs. Looking at one of the picture, soon Ezekiel figures out, that was the picture of Ashraf during his younger days. Ezekiel was amazed after seeing that picture, for Ashraf was a real stud. Ezekiel smile to himself and then in just few moment he turn solemn. “He was not born blind, but what could have happened?” thought  Ezekiel to himself. Ezekiel, soon took the whole tattered box with the rest of the photos and sat upon the corner of his thin mattress. He begins to look at the rest of the other pictures. However, something had caught his notion in a stir moment, because one of the old photos contain the picture of his father, standing side by side with Ashraf. Both were still very young indeed and from Ezekiel’s perspective, they both seems to be very close. Ezekiel brings that photo closer to his side, with many significant questions running through his mind

“Assalamualaikum.” utters Ashraf as he enters the front door which was always kept unlocked.

“Wa’alaikumsalam.” replied Ezekiel as he stood up and greets the old man.

“I’ve bought some fried banana. We could have it together with some tea.” said Ashraf as he place the food onto the small coffee table.

“Sure. I know, I make the best tea here.” cracks Ezekiel.

“Hmmm….second to none.” chuckles Ashraf as he carefully sat on his stool with Ezekiel by his side.

“Wow, you are one good looking lad, way back in the past hmmm?” asked Ezekiel. Ashraf was astounded with Ezekiel’s remarks, however he just remain silent.

“Why this sudden question?” inquiry Ashraf somberly.

“Please forgive me. I do not meant to pry, but I found few photos of you, which you might have kept in an old shoe box. And also another photo of you and a young gentlemen.” said Ezekiel again.

“She left me after seeing that, I could no longer give her any future.” state Ashraf. Ezekiel begins to frown, as he quickly rummage through the old photographs, in search of any photos which could have include Ashraf ‘s sweet heart.

“You can never find any of her picture from there.” state Ashraf. Ezekiel remain still but with escalating doubts running in his thoughts, especially about his relationship which he had with his father. Are they both just friends or some kind of a distance relative.

“Both of us were best of friends, me and him, ever since our childhood days, for that I could remember.” said Ashraf. Ezekiel seems to be lost and then he realized, Ashraf was talking about him and his father.

“Joining the police force had always been our dream. And with Allah’s grace we both managed to embrace that dream without any faltering much to out delight.” continue Ashraf again.

Ezekiel however was stunned,” My father was a cop?”  run shot that question in his thought, but he keep in still inside his heart.

“He was one of the best officer in our battalion and was quickly promoted to sergeant. In few months time, he was promoted yet again as an asp.” said Ashraf as he had his back rested against the wooden wall. “However, with a heavy price which he need to pay. He was to be an undercover cop, going underground, mixing with the highway bandits, the drug lords and the tribe gang, which were such a massive negative influence, way back from our hometown during that era. The heavy sacrificed which he needs to pay, is to shed his uniform and to play double life. A significant duplicity roles, which he had played very well. A compelling stage which he had crafted with his own guts and courage.” utters Ashraf  with a smile on his face.

“How does he do it? I meant, he does not have any trouble to flip back to his origin attributes?” asked Ezekiel curiously.

“Hmmm, he does do get carried away with those negative behavior, but we always watch each others back. One fall, another is there waiting to catch. So when I’m down, he will always be there for me, without fail and when he’s down, he does know how to get to me.” mutters Ashraf, shaking his head as tears begins welling up in his eyes.

Ezekiel, too can’t contain his sorrow any longer. All those terrible things, which his mum had claim about his father, was it all just bunch of lies, so she can get herself to be with Riley? Was Riley been fool by her sweet innocent words of desperation of getting away, from the poverty, from his dad and from him? His father, seems to be a man with such a good flair of judgment. And to be able to play the double role, only certain individuals are gifted to be given that kind of flipping lives. But is that why he had this multiple personality disorder? Has he inherit this from his father? For his father, due to his duty but for his case….it seems so way out different. However, like what one of his spiritual counselor had mention to him before, whatever becoming of him is due to his traumatic past experience, right from the beginning of his childhood, right until the horrific incident between his mum and Riley.

“Things were getting good on the side of his job, but there seems to be always trouble in his marriage. He claims that his wife is seeing someone else. But I told him that could be just damn sick rumors. He does admits, he hit his wife when he felt like his losing his mind. I advised him to seek some help, talk to some professional people about this, but he just brushed it off, with a reason. “I have no time for all this.” sigh Ashraf.

So indeed, it was true after all. His mum was a victim too of spouse abuse, much to Ezekiel’s dismay.

“Few months later, they were both divorced. His wife left him with that guy.” continue Ashraf.

“He becomes more sober, but he begins to gets himself fully committed with his job. Always on the run and he hardly gets home.” said Ashraf again.

This has explain it all, on why his father is seldom around. He came back occasionally to see his grandma and play with him in just a short while, and then after his short nap, he left home again, until one day he never returns. Ezekiel, held on to the picture of his father, as he gently stroke it with his fingers, with silent tears streaming from his eyes.

“We took the wrong turn on that unfortunate day. There’s a rat among the cop, that had leak out his true identity to the leader of the gang. I came to know about this and I became frantic, for he was in the midst of ‘dealing’ some shady matters with the other tribe members. I confronted the rat, and without any forbearance, the rat had told me that, my best pal will be killed after all the dealings were done. Me and the rest of the police officer interrogated him further, asking him more details about this current secret operation which my pal was involved in. After few info we gather, soon we set up our team and headed down town to where he was gone too. However.” stall Ashraf as he wipes away the tears off from his face. “Upon reaching that grimy ship yard, he was already been surrounding by few of those thugs. Without thinking twice, I had speed off with my car towards them, knocking two of them off the pier. I told him to get in my car quickly and he did. Unfortunately, few gun men had almost surrounded our car, and begin terrorizing us with shots after shots. The glass shattered and those tiny bits of fragmented glasses had pierce right through my eyes…and I know, I’m bound to become blind. He help me with the stirring and maneuvering , our vehicle, shouting to me telling me to hang on. The rest of the cops, probably were exchanging gun fire, as that what I could sense and hear so clearly in my thoughts. And this is something which I can never erase off from my mind for the rest of my life. Soon, everything seems to calm down and I knew, victory is on our side. Though I’ve lost my sight, but I felt content.” utters Ashraf and then he remain unspoken in a while. Ezekiel bit his lower lips, as he tries to control his sobbing and emotions.

Ashraf soon begins to narrate back his past. “I was so excited as I keep on telling him, Hey! We have make it…no it was you that had done our battalion proud. However, there was silent from his side. I called out for his name several times, but it was just silent. Then I begin to came closer to him, and touch him….he was gone. Due to the severe gun shots which he had received from his side.” wept Ashraf.

“My dad is a hero.” cried Ezekiel’s inner soul.

“Sadly, his death was not recognized. News came out telling tales, that the right hand man of Dante was found dead in prison , which is simply so untrue. I rant my temper about this news, because I was too upset. He should be honored, not to be prejudiced. In fact, he died while he was carrying out his duty as an undercover, but my voice was unheard. I return my badge and left police force, and furthermore, what can a blind man be contributing anyway.” continues Ashraf, his heart is broken.

“He was my father.” utters Ezekiel desolately.

Ashraf held out his hand and place it onto Ezekiel’s shoulder. “I know.” mutters Ashraf.

“You do?” asked Ezekiel as he was stunned. “But how?”

“When I touch your face, I can tell, you do inherit his features and his character too.” explained Ashraf.

“I do?” asked Ezekiel again.

“His determination, gracious attitude, sense of humor, loyalty, trustworthy. There’s part of him, which I could sense in you.” continue Ashraf again. “Been close with you, its just like been close with him. I knew he had a son because he does mention to me about you, once in a while. He loves you so much. You are the apple of his eyes. I know, he never show his real affection towards you but he cares a lot for your well-being. He had always wanted to introduce his son to me, so I guess his prayer has been answered, for fate had actually brought us together in such an unexpected ways.” utters Ashraf again.

“Thanks old man, for sharing this significant part of my dad’s story with me.” cried Ezekiel solemnly. “But what about you and her ?” asked Ezekiel remorsefully.

“Okay, about me and that lady, is just an additional script for me to spice up my tale.” replied Ashraf with a glee.

“Haahaahaa!!!” Ezekiel giggles upon hearing that comment from Ashraf. However, Ezekiel knew, it was not just an additional script, but it was a secret love script which he had solely kept close to his heart.