DECE-P-TION

DXXVII

Falah's point of view.

I cough, opening my eyes and seeing darkness. I uncomfortably sit up before pushing the cover open to see a dark room eloped in smoke and is lit by the fire burning the planks of wood that has fallen from the ceiling. Each breath was breathing in smoke and air seems to have no presence here. I take a step before looking back to try to remember where I am. "Mummy!" I shout, coughing so hard my insides were about to come out.

I whimper, taking little steps when the floor collapses into a pit of fire. I gasp in fear, picking up the pace. I use my sleeve to cover my nose as my eyes water. "Mummy!" I cough, being very careful of my steps. I hear wood crashing from a distance and the fire flames up more.

I walk to what looked like the stairs but it's barricaded by wood burning. I step back when I bump into a burning wood. I scream in pain as I stagger back. The scalding sting on my leg makes me cry. "Mummy! Daddy!" I shout and coughing uncontrollably shortly after.

I raise my head to see a figure running towards me. The air in my lungs running out.

"Falah!" I open my eyes to see Alya sitting beside me with her hands on my face. Her face full of worry and confusion. I pant, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. I hold her hand, thanking god that it's not a reality.

"It seemed like you couldn't breathe and you were sweating. What's going on?" She asks as I sit up. "Just a nightmare." She wipes my sweat with a handkerchief. "It's not the first time, Falah."

"Nothing to worry yourself about." I release her hand, standing up to change my soaked vest. I glance at the clock to see it's not 2am yet. "I'm sorry I woke you up this late." I take off my vest and shove it inside my laundry basket. "It's fine." I take one from the chest of drawers and throw it on.

I pull the vest down, seeing her looking at me. "I don't want to seem like I'm meddling but you need to find a solution." She stays silent for a few seconds like she was battling with her thoughts. "In fact, we're finding a solution tonight. Just like you were given the job to take care of me so was I. I'm not going to be neglecting that promise."

She crosses her arms to show how serious she is. I smile, walking to her. "Sure, I'll oblige but could you give me a bit of time?" I look down at her and she sighs. "That doesn't work on me. Falah, we're going tomorrow." She lightly pulls my growing beard.

"Where are we going?"

"We're going to science and spirituality. To a therapist and an imam. That's the solution or...". She trails off, sitting on the bed. I furrow my brows after scoffing. She rolls her eyes, shaking her head. "We're not having sex. I'm saying you could tell me."

"It's late, Alya. We have work tomorrow so you should sleep." I lie back on the bed, tucking my arm under my head. "I'm not budging, Falah. You have to tell me what's going on. I always confide in you so do the same. Reciprocate." I turn to look at her, sitting with her sleeveless night down.

"There's nothing to say. Help me switch on the ac please." She stands up and switches it on then sits back on the bed. "Thank you." She stares at me.

"Good night, Alya."

"Falah."

"Why are you so stubborn?" She raises her brow which makes me close my eyes.

************

My eyes snap open to the lit room as i turn to see Alya lying on the sofa uncomfortably. I stand up, walking to her. She really meant what she said by not leaving but we both fell asleep. She should've just gone back to her room.

I carry her carefully in my arms, touching her bare thigh. I look at how harmless she appears when she ruined lives and careers in court. I did the same. I place her on my bed, pulling the duvet to cover her when I hear a knock on the door.

I put on a shirt and pull the door before going downstairs. I open the door to see Jaffar. His nose flares up the minute he sees me. "Where's Alya?"

"Good morning to you too." I answer knowing that'll make him angrier. "I dont have time for this." He warns making me furrow my brows. "And you think I do? What do you want?"

"I want to see Alya."

"She's asleep."

"Then wake her up."

"I think you've misunderstood. I'm your sister's husband not your busboy. She's asleep and no one's waking her up. Come back another time." I firmly tell him, looking at him in the eyes. "You'll regret ever laying your eyes on her."

He threatens but I keep my unbothered expression as he walks away. "Jaffar." I hear Alya's voice from behind and I turn to see her wearing an abaya. "Please, let's just talk." Alya places her hand on my arm, convincingly.

"Not with him." Jaffar protests. "Just for now. I don't like the fact that my husband and my brother are not on good terms. Please." Jaffar relaxes a bit, hesitantly nodding. She looks at me and I nod in agreement.

**********

"Jaffar, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my marriage and you don't deserve it. I feel like nothing I say will make it up to you for failing you and I would love for you to give me an opportunity to make it up to you." Alya apologizes to Jaffar who's staring at her.

"I'm sorry." She repeats as he sighs, nodding. "Also, I don't know what Falah told you exactly but I love him. It's not Stockholm syndrome or anything like that. I sincerely do love him and I would like for you to take him as your brother in law." He turns to look at me like he was considering it.

"Falah takes care of me." She adds looking at me with a smile on her face knowing fully well what she's doing. I smile back at her before she holds my hand. "Why did you say that in the cafe?"

Alya looks at me, widening her eyes subtly. I curse under my breath. "I preferred you to be angry at me than her." His glare softened processing it and I look at Alya to see her looking at me with a warm smile.

"I understand. I'm not happy but I accept it. It wasn't the reunion I had in mind but at least, my baby sister is married and happy. That's what matters." Jaffar smiles. "I apologize for punching you there."

"It's in the past."

"Great, now can I get you breakfast?" Alya stands up with a smile plastered on her face. "Yes, please. Im famished." Jaffar exclaims making us chuckle. "I'll be back." She places her hand on my shoulder before walking inside.

"It seems like you're a good guy and my sister looks happy. I hope it stays that way." I look at him. "Don't break her heart or make her go through hell. I heard about your upcoming case. I don't know how you both are dealing with that but even if it's going to blow up in your face, don't include her in it."

I take a deep breath, looking at the bird that flew away from the fence. "I've been getting that a lot nowadays about taking care of her and protecting her. That's what I've been doing and I prioritize her over me every time and it's not going to change today or tomorrow so don't worry. She's in good hands." Jaffar nods. "What she does need is her siblings."

His face full of surprise. "She only has her father, you and I. That's the only people she has. If she's to lose anyone amongst us, she can't take it. I don't know how your other siblings feel but I believe she misses them. She's hurt but she's willing to patch things up. Maybe you can talk to them. Even if they're overseas, we'll go there."

He keeps quiet, thinking about it. "I'll try but I'm not promising anything. They're stubborn." I smile. "Explains a lot. We'll keep this from her then." Jaffar nods in agreement before I hear the door swing open.

"Breakfast is ready." She places a tray on the table and the other household place the rest of the plates.

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