UNENDING

2- Our World

AL-QASIM

I've told my mother on countless occasions to stop putting my wife in these situations, but she never stops. She only does what she wants and what will make her look good regardless of other parties that might be affected. I run my hand down my face in frustration as I search for Bilal in my contact list. I needed to ensure she was okay before heading out to see my mother and Safa.

Safa and I grew up together. When we were kids, she was my cousin Hannah's best friend. But as Safa began showing signs of becoming a horrible person, Hannah dropped her. I knew of her feelings for me, and I've told her times without number that I do not and will never reciprocate them.

Once I find Bilal's number, I quickly dial it and press the phone to my ear.

B: Qasim, what's up?

A: Bilal, I need you to make a house call for me, but if you're busy, I'll settle for the next best person you can offer.

B: I'm not busy. I'm just meeting up with Maleeka. I'll grab my bag and head over right now.

A: Thank you. I appreciate it.

I hang up and walk out into the room. Asiya is sitting on the bed obediently, fiddling with her fingers. "Why did Safa do this?"

She swallows. "It was just a misunderstanding," she lies.

"Lie to me one more time, Asiya," I warn.

She looks at me with fearful eyes, and I feel a pang in my chest. I don't want her to be scared of me, but I also hate lies. I walk closer and kneel before her. "Tell me what happened so I can handle it appropriately."

"It's really not a big deal. It'll fade in some days," she replies.

"I do not care whether it's a big deal or not. Tell me what could have possibly led to a bruise on your neck," I state, anger coursing through me.

She looks away and balls her tiny fist. "I saw her and did not speak to her, so she got upset."

I straightened my body and clenched my jaw. "She felt like she could do this because you didn't speak to her?"

She gives me a small nod, and I clench my jaw even tighter. It seemed Safa had wholly forgotten her place. The only thing that would spare her from my wrath is if she died before I got to her.

I sat beside Asiya and waited for Bilal in silence. Once he arrived, I led her down to the living room and watched as he examined the bruise, which was darkening quickly. "It's not too bad. From the looks of it, she wasn't strangled long enough for it to have any lasting effects. Ice it every day for 15-20 minutes, and it should start fading soon. You can take painkillers if you feel any discomfort," he concludes after the exam.

"Thank you," she replies. I motioned for her to go upstairs, and she left after bidding Bilal farewell.

Once Asiya is out of hearing range, Bilal looks at me, baffled. "What the hell happened? Please tell me you don't have anything to do with this."

I glare at him harshly. "Of course not. It was Safa." I reply.

He hums in response. "You have to draw a clear-cut line for that girl. This is unacceptable."

I escort him out before getting into my car and heading for my parent's house. My mother was first on the list of people with whom I had to set boundaries. 

I speed into my parent's house and exit the car. Ignoring the worker's greetings, I head in and begin searching the house. "What are you doing?" My father asks as I walk out of the primary living room on the ground floor.