Page 87 of The Circle of Exile
“Is it that railway vandalism?”
“That and more. Usama Aziz’s death has sparked a domino effect.”
Her eyes widened. “Usama Aziz is dead?”
“Oh… yes. He was killed in an encounter.”
“When?”
“Some time ago. We have been in a state of emergency of sorts.”
“It doesn’t look like it… or wait, there is military everywhere. I just went out twice and my head has been buried in myself, and us, and Yathaarth…”
“As it rightfully should be.”
“But…”
“No. Iram, it is not worth worrying for you. I will deal with it.”
“Not if you are dealing with headaches. Since when have you been having them?”
“It’s just this week,” he squinted. “I just need more sleep and one day with 40% bad news and 60% good news.”
“You have been waking up every time Arth cries. I will wake up tonight onwards.”
“Can you lift him up from his cot when you are groggy yourself?”
“I will have to learn, no? You go and sleep in the attic. Straight eight hours.”
“We’ll see.”
“And tomorrow, we are getting your eyes checked.”
“What for?”
“Last time you had recurring headaches, you got fitted with glasses. The number might have gone up.’
“It hasn’t. I had my eye test two months ago.”
Her lips pursed.
“And anyway, we have our appointment with Dr. Baig tomorrow.”
“You are coming?”
“Of course I am.”
“Work?”
“The bad news will find me wherever I go. Don’t worry.”
Iram slipped her arms around his torso and froze. The muscles that bunched under her palms were stronger and firmer than before. How had she not noticed it yet?
She let the momentary hesitation pass and caressed his back.
“Begumjaan says that thinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
“Does she?”
