Un-Arranged Love

Chapter 33

Alaya POV

I was a little late than normal getting home. I was hoping that my mum would not notice, but nothing could get past that woman. My mother was already waiting for me in the hallway as I slowly turned the key into the door. Oh, this is going to be so much fun, I thought.

"Where have you been, young lady? This is the first time you've arrived so late since starting Uni. You didn't even say goodbye before leaving this morning, and you haven't even answered my texts. I must have wattsapped you five times! Explain yourself!" My mother yelled, her arms folded, in a perplexed tone.

I knew my mother's rage would dissipate shortly. She could never be upset with me for more than a few minutes. I approached her, placed my hands on her shoulder, and said, "I'm sorry,"  in a regretful tone "I apologise for not saying goodbye this morning, Mum. I was running late for class. I should have texted you back, but my phone battery died, so I couldn't. It won't happen again ".

"As long as you are okay sweetheart. You know how worried I get. I realize that University lectures can be long, so it's understandable that you'll be late sometimes. After all, you're studying medicine. It will be enough if you send me a quick text to let me know where you are or if you are going to be late. I haven't eaten because I couldn't stop thinking about you. Go and freshen up while I prepare dinner for us."  She stated this as she kissed me on the cheek.

I felt bad about lying to my mother. We've always been close, and I've always told her everything, but I realised it wasn't the ideal moment to tell her about my decision to change my major from medicine to art, or about where I was today.

As it had reached 10 p.m., I had showered and changed into my pyjamas. I swiftly towelled dry my hair, brushed it and left it open to air dry. I headed downstairs to join my mother in the dining room, only to be interrupted by a different voice. I entered the dining room. Zayn was sat next to my mum, who had prepared some food. I didn't say anything to him because I was still pissed at him for whining to my dad about his proposal being turned down.

He took a spoonful of food and remarked, "I guess I'll say hello first then, Alaya."

"What are you doing here so late, Zayn?"  I inquired, my arms folded, in a hostile tone.

"My mum requested that I hand deliver this wedding invitation to your parents for my cousin's wedding. You've all been invited to a wedding in London that will take place in two weeks." He reacted to my question with a patronising tone by tossing the card across the table for me to take.

"Isn't that sweet of Zayn's aunty to invite us. She remembered us despite the fact that I had only met her a few times. How thoughtful of her Alaya."   With a broad smile slapped across her face, my mother exclaimed. My mother liked weddings and getting dressed up, so I could tell she was already planning her outfit.

When I picked up the card, I noticed that the wedding was set for a Thursday. "Mum, the wedding is on a Thursday, which means we won't be able to go because it will be the middle of the school week, and the twins can't miss school."

"Yes I know.  I was thinking maybe you could take care of the boys while I and your father go? It would be impolite not to go, especially since Zayn personally delivered the invitation. Because the journey will be too long for us, me and your father will stay at a B & B".  My mother explained herself to demonstrate that she had made arrangements in order to attend the wedding. Me, being her go-to person.

"I guess I don't have much of a choice. Mum, I'm going to bed since I'm not hungry anymore. Night."  I said it deliberately, ignoring Zayn.

"Okay, good night, sweetheart. I'm just going to clear the table and wash these plates". My mother said.

As I approached the stairwell, a hand abruptly grabbed my arm and turned me around. 

It was Zayn. I could see fire in his eyes as he gazed at me with rage.

"Alaya, why are you being such a bitch to me?"  Zayn interrogated me as he tightened his grip on my arm. "What exactly is your fucking problem? It should be me who is angry, not you!"

"Zayn, let go of my arm. You're hurting me."  I said as I freed my arm from his powerful grip. I started rubbing my arm because the pain was excruciating. "Is this what you call love?"  I asked, pointing to my arm. I tried to keep my calm since I didn't want my mother to hear us arguing in the hallway.  "You say you love me, but you just called me a bitch and physically harmed me. Why would I ever want to be with someone like you. Zayn, you disgust me! I never want to see you again!" I said and hurried up the stairs because I couldn't bear looking at him any longer.

I went into my room and promptly shut and locked the door, trying to process what just happened. I couldn't believe this man, whom I had known since childhood, would do such a thing to me. I no longer felt safe in his presence. I'm going to have to tell my parents about him if he does something like that again.

Hey Lovelies,

I hope you are enjoying the story so far. There's so much more to come, I promise. Please vote and comment-S