A walk on thorns

Chapter 6| Exhibit One

Sabrina’s POV
School starts in the next three weeks. To cut the story short, this means I’ll have to put up with Ya Anisha for the next three weeks. Right now, I can’t tell which is harder to handle: Mama's endless nagging, gaslighting, and emotional blackmailing, or Ya Anisha’s fighting, bitterness, and toxicity. I only got here yesterday, but it already feels like a month has passed.

Yesterday, when I got back from the park, I tried as hard as I could to avoid her. It was Rubina who came in and stayed with me almost all night until her nanny picked her up. Sarah brought in my food after Isha, so I decided to watch a movie with my favorite actor, Ranveer Singh, to lift my spirits. I chose Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. The film is an emotional rollercoaster; one moment, you're laughing, and the next, you’re shedding tears.

Now, it’s 8 in the morning, and I’m in the kitchen making a sandwich for myself. Sarah is late, and I’m too hungry to wait. I was so focused on what I was doing that I didn’t even hear anyone come in.

Who else could it be but Anisha? I just pray she didn’t come here to pick a fight this early.

“Good morning,” I heard her say.

“Morning,” I replied, still focused on what I was doing as her footsteps came closer.

“I know you think I’m a sore loser after what happened yesterday. But I was just trying to make a change. I’m sorry,” she said, still justifying her actions. Great.

“It happened yesterday, and today is a new day, so let it go. It’s in the past,” I said. But when I looked up, something terrible caught my attention a huge, brutal mark on her neck.

“What is this mark on your neck, Ya Anisha?” I asked, watching as her body went still.

Anisha’s POV

“What is this mark on your neck, Ya Anisha?” Sabrina asked, and I froze instantly. Innalillahi! I’d forgotten I washed off the concealer last night before bed and didn’t reapply it this morning.

“Oh, this mark? It’s nothing,” I said, struggling to keep my voice steady, trying not to stammer or let my fear slip through. “I got into an accident, you know. That’s all it is,” I added, determined to avoid her gaze, hoping she wouldn’t look too closely.

“What? An accident? When? And how? Was that why you said you were sick yesterday?” she asked, her tone laced with worry. One thing I know, one thing I’ve never doubted, is that Sabrina loves me deeply, unconditionally. We can fight like lions, but if she senses any harm around me, she won’t rest until she eliminates it, no matter the cost.

“Calm down, Sabrina. That’s why I didn’t tell Mama or anyone else at home. It wasn’t serious I’m perfectly fine,” I said, trying to reassure her, though the lie felt heavy on my tongue.

“But it looks… more like a fight or something. Your neck looks like a blend of red and purple.” She scrutinized the bruise with such intensity that I felt naked, exposed under her gaze.

“It was the seatbelt, Sabrina, you know I have the most sensitive skin,” I lied again, praying silently she wouldn’t press further.

“What are you taking for it?” she asked.

“They gave me some ointment and painkillers at the hospital. I’m fine, Sabrina. Please, stop worrying,” I replied, feeling the weight of her concern.

“It’s fine… but take this,” she said, offering me her sandwich and latte. “Eat and make sure to take your medicine on time.” My heart clenched. Oh, my darling sister. If only she knew.

“But what about you? You made it because you’re hungry, didn’t you?” I protested.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll make another one for myself. You eat first,” she insisted, her kindness softening the rough edges of my guilt. The way she cared for me in just a few minutes made me regret the hurtful things I’d said to her yesterday, even if she’d been 90% right.