Hidden bonds of love

13.

Flashback

After Khalid left Mrs. Fatima's house the day he try to rape Maryam. he booked a hotel, seemingly indifferent to his actions. However, the blows inflicted by Ahmad had left him injured, leading him to seek medical attention at a hospital.

Mrs. Fatima managed to track down Khalid and skillfully obtained the key to his hotel room from the receptionist. Unexpectedly, Khalid was taken aback to find Mrs. Fatima in his room, prompting him to inquire how she had located him. Her response remained a mystery.

"Khalid, you've underestimated me greatly. Don't assume I couldn't find you. What did you do to my daughter? How dare you lay hands on her?" Mrs. Fatima's anger was palpable as she removed her eyeglasses, her attire contrasting with her marital status. Adorned in a ready-made fitted gown and a veil secured around her head, her appearance exuded an air of singularity.

Khalid, who had been seated on the bed, rose and approached her. "So what if I touched her? Listen, Fatima, I'll do whatever I please with her, understand? Remember your actions?" Khalid's demeanor remained audacious as he spoke.

"Threatening me now, are you?" Mrs. Fatima retorted, her voice laden with frustration. "Maryam is your sister, and you possess absolutely no right to harm her in any way," she emphasized, her anger evident.

Khalid's laughter filled the room as he averted his gaze from Mrs. Fatima, eventually making his way to a sofa and taking a seat. "So what, Fatima? So what if she's my sister? I couldn't care less," Khalid's words dripped with indifference.

Mrs. Fatima sighed and suppressed a groan, her inner turmoil evident. She battled the urge to shatter a bottle against Khalid's head, opting to control her rage. Stepping closer to him, she asserted herself, "You orchestrated Ahmad's involvement, taking Maryam away from me. Now he refuses to return her. Today, he even collected her belongings from the house. Why are you so determined to ruin my relationship with my daughter?"

Khalid stood upright, locking eyes with Mrs. Fatima. "You know precisely why I'm doing this. Maryam doesn't deserve a mother like you. Let me make it clear: allowing Maryam to remain with Ahmad is the best way to ensure her safety. If you dare to bring her back home, my actions will extend beyond assault. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have pressing matters to attend to," Khalid's final words hung in the air as he exited the room.

Mrs. Fatima stood frozen, unable to move. Her bloodshot eyes reflected a mix of emotions, including a fervent desire to eliminate Khalid. She refused to lose Maryam and eventually lowered herself onto a seat, weakened by the emotional turmoil she had just experienced. Thus, she returned home, her heart heavy with anguish.

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Reality

Maryam, engulfed in tears, struggled to articulate her feelings or respond to Ahmad's inquiries. His embrace, tight and reassuring, gradually eased her distress. "Yaya Ahmad," she whimpered, finding solace against his chest. "He told me Mommy doesn't love or care about me. He said she won't come to see me as long as I'm with you. Yaya, what secret is Mommy hiding from me?" Maryam's voice trembled with tears.

Ahmad continued to console her, gently patting her back until her sobs subsided. Reluctantly releasing the embrace, he clasped her hands in his own. "Maryam, try to calm down. This Khalid might just be spouting nonsense. You needn't worry; as long as he's in the city, I'll find him."

That night, sleep eluded Ahmad as he pondered over Khalid's identity and his connection to Mrs. Fatima. The question of whether Khalid was privy to Mrs. Fatima's secrets weighed on his mind. Frustrated by the lack of answers, he turned to his prayers before finally succumbing to slumber.

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Dressed in her sleepwear, Mrs. Fatima cradled a cup of steaming coffee in her hands, standing within the expanse of her opulent bedroom. She gazed out of the window at the moon, consumed by her longing for Maryam and the troubling words Khalid had uttered.

Amid her contemplations, the persistent ringing of her phone abruptly drew her attention. Retrieving the phone from her bedside, the name displayed on the screen sent her heart racing. Setting the coffee cup down on the mirrored table, she answered the call and brought the device to her ear.

"Hello, Khalid. What do you want?" Mrs. Fatima's inquiry was direct and tinged with apprehension.

"Remember that day I encountered Maryam after she left your office? I followed her, halted her cycle, and engaged her in conversation before escorting her home," Khalid revealed.

Mrs. Fatima's heart raced even faster, a mixture of fear and anger coursing through her. "What did you say to Maryam? What did you do?" she demanded.

Khalid's voice softened as he responded, "Perhaps if you were to speak to her, you'd discover the answers. Fatima, your daughter is quite the captivating young lady. My restraint is waning, and I'm tempted to indulge myself. A slight misstep on your part, and you'll witness the extent of my capabilities."

"Why must you show such disrespect towards me? Listen, I am your mother, and you have no right to treat me this way. I've never encountered a monster like you, harboring such repugnant intentions towards your own sister. What could you possibly gain from such a despicable act?" Mrs. Fatima's voice trembled with a mixture of outrage and despair.

Khalid's response carried a chilling undertone. "Pleasure, happiness, and the sweet joy you've never granted me."

Silence enveloped them as Mrs. Fatima struggled to find words. The call was terminated, leaving her to grapple with her tumultuous emotions.

Attempting to regain her composure, she dialed her father's number, the irritation evident in her actions. Upon answering, she greeted him and broached the subject of returning to Korea for a vacation. Her father's reluctance met her request, prompting her to explain the need for a break. Despite her efforts, he remained steadfast in his refusal.

After concluding the call, her frustration erupted. The phone slipped from her grip, landing harshly on the tiles, resulting in significant damage. She didn't mind.

"By Allah, Ahmad and Khalid are a constant torment in my life. I can't allow them to continue treating me like this. I must find Maryam and discreetly bring her to Korea with me."

Resolute determination fueled her thoughts as she mused further, "I need a plan. Next, I'll visit Uthman's house and win Maryam's trust, ensuring her departure with me. No force shall prevent me from reclaiming my daughter and taking her with me, Insha Allah."

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