Adam's Eye : Chapter Ten

They both walk back towards Zayeed’s room and saw that Zayeed was still asleep. Zaharah stood up and smile. Ana walk closer to Zayeed’s bedside and touch his forehead. “Thanks Zaharah for bringing our son back to us. Adam had told me everything on how you had coax him to make the first move.” Zaharah was speechless and stood there. “I’m just thinking the best for all of us.” said Zaharah and look at the pastel blue bed sheet. Ana realized that tears began to well up in Zaharah’s eyes. Adam walk closer towards Zaharah and stood by her side.


“I guess I’m the lucky one around here. Adam has definitely turn my life around. And I never regret being part of his life now and being part of your family..” said Zaharah . Ana secretly knew about Zaharah’s background and how she and her brother had been mistreated by her foster family. But she felt that maybe those secret were not to be reveal at this point of time. “And I’m bless to have you as my daughter in law” said Ana smiling sweetly towards Zaharah.

The rain had start to fall and pattering of the raindrops could be heard splashing softly on the ground. Adam took Zaharah back to their room leaving Ana and Zayeed to rest. Zaharah stood by the window gazing towards the garden which had been blured by the raindrops. She could see the trees were swaying gently against the wind and suddenly she felt cold. As though she was part of the tree being hit hard against the raindrops followed by the wind. Adam was unpacking his luggage while suddenly he realized Zaharah seems to be upset about something. Adam walks towards her however Zaharah is still in her daze and did not realized that Adam had already stood beside her.

“Zaharah. What’s the matter?” asked Adam with full of concern in his voice. Zaharah startle and she turn towards Adam and smile faintly.
　
“Adam, you had already fulfilled part of your dream. How about now you fulfill part of your father’s?” asked Zaharah still looking solemnly at Adam. Adam looks out towards the window and the rain had began to fall more heavily by now splashing hard on the ground. “I know I have no right to interfere in these but certain sacrifices need to be done. I guess it’s about time we need to do something to make his last days more meaningful. I’m sure he had a lot of unfinished plan and those plans involved you.’ exclaimed Zaharah and she knew she had to make Adam realized that it is about time to give something more to his father. His father’s hopes and dreams. “Do you think I can do it?” asked Adam meekly looking at Zaharah for an answer. “We can always try? I’m here with you so is your ma.” replied Zaharah and these time she was full of high spirit. Adam nodded and smile.

The raindrops has come towards the window pane by now making soft pattering sound. Adam looks at Zaharah and came closer towards her. He pull Zaharah towards him and gave her a hug. Zaharah felt good being in his arm and she put her head against his chest and she could feel his heartbeat just like the sound of the gentle raindrop. They look at each other lovingly and then they began to kiss. Adam caress Zaharah’s bundle hair and unbundled it making her hair fall nicely on her shoulder. Zaharah put her arms around his neck and admiring his eyes. She remember the first time when she had met him and she can’t deny that it was Adam’s eye which had eventually caught her attention.
　
Adam wakes up and realized that it was already half past two in the afternoon. The morning rain had stop and was replace by nice warm sunny afternoon.
“Adam, we have lot’s of things to say to your ma and pa. Come on get up it’s already late in the afternoon.” exclaimed Zaharah puling Adam out from the bed and playfully push him into the bathroom.

They both decide to check on Adam’s parent and found that Ana and Zayeed were having their afternoon nap. Zaki was not around and Adam felt relief about this cause he does not want to cause anymore unwanted commotion. They had lunch together in the garden courtyard chatting and giggling away.
　
However Adam did not realized that Zaki was at the attic looking scornfully towards them. He clenched his fist tightly and he had full of evil thoughts playing around in his mind. His heart was blackened with hatred and jealousy. He felt that he was been ill-treated by his father and Adam had definitely beginning to cross his line. The attic was left barren after Adam step his foot out from their home. Few drops of old oil paint blotch still could be seen around the floor. Several rolls of uncut canvas which has been untouched for several years had beginning to show yellow and black spot are standing against the wall. Still looking intensely towards Adam and Zaharah, his mind began crafting on something which will totally change Adam’s future. He squint his big hazel brown eyes as the sunny rays began to set through the attic window.
　
Adam has been thinking about going back home for a while as he and Zaharah needs to do lots of things regarding their shop and home. In his heart he was determine to help out his father business.
　
Dinner time was amazing, a moment which Zaharah wish that the time might just stop there and never move forward again. It is not about the food but the family unity which really amazed her. And seeing Ana and Zayeed being together for almost thirty five years is simply beautiful. Despite all the things which happen between them but yet Ana still remains loving and faithful towards Zayeed. Zaharah knew from Adam that his parents were once a very simple folk. His father does a lot of odd jobs from a window washer, a waiter and mechanical services. Until eventually he had enough savings to open up his very own mechanical company. He was diligent and was full of commitment until his company flourished which lead him to expand further ahead.
　
“Pa there’s some matter which I need to bring out and please forgive me if the things which I’m going to say just might upset you.” Said Adam looking innocently towards his father frowning his eyebrows worriedly as he did so. From under the dining table Zaharah had held Adam’s hand to boost up his courage.

Zayeed looked calm upon Adam’s request and nodded his head still awaiting from his son’s next conversation. Ana still sipping her cup of tea as she was trying to hide her fear of another fall out between Adam and her husband. It has been that way ever since Adam decides to go against his father’s wishes. Although Adam is not a type of person who will argue back to defend his needs but she knew how hurt Adam might have felt.
　
“I’ve decided to help out in your company. I know I’ve got along way to go but I’m willing to learn if you will give me the chance.” explained Adam. Zayeed was caught in surprised and he seems unsure how to react to his son’s proposal.

“Wheel me back to my room please.” replied Zayeed towards Ana. Ana comply towards Zayeed request and wheel him back to his room leaving Adam,Zaharah and Zaki.
　
Zaki was extremely furious and came directly towards Adam. “Now just look what you have done. You have just complicated more matters. Why don’t you just pack your stuffs and leave.”
　
Adam stood up and stare coldly towards Zaki while clenching his right fist. Zaharah walk slowly towards Adam cause she fears that another fight will might broke out. “He’s not worth it.” Zaharah whispered into Adam’s ear and pulling him further away from Zaki. Adam took a deep breath. He thought to himself Zaharah is right, Zaki’s sickening behavior is not worth to get upset about cause his main attention is his parents.
　
The night sky was cloudless but was fill with lots of brilliant shining stars. The ground was not too wet after the heavy downpour that early morning. Cool soft breeze began to sets in. The garden lights was dimly lit but it was beautiful. Adam sat quietly on the garden porch deep in his thoughts. He was upset and confused with his father’s reaction to his request. He was only trying to help that’s all. Zaharah seems to know what was in Adam’s mind. He hung his head low as he was staring at the wet ground. His stubborn fringe falls nicely almost touching both side of his face.

“You’ve got to do something with that hair of yours.” cried Zaharah teasingly hoping this might cheer him up. Adam looks at Zaharah and smille. Zaharah felt sorry towards Adam and she was thinking hard to make him feel better. She sat beside him as she gaze towards the sky. “ I guess its my fault. If only I did not mention anything about these just now, none of this will had happen.” said Zaharah. Adam turns towards her and hold her hand. “No. None of this is your fault. Please don’t feel bad about it alright.” replied Adam making sure that Zaharah did not feel guilty.
　
The next morning Adam had decided to go back home for couple of days. They began to pack up their clothes when there’s a knock on the door. Zaharah went to open the door and it was Ana. Zaharah could see that Ana was having sleepless night and she has been crying. Zaharah bring Ana into their room. Ana saw the luggage bag which has been fully packed and these really had took her by surprised. “You’re both leaving so soon.” exclaimed Ana and she felt that this was too much for her.

“We will be back here in couple of days. We need to attend some task in our shop and also we need to check on our home.” explained Adam.

“I hope you leaving us got nothing to do with your father’s foolish reaction.” said Ana sadly. Adam smile and shake his head. “No ma. Nothing at all. We love both of you so much.” replied Adam as he took her hand.

“We will definitely come back ma.” said Zaharah and just like Adam she stood beside Ana and gave her a hug. “I love you ma.” said Zaharah softly. “Well I guess I better leave you both together cause I believe you’ve got lots of things to say. I will check out on pa.” said Zaharah leaving Ana and Adam together in the room.

Zaharah walks cautiously towards Zayeed’s room hoping that her present won’t upset him further. Just as she was about to climb down the stairways the person whom she loath the most stand in her way.

“I’m glad that silly husband of yours decide to leave us for good.” cried Zaki coyly as he walks closer next to her looking straight into her eyes and the present of him really sets Zaharah’s anger. But she knew she must not react stupid just like him because this might just makes him feel more confident of pinning her and Adam down. Zaharah ignored his remarks and continue to walk down the stairs. Zaki was not going to let her off just like that. He grabbed her arm bringing her closer to him “Adam is a coward. I just don’t understand what you see in him anyway. And there’s some things which I’m sure Adam has been keeping away from your knowledge. His dark hidden secrets which I knew.”

“And I don’t care.” Said Zaharah as she struggle to get her arm free from his grip.
　
“You’re here to please my parents so that you can have part of our wealth. I know what type of village girl like you are. Pretend to be so innocent and chaste.” continue Zaki triggering Zaharah’s nerve. Zaharah look intensely direct into his eyes. Her eyes show so much coldness and disgust towards him.
　
　
“Oh! Zaki. This is just the beginning. Sooner or later you will know what I’m capable off.” said Zaharah and the tone of her voice was very cold and it seems like a warning sign for Zaki to back off. “One more thing leaved Adam alone.” Zaki was shocked towards Zaharah respond and released her arm. He knew Zaharah is not easy to fool because she’s not just an ordinary dim-wit village girl. She continue her way towards Zayeed's room however her mind began to recur the words which Zaki had told her. Something to do about Adam's past. Dark hidden secret. What could it possibly be that Adam has not being telling her. She began to have some doubts on Adam but then she realised that propably Zaki was just trying to play games with her by installing negatives thoughts in her mind. Zaharah took a deep breath and she was determined to stand firm and always be by Adam's side no matter what happens. Deep in her thoughts staying under the same roof with Zaki around it won't be easy but she's not going to let that fear intervene her and Adam.

Back in his room as Zaki lay down and look up at his ceiling wall a wicked smile broke on his face. He felt so sure that somehow or rather he had managed to put in some doubts on Zaharah thoughts towards Adam. It seems that Zaharah is Adam's new found strength and he's determined to break it. He decide to go to his office that day to settle some task. As he was beginning to unbutton his shirt suddenly something had caught his attention. He walks towards the bookshelve and took a pocket book which was used to be his journal during his younger days. It was dark marron in color and it has been ages he has not written anything in it. He sat on his armchair and began to flip few pages of it which had began to turn yellow. As he was flipping through suddenly a photograph slips from one of the pages. He bend over and pick it up. It was a photograph of him and Adam during one of the camping trip which their father had enrolled them. He remember clearly that photo was taken when they both were still in high school. A sense of sadness began to linger in his mind. They were very close once and he always make sure nothing mishap came upon Adam. He was very protective indeed. There are so much resemblence in their looks. Zaki has lighter skin tone and he has beautiful hazel brown eyes whereas Adam is more darker and his eyes is dark brown in color. Everywhere they go people often assume them as twins. During his younger days he even kept his hair just like Adam. However things are different now and he refuse to have any resemblence just like Adam anymore.

"This is all your fault. How could you let your brother astray. Where is your responsiblity as a big brother? You're a failure." those words which was said to him by his father were written clearly in his journal and he recalls the day when Adam decide to rebel and he had to take in all the blame from his father. "It's unfair!"

"I had to do it to let him notice me again." another note written and this was the day when he betrays Adam about his secret attic. He had to do it to get his father's attention.

Zaki slammed his pocket book against the wall as he could not contain his anger anymore. He turn towards the mirror and look into his own reflection. "Am I a bad person? Was it all my fault? Fine, if they it think that way."
　
　
Zaharah went into Zayeed’s room and she saw that he was reading his morning paper. ‘I’m sorry pa. I should have knocked.” said Zaharah. Zayeed look up at Zaharah and put down his newspaper by his bedside. After taking off his glasses he began to stare at Zaharah and then he smile. He gesture towards Zaharah to sit beside him by the bedside. Zaharah walks slowly towards the chair and sat.
　
“I know you’re a very special girl because somehow or rather you have managed to make him understand what my hopes and dreams all about.” said Zayeed still looking at her. “I don’t know how many more months I’ve left and to be honest I’m afraid.” Zaharah remains silence and let Zayeed continue with his words. “All this time I had always wanted Adam to work with me. But look at me now. I don’t think I am able to assists him in anything. I want to be there with him once he reached his peak of success in my company. Ana was right. I’ve drove my son away. It is all due to my wrong moves."　
　

“Constantly blaming yourself won’t lead you to anywhere pa. Please don’t misunderstood me. Coming into your family eventually had really open up my eyes. I’ve seen a lot of love and joy in these family but things turns bitter due to certain material worldly things and that’s upsetting. I love Adam for what he is and for what he has becomes. What sadden me the most, brothers could not meet eye to eye because of mere worldly things. I had an older brother whom I love so dearly but he was taken so sudden away from me and it’s killing me just the thought of it. If having Adam to be part of your company is your only true hope and desire, please forgive me for my rudeness, I think your dream not only had upset Adam but also the other son of yours. Don’t you want them to be brothers like what true blood brothers are? “ She knew she had to bring out this thought sooner or later and she don’t mind taking the risk of being reprimanded by Zayeed for her comments.
　
Zayeed listen to Zaharah’s speech with full of interest and it seems that Zaharah’s had hit a hard note through his mind. Zayeed remains silence and began to think deep and realized that it is his own doing which had eventually drove both his sons away from him. He never listend to their needs and always think for himself. After Adam left , Zayeed had decided to disown him from his rights. And Zaki came to know about this. Zayeed had promises and give high hopes towards Zaki unknowingly that Zaki was not capable enough. Zayeed trading business began to plunge into heavy debts and he was in deep shocked when he received some remarks from his close clients that Zaki was also involved in some kind of shady business. When he confronted Zaki, Zaki becomes furious and denied all those accusation but Zayeed knew everything that fall through his ears were the truth. Zayeed was utterly disappointed caused all this while he had put in so much trust in Zaki. Actually at the beginning of it all he had Adam in his mind to be his successor but that was not meant to be therefore he decided to put Zaki incharge.
　
“I should not have given Zaki too much hope and promises when I knew deep in my heart he can never make it. You were right Zaharah. I had turn them against each other.” said Zayeed looking sadly towards Zaharah.

"But it's never to late pa. To put things right again." said Zaharah and she held Zayeed's hand. She was determined to make things better for the family. Zayeed felt relieve and his spirit lift up just the thought of it.


Zaki was about to step out from the house when suddenly he heard his name being call. It was Adam. He pretend to ignored and turn the door knob.

"Zaki please. What happen to us? Why can't you look at me anymore? You're my only elder brother and I have always respect you as one." said Adam trying to coax his brother to stay as he has a lot of things to say. Adam was trying his best to savage these sibling relationship.


"Zaki. Adam. Your father wanted to speak to both of you now in his room." it was Ana.


As Zayeed was sitting on his bed he looks out of the window. The sky was full of clouds by now and it has been ages he has not step out from his home. Suddenly he was a tiny yellow bird standing and began perching on the tree trunk which stood nearby his window sill. Zayeed knew his days were numbered now cause he begans to feel weaker in each passing day and at times his mind is not thinking straight. Therefore before it is too late he had to bring this matter out to both of his sons.

Zaki and Adam enters the room and Zayeed gesture both of them to sit by his side. Without hesitation Adam walk towards his father bedside and sat on the chair which was place near the bed. Zaki was still reluntant and prefer to stand avoiding any eye contact with his father and Adam.

"I'm sorry if I have taken your time Zaki. Please I need to talk to you. Both of you." exclaimed Zayeed as he looks sadly towards Zaki. Without saying anything he walk nearer to the bed and sat beside his father. Zayeed look at both of his sons and smile. How much they have grown and how much they have change. It seems like only yesterday they were just his little boys. By looking at Adam, he felt sure that Adam is happy cause calmness were written all over his face. But as for Zaki, what was found anguish, anger and tinge of sadness and Zayeed felt that he was to blame for all these.


"You're right Zaki. As a father I have failed." said Zayeed. Adam was about to protest to that statement however Zayeed look at him and smile faintly. Adam remains quiet and decides not to interfere on what his father going to say next.

"If only I'm more open to your dreams and passion Adam. And if only I will stop blaming you Zaki. Both of you won't have to face this kind of situation. If both of you feel like voicing out any dissatisfaction on these,please do it now. Don't bottle it all up in your hearts." said Zayeed hoping that his sons will be more open and willing to share how they had felt towards each other.

"What is done can't be undone. It getting late I need to go back to the office." exclaimed Zaki and he stood up and was about to leave. However Zayeed told him to sit cause there are more things which he need to convey.

"I know that death is aprroaching me soon. And I'm tired of fighting this. However what I'm hoping now is for both of you to be close again. Just like before. Therefore I have decided to put both of you in charge of my company but under different scope. Zaki I want you to be in charge of administration because I know you're excellent in that matter whereas for Adam I want you to be in charge of finance. That meants you need to go through our company accounts and some other money matters."

"I'm willing to take that offer pa, and I'm willing to learn. But I still need Zaki to guide me." replied Adam and hoping that all the misunderstanding which he and Zaki had will resolve once they both work together as a term.

"You will regret this." snapped Zaki looking intensely towards Adam. He stood up and left without saying anything else.

Adam was not surprised with his brother reaction but he was upset and Zayeed knew exactly how Adam feels.

"Too bad he got that attitude from me." said Zayeed and smile towards Adam. Adam look at his father. " Don't worry pa. I shall furfill your wish."