Rumi and the Retribution by Pooneh Sadeghi

Author:Pooneh Sadeghi [Sadeghi, Pooneh]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Roan & Weatherford

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Shiraz Rahman’s Journal

Tehran, August 10, 1978

I love to read before twilight during those brief moments when the sun and darkness meet like secret lovers. This is my escape.

Think positive. That’s my mantra. For the thousandth time I have imagined a future with Parviz.

“Wherever you are, it must be wonderful.”

I opened my eyes. “Parviz! You’re home early.” I jumped up to greet him.

He pulled me into his arms. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too.” I turned my face into his shoulder, breathing the scent of aftershave and what I can only name as the love of my life—my soulmate.

His gazed dipped down to mine. “I want to talk to you.”

The slight hitch in his voice indicated his worry. My heart sank. I knew what was coming. I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want to consider it.

The sky was dark now, dark as my mood. The lights illuminating the walking trails glowed in the night, and the scent of night blooming jasmine lingered in the air.

Parviz led me to the gazebo and sat on one of its stone benches, pulling me down beside him. “We can’t avoid talking about this. You know what’s happening to our country. I want to make sure you and the baby are safe.”

I leaned close to him. “We’ll be safe with you.”

“You’re alone most of the time. I can’t protect you when I’m not home.”

Parviz told me the Shah didn’t want to take military action. He planned on sending out a national broadcast, hoping it would stop the riots.

“Do you agree with the King’s strategy?” I asked.

Parviz’s jaw tightened. “He’s our king. I’ll support his decisions.”

I know my husband. I know what the tightening of his jaw means. “Do you think the riots will settle without military intervention?”

He massaged his neck. “No, baby, I don’t.”

“I’m not leaving you! I won’t do it!” I wiped at the tears trickling down my cheeks, knowing it was a futile effort. Parviz is close to the king. The revolutionaries would hurt me and the baby to get to him. I hate being his weakness. I told him as much.

He cupped my face with his hands. “You’re not my weakness. You’re my soul, and I’ll protect it with everything I’ve got.”

I couldn’t control my sobs. “I want to stay with you!”

Parviz had promised he wouldn’t ask me to leave the country unless he felt there was a real threat. In return, he wanted me to trust his judgement and leave when he deemed it necessary.

“What about you?” I tried not to shout, but fear clawed at my insides. “What will you do while I’m away?”

“I have training for this.” He sounded so damned calm. “I can’t focus on my job if I worry for you and the baby.”

I hated his logic. I hated that he was right. I hated there were no other options, and what I hated most was that he needed this from me. I had to find the courage to leave without him. It pierced my soul to concede, but I did.

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