"Golden haired; blue eyed.
This guardian angle is my guide".
Asad Suhail.
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He stared at his savior and was left astonished for a moment. She moved a little bit away from him and gave him a worried look.
"Are you okay?"... Her angel like voice asked but he was still in shock to answer.
This was the second or third time he planned for his death he wasn't sure but it wasn't the first and it got ruin yet again.
What will these people gain?
Why put me in constant pain?
You keep saving me again and again
What will be your gain at the end?
"I will call the nurse"... her voice was faint through his series of thought and sad poem.
Asad suddenly felt anger rise within him, he felt like throwing this lady into the water and watch her drown, he felt like strangling her just like he wanted to do with Aunt Aisha when she saved him
"Wait!"... Asad shocked both him and her by saying but then decided to push her into the water the minute she arrives.
She turned around and faced him.
Her face gleamed in the dark and her eyes shone as bright as the moon. From the looks of things she was quite a beauty.
A beauty that left Asad speechless again.
'What's wrong with you Asad? , You don't even know who she is ? Why pay heed to her beauty. Just push her into the water'... his subconscious mind spoke to Asad as Asad rose to his feet.
"What's wrong"... her angelic voice called out and his anger suddenly disappeared.
'Who are you?'... He wanted to ask but he bit this tongue.
"Nothing" ...his gray eyes darken as his voice came out rough.
He shouldn't be nice to her , not after she brought him back to live in pain and misery again.
She seemed confused but left to look for the nurse.
Asad then took the opportunity to leave and go back to his hostel.
As soon as he reached his bed he stumble and fell on it with his wet clothes and body. He couldn't careless if he fell sick , it might even lead to his death and nobody will be able to stop it from coming and taking him away.
Meanwhile Nawal , his savior came back with a first aid kit but the drowned guy was no where to be seen.
'What a strange and confused guy he was'... she thought.
She could see the anger and confusion in his eyes when she saved him.
'Did he not want to live?'... she then asked herself.
Deciding not to ponder on the situation, she left and went back to her own hostel to retreat for the night.
The following morning Asad woke up to find his roommate comfortably sleeping on his own bed , with his back facing him.
Asad would get to see the unlucky person that was stuck with him sooner or later.
He rose up from his bed , prayed and went to look for where he could take a shower.
He searched the campus and his eyes stopped in front of a gigantic hall with showers pinned to the ceiling.
Boys and girls, some men and women were crowded in the hall as he watched them take their bath.
He looked up to see what this place was called and the name was plastered above the door of the hall. 'Public bathing suite' was engraved on the wall.
He heaved a sigh before stripping naked , then he got in. Some places had door but some people decided to take their bath publicly.
He went into one of the places that had a door and hanged his towel then began to take his bath.
When his face was covered with soap , he felt his door open and some masculine voices followed.
He then felt a strong grip around his head and suddenly he felt a bang on his head.
He tore his eyes open only for the soap to intrude into his eyes causing him to grimace in pain.
Asad felt another strong grip around his head again and the person hit his head against the door.
Feeling frustrated, Asad pulled out of his grip but suddenly slid to the floor causing him to shout in pain.
He could taste his blood as he laid on the floor. He felt helpless and hopeless as he could not do anything but cry and that's what he did at the moment, cry before blacking out.
Asad woke up and found himself in what seemed to be a sickbay , heard footsteps and followed it with his eyes and it led him to someone familiar.
'How bad could things get?'.... Asad thought.
"Oh my , you look badly bruised" ... a chuckled escape his lips.
"What did you want" Asad said feeling annoyed.
"Nothing in particular"...Kamal answered with a shrug.
Asad narrowed his eyes at his cousin demanding for answers.
What could Kamal possibly want if not revenge for having his mother Jailed.
Yunusa and Lateef didn't bother to hide their hatred towards him so why should he?
Kamal has always been a nice person to him though but he didn't trust him.
"I went to take my bath and found you laying lifelessly on the ground" ...Kamal said in a sincere tone.
"Thank you for your help but I don't need it" ... Asad tried standing up but his joints and muscles ached him as he move them.
"The hit must have been painful" ...Kamal looked concerned.
"That's none of your business, I don't need your fake comcern"... Asad snapped at him and climbed down the bed, ignoring the pain he was feeling.
He was used to emotional pain so he could bear this.
At least his heart didn't ache this time only his bones and joints did.
Asad walked back to his hostel and retreated for the day.
I would start classes tomorrow... He thought.
The following day , he woke up and found his roommate lying comfortably in his own bed, again his back facing Asad.
Asad tore his gaze and decided to get ready for the day.
Upon standing up, he fell. He arm seriously hurt him nevertheless he didn't let that stop him from going for his classes.
He made his way to the bathing suite. It was less crowded today. Maybe it's because he came earlier.
He quickly took his bath and made his way to class.
As soon as he stepped foot in, all eyes fell on him.
"Are you part of this class young man?" The professor asked.
"Yes" Asad replied.
"Why were you absent yesterday?" The professor questioned.
'I went out with your wife'... Asad wanted to say.
"My apologies"... Asad said as he walked in , not waiting for him to reply.
He then took his seat and ignored all the gazes that flew his way.
"The young man with the bruised lips"...The professor called out making Asad give him a flat expression.
'Yes professor with the big head'... Asad held back his comment
"You should get your hang outs ready, you're having test tomorrow " .. The professor averted his gaze to the class "All of you, have a nice day". With that he walked out of the class.
After Asad was done with all his classes for the day he went to the cafeteria to get some food.
"Give me that" ...Asad demanded for a plate of rice and stew and the lady serving food simply obeyed.
When she was done serving him, he gave her a hundred naira note and walked away.
"Rude and ill mannered" ... he heard her cursed after him.
Asad didn't not care about what she would think of him... he just brushed it off.
Something halted Asad in his tracks as he was walking, it was two muscular guys. They had a lady at the corner weeping in tears.
With a curious mind , Asad walked forwarded to see what was going on.
It was her, his savior from yesterday. She looked even more beautiful in daylight.
'Stop admiring her, she brought you back to this misery'... A small voice in Asad's head told him.
"I don't like to be fooled young lady"... one of them says.
"Your harassing me and you think I would pay to your foolish needs"... she replies
"Say one more word, and I promise you will regret, you pr-"...he said to her .
"And what will you do"...Asad interrupts.
"Kabir look , it's that cry baby that we beat up yesterday"... The one intimidating the lady says.
"It's true Amir, I love the structure of your lips. It fits a loser like you"... Kabir says.
"Stay out of this if you don't want to get hurt"... Amir says and turns his attention back to Asad's savior.
"Or what?" Asad dares to ask and instantly received a slap.
He heard a few gasps but he was to shocked to look up.
Amir picked up Asad's food and threw it to his face then pushed him to the floor.
"Stop"...his savior screamed but Kabir and Amir paid no heed to Asad instead they started throwing punches towards Asad.
"Stop all this...everyone!" ... Kamal ordered with an authoritative tone and Amir instantly stopped. His fists were covered in blood and Asad had already passed out again.
"What's the meaning of all this twins? Why pick on him. He is just a freshman"... Kamal hissed as he walked towards Asad and helped him up.
"We were just having fun" ...Kabir spoke.
"Having fun?"...Kamal eyes widened "Having fun doesn't mean you should you should kill someone" .
"Jeez, why do you even care about this nitwit"... Amir rolled his eyes.
"He is my little brother"... Kamal heaved a sigh as he stared at Asad with pity.
"Nawal please help me , let's take him to his hostel"... Kamal says and Nawal nodded in response and they both picked his almost lifeless body from the ground.
"Poor thing"... Nawal said when they dropped him on the bed.
"Yeah, Asad is very stubborn".... Kamal chuckled.
"Asad" ...she said his name in a tone that was almost inaudible.
'What a lovely name'....she thought.
"I don't understand, is he your new roommate?"...Nawal questioned.
"Yes, he is but he doesn't know yet"... Kamal chuckles.
"Ohh" ...was all Nawal could say.
For the rest of the day Kamal and Nawal stayed by Asad's side to make sure he is alright.
***
"No... stop"... It came out as a plea.
"Don't hurt my mom"... Asad cried.
Nawal who was sitting on Kamal's bed watched him with a worried look, she was contemplating whether to help him or not.
"Stay away from her, please" ... Asad pleaded in his sleep.
"Mom!!" ... He shouted as his eyes flutter only to meet a pair of blue eyes staring at him.
It was indeed his beautiful Savior
Savior! oh savior!!
You have come to my recuse
You have to endeavor
Unfortunately you are at the Avenue
Of nothing but failure.
"Are you alright?"...She asked but Asad couldn't utter a word, he felt like his mouth was sealed and refuse to open.
"What's going on?"...Kamal walked in and that's when Asad's anger rose.
"What are you doing here, both of you and where is my roommate?"... He asked in a demanding tone.
"You're looking at your one and only roommate couz"...Kamal smirked making Asad give Kamal a death glare.
Asad shifted his gaze to his savior and his eyes soften... "Leave!"... he managed to say in a low yet authoritative voice.
"But I..." His savior was caught off by Asad's sudden anger.
"I won't repeat myself again"...Asad says with finality and Nawal simply walks away.
"Common Asad, she stayed here the whole night just to make sure your alright"... Kamal walks towards Asad.
"Don't step only closer, I would like it if you kept a safe distance"... Asad went back to being his cold self.
"You know , you are selfish Asad. A lot of people care about you but you can't seem to see it. You are not only selfish but also a coward...you act like you're strong and tough but we both know your nothing but a coward and a cry baby. You can't even fight for yourself and you don't want others to fight for you"... Kamal paused for a while then continued.
"Look , I know my mom was jailed but it's not your fault. She is paying for her sins and I have every right to hate you but I won't cause I know you could have stopped her if you could. What has happened ...has happened , I don't want to hold on to the past and it's high time you let go of yours as well. I don't like the way you are being bullied, I don't like the way you being looked down on, it needs to stop. You need to get a life and work on yourself. There is a gym close by , we can start going there if your interested okay"....Kamal heaved a sigh and observed that Asad wasn't even listening.
"Are you even listen to me?"...Kamal asked.
"Ohh..." Asad formed with his lips and pulled out airpods from his ear. Kamal didn't observe when Asad put them in... "I didn't know you were talking to me"...Asad shrugged like nothing happened.
"You didn't know?"...Kamal's eyes widened as he asked and Asad simply shrugged.
"It's no big deal, it's not like you said anything important...did you?"....Asad gave him a sarcastic look.
"You have got to be kidding me"...Kamal raised his voice... "have fun living your miserable life, I see you have no plans on changing anytime soon"...Kamal says and notices that Asad isn't even paying attention.
"Asad!!"....Kamal yelled and that's when Asad gazed at him.
"Ohh, I thought you weren't talking again, i thought you were singing or something"...Asad stated just to annoy Kamal.
"Are you that poor to afford to pay attention?"....Kamal said to Asad who gave him an empty look.
"You know what deal with yourself, I am out of here"...Kamal states and walkes out, leaving Asad alone.
"Are you that poor to afford to pay attention?"
"Have fun living your miserable life"
"You are not only selfish but also a coward...you act like you're strong and tough but we both know your nothing but a coward and a cry baby"
Kamal's words kept on echoing in Asad's head and hurting his ego...Asad did listen to every single word Kamal uttered but refuse to let his guard down in front of Kamal.
He refuse to let Kamal see that his words hurt him.
Just then Asad's phone flashed with an ID, he checked up to see that it was his Aunt. He watched the phone ring and let it end, she then call again and this time he answered.
"Hello Asad, is that you. I have been trying your number but it hasn't been reachable it's just now that I can get through. Are you okay? I hope you are taking care of yourself, how is life over there? I hope you are coping?"....Aunt Nafisa went on with her series of questions meanwhile Asad's mind wondered off to what Kamal stated.
"A lot of people care about you but you can't seem to see it. You are not only selfish but also a coward..."
"Asad ...are you still there?" Aunt Nafisa's voice echoed through the room but Asad still did not reply.
"Asad?....please say something"...Aunt Nafisa became worried.
"You are not only selfish but also a coward"
Aunt Nafisa cut that call and called again but Asad didn't pick up, instead he switched off the phone and allow himself drown in self pity.
His heart went back to its usual state of being dark and heavy. His breathing became uneven and he started feeling like he was suffocating.
With all those sympathy
I still chose misery
With all my accessibilities
I still chose pomposity
Out of the possibilities
I went for the impossibilities
Drowning in my stupidity
When will I let my life walk in gentility?
***
After a week of missing classes and avoiding Kamal, after a week of being locked up in his hostel, Asad finally came out into daylight. As soon as he stopped foot outside, the sun rays hit his eyes making him shut them , he then slowly opened them , slowly adjusting to it.
He began to walk to the bathing suit and avoided the stares and gazes that went his way.
He quickly took his bath and went back to his hostel.
He got dressed up and stared at himself in the mirror. He looked like a slave that has been starved for years. His eye bags and dark circle were as clear as day hiding the beauty of his eyes and his lips had scars which were slowly healing.
He wore something presentable and went to class. He got a few hang outs from his course mates after classes and went to search for Kamal.
He didn't know where to start from and didn't know who to ask. It was at the moment he realized that he knew nobody and he was also a nobody in this big world.
"Hi...uhmm ...do you know where I can't find Kamal"...Asad asked a few ladies he met, he was trying to be nice, trying to make a change in his life but it was not as easy as he thought.
"Stars, I think this thing is talking to you"... He heard one of them say but ignored them.
"Shh...don't say that.." Stars scolded her friend.. "My name is Noor Jibril but they call me Stars..." The lady extended her hand for Asad who gave her a glare but he slowly accepted her handshake.
"I asked for Kamal, not your name twinkle stars".
It felt weird shaking someone's hand for the first time. After she released his hand , he stared at it like it was poisoned.
Stars stares at him with an amused look but keeps her comment to herself... "Are you new?"...She asks .
"No, they gave birth to me 17 year ago"...Asad states, sarcasm dripping in his tone.
'If I wasn't new, do you think I will be asking about Kamal's whereabouts...' he held back his comment.
"He is weird"...he heard one of them whisper.
"Well ,Kamal is in the food cafeteria right now"...Stars states and without hesitation Asad walked away.
"He is a confused person"...Stars says as she watches him walk into the horizon of their hall way.
When Asad was at the cafeteria, he spotted Kamal sitting with those two guys that liked bullying him.
'I promise to leave you in piece when I am done with you bullies'...Asad says as he walked up to their table.
"Well well, look who is here. If it isn't cry baby"...Amir was the one who spoke.
"Your face seems to be healing, are you hungry for some more punches?"...Kabir asked.
"Stop it , you too"...Kamal interrupts and averts his gaze to Asad.
"Yes Asad?"....Kamal asked as he took a sip of his drink, he seemed surprised to see Asad.
"I...I need your help"....Asad says in a low tone shocking Kamal.