A man like khalid

5

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It was the blessed month of Ramadan, and the air was filled with a sense of spiritual renewal. Khalid found solace in the routines of the holy month, and he frequently visited Ishaq and Zeenat's home for iftar. He enjoyed the company, the food, and the chance to break his fast with friends and family. However, each visit brought with it an uneasy feeling that Khalid couldn't shake off.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Khalid arrived at Ishaq's house. The aroma of freshly cooked samosas and dates filled the air, mixing with the scent of fried masa. He greeted Zeenat warmly and then noticed Nadeen setting the table. Her movements were graceful, yet there was a subtle tension in her demeanor. She smiled at him, but her eyes seemed distant, as if hiding a heavy burden.

They all sat down to break their fast. Khalid watched Ishaq closely. Ishaq's jovial facade seemed almost too perfect, too forced. As they ate, Khalid couldn't help but notice how Nadeen flinched slightly whenever Ishaq reached for something near her. It was subtle, but once noticed, it was impossible to ignore.

"How's your day been, Nadeen?" Khalid asked, hoping to engage her in conversation.

"It was fine, thank you," Nadeen replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Khalid nodded, but the unease gnawed at him. After dinner, they gathered in the living room. The men prepared to go to the mosque for Taraweeh prayers, while the women cleaned up and prepared for their own prayers. As Ishaq and Khalid walked to the mosque, Khalid decided to probe a little.

"Ishaq, how's everything at home? Everyone seems a bit tense lately," Khalid said, trying to sound casual.

Ishaq laughed it off. "You know how it is, Khalid. Just the usual stress of daily life. Nothing to worry about."

Khalid wasn't convinced, but he let it go for now. After prayers, he returned to Ishaq's house, where the mood had lightened slightly. Zeenat and Nadeen were chatting, and Ishaq seemed more relaxed. But Khalid couldn't ignore the underlying tension.

At school, Nadeen found solace in her studies and her friends. Farhana, with her talkative nature, often distracted Nadeen from her worries. One afternoon, the girls sat at a café, enjoying their break between classes.

Farhana snapped a photo of her meal and shared it on Instagram. "Nadeen, you should join us on social media. It's fun!"

Nadeen smiled. "Maybe someday. I prefer face-to-face conversations."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and Nadeen felt a bit of the weight on her shoulders lift. However, thoughts of Ishaq and his unsettling behavior never fully left her mind.

During iftar at Ishaq's house, Khalid continued to observe. One evening, he arrived earlier than usual. As he approached the house, he heard raised voices inside. He hesitated but then knocked on the door. Zeenat answered, looking flustered.

"Khalid, you're early!" she said, forcing a smile.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, stepping inside.

"Yes, just a little disagreement," Zeenat replied, her voice strained.

Khalid entered the living room and found Ishaq pacing, his face contorted with anger. Nadeen sat quietly, her eyes downcast. Khalid's heart ached for her. He knew something was terribly wrong, but he didn't know how to help without making things worse.

As they sat down for iftar, Khalid tried to engage Nadeen in conversation again. "Nadeen, how are your studies going?"

"They're going well, thank you," she replied, her voice soft and polite.

"Do you need any help with anything? I'm happy to assist," Khalid offered.

Nadeen glanced at Ishaq, then back at Khalid. "No, thank you. I'm managing."

Khalid could see the fear in her eyes. He felt a surge of protectiveness and vowed to find a way to help her, even if it meant confronting Ishaq.

The following day at school, Farhana noticed that Nadeen seemed more withdrawn than usual. "Nadeen, are you okay? You seem off today."

"I'm fine, just a bit tired," Nadeen replied, forcing a smile.

Farhana wasn't convinced but decided to give her friend some space. "If you need to talk, I'm here for you."

"Thank you, Farhana," Nadeen said, genuinely grateful for her friend's support.

The days passed, and Khalid's visits to Ishaq's house continued. Each visit reinforced his suspicions that something was seriously wrong. One evening, after iftar, he stayed behind to help clean up. Nadeen was in the kitchen, washing dishes. Khalid joined her, hoping to create a moment of privacy.

"Nadeen, can we talk?" he asked softly.

Nadeen looked up, startled. "Yes, of course."

"I've noticed that you seem very tense around Ishaq. Is there something you need to tell me?" Khalid asked, his voice filled with concern.

Nadeen hesitated, her eyes darting to the doorway. "I... I don't know what you mean."

Khalid gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Nadeen, you can trust me. If something is wrong, I want to help."

Tears welled up in Nadeen's eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. "Thank you, Khalid, but there's nothing you can do."

Khalid's heart ached. He knew she was scared, and he didn't want to push her too hard. "Alright, but remember, I'm here if you need me."

Nadeen nodded, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "Thank you."

As Khalid left the house that night, he knew he couldn't ignore the situation any longer. He needed to find a way to protect Nadeen and uncover the truth about what was happening behind closed doors. His thoughts were filled with worry, but also determination. He couldn't stand by and watch Nadeen suffer in silence. He would find a way to help her, no matter what it took.

The days of Ramadan continued, and Khalid's visits to Ishaq's house became more frequent. Each time, he observed more signs of distress in Nadeen. The tension was palpable, and Khalid's concern grew with each passing day.

At school, Nadeen tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy. She buried herself in her studies, finding comfort in the routine and the company of her friends. Farhana, Zarah, and Zaituna provided a much-needed distraction from her troubles at home.

Nadeen thoughts keep drifting to Khalid. She remembered his kindness and the concern in his eyes. She wished she could confide in him, but fear held her back.

As Ramadan progressed, Khalid continued his visits, each one intensifying his suspicions. One evening, he arrived just in time for iftar. The atmosphere was tense, as usual. After the meal, Khalid stayed behind to talk to Ishaq.

"Ishaq, I've noticed something off lately. Is everything alright with you and Nadeen?" Khalid asked, trying to sound casual.

Ishaq's eyes flashed with anger. "Everything is fine. Why do you ask?"

Khalid held his gaze. "Because I care about Nadeen. She doesn't seem happy here."

Ishaq's jaw tightened. "It's none of your business, Khalid. Stay out of it."

Khalid didn't back down. "If Nadeen is in trouble, it is my business. She deserves to be happy and safe."

Ishaq stood up, his expression menacing. "I warned you, Khalid. Stay out of it."

Khalid felt a surge of anger but kept his voice steady. "I won't ignore it if Nadeen is suffering. Remember that."

As he left Ishaq's house that night, Khalid's resolve hardened. He needed to find a way to help Nadeen, even if it meant confronting Ishaq directly. The burden of silence weighed heavily on his heart.