UNENDING

1- Diamonds

-ASIYA-

Seated next to my mother-in-law, I looked around the long, cloth-covered table uncomfortably, giving small smiles to any lady I made eye contact with and quickly averting my gaze. Although I was covered in the same amount of sparkly jewellery and had a ridiculously expensive bag next to me, I couldn't help but feel like an impostor in their midst. Their laughter rings with a confidence borne of privilege, their conversations are peppered with references to exotic vacations and exclusive events, and it all feels suffocating.

These women do not like me, and their snarky comments and glares become more outlandish and provoking every time we see. I only pushed myself to attend these lunches to keep up appearances and appease my mother-in-law. I did my best to shrink into the background, hoping they would forget me amidst the glittering spectacle of wealth and refinement.

As the conversation continued, I excused myself to use the bathroom. I walked through the large house until I found the guest bathroom. I entered and locked the door before standing over the sink and looking into the mirror.

As my gaze fixed upon the reflection staring back at me, I couldn't help but notice the subtle transformation that my makeup had wrought upon my features. The carefully applied layers accentuated my eyes, lent a rosiness to my cheeks, and bestowed upon my lips a captivating allure.

For a moment, I marvelled at the skilful artistry that had enhanced my natural beauty. Yet, amidst the admiration, a pang of unease crept into my thoughts. Amid this manufactured perfection, I felt a discordance—a nagging sense of inauthenticity. Beneath the meticulously crafted facade, I longed to embrace my true self, unadorned and unaltered.

I ran my hand over the diamond necklace around my neck. The cool touch of the precious stones against my skin sent a shiver down my spine, their facets catching the light in a mesmerising dance of brilliance. I could not imagine how much this had cost Al-Qasim. He often gave me stunning pieces like these, alongside other costly items. I didn't use them much unless I was attending one of these events or a wedding.

I sighed and gathered myself. The plan was to walk back out, fade into the background, and pray that time would pass quickly. I unlocked the door and stepped back out, only to be met with a figure in my path.

The familiar face grins wickedly and tilts her head. I step aside and attempt to escape through the side, but she moves quickly to block me once more. "It's bad manners not to greet someone, Asiya. You should know better," she states.

I inhale and smile. "I apologise, Safa. It was nice seeing you, but I'm in a rush," I reply, not wanting to spend another second with my biggest tormentor.

The girl had always had it out for me from the moment my marriage to Al-Qasim was announced. I figured pretty quickly that she was madly in love with him. She was madly in love with a man who barely noticed her, but then again, he was no different to me. I've tried to avoid her, but she always found a way to corner me.

"In a rush? The lunch hasn't ended. And I'm sure you're not leaving early because your mother-in-law just started talking about her new property in Berlin," she counters.

I curse in my head but swallow my words. "I left my phone out there, and I need to check something quickly," I say, trying to leave again.

-VERBAL & PHYSICAL ABUSE TRIGGER WARNING-

This time, she grabs me by the arm, her long nails pressing through the fabric of my lace. Forcefully, she yanks me back in place and steps forward. "Why did you come if you knew you couldn't handle a little chit-chat? Did you tag along to show off your new necklace?"