Why judge people when you don't know their story?

Zahid:
Though five years have passed, it seems like it was only yesterday. Life is full of surprises and fleeting, but ultimately, life goes on. That is the action I took after everything that occurred because we all have to move on. For academic purposes and other reasons, I relocated to Malaysia.

My bad habit of packing at the last minute always got the better of me, and I was almost finished. I stared at my clothes, which I had taken and packed since I would be returning to India for good. My home country, but I will also miss my roommates and my good times, but that is life; we can communicate through social media.

I gazed at images of my family. Sometimes things only become clear to you after you have moved away.

Though does it always work? Does distance make the heart grow fonder?

I have missed them every day since the day I arrived. I wished I had gone with them, or that I had gone with them, but I had to let go of the past.

You will learn more about me later. My name is Zahid, and I am the only heir to our family. I am 26 years old and stand 6'2" tall. Even though our family is well-known and wealthy, there are moments when I would rather live a regular life free from paparazzi attention. That appears to be their only task, as if they have no other work to accomplish.

Dad is going to step down soon. He told me last week, in a very firm and severe tone, that I must manage our family business, Z&R Company. I just agreed without further discussion because I know that at this age, he needs to rest.

Even though our parents have given us so much, there are moments when we forget to respect their wishes, even though they still meet our requests.

I arrived at the airport early because I was so eager to get home and see my parents and my annoying but incredibly loving and caring sister, even though I miss these two incredible, priceless people every single day.

There is a delay in the flight. I detest waiting at airports, so damn it.

*****
Once I entered our mansion, everything seemed the same, familiar scent of food filled my nostrils once we were near people talking non-stop; been five years time flies, while we were heading to our rooms something caught my attention or someone...wait there was someone under the table. Really who hides there? I kept staring at the person's hands since we were far they were seen as if it was short girl or guy, well, I am observant but mum and dad? they didn't see and am glad for that. Sometimes they can be overprotective and mean, truth is bitter but at the end, they are my parents.

I thought of catching her or him red-handed but then just shrugged my shoulders and shook my head.

I was too weary and needed to freshen up but I wanted to do something exciting so once mum and dad were leaving for their rooms I stared back and was she a girl???

"Who was she?"I followed her without making any sound of footsteps.

"Next time hide in a better place, "I told her as if I was being strict but she just amused me and she became still, her body froze. She didn't say anything but mum had to interrupt. I don't know why but I felt like protecting her from mum...why? I have no idea and the words left my mouth before I could stop them, she even apologised to mum.

*****

I wanted to know her. She was different, I found out she was a maid but I felt something. I don't know why I felt like I know her from somewhere and I wanted to know her. I will try my best, I have never ever approached any girl I had always been busy but now I just don't know.

I was busy with some documents on laptop and I heard a soft knock there she stood again, the one and only one who was on my mind since I came but she didn't even bother to know who I was? she lowered her gaze.

What surprised me was that she didn't know my name. Once I reached the table they all said awful words about the food but dinner was good. I love Indian dishes and when I complimented her she took my parents words to heart more than mine.

Oh Allah, what shall I do? at least now she knows my name or she doesn't. I told her that I trusted her to put her at ease, but suddenly, despite her friendliness, she was avoiding me and Uncle Chef. I sensed a problem when she said, "Excuse me, sir. I am your maid." Sir? Damn it...

I expected to hear my name from her mouth, but all she said was sir? Aghhhh! I banged my hand on the door after she left, which hurt, and then I looked at Uncle Chef. He is aware of her behavior, I am sure of it. They appear to be close.

"Please tell me, uncle," I begged, but he did not even look at me; he was busy preparing a dish.

I will have to put in a lot of effort to find out.

"Please, I want to know my mistake so I can ask for forgiveness," I tried to explain to uncle chef, who was completely on the strange girl's side. She did not know my name, which made me laugh, but what about me? I still have not asked her name. Like, really?

What's happening to me?

"It will not help just because you will ask for forgiveness. Why did you have to say that in front of your parents? Your words have deeply hurt her. Everything negative about her. She has low self-esteem and confidence," he concluded while handing me a glass of water, which I drank in three gulps.

"Oh, Allah, what did I do?"I had no idea she was behind us, hiding. She was avoiding me because I had unintentionally hurt her a lot. I will have to find a way to apologize. I judged her after telling her I trusted her. damn it.

With a simple smile, Uncle Chef piqued my interest with what he told me next. My desire was to get to know her. For what reason was she a maid? Where were her family?

Uncle Chef looked around to see if anyone was present and whispered, "She has been through a lot," to which I nodded in understanding. They shared a connection; uncle Chef was always like my father, and perhaps she had faith in him as well.

"If she continues to avoid me, how will I be able to ask for forgiveness?" I asked uncle chef. Since I realized my mistake, he has been supporting me.

"She will come in the evening, give her some space for now, and her name is Zainab," he said, and my smile spread. Wow! We both shared the same initials.

Let us see how long she will put up with me before I ask for her forgiveness—I know that is the most important step. If my words cause her pain, they will also cause her to forgive me.Even though I have to wait until the evening, I have already considered what to say and do.It is only 1 p.m.

*******

To be continued😛

Note:
864 viewers almost hitting 1k viewers Alhamdulillah..love you all.

So team Zainab or Zahid?