WrongSufferedAtHands

22.

Meeting Talal at the conclusion of the scenario was enthralling, like unearthing a flower among the changing leaves. Afiyah was delighted to have Talal as a friend since he had the power to erase all the stress and despair from her mental state, even if he could only do it for an hour.

It was Zoya's fifth birthday, and the occasion provided an opportunity to invite and meet Talal. She noted that the gathering, which included some close relatives and a few of her and Zoya's acquaintances, went well. Both of the friends laughed at a strange joke Talal uttered as they paced around the yard in the post-dinner and post-party haze.

"Your jokes will always be bizarre, and this one seems sounds like an old man."

"However, it did make you laugh." He grinned while pushing his glasses with his finger.

"You're like a shadow, Talal, and you're always here to provide me with shelter." Afiyah just shrugged and her grin narrowing as she recalled something, "And I'm not sure how I would repay you for anything you've ever done for me."

"Glad you can see what I can accomplish for you. Be here for me as well, just like I'm at your side constantly," he said while pinching her nose and making her giggle.

"Can't promise, but I'll do my best."

"How come you can't promise?" He came to a halt, giving Afiyah a false pout, "I never promised, but I always make sure to stay at your side, right?"

"It's getting complicated." Afiyah exhaled deeply, not sounding like Talal who was giggling.

"Is everything all right?" As he drew nearer to her so he could hear her properly, his flawless features darkened into a scowl.

"There is that person in one of my escorts..." Afiyah paused for a moment prior to actually deciding whether to inform him or not. His display of concern caused Afiyah to want to just leave or cover it up. "I don't even know how to tell you, you might laugh at my fortune." she said as her voice grew quieter as she met his eyes.

The bitter breeze was already making her shiver, so she didn't even tens up when Talal grabbed her hand and said, "I'm listening and I won't judge you."

She paused to catch her breath before nodding and said, "Hassan is one of my escorts."

His eyes darkened as he heard the name, and she felt the hold on her hand weaken. Afiyah wanted to leap over a cliff at the abrupt change in his manner.

What was she even thinking?

"So, he's back? I thought we were finally free together." Talal said, releasing her hand and causing it to fall to her side. "I had hoped to have you all to myself, but guess who interrupted us once more."

"Us?" Afiyah partially chuckled in disbelief, "There is never an us between you and me. We've been close friends forever."

"But I consider you to be more than just a friend. For you, I've always longed. I always loved you Afiyah, but you never looked at me because you were always chasing after an average boy who abandoned you years ago, and now that he's back, I'm sure you'll follow him to hell." he roared in a voice that was oozing with rage.

"I regret it." She shook her head, unable to accept what her closest friend had said, "I shouldn't have told you, and I regret ever telling you." She made an effort to step away from him.

"Don't regret this. You'll regret it when he abandons you once more." he said with a chuckle that lacked humor.

"How could he abandon me when I'm not even chasing him?" Her voice grew louder.

"He had tied you with a spell and you are completely oblivious when it comes to him, so you will one day. But tonight, Afiyah, take note of my words...." He said as he leaned in close to her. "You'll come back to me when he dumps you, and I'll be waiting for you, you can be sure of that."