After the truth

~20~

Marwa was distracted. While she prepped the dishware with the meals she had been making over some hours, her eyes kept darting to her phone, silently watching as it rang with no answer on the other end. With an aggravated sigh, she dumped the rest of the Rogan Josh into the dish and let out a loud hiss.

She hurriedly washed the dirty pans and pots, not wanting to leave the sink looking disorganized and dirty. Then she began carrying all the dishware filled with tasty Kashmir meals outside to the picnic table she had set. A huge smile graced her face and her heart was filled with joy.

Marwa called out to her family and almost squealed with joy as her brothers, mum and her kids came out. She could see the twinkle in her mum's eyes and a grin graced her face.

"Dinner is served people."

Belinda ran over to Marwa, her ringtone loudly piercing the silent night. She gratefully collected the device and didn't realize she had sighed out of relief.

"You got me so worried!" She began, stepping away from her family. From where she stood, she could see Maryam and Mukhlisa animatedly chatting with Zayad. She chuckled at the intense concentration he had listening to the girls.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't feeling so well." Aaron's voice sounded low and scratchy like he was battling sore throat and was also screaming at the same time.

"Is everything okay? Have you used any drugs? Will you go to the hospital? Have you eaten?" Marwa rushed out. She was genuinely concerned for him. Marwa understood that there was a time in the past were she had a crush on him but the feeling she was beginning to have now confused her. You just care cos he's a friend and your boss.

Aaron chuckled on his end. This made Marwa feel a bit better. He had left as soon as he got to the cabin. She didn't have the chance to ask him what he thought about the cabin.

"What question do I start with?" Aaron asked, letting out a loud sigh.

"How about how you're truly feeling?" Marwa suggested, leaning on the side. She looked ahead, watching Zayn dish out some food for Belinda as she waited for Aaron's response. This made her smile.

"I got a weird message that made me feel something that I haven't felt for a long time now." Aaron finally spoke. "Fear."

She could hear sounds like the rumpling of sheets, shuffling of feet into slides and the even sound of Aaron's movement. He probably got out of bed and was walking over to some area in his house.

"Honestly, I'm scared. For the first time in years I'm starting to feel happy and want something good for myself. Then there's this weirdo threatening to ruin that."

"Go after the things that are good for you. Ignore the threats, they're distractions." Marwa said, thinking deep about what he had just said.

"I'm afraid I can't ignore what feels like a real threat Marwa."

The hair on her skin stood on ends like a bitter wind had passed. Her name sounded nice coming out of his mouth. It was soft and almost sounded like a confession and a plea for forgiveness. But it also increased her confusion.

"Then pray to God. Do the things that are good for you. Feel happy even if it's just for this short period. And pray to God. The threat you're getting is from a human like you! And God has control over all beings. So turn to who has power over his creations."

"Marwa, can I say something?"

She nodded. Then realized he couldn't see her. "Sure."

"You're like a breath of fresh air and a blessed creation of God." Aaron whispered, sounding like he was at the verge of breaking down.

Marwa sucked in a deep breath, tears gathering at her eyes. His words moved her soul. She looked over again at her family, noting Zulfa and Imran's entrance.

"Goodnight Aaron." She said quietly. Without getting a response, Marwa ended the call.

***********
Aaron silently walked into the dinning room. His father was quietly chewing on his meat, disregarding his existence as usual. This was the first time in months that they would be eating together. He would come home and would barely stay a day before returning to wherever it is he was hiding.

His mother was seated at the other end of the table. Aaron was sure that was per his father's request. He was curious to know what issues they were having that couldn't be resolved.
"Good evening father."

His dad slowly looked up at him and a flash of annoyance crossed his face as he looked away. He angrily chewed the steak he cut and placed in his mouth.

"Good evening Mr Siddique." He tried again, suddenly feeling anger from his behavior.

"I can't have my dinner in peace again?" Siddique grunted, glaring across at his wife.

"Did I do something wrong?" Aaron asked. He hated the way his father treated him. He was his son! If he had caused something to upset him so much that he could keep a 7 years grudge then what was stopping him from spilling.

Siddique angrily stood from his seat and threw down the napkin that was on his thigh. His father's equally tall frame was before him within the blink of an eye.

"You're 7 years late! Harun." He yelled out, veins popping on his forehead. "Why don't you ask that useless mother of yours?"

Aaron didn't know what came over him when he swung his fist and threw a punch across his father's face. He was livid.
"Do not insult my mother!"

Siddique let out a loud laughter that lacked emotions or feelings. He swiftly grabbed Aaron by his shirt and pulled him up just a bit, a sign of him staying fit. He punched him repeatedly until blood began to spill from his busted lips. Aaron didn't bother fighting back but simply closed his eyes as his mother screamed for his father to let him go.

"Your mother is a useless human!" He shouted, tears pouring from his eyes. "I loved her and she betrayed me! You are just as useless as she is! You have no honor Harun."

Aaron grunted when he threw him down to the floor. Siddique 's breath was ragged as more tears began to roll down his face. He bent forward, holding onto his knees.

"If you don't love her anymore, then let her go!" Aaron hissed, struggling to get up. He could hear his mother crying and begging in the background but he ignored her, his eyes trained on his dad. He watched as his dad laughed like a maniac.

"Never! I will never let her go. She will feel every ounce of pain she has made me feel over the years."

"You are mad father!"

"Your mother made me mad." Siddique hissed, walking away from him. The man stopped in front of his wife and grabbed her face. He shut his eyes tightly, sad to see her cry.

"You made me mad, my love."