Chapter 49

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Throughout the day, her mother and her cousins kept teasing her about the bed. She was so embarrassed that she wanted to hide somewhere. Rhythm sat in the garden with her cousins, Ameha and Mira. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers provided a peaceful backdrop as they caught up, sharing everything that happened when Rhythm left after marriage and laughing at Mira's silly jokes. It was a joyful reunion, filled with the warmth of family and the serenity of the outdoors.

Their conversation flowed easily until Ameha and Mira suddenly fell silent, their eyes fixed on something—or someone—behind Rhythm. She turned to see Humza approaching. His sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing the sinewy strength in his arms, and he wore a black shirt that contrasted sharply with his fair skin. He was on the phone, speaking angrily, his jaw clenched in that familiar way that used to terrify her. She knew that looked all too well. It was the one which scared her the most. But now, instead of fear, she felt a strange mix of admiration and something deeper she couldn't quite name.

The sunlight cast a golden glow on his figure, highlighting the sharp angles of his face and the intensity in his eyes. He was an imposing figure, commanding attention without even trying. Rhythm noticed Ameha and Mira staring at him with wide eyes, and a pang of jealousy surged through her.

"Stop staring," she muttered, her voice sharper than intended.

Ameha raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "He's hot, isn't he?"

"Shut up; he's your brother-in-law," Rhythm snapped, feeling her cheeks heat up.

Mira giggled, nudging Rhythm playfully. "Oh, look at you, all defensive. Does someone have a crush on her husband?"

Rhythm's face flushed even more. "No, it's just... inappropriate," she stammered, trying to maintain her composure.

They exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "Relax, Rhythm. We're just teasing," Ameha said, her tone light.

"Can we change the subject, please?" Rhythm asked, exasperation evident in her voice.

Before they could respond, Humza ended his call and walked over, his expression softening when he saw Rhythm. "Hi Jiju," they greeted in unison, their earlier teasing forgotten in the presence of Humza.

"Hi, Ameha, Mira," he greeted, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of tension from the conversation he'd just had.

"What were you girls talking about?" he asked, his gaze shifting between them.

"Nothing important," Rhythm said quickly, hoping to avoid further embarrassment.

Humza raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. Instead, he turned to rhythm. "Can I talk to you for a minute, in private?"

Rhythm nodded, standing up and following him a little way off, away from the curious ears of her cousins. Once they were out of earshot, he turned to her, his expression serious.

"What's wrong?" Rhythm asked, sensing his tension.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that was becoming all too familiar. "It's about business. There are some issues that need my immediate attention. I might have to leave for a while."

Her heart sank at his words. "How long?"

"Not sure. Hopefully, just a day or two," he replied, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "I'll try to be back as soon as I can."

Rhythm nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "Okay."

As he turned to leave, she watched him go, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. It was bothering her. She didn't want him to leave, and it confused her further. Why didn't she want him to leave? What are these feelings? She shouldn't feel this way, right?

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