The Ghost of You

Chapter 7 - Saahar's POV

Periods are the worst. It's something I have and will always stand by. Like most women, my period wasn't just constantly going to the toilet to change my pad, my period came with excruciating pains. Saying I have cramps is an understatement. It's more like I have twelve knives stabbed into my uterus.

While some women were good at not showing they had pains, I made it very obvious. Because I was so desperate to attend every dinner that week, I was sat on the dining table with my back arched and both arms holding me up on the table. I only had two bites on my dinner before the pain became too unbearable to eat more.

"Saahara" my father called. I looked up at him trying to hide my agony with a fake smile.

"Yes, Abba" I answered.

"Eat your food" he ordered. I nodded slowly before turning back to look at the plate of food in front of me.

Spaghetti bolognese. My favourite. At least on a regular day, it was my favourite. At that time, I was looking down at a sludge of meat and tomato sauces over boiled flour. I tried to grab my fork but my hand kept shaking. It took two attempts before I could actually pick it up.

As I tried to pick up the food with my fork, it looked as if the plate was moving in circles. I couldn't focus, the pain was too much. I looked at my mother unable to hide my agony. It took her a few seconds to notice me, but when she did she squinted her eyes in confusion. However, once she noticed the sweat dropping from my forehead, she got the hint. She nodded at me in support.

"Didn't you have a big lunch today, Saahar? I'm surprised you're still hungry" she said.

"Are you fully?" my father asked.

"Yes, yes" I said, in relief, "Maybe I should just go to my room; I don't want to overeat and not be able to sleep. I have a... Maths test tomorrow". That was a lie. I hoped he didn't know I was lying. Please believe me, Abba.

He looked at my mum and they had another one of their telepathic conversations. Before he turned back to me, he let out a big sigh.

"You can go" he accepted. Thank you, Abba.

I quickly got out of my chair and tucked it in before he changed his mind. I wrapped my arm around my stomach before walking away from the dining table.

However, as I was about to leave, I remembered there was something I had to ask. I leaned back on the archway for support. Even though I was in too much pain to be standing, there may not be another opportunity to ask my father.

"Abba" I called, "Are you still interested in investing in residential real estate?". 

He turned to face me with a surprised look on his face. Most of the things I'd ask my father he'd take a few seconds to process since he didn't find anything I said interesting. However, whenever I talked about anything to do with business, his face would light up. It made him happy whenever I took an interest in the life that was destined for me.

"What do you know about residential real estate?" he asked.

"Nothing! I admitted, "But I do know new areas that are worth investing in".

I didn't. I had no idea about what areas were good for real estate. Nor did I even know how to invest in real estate. But, since Cairo Castillo needed this building in order to tutor me, I had to pretend like I knew.

"Bridge Road has a lot of good properties right now" I explained, "I think I saw, uh... Number 5! A lot of investors are looking to invest in number 5".

"A lot of investors?" he questioned.

"A lot" I repeated. He didn't seem convinced at all. I had never seen his eyebrow arched for so long. Even Mum didn't believe me but she was supportive. She nodded along to what I was saying as if she knew why I needed it.