60. THANK

As they continued to follow the route Taliya had taken, Murad found himself lost in his thoughts. The cityscape blurred past the window, a backdrop to the vivid scenes playing out in his imagination. He pictured Taliya as a fierce dragon, scales glinting in the sunlight, her eyes filled with determination as she shielded him from harm. It was a comforting fantasy, one that made the world seem a little less daunting.

Hashim, sensing his nephew's deep contemplation, drove in companionable silence for a few minutes. He eventually spoke, his voice gentle. "You know, Murad, real-life heroes don't always wear armor or breathe fire. Sometimes, they're just ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Like your friend Taliya. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for someone, especially when they're different from everyone else."

Murad nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude and admiration. He wished he could express how much Taliya's actions had meant to him, how her bravery had lit a spark of hope in his heart. He knew that finding a friend like her was a rare gift, one that he didn't want to take for granted.

As they drove through the city, Murad's thoughts wandered to the possibilities of the future. He imagined more days like today, where Taliya and he could share quiet moments, perhaps even communicate in ways that didn't require words. He pictured them navigating the challenges of school together, a duo bound by an unspoken understanding.

Hashim eventually slowed the car, turning into a quiet street lined with trees. They had lost sight of Taliya in the crowd, but Murad didn't mind. The brief adventure had given him a chance to reflect, to see the day's events through a lens of fantasy and wonder. He felt a renewed sense of determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that he had a friend who believed in him.

As they pulled into their driveway, Hashim parked the car and turned to Murad with a warm smile. "Remember, Murad, sometimes the most amazing people are the ones who help us when we need it the most. And it sounds like you've found one of those people today."

Murad smiled back, a sense of peace settling over him. He nodded, silently promising himself to cherish this newfound friendship, to nurture it with the same care and imagination he put into his drawings and stories. Today had been a simple day, yet it was filled with moments of magic, thanks to a brave girl who had become his dragon in the fire.

As they stepped out of the car and headed into the house, Murad felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

As the sedan turned onto a lonelier street, the lively bustle of the city began to fade into a quiet stillness. The trees lining the road grew thicker, their leaves whispering softly in the breeze. Hashim navigated the car with ease, but Murad's eyes were glued to the window, searching for any sign of Taliya. The street stretched on, becoming more desolate with each passing moment. The vibrant hum of urban life was replaced by a serene silence, and there was no sign of any houses or people.

Hashim glanced at the empty road ahead and sighed, his voice breaking the stillness inside the car. "It looks like we've reached the end of the line, Murad. There's no sign of any houses from here on. We'll have to turn back, unfortunately."

Murad's shoulders slumped, a wave of disappointment washing over him. He had hoped to catch another glimpse of Taliya, to follow her path and perhaps discover where she lived. The idea of seeing her again, outside the confines of school, had filled him with an unexpected excitement. But now, with the road stretching empty before them, it seemed like that chance was slipping away.

Noticing Murad's crestfallen expression, Hashim offered a sympathetic smile. He pulled the car to a stop at the side of the road, turning to face his nephew. "Hey, don't look so down," he said gently. "We'll figure out another way to find her."

Murad looked up, a flicker of hope in his eyes. He gestured toward the direction they had come from, a silent question hanging in the air. How could they find her now?

Hashim thought for a moment, his brow furrowing in concentration. Then, his face brightened with an idea. "You know what? Tomorrow, you could try to get her address at school. Maybe ask one of her friends or teachers. Once you have it, we can come by and thank her properly for being your savior."

He nodded eagerly, already planning how he might go about getting her address. Perhaps he could enlist the help of another student, someone who knew Taliya better. Or maybe he could try to overhear a conversation, piece together clues from the snippets of information he could gather.

Murad smiled, a feeling of warmth spreading through him. He appreciated his uncle's support and understanding. The thought of seeing Taliya again, of sharing his gratitude, made the disappointment of the moment fade. It wasn't the end, just a slight detour on the path they were forging.

Hashim started the car again, turning it around to head back towards the main roads. As they drove, the city gradually came back into view, the familiar sounds and sights returning. The loneliness of the deserted street was replaced by the comforting hum of daily life. Murad felt a sense of anticipation for the next day, eager to see how the plan would unfold.

As they navigated through the city, Hashim kept the conversation light, talking about everything from his latest work projects to the small joys of everyday life. Murad listened, half-engaged, his mind drifting back to the events of the day. He thought about Taliya's courage, her willingness to stand up for him, and the kindness she had shown. It was rare to find someone who understood without needing words, who could act as a protector in a moment of vulnerability.

The drive home felt shorter than usual, perhaps because Murad was lost in thought. As they pulled into their driveway, Hashim turned off the car and smiled at him. "Remember, Murad, it's the little things that often make the biggest difference. Don't worry too much about today. We'll find a way to thank Taliya properly."

Murad nodded, his heart lighter. He stepped out of the car, feeling a quiet determination settle over him. Tomorrow would be a new day, a new opportunity to connect with Taliya and express his gratitude. As he walked towards the house with his uncle, Murad felt hopeful. The journey to find Taliya had just begun, and he was ready to see where it would lead.

**{A/N: I am currently writing the past from chapter 56 so, don't get confused on it. Once I am done I will leave another note for you all. Also please support me by voting. Happy Reading! <3}**