Adam's Eye : Chapter Eight

Adam’s Eye becomes well known throughout the village and around the town and news about Adam’s talent spread almost in the city. He received a lot of positive feedbacks from his clients and new orders keep coming in. Zaharah however makes sure that Adam did not overwork himself. She began to feel worried for him.

“Adam maybe you need to take a break. You have been working so hard eversince we open up these shop.” Zaharah was stroking Adam’s hair as he lay on her lap. Adam smiled faintly and close his eyes. Zaharah knew Adam was not listening to her pleas right now. “Do you think my dad will be proud of me …for all of our achievements?”

“Have you ever tried contacting him again?” asked Zaharah. She began to becomes concerned about these because all this time Adam had never really talks much about his family especially his dad. Adam shake his head and then he opens his eyes and look at Zaharah. Zaharah saw the same darkness again. “What do you think of me right now?” ask Adam in a monotone cold voice. Suddenly Zaharah feel scare about this other side of Adam which she had not seen before.

“You are scaring me.” Adam gets up from Zaharah’s lap and sat beside her. Still looking intensely at her waiting for her answer. And then he looks down on the floor. Zaharah felt sorry for him cause she believed Adam do have a dark secret which he kept to himself and these has got to do with his past. Zaharah held out her hand and hold on to Adam’s as she says “ You do know how I feel about you.” Adam looks up and Zaharah saw Adam had tears filling up his eyes. Zaharah moves closer towards him and gave him a hug.

“The very first painting which I painted was a picture of my family. I remember I was around ten. My mum saw that painting and she was amazed with it. So the very next day she bought me all kinds of painting stuff, drawing blocks, oil paints, brushes and so many other things and I guess I am the luckiest boy. She was very supportive about my interest. Positive comments to boost up my courage and negative ones to improve on it.” Zaharah let go of Adam to allow him to continue further. Zaharah could tell how much his mother meant to him.

“You should look at her face when the first time I won the inter-school painting competition. I could tell she was so proud of me. It was a painting of her favorite flower vase..it was antiqued but uniqued.” Then Adam stop and he looks at the wooden floor board again. The smile has gone and it was replace by the solemn and anger which makes Zaharah fell kind of scare and nervous.

“He tore that painting and threw my trophy on my face which left me a cut on my forehead.” His voice turns cold and icy. “Even though the scar had long gone but my heart is still bleeding . I hated him for what he did.”

“Is it your father?” asked Zaharah in a meek voice. Adam nodded and looks at Zaharah with tense written all over his face.

“I had to hide the rest of my paintings and I can only paint when he’s not around for his business trip. These carries on until I’m about seventeen. I had my own room on the attic of our home. My mum actually pass me the keys and told me to used that room to do my painting cause my father, he seldom goes up to the attic anyway. So at last I had my very own secret place to do my paintings. It was just nice and it had a small window which display the view of our garden and courtyard.” Adam stopped and remains silence for a moment. “One day he finds out about that room and the secret which me and my mum has been hiding. It was Zaki,..I don’t understand why he has to do it…I trusted him…he’s my brother but he breaks my trust and told our dad all about it. “On that night itself my father hits me and say things which really hurts me. As he began to turn to my mum that’s where I began to retaliate and push him to the wall. Zaki came over to held me as I was losing my patience. That old man after regaining his balance he climbs up the stairways towards the attic. I followed behind him and there I saw he was throwing out my paintings out of the window. He looks so angry and all I could do is stood there in silence. My heart was burning with rage and disappointment cause all that painting…..were from my hard labour for almost seven years. After he felt that he had clear up all that, he rushed down towards our courtyard. Then to my horror he get the kerosene oil and began splashing the liquid all over my precious works. My mum was screaming telling him to stop. I held on to my mum cause I know that it was hopeless. He lit the match and burnt all of them . I could almost feel that my heart burns along with my paintings.”

“The very next morning he acted as though nothing happens and he plan to give me a post in his company as an accountant which I loathe. I remain silence and began to think hard. Eventually I agree but on a condition that I was to be sent for further business study to prepare myself for this new job. He was so please with my request and began searching for the right school to enroll me in. I guess it took him just couple of days to get me a place in one of the boarding school. Before he sent me off, he wrote me a cheque with quite a lump sump of money. After boarding on the train I had plans on my own. Before this trip I had contacted one of my art school mate. We both plan to enroll ourselves in one of the art boarding school in this foreign country.” As Adam continues he began to give a small grin.

“Three years of studying and mastering the arts, I finally graduated and decides to head back home. Standing on the front poach of my house before knocking on the door is nerve racking. Finally I found my courage to ring the bell. What a relieve it was my mum who opens the door. Placing my luggage on the floor I gave her a hug. Then she looked at my face for quite a while. And then there he was comes out from his reading room followed by his favorite son and he said, “You’ve done very well. So you feel proud about what you did. Your glorious achievement huh?” My mum she’s very defensive about my needs and situation and before she could says anything my father shoots me with all kind of accusation. He says things that I have ruined my own future…I can never raised a proper family…it was awful listening to all that crap.”

Adam stoods up and walks towards the front window. He had his back turn against Zaharah and he was deep in his thoughts. It was cold and chilly night it seems that even the climates seems to be isochronizing with Adam’s feeling and thoughts. Zaharah did not want to mention about the marriage arrangement which Adam had with his mother. Zaharah stood behind Adam and gave him a hugged hoping that this small gesture might warm up his cold, sinking thoughts.
Adam turn around and look in her eyes. Her eyes was no longer sad and solemn like the very first time when he met her. He could see the joy and high spirit in her eyes. Zaharah took Adam’s hand and bring him into his painting room.

“Take a look at all this Adam. You have indeed fulfill your dreams. Now we should focus towards the future… our future.” Cried Zaharah as she whirls around the room. “I know you miss your family especially your mum…well maybe we can give her a call tomorrow. We can used the phone in our shop.” Zaharah was so full of excitement about her idea. Adam was pleased with it and he nodded.


They decide to close their shop the next day. Adam was searching for his home number which he had kept in his pocket book. The pocket book looks old and tattered. “Does this belongs to you for seven years too..?” teased Zaharah as Adam was busy scanning for the number. Adam look at Zaharah and smile back in amusement with Zaharah’s remarks. It took them almost half an hour until the number was found. It was written lightly with a pen and they had to strain their vision to read the number. Adam picks up the receiver and begans to dial the number. He was feeling very nervous right now and he felt that his heart is racing very hard. There was a long ringing tone and it seems like ages until someone picks up.

“Hello. This is Adam.” There was a remote silence on the other side of the line. But Adam could define the tearful sob and it was his mother. Zaharah walks closer to Adam and had her eyes fix on him.

“Adam it is really you. How have you been? I’ve been thinking about you all this while.” Adam was so glad to hear at last his mother is saying some thing.

“I’m doing good ma…how about you?”

“I’m okay…it is just my old ailment keeps coming back now and then. I guess the weather is getting cooler these few days. So how is your wife? Do you like my choice? Heehee!”


“She’s wonderful ma. What more can I ask for.” Replied Adam while smiling at Zaharah. “ It’s been a long time and we both wonder if we could meet up at someplace.” Adam was hoping that his mum will agree to this invitation.

“I heard you have been doing well with your painting career about your shop and you know how proud I am.” His mum replied.

“Ma can we meet ?” asked Adam again. “Just name the place and we shall be there.” Adam was not giving up.

“Alright. You know the old café which I used to take you after your lessons when you were still a child. The day after tomorrow will be fine for me.”

“Thanks ma. I’m sure me and Zaharah gonna be there.” Said Adam as he puts down the receiver.


“Don’t you ever think about it Ana. I’ve already disown him and he’s not my blood anymore.” Zayeed Adam’s father was so furious about the meeting plan which his wife Ana had with their son.

“It’s almost a year now Zayeed. Can’t you open up your heart for this son?” Ana was sobbing tearfully now.

“How about him? Does he ever thought about me? He shatters my dream and hope. Everthing gone just like that.”

“You have Zaki to run your business just leave Adam alone. Let him be what he wants to be.”

“I’ ve seen Adam has the potential to succeed in this business world. He has full of ideas and was always been such an enthusiastic person ever since he was a child. That’s why he should be my successor unlike Zaki. Zaki is too layback. always needs to relies on someone to do things for him.” Replied Zayeed with full of disappointment in his tone. He loves his sons. Both of them. It is just that he cannot accept the fact that Adam has rebel against him. After all this time he has pin high hopes on Adam on becoming his successor for his business empire.

“No. You’re not allowed to meet him. And make sure you listen to me if you don’t want the same fate as Adam.”

“You know something Zayeed. I just don’t understand how could I still be with you after what you have done to our son. I know you do miss him too but it is just your ego which had hardened your heart to accept all this.” Replied Ana tearfully and left the room leaving Zayeed all by himself.


The journey was about two hours from the town to reach the café which Adam had planned to meet with his mum. Adam book four seater which was situated near the window where he could see the roadside.

“How do I look?” asked Adam nervously.
“Grunge.” Replied Zaharah smiling. Adam laughed to her respond. He was wearing this dark green long sleeve coloured shirt which he had rool the sleeves just below his elbow and he was wearing dark jeans to go with it. He trimmed his hair abit here and there but still keeping the fringe. “Gorgeous. Like the very first time I met you.” Said Zaharah playfully sweeping off Adam’s stubborn fringe away from his eyes. Zaharah was wearing a sleeveless pastel green coloured knee length dress and wore a white cardigan over it. She tied her long hair into a bun. “So are you.” Replied Adam.

They had few cups of coffee with some cream puffs while waiting for his mum. Adam look at his watch and it was almost an hour they have since waited but there is still no sign of her. Adam begins to feel anxious and keeps on looking out of the window if his mum was walking by the lane. Zaharah too began to feel anxious but in her mind she has this strong feeling that his mum is not coming. However she decides to keep that thought to herself because she did not want Adam to feel disappointed. It was almost three hours now and the night soon begins to sets in. They were not many customers at the café by now and the ‘close’ signage has been put up at the main entrance.

“Come on let’s go home.” Said Adam at last. His voice was small and Zaharah could tell that Adam was ultimately upset and disappointed.

Two weeks later business at Adam’s Eye runs as usual. Adam was back to his chirpy and humorous manner much to Zaharah’s relieve.

“I need to clear this old palate for the new ones alright.” Cried Adam as he began carrying few cartons of old oil paints and the old palates into the store room.

“Okay” replied Zaharah as she began dusting off the upper shelf of the cabinet which was left empty for putting up Adam’s latest painting collection.

As she was busy cleaning up the wooden plank, she did not realized that someone had entered the shop. While walking slowly and checking out the paintings which was either hang or just place against the wall, suddenly Zaharah begins to catch his attention. He was looking at her with full of interest and smile to himself.

“May I help you.?” It was Adam and that startles the men. Adam had notice that he did not came in just to look at the painting but he seems to be interested in something else even though Adam could only see his back.

“Adam...aren’t you surprised to see me?” Adam realized it was Zaki as he turns to face Adam. Zaharah was surprised and stop cleaning but stood there looking at Adam speechless.

“It’s been a long time.” Cried Adam and they both began to hug each other and Zaki playfully tugged Adam’s fringe. “You look well, bro.” cried Zaki. Zaki was tall and lanky too. He was fairer in his complexion but he too have that nice set of eyes only lighter brown in colored. His hair was short and nicely kept. Zaki still had his eyes set on Zaharah and this makes her feel very uncomforatable.

“This is Zaharah…my wife.” Said Adam bringing Zaharah closer to his side. Zaki reaches out his hand to shake hers. Zaharah gave her hand but quickly draw her hands away. ”I finish tidying up the storeroom alright.” Zaharah decides to leave both of them together and goes to the storeroom.

“Nice place you’ve got yourself here.” said Zaki as he touches some of Adam’s painting while phasing around the shop.

“There’s a coffeehouse nearby this area. Maybe we can have a drink together.” Adam made this request as he really needs to know about his family situation ever since he left the house.


“They do makes good coffee here.” Exclaimed Zaki as he took few sips of the hot caffeine. Adam look at his cup and was not so sure where to begin this conversation. Since that incident where his father had burnt his paintings due to Zaki’s being unable to keep the secret had definitely effect their sibling relationship. “So how’s the feeling of being able to survive on your own without anyone’s help?. And being able to walk away from our father’s shadow huh?” Adam knew Zaki was always being sarcasm in his words just like their father. Adam looked across the other side of the road and then turn to face Zaki again.

“How’s mum?” asked Adam cause his main attention is to ask about his mum and dad and not to start some kind of silly arguments.

“She’s fine. She keeps on talking about you now and then.” Replied Zaki taking another sip of his coffee. Adam notice his brother has change a lot. He had his hair back comb and like his father he wears stylish branded clothes unlike Adam who feel more comfy with just a simple T-shirt and jeans.

“We supposed to meet two weeks ago but she never came. That is so unlike her to break promises.” Said Adam as he drew his chair nearer to the coffee table.

Zaki looks at Adam and from the way he looks Adam knew something was not right. “Why do you still wants to bother us ?” replied Zaki looking very unpleased.

Adam was shocked upon hearing that remarks and almost loses his control but he decide to remain compose cause he does not want to create any unnecessary scene here. The last time they threw punches at each other was the thing which will definitely be a good reminder to him.

“You know how’s our father’s like?” said Zaki looking solemnly at Adam.

“How’s father?” asked Adam. “Did he do something to mum?”

“Our father….his dying. He has brain cancer. And he can only live for another four to six months now.”

Adam was in shocked. He can feel his hands are trembling and then he became numb and speechless. Then this sense of guilt sets in. All the things he did and said to his dad began to runs back into his mind. It ‘s just like being taken back to that point of time. “ I need to see him…!” said Adam looking directly at Zaki waiting for his response.

“To shorten his lifespan? I don’t think that is a good idea.” replied Zaki spontaneously upon Adam’s request. “ You know how much he detest you right until today so you just go ahead with your life and please don’t come back.” Said Zaki scornfully. He rose up from his seat pick his coat which he had hung earlier on the back of his chair and leaves.


Adam went back to his shop. His heart was heavy and it felt like there’s a huge lump growing inside his heart. His head hung low as he enters the shop and Zaharah notice that something was amiss. Adam walks straight into his work area and begins to string up one of the canvas to the wooden frame. Zaharah look at Adam and that intense was written all over his face. A tinge of sadness came over Zaharah’s thought cause it breaks her heart seeing Adam acted this way. She knew something went wrong after his meeting with Zaki. As she could not contained her feelings anymore she went over to Adam.

“So how’s the meeting?” asked Zaharah casually.
“Just don’t bother about that alright!” Adam snapped as he look at Zaharah.
“Okay…fine!” replied Zaharah. She felt hurt towards Adam’s response cause throughout their marriage Adam never acted in such a manner. Zaharah went back to the store room and sat there. She was in a verge of tears but she try to control it. Adam felt awful after what he did. He cover his face with his hands. He too was in a verge of tear “What have I done?” he thought to himself and decides to go to the storeroom. As he enters the room he saw Zaharah was sitting on the small stool which they place it in the store. Zaharah knew Adam walks in but she refused to look at him. She felt angry and upset. Adam walks towards Zaharah and sat beside her on the floor.

“My father …he’s dying.” Said Adam as he looks solemnly at his painting which he had kept for the incoming order. Zaharah turns to look at Adam but she just remained silence. Then suddenly Adam breaks down and cried. He just could not hold on to his remoseful state any longer. Zaharah quickly went over to Adam and hold him.


Back at home, things were very quiet. They had dinner in silence. Adam with his own thoughts and Zaharah had several questions and doubts running in through her mind. Adam rose from his seat after finishing his dinner leaving Zaharah all by herself. Usually Adam will help Zaharah clearing up the table each time they finishes their meals but not on that day. Adam went straight to his working room and begins to work on his unfinished painting. It was a pretty mosaic pattern which he was inspired by the hilly views. The patterns had some mixture of golden bronze with some tinge of black running along the pattern.

Zaharah slowly enters the room and look at Adam while he was busy with his painting. It took him quite a while for him to realized that Zaharah was sitting on the small wooden stool looking at him while he was engrossing with his work. Adam turn to look at Zaharah and smile. He felt it was not right for him to act cold towards her because none of this is her fault. He put down his palate and paint brush and then he took a wet clothe which he place near his work station and began cleaning his hands. After he felt that his hands are clean enough he walk to wards Zaharah and sat beside her. He held out his hands and touch Zaharah’s hair as he look at her. “ I’m sorry for making you feel uneasy.” Said Adam as he look sadly into her eyes. Zaharah touch Adam’s face. In her heart she wish she could take all the anxiety which Adam had in him. Adam had his face closer to Zaharah’s and he kisses her.


Adam slept for a while then he wakes up. He looks at Zaharah and she was still sleeping. He bend over and kisses her cheeks. Then he walks out of the bed and leave the room. In a while Zaharah stir herself on the bed and realized that she was alone. She got dress and walks out of the room. She take a peep at the working room but Adam was not there. And then she walks towards the verandah and found him standing leaning against one of the pole as he faces the hilly view. Zaharah could feel the breeze was coming now and then brushing against her skin. She walks towards Adam and sat on the small porched.

“Why don’t we just go ahead and visit them? I meant it is just a waste of time we sitting pondering and wondering what is happening to your family right now. He can’t be angry with you forever because you are his son. We just go and see the outcome. If he welcome us then lucky us but if his reaction is the otherwise then we just leave.” Said Zaharah as she thought that it will be the best for them to give in and take all the consequences.

Adam look at Zaharah with his dopey eyes and nodded as he smiles.