The Silent Intruder

By Zahra Ali

David moves away from his family to further his career. But, when his marriage hits rock bottom, he returns to his wife, Penny, in order to save his relationship. The estranged couple tries to resolve their differences, but when shocking secrets are exposed, it's not just their relationship at risk. 
A dangerous adversary threatens the couple, and before long, David is dragged into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. He must protect his family at all costs but what if the enemy is closer than he imagined? Will he be able to defend his family from the powerful clutches of the enemy? Or will his mistakes cost him his future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zahra Ali
• Release date: Apr 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393612667

Book preview

About the author

Zahra Ali is an aspiring young woman who is currently working for the disabled community of Pakistan especially the students. She became wheelchair-bound in 2010 after sustaining a spinal cord trauma, after which her life turned upside down. After struggling for 6 to 7 years of isolation and lack of confidence, she has finally regained her strength and raised her voice in public. Her social activism is focused on accessible education and rehabilitation for people with disabilities. Apart from being a member of ApRec (The Able Plus Research Center) which is an institute that works for the welfare of persons with disabilities, she is also partaking in several youth empowerment organizations.

She completed her CIE's within 2 years and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree. Miss Ali started freelance writing, blogging in 2017 and has written nearly 100 blogs. She also runs her Facebook and Instagram pages where she shares her pieces of writing and life experiences. Her writing reciprocates the problems shared by the disabled community and social issues in general. Zahra Ali has written several short stories and a novella named 'The Stranger' that was published in 2019. The Silent Intruder is her second book which she wrote in 2020. She has stepped into the field of screenwriting as well. With a few projects in line, she is aspiring to bring life to her stories through their cinematic exhibition on the screen.

She sincerely yearns to continue writing more novels and serving as an international voice for the disabled community.

Foreword

A year ago, in midst of a pandemic, a friend asked to review and critically analyze her book. At first, I was a bit reluctant, whether or not shall I do it. She sent me her first draft of chapter four and, after reading it, I instantly knew that I was on it.  For a whole year, we have been working over it tirelessly.

Ms. Zahra Batool is a phenomenal young writer who tries to channelize her thoughts through her stories. Her language is very colloquial yet enticing and she is characters are commoners, which enables the readers to associate themselves with the plot. The protagonist of the story is all grey which allows the readers to empathize with him.  The Silent Intruder, is a crime thriller, unfolding a very harsh reality of our society. Ms. Batool. expects her readers to explore that prevalent disease and understand it’s  severity, along with enjoying her novel.

The Silent Intruder or previously known as Sheer Evasion holds a special place in my heart. It took a critic residing in me for so long. Zahra Batool gave birth to The Silent Intruder, however, this book gave birth to a critic in me. And not only this, but it made my bond of companionship with Zahra Batool even stronger.  The journey of The Silent Intruder being born and until publishing has been much of a roller coaster ride. It has seen it’s  high days and low days as well. I wish this book and it’s  writer prosper well. Amen.

Aliana Kauser.

March 14, 2021.

CHAPTER 1

Alarm clocks, are nobody's best friend and especially not Penny's. After tossing and turning, she finally stepped out of the bed. The alarm clock kept ringing, until she slammed it with a pillow, knocking it off the table. Her head felt woozy from all the overthinking she had done the previous night. She went to the kitchen, took a lemon from the fridge, and added it to a glass of warm water. Is it helping me lose any weight? she wondered, as she took a sip. She sagged against the counter and checked her phone. Three messages from Eva, twelve notifications on Facebook, and a WhatsApp text from her mother, that’s all. No message or call from David. Penny shrugged off the bundle of thoughts circling her mind and threw the phone on the kitchen counter.

She went to Jim’s room and found he was still sleeping. She caressed his wavy, black hair and he opened his eyes. 

Mom! he exclaimed excitedly. She kissed his forehead and yanked him out of bed. They went to the kitchen. Penny sat him on the kitchen counter and started heating some milk for breakfast.

I don’t want to have breakfast today. I am not hungry. Jim lied.

Penny placed a bowl in front of him. 

You better not bother me with breakfast, mister. She poured the warm milk into the bowl and added Jim’s favorite Choco Bunny cereal into it. Jim turned away.

If you don’t have your breakfast, then there’s no ice-cream for you today. Penny turned to grab her cup of coffee.

No. Please, no. I will have my breakfast.

That’s better.

Penny peeped at the phone again while sipping her coffee. It had been twelve hours since she messaged her husband, reminding him of their wedding anniversary. Eight years of marriage. She had called him many times, but there was no response. Perhaps he was busy. Perhaps there was no mobile service. Perhaps he would call in his free time. Any of the reasoning failed to soothe the lava of rage that was emerging in her head. It would erupt at any time, but she was setting a barrier, trying to impede the destruction as much as she could. It was a dire attempt to save her marriage from it’s  inevitable fate.

Did dad call, Mommy? Jim asked.

The question that she always sought to avoid answering was, once again, conferred to her. Without making eye contact with him, she reacted, Yes, baby! Dad called yesterday.

I wanted to talk to him. Why didn’t you tell me?

Penny breathed. He was busy, sweetheart. He’ll call again, don’t worry.

He wasn’t going to call and Penny knew that. Ever since he moved to Virginia, he had been careless. He had become aloof. The frequent messages became few. The calls became rare, mostly on the weekends. David changed and so did their relationship.

Penny bathed and dressed Jim. He insisted on wearing his favorite Ben10 t-shirt.

Later, she dressed up and they got into the car. It was a cloudy day.

Did you tell Aunt Eva that we’re on our way? Jim quizzed.

Yes, I messaged her.

The rest of the drive was Penny’s over thinking and some Justin Bieber on the radio. She never liked listening to music, but to keep her horrid thoughts away, she attempted to divert her attention to the ‘hip’ songs. Although she deeply disliked new-age music, anything that would keep her mind away from David’s attitude would work fine. As long as she kept herself from thinking about the past two years of heartbreak, everything would remain in her control. But it was a temporary solution, and she knew it.

Jim, sweetie, remember you went to that school for an interview? Penny said.

Jim bowed skeptically. The man kept asking me about my hobbies. It was annoying.

She smiled. Well... you got an admission. You will start going there from the next week. You’ll make new friends, study... and it’ll be great.

Why do I have to go there?

Because that’s how you’ll learn and become a big man. You can’t go to preschool forever.

Jim hesitated for a moment and then turned towards Penny, Like Dad, right?

What?

I’ll be a doctor too. Just like dad.

Jim had always admired David. He loved his father, but spent less time with him. Jim was four years old when David went to Virginia. Ever since then, he had constantly asked about him. Whenever David called, he would leap for the phone and tell him everything about his pre-school friends and the outings with Uncle Tom. Penny always felt great about their bond. But, gradually, David stopped calling as much as he used to and it bothered Jim. He used to wait for his calls and kept interrogating her to clarify whether he had messaged.

The car stopped. Penny held Jim’s face and belatedly replied, You can be a doctor like your dad or a lecturer like your mom, it’s up to you. Alright? Yes. It’s  decided then, I’ll be a doctor. Jim replied brightly.

Now let’s go. They must be waiting.

Eva’s house was stunning. There was a small lawn in front and a pretty backyard too. On weekends, they would host barbeque parties and Jim would always want to attend, always asking Penny if he could visit Eva. Despite being childhood best friends, Penny had more regular meet ups with Eva after Jim’s birth. His favorite person was Tom, who would take Jim for ice-cream treats every Saturday. Jim hurried to the door and buzzed the bell. A moment passed before Tom opened the door. A high five was followed by a big, tight hug as they embraced each other. Penny looked on, delightfully witnessing their weekly greeting. Eva stepped outside, her selfie camera recording the daily vlog. She was dressed in a black crop top and jeans. Her makeup flawless, like always. The concealer on her cheek bones perfectly highlighted her face. There was no day when Eva looked dull.

So, guys, here’s my little darling, Jim and my best friend, Penny. Isn’t she gorgeous? Eva spoke in a raucous voice. "I’ll catch you guys later. It’s time to go!

Bye!" She turned off the video.

All of them were still standing at the door. Penny rolled her eyes and uttered, Can we go in now?

Penny never understood the concept of sharing ‘too’ much on social media. She had a difference in opinion with Eva but never imposed her views on her because she was too enthusiastic about her ‘content creation.’ The idea of sharing what she wore or ate for lunch seemed odd, as Penny had always been a very private person. She liked her own space. Eva was the opposite of Penny; she loved being in the spotlight. Her 250K followers on Instagram was an achievement she liked to flaunt. Penny supported her social media shenanigans but urged her to focus on her career more than that.

Yes, let’s go! Eva asserted.

We’ll go. Jim and I have to get some ice-cream. Tom interposed.

Eva nodded and kissed Jim’s cheek. Okay. You both have fun.

Tom went to take out the car, and Jim followed him. Both the ladies went inside.

Just when Eva was about to shut the door, Jim raced back.

Mom, mommy? Can you, please, ask Dad to come for my first day at school? I know he’ll call you but please if I’m not here, ask him to come. Please?

Penny sighed and kneeled down. Jim was gasping. She took his soft hands and answered, Okay, sweetie. You go and have fun with Uncle Tom.

Jim ran back to the car. Penny remained on her knees, looking at her six-year-old waving to her from the window before the car drove out of view. Tears welled up in her eyes. She wiped away the drop of weakness that had managed to escape. Eva held her from the shoulders and took her inside the house, into the drawing room. Penny took control of her emotions and wiped off the moisture from the corner of her eye.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry like this, but Jim... He doesn’t deserve this.

Eva slid closer. "I know and you’re right. Everything will be alright. Just talk to

David, tell him everything. You deserve answers too."

How do I talk to him? He doesn’t answer my calls or respond to my texts. How am I supposed to talk to him?

Penny, what went wrong? Eva questioned wistfully.

I don’t know. I never stopped loving him, but time and distance built so many questions and there were no answers. David is no longer the man I once loved, and that’s killing me. I just can’t accept it.

But you have to do something. You can’t just sit here and let your marriage die. What can I do? I’m alone. I miss him. It’s difficult to answer Jim when he asks questions. He needs his dad.

Eva shook her head in despondency.

Penny continued, Did you see how excited Jim was? Do you think David would come?

I think so, yeah. He loves Jim and you know that. I’m sure he will come.

Really? You think so? The way he’s been behaving for the past few months... I’m not sure. I’m not even sure he cares anymore. He hasn’t seen Jim in the last seven months. Seven months! Penny showed her phone to Eva. "Do you see this?

He answers when he wants to. He calls when he wants to."

Eva held her hands. Do you think this marriage is worth the fight?

Penny looked at Eva, her eyes filling with tears. A lump formed in her throat and she felt a chill wrap her body. The question had caught her off guard. Perhaps it was the same question she was asking herself subconsciously, but never dared to respond. Eva spoke the words she had dreaded for the previous seven months. Was it worth it? All the nights of waiting for his calls, the days waiting for him to show up, the lonely birthdays and anniversaries, the PTM’s, and the heart which entreated for his touch was not worth fighting for. She was pushing herself beyond the limits. It was time to accept the reality as it gawked deeply in her eyes.

The doorbell rang, and Eva walked away to answer it. Jim bounded into the room and ran to hug Penny. He eagerly described his delightful drive with Tom. Penny felt at peace, looking at her son beaming. She thanked Tom for his efforts. This little man is awesome. Tom replied, I enjoy spending time with him. He took Jim back out to the car while Eva hugged Penny genially.

"Sometimes you’ve got to pull the Band-Aid to get rid of the pain once and for all.

Pull it before it’s too late." Eva whispered.

Penny shook her head and left.

Later that night, Jim went to sleep. Penny calmly sat by him, reading ‘The

Alchemist by Paulo Coelho’ in the dim, yellow lamplight. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Ali.

Pen, how’re you? How’s Jim? he asked.

Everything’s fine. How’re you? How did the interview go? Well, I’m good and I got the job, he said happily.

That’s great. Congratulations. Penny’s tone was muffled. .

What’s wrong? Is Jim alright? Did David call?

No, did he call you?

No! It’s been months. He never called or picked up my calls.

Oh.

"Penny, I know what you’re going through and I understand your pain, but I just want you to know that