"He who take advice is sometimes superior to he who can give it".
Anonymous.
—————————————————————-
"I need your help"...Asad repeats a bit louder but not to audible making Kamal choke on his drink.
"If this is a dream, I don't want to be awoken. I want to see how this will end"...Kamal said after he stopped choking then looked at Asad with wide eyes.
"God is great, the arrogant Asad is asking for helping"...Kamal sang in a lullaby.
"Don't create a scene, you might not like what I will do afterwards"...Asad muttered under his breath but was audible enough for Kamal to hear.
"What's going on here?"....Kabir asked but got no reply.
"We feel left out"...Amir stated.
"You will soon catch up, we have to go"...Kamal grabbed Asad's hand and dragged him out of the cafeteria, not giving Asad enough time to react.
"Where are we going?"...Asad asked as they walked through the hall way.
"You will see"...Kamal had a mischievous grin as they made their way to their destination.
It was a gym nicely decorated with mirrors and sporting equipments .
"This is the gym.." ...Kamal spoke and was about to leave with Asad but Asad halt in his tracks.
His eyes caught something or rather someone... it was his savior , beautifully dressed in a joggers with a head gear that revealed little of her golden hair. Her blue eyes were adorned with thick black lashes which complemented her skin that had touches of melanin, her sharp pointed nose highlighted her feminine beauty and her lips had a kissable pink color...she was a true beauty in his eyes.
"My...my, look what the hook has caught. A big fish that is not for sale ... unfortunately "...Kamal's annoying voice caught Asad's attention.
'What's wrong with me'...Asad thought to himself as he stared at Kamal. It was unlike him to stare at someone less talk of checking them out.
"I have been talking to you but you were too mesmerized by Nawal's beauty to listen"...Kamal stated.
'Nawal'... Asad said within himself.
'What's wrong with you Asad, she is not for keep'... a little voice in his head says.
"She is way beyond your reach, the half cast won't be your type . Trust me"... Kamal patted him on the shoulder as he gestured them to leave.
"We will start training tomorrow at dawn before classes start. We should probably get you out of these cloths and give you a nice shower"... Kamal said , staring at Asad from head to toe and Asad simply nodded in agreement.
When Kamal was done with Asad for the day, Asad looked totally different. His eye bags had reduced and he didn't look as dead as he use to look.
"Within a few weeks , you will be every girls dream"... Kamal chuckled as he laid on his bed.
Asad remained silent as he listened to Kamal. He wasn't really a person of many words , unlike his cousin who could talk all day and night without getting tired.
"Asad!!" ... Kamal called out making Asad look at him.
"I am going for a party tonight, you wanna join?" ...Kamal smirked.
"Pass"...Asad said and covered himself with a duvet, not waiting for Kamal's reply.
"Rude as always"...Kamal rolled his eyes as he jumped out of his bed to get ready for his party.
***
Asad was awakened by cold water on his body, reminding him of when he use to stay with his Aunt Karima.
"To hell with you"... Asad cursed as he jerked the person that woke him up only to find Kamal looking at him with confused eyes.
Asad released him and observe that his eyes were bloodshot red and he smelled like liquor.
Kamal heaved a sigh "Let's go to the gym and do some training then you can do whatever you want".
Asad didn't respond, instead he stood up , prayed then waited for Kamal to take him to the gym.
Kamal kept his words , he made Asad do some basic exercises like push up and sit up which Asad could barely survive then Asad took his bath and made his way to class.
Classes were the same as always, some depressing lecturer will enter , throw a few insults here and there, teach a little and declare test when they feel like giving one.
When Asad was done with his final class he took his things and left. He stopped in his tracks when he heard footsteps clicking his way.
He turn around to find the lady he met yesterday...twinkle stars or whatever her name was.
"Twinkle stars"...Asad said surprising her.
She huffed as she corrected him "Stars...Noor Stars young man".
Asad simply shrugged at her and walk away.
"Wait"... she walked after him but he refused to stop.
"I just want to talk to you"...She was trying to catch up to his pace and suddenly he stopped but she was slow to notice ,making her bump into his torso.
She fell in the process and he watched her fall.
He did not plan on catching any body's daughter.
"What is it twinkle stars?"... annoyance was clear in his voice, she frowned at his response but didn't not comment.
"Just because I talked to you yesterday does not give you the right to walk up to me and talk to me whenever you like. I am not a people person. I hate people and hate the company of young chatty girls like you , get it? Or do you want me to spell it out for you"... he raised a brow and noticed she had her eyes were glossy.
"I...I just wanted to give you the new hang outs that were distributed over the week"... she stated.
"Did I ask for you help"...his voice was slowly rising.
"Do I look like someone who will need help from you? Talking to you was a mistake. I don't need any one here. I am perfectly fine the way I am".. he stated then harshly grabbed the hangouts from Noor and walked away , leaving Noor speechless.
Asad made his way to the cafeteria and sat on the empty table he found... he ordered food which was brought to him and he slowly shoved the food down his throat.
He spotted Nawal sitting alone on another table , she looked distant for a moment and somewhat lost but that was the least of his problems. She should suffer , she deserves it for making him suffer.
"Heyyyy"... Kamal chirped in with the twins, annoying Asad.
"Can we join you?"...Kamal flashed his teeth towards Asad who glared at him.
"Leave!"... Asad stated.
"Awwwn, I will take that as a yes"..Kamal said and he took his seat. The twins followed.
"We are going to hangout after lunch, we are going for a ma-.." Kamal was cut off by Asad.
"Save your story for someone else , I am not interested"..Asad hissed and drew his chair back then left.
"He has quite the temper"..Kabir said
"If I was you, I would have shut him with a slap"...Amir chuckled.
"There are other was to get through him"..Kamal replied.
Asad made his way through the hallways and walked till he was tired. He sat close to one bush and let himself calm down.
He didn't know why he was suddenly moody and snapping at everyone but he wanted to be alone at the moment.
He hates crowded places.
It irritatedhim to the core.
"Please... leave me alone" ...Asad heard a faint feminine voice .
"And what if I don't"... A masculine voice followed.
Asad took a deep breath and ignored the voices.
He need some time to himself.
"It's please let go of m—" ... the woman was cut off with a hard slap making Asad turn towards their direction.
The man tore a slap across the lady's face and threatened her to keep quiet.
Asad felt disturbed with what was happening to the lady but couldn't do much... that reminded him that he was a big cowards.
'No ... I am not a coward'.
'I have to do something'...Asad said to himself as he walked towards them.
"Hey! Leave her alone" Asad yelled as he acted tough but deep down he wanted to run.
Both the man and lady stared at Asad.
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size"... Asad neared them .
The huge man moved away from the lady and towards Asad and pushed him to the ground.
"Get out of here human skeleton, before I rip you into two"... the man threatened and turn back to the lady.
"And what if I don't ...huh? What is going to happen. I dare you. Do your worst"..Asad stood up determined to fight this man that was five times his size.
"You ask for it"... the man shrugged as he lands a knock on Asad's head making Asad shriek in pain but nevertheless he stood strong.
The man threw a punch Asad's way and lucky Asad dodged it causing the man to hit a tree.
"Ouch! I promise you will regre-.." before he could finish his sentence Asad hit him with a stick on the head and start hitting him continuously on his bald head.
"Ahhgggg"... the man shouted as he picked up Asad and began to strangle him.
Asad started suffocating and thats when the lady broke a big stick on the man making him drop Asad .
Both the man and Asad fell to the floor. The lady picked up Asad and dragged him to where people were.
"Somebody ! Anybody! Help! This man almost died while trying to save me"... she cried out as people began to gather.
Soon Asad was taken to the sickbay.
Asad opened his eyes only to find a pair of blue eyes staring at him yet again.
It was his one and only savior. Who else will save him if not her .
He frowned as he sat upright only to feel pain around his neck.
"Are you alright?"...she asked.
"Why do you keep on saving me?"...he shocked her by asking.
"Why won't I , it's good to help"...she gave him a small smile.
A small smile that touched his heart.
'No.. stop letting her smile getting to your head. She is just a girl that brought you back to live in this cruel world'... a small voice said to Asad reminding of who she was.
"Don't try it again, you might be found dead if you do so"...Asad threaten as he stepped down from the bed.
She didn't seem fazed by his empty threat instead she shrug. "I would like to see how you attempt to kill me".
Asad wanted to comment but held his comment to himself.
'I don't have time to waste on you'... he said to himself.
He made his way back to his hostel only to find Kamal's bed empty.
'It's past midnight and he is not yet back'....Asad thought.
'Wait... it's past midnight and that girl stayed with me in my unconscious state'... he realized.
'She probably wants something. Why am I even thinking about her?'... he hissed and gave himself a mental slap on the face.
He simply shrugged it off and went to sleep.
"Asad"... She said as she circled Asad who was tied up to a chair as she played with a knife in her hand.
"What do you want from me Karima"..Asad narrowed his eyes.
"Hmm, you tell me . What do I want?"... she asked in a mischievous tone.
"Look at him there"...She pointed at Suhail's lifeless body.
"I wanted your father dead in many forms. I wanted to see him suffer and beg for mercy at my feet".. she said , anger was clear in her voice.
"But.. I want something else now"...a devilish smile creep up her lips.
"And what's that," Asad asked.
"As much as I want to see your father suffer. I want way worst for you. Like something like this".. she says as she chops off Asad's head.
Asad woke up with his breath uneven and sweat all over his face.
He quickly went to the gym around 2am and started punching the wall till his finger began to bleed.
"I wish I could kill you a million times and bring you back just to do it again"... Asad kept on punching the wall till he was satisfied. He watched his blood on the wall and felt a little bit relief.
***
"Sir, the boy is not coping well ".. Anas stated to big boss who was listening intently to every word Anas uttered.
"Well... He will most definitely take time to adjust Anas. Just keep an extra eye on him. I want him alive in order to train him"... big boss said in a modulating tone and Anas simple nodded in response.
"And one more thing, keep an eye on that girl that keeps on saving him. I want you to get as much information about her as possible. If she won't be of any help to us, eliminate her. I don't need anyone showing him unnecessary love and attention"....Big boss waved his hand for Anas to leave as soon as he finished his statement.
***
Nawal walked into the gym for her morning routine only to find that helpless guy laying lifeless on the floor.
'Poor confused thing'...she thought as she walked towards his way.
She squat down to his level and examined him.
Sensing someone was staring at him, his eyes fluttered open revealing how Gray they were. His hair was lazily placed around his face and his skin was pale.
"You again"...she said in a modulating tone.
"You again"...he repeated after her in a grumpy voice .
"Are you following me?"...he asked as he sat upright, he then ran his bruised hands through his messy hair.
"What happened to your hands?"...she asked , ignoring his question.
"That's none o-..". Asad was cut off by her.
"That's none of my business right?"... she snapped at him just like he did for others.
Asad was shocked, he doesn't think anyone has ever snapped at him, not even Aunt Karima.
"Why so shocked. You do it for others , so what's the harm if others also do the same to you"...Nawal tilt her head to the side unconsciously, revealing more of her beauty to Asad.
Asad was left speechless by her and that's exactly what she wanted.
"Look here, it's one thing to be depressed, it's another to be an attention seeker. I feel you're both. You seem to love to put yourself in trouble just to get the attention right? It's a pity".. she stated to make him angry and it was working.
"I advise you get a life , it's better than all this sappy act you are putting on. Trust me I am starting to get tired of all this too"...she shrugged as she stood up.
"Take the day off , be nice to yourself and do something good"...she extended her hand out for him but he just stared at him.
"That's what I thought, your pride and ego won't let you allow me help you. It might end up being the death of you".. she shrugged and walked away with a smiling knowing her words would have an impact on him.
She went further into the gym and started working out. Asad simply watched, not knowing what to do but soon he left.
After an hour, Nawal was done she met an empty spot , indicating Asad left.
'I pray he changes for the better'... she hoped as she walked out.
Asad went back to his hostel with a heavy heart. He was fed up with people defining him as useless things. He was tired of being classified with useless traits.
'I need to change'... he said to himself.
But how? He thought. He didn't want to go to Kamal, he might not help him after what happened and he could not call his Aunt either, she would get worried and booked the next flight to Lagos.
He kept pushing out several thoughts and ideas till his head thought of someone.
His savior.
He needs to go and see her but what will he say to her. She have saved him a couple of times, she wouldn't mind saving him again right? Most especially from this misery.
God.... Asad felt like he was going to lose his mind if he doesn't do something soon.
He took a shower and headed to class, he would go and look for his savior after classes.
He dressed up in his usual outfit and let his soft gel like hair fall against his face.
He walked into his class late today because he took the long way through, trying to compose himself.
He walked in and observed how all gases fell on him but not in the usual way, this time his course mates gazes held anger and disgust.
He glanced at Noor and she returned the favor with a glare. After what he did yesterday, he has become the class biggest enemy.
"Young man with the bruised lips, you are late"... his geography lecturer pointed out.
'This man with his big head, just learn to mind your business , would you'...Asad cursed inwardly.
"My apologies sir"...Asad said as he walked in like nothing happened.
He ignored his course mates glares, he couldn't care less about them. He went to an empty sit besides Noor.
"Hi".. Asad said in a low tone in which Noor ignored.
"Twinkle"... he said in which she also ignored as well.
'I will talk to her later. I just need the remaining hang outs and notes not the friendship'... Asad said to himself as he began to listen to his lectures.
As soon as geography was over , Noor didn't waste her time in leaving the class and Asad couldn't care less to follow her . He has someone more important to talk to so twinkle stars can wait.
After he was done with his classes for the day, he spent the whole day searching for his savior but she was no where to be seen.
With a disappointment look, Asad went to the river that was not to far from his school. Rain and water bodies usually calm him down.
He stared at the river where he once tired committing suicide.
This was where he first met her...his savior.
'Since she usually comes when I am in danger, I shall endanger myself' ... Asad thought as he stood up.
'Dear Savior, I will be waiting'... he said to himself as he jumped into the water and everything turned pitch black
"This boy will be the death of himself".... Asad could hear a faint voice as he regained consciousness.
He opened his eyes , only to be disappointed.
It wasn't her , it was Kamal... instead.
'What does he want?'
"Do you want to go to hell? Have you seen yourself lately"... Kamal glared at Asad who gave him an bored look.
Asad never gave away what he was actually feeling, making things more complicated for people around him.
"You look like a human skeleton for God's sake"... Kamal heaved a sigh as he stared at Asad who said nothing.
"Common , get up . Let's get you something to eat"... Kamal ordered and Asad shocked him by obeying.
"You are coming?"... Kamal said after realizing that Asad was coming.
Asad simply nodded in response and let Kamal lead the way.
"Heyyy , Kamal"... Asad observed how people lighten up their mood as they sensed Kamal's presence.
"How you doing"... Kamal shook one for the guys hand as they walked through. Asad simply ignored them and walked through.
They halt a taxi and drove out of the campus.
Asad observed that they did not go to their usual cafeteria. Kamal took them out of the campus. To a five star restaurant outside the school.
The restaurant was beautifully decorated with wallpaper and chairs that had a dark shade of brown. Well tiled floors that had touches of black and gray , ceiling lights and a causal furniture that gave it its warmly look.
Kamal and Asad took their seats, opposite each other and allowed the silence take over.
"So what will you like to eat?"... Kamal asked and Asad simply shrugged, his eyes were still fixed on the interior design of the restaurant.
Shortly afterwards, the twins and two other guys joined them.
The group of friends were happily chanting about girls , sports and other related subjects well except for Asad who was quiet throughout.
He just observed how they talked.
Kamal kept on trying to engage Asad into conversation but Asad kept on giving short and close ended replies.
Soon the waitress came dressed in uniform and gave them a smile.
"Ohh, I forgot that the menu existed"... Kamal commented , making his friends laugh....Except for Asad as always.
They all placed their order and enjoyed their evening, except for Asad who was passive as always.
From there , they went for a party and drank till they were wasted... Asad watched them display their stupidity.
He drank little though but it wasn't as much as Kamal and his friends.
When he got tired of watching , he took a cab and went home in his intoxicated state as well.