𝐴 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝐴𝑡 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝐴𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛

𝐵𝑜𝑛𝑢𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟

'people can think whatever they like, I don't desire their validation '.
~Aaron warner

Hisham watched the lady that had turned his world upside down these past months as she walked towards his car. He didn't bother stepping out to greet her, she opened the passenger side and joined him in his car. He watched her settle in then smiled when she finally looked at him.

"Just say I look pretty". She told him and he shook his head and turned to the road.

"Are you nervous?". He asked instead.

"Shouldn't I be. I still don't think this is the right time, I mean it's an intimate family gathering. I don't want to intrude or something". He nodded while she spoke.

"It's pointless talking to you honestly". She muttered when he didn't say anything.

"I told you, it's alright. They're expecting you". She didn't want to argue on the topic again, so she kept shut and rested back in the seat.

Within few minutes, he was parking his car amongst many others. Hisham looked at her as she tried to calm her breathing.

"Meena, you'll be fine. They are very nice".

"That's not what I'm worried about". He sighed and rubbed a hand down his face.

"Please, let's not do this right now". He got down from the car and went round to open her door for her.

She looked at him for awhile and he smiled encouragingly at her before she stepped down and walked with him into the house. It was somewhat quiet but there was signs of a crowd coming from the back. He led her to the kitchen where not so surprisingly, he found his sister, working.

"Ya Rahma". He called and she turned to look at them with a smile.

"Hisham, you're here finally. You must be Amina". She acknowledged them and moved to hug her brother then Amina.

"I'm so sorry, my head is everywhere. You two should join the others at the back". She said and almost immediately turned to continue telling a maid what to do.

"You've met Rahma". Hisham whispered to her and she smiled.

"She's just as you described her". He nodded and led her out to the back where the kids were running all over and the adults all around.

"Sham sham!". He groaned internally knowing only one person called him that. He turned to see Fifi running towards him.

"Fifi". He called with less enthusiasm and picked her up.

"You brought your girlfriend?". She asked scrutinizing Amina.

"Fifi..". He warned.

"Hafiz! Sham sham has a girlfriend!". She yelled and everyone turned their attention to them.

He looked at Amina, who shifted uncomfortably.

"Sorry". He apologised to her and took her to the family. They received her warmly and went back to their discussions. Something Amina found disrespectful but kept shut and sat beside Hisham who was now scolding Fifi about keeping her mouth shut.

"They don't like me". Amina whispered to him after Fifi was gone.

"They do". She glared at him.

"Hey, sister-in-law". They both looked at halima.

"Hi halima. How are you?".

"Fine, please don't sit with this boring person. Come and join us". Amina looked at Hisham and he nodded around her and smiled gratefully at his sister.