COLORS

CHAPTER 5.

With a low groan, she woke up, rubbing her eyes until they ached and got red. She was wide awake the whole damn night until it was time for the Fajr prayer. After praying she finally got some sleep but woke up in a few hours.

The morning was bright and a blessing for everyone but for her, it was another day to face the world with blind eyes. She wasn't hungry and skipped it. Making a draft for the bakery shop.

" As-salamu Alaykum. Auntie. " She greeted her who replied.

" Wa Alaykumu s-salam. " But she paused for a second before adding in a worried tone. " What happened, my girl? Didn't sleep well? " She felt a warm hand brush her face and her cheeks were cupped by auntie. " Look at you, how pale you're. Your eyes aren't bright but red and swell. Is everything okay? " Worries soaked in her voice when caressed her head tenderly.

" Yes, auntie I'm fine. Just couldn't sleep last night and didn't get the idea when it was time for the Fajr." It was a half-lie and half-truth.

" Oh! My girl, take some rest. You can take leave, I can handle it for today. " She held auntie's hands.

" No, Auntie. I'll be fine. What I'll do in the house if I take leave? It's boring. " She whispered resting her bag on the place.

" Fine. If you say so. " She smiled but it faded soon when an intense gaze roamed over her. She swallowed walking inside the kitchen but the eyes were still punching her back until she was inside.

" Oh! Thank God. You're here. I was in trouble, the handsome is here again and we have to serve him fresh cake and cookies. Even though he said, he doesn't mind eating stale cookies but it was almost embarrassing. You're a life savior. " She was engulfed by Amy but she didn't reciprocate the feeling. Her mind was too busy to catch up with the words Amy blurted out.

" Okay! I should leave you so you can do your work. I'm going to grab a chance to have a talk with him. Best of luck. " Her last line faded because she was already out of the kitchen.

Her palms catch the edge of the counter and let go of her breath. Her mind was swathed with the fog and she felt dizzy.

He was here again, in this early morning.

A small rage peppered in her heart towards him, How dare he? She quickly did her job and the cookies had been taken by Amy to serve him. She just wanted him to go, quickly.

After almost an hour later she heard the bell ring, and a relieved breath left her mouth. She couldn't even take a long breath when heard Amy whisper to Auntie.

" Did you hear about the murder occurring near the second sector of the town? " Her blood froze in her veins, she whisper Kalma for the dead person and kept herself busy. Unknowingly her ears were hearing each word Amy was saying to Auntie. " I heard, the dead body is brutally ruined. His face has been ruined like someone has poked it to death and his neck was slit multiple times. Zain told me, the identity was clarified by the ID he had, fortunately. "

" Oh! My Allah. How cruel? It never happened before in the town. " She sighed at the statement of Auntie, This town is horrible and it's not the first time someone has been killed. She didn't say loud but her eyes turned even red, clutching the counter she drew a long breath.

Her heart clenches remembering the sweetness and bitterness of this town.

A sob was edge on her lips but she held back. A spark of rage cracked inside her and she didn't feel sorry for anyone, for a mere second.

" Who was he? " Auntie asked Amy who sighed before throwing a bomb on their head.

" Mr. Farooq. " She furrowed and turned on her heels.