Adam's Eye : Chapter Nine

Adam rented a small car for their journey. Zaharah packed up some sandwiches and drinks because the trip will take them more then ten hours. After packing few clothes with them, they both headed towards the car. The ride was simply breathtaking. They pass through the hilly area and some greenery plantation. Zaharah looks out of the window and a strange feeling came upon her. It’s like a flashback , recalling the days when she had that long ride with Adam when they first came into that village. Everything looks the same however the feeling is different now. She turns to look at Adam and thought to herself. “Does he feels the same way too?”
After traveling for almost two hour, Adam decides to take a break and park his vehicle at one side of the road. Zaharah begins unpacking the sandwiches and handed them over to Adam. While taking their lunch they talk and giggle reminiscing back the days when they first met. Zaharah knew Adam was feeling excited and nervous about going back home it is just he pretends to act like he was okay.
“Adam, I’m with you alright.” Said Zaharah reassuring Adam. Adam looks back at Zaharah and smile. Their journey pass through Zaharah’s hometown. She crank her neck to look at the familiar views and was quite surprised cause there were so many changes. Most of the wooden houses has been torn down and replaced by stone houses. The old field which she and Izzaldeen used to play around while looking for firewoods also has been fence and it seems that land has been bought by some landlord cause it had a huge signboard that stated ‘Property Land’. Deep in her mind she was wondering to herself who was that person who could have bought that land. Adam notice Zaharah was lost in her thought. He smile “ So this is your home town. Yup I remember it very well when the first time I came to this place on our wedding day.” Zaharah turns towards Adam and smile then she look at her wedding ring.” If only Izzaldeen was there at that time..then I won’t feel so lonely.” Adam reaches out his hand and held on to Zaharah’s.
　
It was already almost dark when they reach the front poach of Adam’s old home. They both steps out of the car and Zaharah was amazed with the surroundings. The garden was huge and there were lots of exotic plants and flowers in it. The house was just like a mansion. She never seen these kind of living area throughout her life before.
“Are you ready?” ask Adam as he look at his old home while squinting his eyes again. He was taking deep breathing now and Zaharah could tell that Adam was very nervous indeed. Zaharah nodded and they both enter the front premises. Adam opens the gate to let Zaharah in then they both walk hand in hand to the front door. From outside they could see that the dim light in the hall and several other rooms was on. Adam straightened his back and rings the bell. Zaharah was feeling nervous too. She held her palms together as she waits for someone to open the door.
　
Suddenly they heard the click of the doorknob. There stood in front of them is Zaki. Adam and Zaharah were not expecting he’s the one to be welcoming them at all.
　
“What are you doing here?” asked Zaki. He looks so annoyed and it seems that the sight of Adam is like a disgusting vermin to him.
“I’ve come to see our parents.” Replied Adam calmly.
“Didn’t I warn you…you will only brings trouble.?” Said Zaki scornfully and refused to let them in.
“I have no time for all these. We are both very tired, we have traveled for almost half a day so please don’t stand in my way” Adam was getting piss off by now and he pushes Zaki to one side bringing Zaharah along with him.
Adam looks around and then he saw his mum Ana was standing by the stairways. Adam went over to her and hugged her. They both looks at each other for a moment and they both are in tears.
“Ma this is Zaharah, my wife.” Zaharah walks closer towards them. Ana reaches out her hand and touch Zaharah’s face. Zaharah could not contained her feelings anymore and gave her a hug. It felt good. Just like a motherly love which she has always dreamt of.
“You look tired ma. How are you coping up with this?” asked Adam as Ana bring them into their guest room. Ana gesture them to sit and call in the maid to serve some hot tea for them.
“I’m fine Adam. I just miss you that’s all.” Said Ana as she caress Adam’s hair and face. “You look so different now…more matured I guess.” Exclaimed his mum. Adam smile to his mum remarks.
“ Does my son gives you any trouble?” asked Ana smiling as she did so. Zaharah notice that Adam had gotten that gentle, comforting smile from his mother and this makes her feel more at ease.
Zaharah giggles “All the time…ma” replied Zaharah and it is such a delightful moment at last she can call someone ‘Ma’. “Thank you Zaharah for everything.”
Zaharah shakes her head and replies, “Please Ma. Don’t said that.” And reaches out her hand to hold on to Ana’s.
“I need to see him.” Requested Adam and he seems to be ready for all these.
Ana bring them into Zayeed’s room and they found that he was sleeping. The room was huge and strong medicine smell lingers throughout the area. Adam look at his father and his tears starts to well up in his eyes. Adam notice that his father’s face has sunken so much and he looks frails and tired.
“Zayeed….his here Adam.” Called Ana softly as she wakes him up. Zayeed stirs and look lost and then he saw Adam. Without hesitation he held out his arms,
gave a faint smile and said .” Adam you have come back. Is it true Ana or was I being hallucinating again.?”
Adam quickly went over to his father and gave him a hug. It was such an emotionally scene for them. Zaharah stood beside Ana and soft sob could be heard between them. Zaki stood at the door folding his arms across his chest. He was still feeling so sore about Adam returning back home. He roll his eyes and decide to leave the room.
“I’m back pa.” cried Adam as he held his father’s hand.
“You are not angry anymore. So am I. Please forgive me for what I have done to you ….” Before his father could finished his sentences Adam shake his head and replies.
“Everything okay now pa…don’t worry so much about the past.”
Zayeed looks at Adam and his pride and spirit begins to lift up. “ You’re indeed my son…my beloved son. You know how proud I am when I realized you had set up your very own business at such a very young age ….you’re just twenty-eight right?” “ I open up my small trading company when I was around your age too. I guess we are both the same…we had same dreams but different type of ventures.” Explained Zayeed as he sat on his bed with Adam by his side. Then he turn to look at Zaharah and began to stare giving that slitting eyes expression. And Zaharah realized that Adam got that trademark from his father and she smile. “She must be Zaharah. What a pretty girl..heeheehee.” exclaimed Zayeed. Zaharah went closer to Zayeed and give him hug. She felt so blessed now that she had someone to call ‘Pa’.
They talk until right pass midnight. Zaharah look at each and everyone of them. Ana she was such a sweet lady. She has a slender figure and she always had a smile on her face. She’s beautiful just like an angel thought Zaharah to herself. An exact replica of Adam’s family portrait which Adam has painted himself. Zayeed , he still do carry that stern face despite his illness. Tears of joy fells gently on her face and she looks at Adam. His spirit was so high just like a little kid telling to his father about his achievement after discovering the technique of tying the shoe lace. They both were laughing and giggling. It was such a beautiful sight and Zaharah was amazed by all these.
“Pa you need to rest now alright.” Said Adam as he stood up bringing the blanket to his father’s chest.
“You won’t leave again right?” asked Zayeed with a worried look on his face. Adam smile and shake his head. “No pa.” He kisses his father’s forehead and walks out of the room together with Zaharah and Ana.
Ana brings them to the other guest room for them to spend the night in. Adam gets their clothes from the car bonnet and goes back to the guest room. Then Ana look at both of them and smile. “Have a good rest both of you alright.” She kisses them and leave the room. Adam closed the door after his mother had left and went to Zaharah and hold her close to his chest. “Thank you Zaharah…you know how bless I am to have you as my wife.”
“And I’m blessed to have someone to call ma and pa.” replied Zaharah.
　
After such a long time they have not sat together as a family having breakfast. Adam helped to push his father who was on the wheelchair now towards the dining area. The room was very well ventilated as the huge windows allowing the rays of sunlight entering the room. The feeling was so cosy and serene. Zaharah feel kind of awkward because she never lived in a huge home before. But Ana who has a warm personality in nature makes Zaharah feel more at ease.They began to enjoy their breakfast, chatting and laughing and Zaharah knew Adam very well now because he seems to bring in laughter wherever he goes or whatever situation they were facing. Suddenly everything stood stills as Zaki came fumbling in. Apparently he was drunk and was trying to stay balance on the ground as he walks. He sat at the other end of the table and look directly towards his father. “Change of heart now father…huh…? Why did you have to ruin everything” shouted Zaki as he turn his attention towards Adam. Adam looks back and he was not looking very pleased about Zaki’s comment.
“Zaki, please go back to your room.” Said Ana gently hoping that Zaki will listen to her.
“Shut up old lady.” Shouted Zaki pointing his finger towards her.
Adam rose from his seat. He walks towards Zaki and grab his collar shirt. Zaharah was in totally stunned by all this commotion and grab Adam by his arm to calm him down. “Not in front of father please.” Whispered Zaharah. Adam turns to look at Zaharah and let go of Zaki. Zaharah notice that Zaki was looking at her in a lewd manner. Adam notice that and in a few seconds he threw a punch on Zaki’s face. Zaki fell stumbling over his chair and it took him quite a while to regain back his balance to stand up. Zaharah had to hold Adam to prevent him from attacking Zaki any further.
“He deserves that ever since long time ago. After you left Adam, all he does is spending my wealth on booze and woman. He’s the one who has been digging the grave for me..huh.” cried Zayeed trembling as he speaks.
After hearing this comment Zaki laughed heartily. “ Cause you fail as a father. You did nothing right. I ‘ve worked very hard pa…extremely hard for this business empire but what did I get…huh…mere twenty percent from your wealth and the rest you gave them to him..your ungrateful son who has walk out on you…! Wailed Zaki pointing his finger to wards Adam. Adam remained silence and for a while and then he replies,” You think I came back for all this? I came back because I want my family.” Zaki stumble and walks slowly towards Adam. He patted Adam on his cheek and then he walks out of the room.
　
Adam wheeled his father back to his room and put him to bed to rest. Zaharah holds on Ana’s hand and they both walk together in the room joining Adam and Zayeed. He was feeling exhausted and drowsy due to the medication which he needs to take. Zayeed fell asleep after a while Adam pull the blanket over his father and look solemnly at him. Turning to face his mum “Please forgive me ma for reacting that way just now. I really do not meant to hit him but he’s too much.” “It’s okay Adam. He deserves that long time ago. Blame it on your father for spoiling him and putting too much trust on him. After you left for just couple of months Zaki began to show his true colors. He came into your father’s business to almost ruin it due to his frequent drinking and he was not committed on making a deal with potential client. It was not only that but he became more deceitful and only cares for his only needs without reconsidering his father’s feeling. I strongly believe your father fell ill due to Zaki’s misdeeds. He was upset and very disappointed.” said Ana as she wipe the falling tears from her cheeks.
“I’m sure you and your ma needs a lot to talk about. I shall stay by father’s side.” said Zaharah as she drew her chair closer to the bed. Adam nodded and smile taking his mother’s hand and they both walk out of the room.
They sat at the garden porch and it seems that it has been ages they had not been sitting together having conversation like these. Even back during his childhood days it seems that his mother is the only person whom he can talks to. Adam had shared his dreams and hopes with his mother ever since they both discover that he had an artistic talent. To his surprised the garden still remains the same just like before he left. The orchids plant which was part of his favourite sketch material was still there and it seems that the garden was very well kept and he knew that his mother who was such an enthusiastic ’gardener’. On that very moment he realized that he had his mother artistic talent but in a different way and a smile broke on his face. Ana noticed and was wondering what was in Adam’s thinking right now.
“What could be possibly be so funny that you had that grin on your face?” asked Ana looking at Adam with a wondering look.
Adam looked at his mother and noticed that his mother looks tired and frail. No doubt that she is still beautiful despite her age.
　
“On the day we supposed to meet, I was already on my way towards the car when suddenly the maid called me and told me that your father had collapsed.” said Ana while looking at her favorite orchid plant solemnly . “ I rush to your father’s reading room cause that’s where I left him after we had a heated argument.” Sigh Ana and this time she turns her attention towards her slim slender fingers. “It was a terrible sight. Your father had a fit and this is the first time that such thing that ever happen to him. His whole body was shaking vigorously and his mouth started foaming.” Continue Ana and she began to tear up. Adam came closer and gave her a hug. He was speechless not knowing how to response to that. A tinge of gulit and remose began to set in his mind. If only he came back to his family earlier things might not be like what it is at this moment. He look up towards the sky. There were few clouds hanging floating above them. Rain will began to fall sooner or later. Suddenly the beautiful memories which he had with his father during one of the fishing trip which he was force to come along. He could recall that clearly even though he was only seven at that time. It was a short trip from their home but his father make him wakes up very early in the morning about six. He drag himself to the shower room and how he sulk when his mother makes him put on a shirt with a jumpsuit over it.
“With that face you’ve got, you’re bound to scare the fishes away.” cried Zayeed as he fasten Adam’s seat belt. Hearing upon that remarks Adam sulk even more folding his arms across his chest. He was wondering too why Zaki did not follow but he keep that curiosity to himself. After they reach the fishing pond, Zayeed choose a location which had some trees and rocks where they can have their breakfast and do his fishing there. Zayeed began to lay out the plastic canvas on the ground and then unpacking the breakfast as well. They both had some tuna sandwiches.For Zayeed he had a cup of coffe which Ana had pour for him in the flask while Adam had a packet of milk. Zayeed look at Adam and toss his hair playfully. Adam felt annoyed with this gesture and shake his head still sulking away while staring at his packet milk.


After breakfast, Zayeed began his task fixing his fishing gadget stuff. Adam look at how his father work on it with full of anticipation. He took some fresh prawn as the bait and place it on the hook. Then just like a pro Zayeed began his fishing quest. Something caught Adam’s attention and he walks towards his father’s fishing equiment without his father realizing it. He was impressed in the way his father had fix the bait to the hook and also the way his father had fix the string onto the fishing rod. Adam took out the string thinking that he will help his father fix the string to the rail first then he will continue with the bait. However he began to tangle up the strings into many knots and the more he tried to untangle them it becomes more difficult to untangle them. So he had almost part of his body with the string busying himself with that. Zayeed suddenly realized that Adam was not by his side so he place his fishing rod in between the rocks and call out to Adam. Then he saw Adam who was still struggling with the fishing string.
“What have you done?” cried Zayeed and he laugh upon seen his son’s being working very hard to free himself from the tangle strings. Adam look at Zayeed and give an innocent smile.”I love fishing pa! I love fishing.” Zayeed laugh heartily after Adam response to that.
　
“Adam.” Adam was caught in surprised cause suddenly he realized he was in the daze back to his past. “Sorry ma. I really miss al the wonderful time we had together as a family. If only I could be more responsible and be want he wanted me to be things might not turn out this way.”
Ana look towards Adam and reach out her hand to touch his face.”Adam we never blame you for all this. I mean there’s a blessing for all these happening if you realized it. Your father illness eventually had brought you closer to him and at last I’ve got to see and know Zaharah even more. Zaharah she is a very nice girl I can tell. She respect the elderly and I can see how much she loves you. So you must take good care of her. Be responsible and don’t ever break her heart.” Adam took his mother’s hand and nodded.