39. SHE KNOWS

Summoning every ounce of bravery, she slowly opened the bathroom door and peeked into the room. Her eyes scanned every corner, searching for the source of the noise. The room appeared empty, but the sense of being watched persisted.

She tiptoed towards the door, her movements cautious and deliberate. When she reached it, she hesitated, her hand trembling as she reached for the doorknob. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and then flung the door open.

The hallway was empty, the only sound the distant hum of the hotel’s air conditioning. She looked down and saw a room service tray lying on the floor, its contents scattered. The loud thud had been the tray falling, nothing more. Relief washed over her, but it was fleeting. The fear had left its mark, a reminder of how vulnerable she felt.

But, she was smart enough to know that nothing falls on their own.

Taliya stepped back into her room and closed the door, leaning against it as she tried to catch her breath. The adrenaline began to fade, leaving her feeling drained and shaky. She knew she needed to regain control, to not let fear dictate her actions.

She returned to the bathroom and quickly dressed, her movements hurried. The bath, meant to be a soothing escape, had only heightened her anxiety. She sat on the edge of the bed, her thoughts swirling, trying to find a way to reclaim her sense of safety.

Determined to not let fear win, Taliya decided to forget it all. But, the feeling still lingered around.


Taliya sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The events of the past night still lingered in her mind, a persistent echo of fear and unease. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to ground herself in the present. The soft hum of the air conditioning and the distant sounds of the city outside were her only companions.

She exhaled slowly, attempting to dispel the lingering tension. "It's just a room," she whispered to herself. "Nothing to be afraid of." She repeated the words like a mantra, hoping they would sink in and bring her some comfort.

As the minutes passed, she began to feel a fragile sense of calm. She focused on her breathing, each inhale and exhale a reminder of her control over the moment. The room, bathed in the soft morning light, seemed less intimidating now. She opened her eyes, feeling a small measure of relief.

Just as she allowed herself to relax, a sudden, loud thud reverberated through the room, shattering her fragile calm. Her heart leaped into her throat, and she instinctively clutched the bed covers, her eyes darting towards the door. The fear from the night before came rushing back, her pulse quickening.

For a moment, Taliya was frozen in place, her mind racing with possibilities. Had someone returned? Was it just another accident? She forced herself to take slow, steady breaths, trying to quell the rising tide of panic. She knew she couldn't stay paralyzed by fear.

Summoning her courage, she stood up, her legs feeling shaky beneath her. She moved cautiously towards the door, her steps measured and deliberate. Her hand hovered over the doorknob, trembling slightly. With a final deep breath, she turned the knob and slowly opened the door.

Standing in the hallway was Murad, his face pale and drawn. His eyes were wide with concern, and he looked as though he had been through a sleepless night of his own. Taliya's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of relief and confusion washing over her.

"Murad?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here?"

Murad's expression softened at the sight of her. "Taliya, are you okay? I heard a noise and..." he dropped his hands.

Taliya's mind raced, trying to process his sudden appearance. She took a step back, closing the door to the half way. Suddenly she felt like she couldn't trust him. "I'm... I'm fine. Just a bit shaken. What about you? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Murad stepped back, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of her turmoil. "I had a nightmare," he admitted, his face pale. "It was horrible. I woke up and felt like I needed a walk."

Taliya nodded, her own fear momentarily eclipsed by someone. "I'm okay now," she breathed heavily. "We are going back so I have to attend a meeting just now, sorry got to go."

Passing him a thin lipped smile she waved her hand at him all the while feeling on edge.

Murad nodded, walking away from her door. Closing the door she feels her muscles tightening with the tension as she drops on the ground with a gasp. Trying to connect the dot.

"What the fu-?" She whispered heavily raking her hand through her hairs.

"Maybe I need help from professional." Closing her eyes she breaths deeply in and out while trying to calculate. Who is scaring her like that. Gathering the courage, she stands on her shaky feet and storms out of the room to the security room.

Her fingers shaking as she awaits the elevator. As the elevator dings she sees a shadow coming in the hall while the elevator door was closing. A hand stretches out with a hoody and then snap of closing metal door startles her making her furrow her eyebrows together.

"What the hell?" She whispers under her breath clenching her jaw hard as she waits for the floor where was the security room was.

As the elevator stops and metal doors slid away, Murad slides in with Fahad and Taliya exits the elevator. Murad ignores her as if they hadn't just talked like civil people.