DECE-P-TION

DXXIII

I open the door, squealing before ammah hugs me. I pull away, grinning. "I missed you, it's been a while." I admit, ushering her into the house. "Me too, so how's the husband?" She smiles, walking to the sitting room. "He's good."

"That's great, how's work and everything? It truly has been a minute." She sits down crossing her legs when I hear Falah walking down the stairs. I turn my head, seeing Falah wearing a white kaftan, grey cap and grey Hermès shoes.

"Good afternoon." Amma greets Falah and he stops. "Afternoon, how are you?" He responds. "Fine, thank you. How's work and the family?"

"Alhamdulillah, all is well. Nice to meet you. Alya?" He walks out of the sitting room. "Excuse me."

"No, go ahead. Ofcourse."

I follow Falah outside to hear what he has to say. I shut the door, seeing him adjusting his cuff links. "Let me." I put the cuff links. "My friend Rashad will be coming over, I wanted to inform you."

"Okay, when will you be coming back?" I take his other arm. "In two hours or so." I nod, shifting my eyes to see amma by the window staring at us. She's still the same amma. I smile, looking up at Falah. "Thank you for yesterday."

"You're welcome. You don't have to thank me, you know." I nod, seeing how handsome he looks. "It's the least I could do to show appreciation." He keeps silent. "You look beautiful." He compliments, giving me a weak smile. "You too." He leans forward, kissing my forehead before going into his car.

I wave as he drives off. I walk back into the house to see amma standing in front of the gigantic painting of ancient Greeks. "They're the most fascinating to me. Their mythology is interesting."

"I don't really know much about it, care to elaborate?" She grins. "I'll tell you all about it." She holds my wrist.

*********

I laugh loudly, covering my face. "No, there's no way in hell that I'll do that. It's crazy!" Amna tries to stop herself from laughing but she just laughs more. "You're crazy." I add before the doorbell rings. "Make....me...stop." She manages to say. "That seems like a you problem." I chuckle, walking to the door. I straighten myself up before opening the door to see Jaffar.

I freeze, wondering whether it's a reality. "Y-ya Jaffar?" I stammer as he steps back, wiping his hand down his beard. "You're married?! You didn't bother to tell me?!" I flinch, tears welling up in my eyes. I step out of the house to tha patio where he is. "Please listen, I wanted to tell you but I kn-".

"Knew what?! My baby sister got married and no one informed me? Your father? Fine but you?! I'm disappointed. We spoke yesterday!" I whimper, covering my mouth with my hands.

"Who married you off? Because I know if it was by your consent you would've told me." I wipe the tears. "I married a man, Falah Nadeem. By choice." I lie, seeing him narrow his eyes. "Don't lie to me! That man forced you, didn't he?!" He steps forward and I shake my head.

"Abba didn't force me, I didn't love him but I just wanted to marry him but I'm happy now." I lie again. "Alya, I know when you're lying and you are. Did he force you or not?"

"He didn't."

"You're covering up for him like you've always done, what's wrong with you?! Do you know how I came to find out where you live? A friend of mine told me, I had to hear it from somewhere else. Am I wrong for caring for you?!"

"No, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I-i kept on procrastinating." I sob as he shakes his head. "I'm the only one that stayed for you! The only one! I update you about everything and fought with the rest for you but what do I get? Nothing!"