She has engrossed herself in reading a magazine when she felt someone's presence on her. She didn't know when he came in but she just saw him standing beside her. She didn't have to look up to know who it was as the fragrance of his Oudh( Arabian perfume) filled the sitting room.

She stood up to leave but his voice stopped her.

"Walija... please" and he stopped cause he was seriously battling with his ego within but he has to do it.

She wanted to just walked out, but her mind was telling her to wait so she did.

She stood some inches away from him before he continued.

"I'm sorry for last night" and she could swear his voice came almost as a whisper.

"Okay" was her short reply as she started ascending the staircase when he spoke again

"We're going to Mami's after Magrib" she nodded and left him standing there in the room

"Damn it!" He cursed himself and moved to his room too.

*****

The day went by so fast and before you knew it, it was already magrib. After saying their prayers they set to leave.

She wore a simple black with red polka dots Ankara, styled into a three-quarter gown and straight skirt. A red veil, black shoes, and bag to match the combo. The clothes fitted her body bringing out her fairness. She looked elegant. She wasn't the makeup type so she just lined her eyes with Kohl, a little powder to hide her oily face and a subtle nude lip balm on her lips.

Fawwad, on the other hand, wore a sky blue kaftan with a matching Zanna bukar cap perfectly perched on his head. He looked breathtaking.

Her girly Chewing gum fragrance mixing with his manly Oudh gave the car a pleasant scent. The drive was a silent one, only the little soft music playing in the background.

They pulled at his Father's mansion. He locked the car and she trailed behind him. Upon reaching the main entrance, he knocked once and the door flew opened. Hafsat welcomed them with a warm smile.

"Aunty Waljia!" She engulfed her in a warm hug. It was evident on Hafsat's face she was excited to see her sister in law.

After they broke the embrace, they exchanged pleasantries and that's when she noticed her brother standing beside them.

"Ya Fawwad, good evening" she sheepishly smiled.

"It's now you're noticing me" he playfully hit her head and she ran into the house laughing.

Maya was watching cartoon network when they walked in. She abruptly ran to her brother as he bent to her level hugging his life out of his body.

"Ya Fawwad!!" She screamed.

"Ouch! baby let go of my neck, you're choking me" and he playfully coughed

"Sorry" she chuckled letting go of his neck as she ran to where Walija was standing admiring the duo. She must say there was a strong bond between the brother and sister.

"Aunty Walija, good evening" she hugged her legs and Walija bent to her level cupping her cute face in both her hands.

"Maya" she pecked her cheeks which made Maya chuckle "how're you?"

"I'm fine"

They got seated and Hafsat went to inform Mami of their presence. A few minutes later Mami was with them in the sitting room and immediately she was in the parlor completely, Walija got on her knees to greet her but Mami took her into a warm embrace.

"How are you, my dear?" Mami asked when they were finally seated.

"Alhamdulillah," she answered.

Fawwad also said his greetings. A few minutes later, Hafsat walked back from the kitchen with a tray full of refreshments. She placed it on the center table and sat beside Walija.

Hafsat is really fond of Walija and liked her very much. She always wanted to go visit her but Fawwad will always say no. That's why whenever they visit, which is only on rare occasions after Mami will persuade him, she got to see her and use the opportunity to bond with her sister-in-law.

"Hafsat, don't just sit there, serve them" Mami ordered.

She filled their tumblers with fresh pineapple juice and placed halwa (sweets) on a small saucer and gave them each.

They converse for some time with Mami complaining to Fawwad about keeping Walija at home. He doesn't allow her to visit them which he'll find silly excuses to defend himself. Soon it was time for Isha prayer. Fawwad moved to the masjid (mosque), Walija joined Hafsat in her room and Maya followed Mami.

After they finished praying they stayed back in the room. They talked about Hafsat's upcoming exams. Walija advised her to concentrate and study hard. They were still talking about random stuff when Maya came to tell them that Mami is waiting for Walija downstairs.

*****

"Hafsat" Mami called to her daughter when they were seated again in the parlor except that Fawwad was missing.

"Yes Mami"

"Take Walija to your Abby's parlor, let her greet him" Mami instructed and they both stood up.

They were at the door when Hafsat left her to go in alone. Walija was reluctant at first as if that was the first time she's meeting him in her life. But then this is the third time she's meeting him after he has become her father in law and the whole thing seemed new and awkward to her. Unlike how she used to know him before as just Abby. Hafsat just left her there with no other option than to go in alone.

She let out a sigh and pushed open the door with a salam. There he was, sitting on the couch was Fawwad's replica. He answered her salam with a smile and that warmed her heart. Slowly she walked on the soft fluffy rug until she was beside him, bending down on her knees out of respect, she greeted him.

"Good evening Abby" her soft yet melodious voice came.

"How are you Walija?" he smiled. Fawwad's family are all nice and kind but Fawwad is totally the opposite.

"Alhamdulillah" she answered, her head still decked low.

"How are you coping with Fawwad?" He asked and she wished she could just vanish from there because she wasn't expecting that question at the moment.

"Alhamdulillah" was the only thing she could say at the moment.

"I can never thank you enough Walija, you really helped us"

"No, Abby doesn't say that I'm your daughter and what happened has already happened"

"May Allah reward you abundantly my daughter"

After some few seconds of silence, she was already fidgeting with her fingers when Abby spoke again.

"Alj. Buhajar spoke to me about his posting" well she wasn't expecting that, but at least it was still better than the awkward silence.

"Yes, they're leaving next week insha Allah" she found herself saying. It's not that she's not used to talking with him but ever since after their wedding with his son, Abby has totally changed. He chose to become formal with them; she and his son.

"Masha Allah, may Allah guard them"

"Ameen"

After that, she decided to take her leave because even if she stayed there for another hour, Abby will just say one or two things. There was really something bothering him and he chose to keep it to himself. Just like father like son.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave"

"Alright, go on and God bless you" Abby and blessings she thought.

"Amin, thank you" with that, she sauntered out.

*****

Fawwad was already waiting for her when she came back. He wasn't in the parlor, Maya told her that he's outside and quickly ran back outside. She was with him and he sent her to call Walija.

She said her goodnight with Mami and Hafsat walked her out.

He was leaning against his car with Maya and from afar Maya could be seen blabbing something and he was laughing.

They both entered the car and Hafsat handed her the gift bag gifted to her by Mami. Maya wanted to go with them but Fawwad told her he would come back to take her. That's what he'll always tell her but never fulfilled the promise.

The drive back home was also a silent one. When the gate flew opened, he drove in and waited for her to go out before he drove back out. She doesn't need anyone to tell her where he was going. He has become a total addict now as he can't go a night without drinking.

She let out a sigh and silently prayed for him.

"May Allah guide you and show you the truth" with that she walked into the house locking the door behind her.

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