UNENDING

11- Pictures

AL-QASIM-

Lounging in one of my apartments, I stare blankly at the ceiling, my thoughts tangled in a web of frustration and anger. I haven't slept at home for days, refusing to share a bed with Asiya because of our latest argument. I went home to check on her this afternoon, hoping for some semblance of peace, but she wasn't there. Her absence ignited a fresh wave of anger within me. When she finally returned, I demanded to know where she had been. The look in her eyes told me she was about to lie again, and I couldn't bear it. I cut her off mid-sentence and stormed out, unable to deal with the deceit any longer.

Now, as I sit here, deep in thought, I can't seem to find a solution. I groan in frustration, annoyed with myself for being unable to resolve this turmoil. The knock at the door interrupts my brooding. I can only think of one person who would know where to find me: Bilal. Despite our recent falling out, he might have come to talk some sense into me. Reluctantly, I get up and open the door, only to find Maleeka standing there. She barges in without a word, her eyes full of annoyance.

"Bilal told you, didn't he?" I ask, already knowing the answer. She nods and crosses her arms, ready to confront me.

"Yes, he did," she says sharply. "And I'm here to tell you what you need to hear, even if you don't want to."

I roll my eyes, not in the mood for another lecture. "I don't need a lecture, Maleeka. I need to figure out how to deal with this."

"You're not dealing with it, Al-Qasim. You're running away," she snaps back. "You need to go back home and be with your wife."

I scoff, turning away from her. "You don't understand, Maleeka. She's impossible to deal with."

She sighs, her expression softening slightly. "I understand your frustration. But you need to be more understanding of her. She's obviously going through something, and maybe she isn't ready to talk about it yet. You need to be patient and support her until she is."

Her words strike a chord, but I push the thought aside. "It's not that simple, Maleeka." I shake my head, stubbornly refusing to admit she might be right. "She's hiding something from me. I can't just sit around and wait."

Maleeka sighs, exasperated. "I know it's frustrating not being able to help her, but pushing her away won't solve anything. You may not love her, but you care for her. Isn't that enough to try and be there for her?"

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I remained silent, my pride keeping me from conceding. Maleeka stared at me for a long moment before finally throwing her hands up in defeat. "Think about what I said, Al-Qasim," she said, her tone softer now. Go home. Just one last time. For your sake and hers."

With that, she leaves, and I'm alone once more. I sink back into the couch, her words echoing in my mind. Be more patient, support her, and be there for her.

-ASIYA-

Coming up the stairs, I hear the light, taunting giggle of my sister, Jamila, echoing down the hallway. My heart sinks as I see her halfway up, a wicked smile curling on her lips. She always knows how to find me when I'm at my most vulnerable.

"Where did you go yesterday, Asiya?" she asks, her tone dripping with mock innocence.

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "I went to the pharmacy to get my cut treated."

She lets out a laugh, one that sends chills down my spine. "Is that all you did?"

Nervously, I nod. "Yes, that's all."