Chapter 5: The Fosterer of Felines

90 27 137
                                    

Even though it was the elder siblings who invited their friends over, the whole family helped them prepare the house for the guests.

Ishaaq and Ibrahim walked together to reach Hasan's house on time for lunch. Ayyub was already there since he was closer to Hasan's house than the other two. He had just returned from saying farewell to his sister, leaving her in the hands of two strangers that they had just met. Maybe one mysterious stranger they met earlier, but strangers, nonetheless. The only reason he trusts the strangers is because of their little brothers – Ishaaq and Ayyub. At least they were not strangers anymore.

Yes, that means Maryam has been kidnapped by Sarah, and she's now headed to Sana's residence, to keep her hostage (A/N: the ransom will be Ibrahim's hand in marriage). Her accomplices are Umm Ishaaq and Umm Ibrahim. The mothers are also gathering at Sana's house.

"Akhi Hasan has four cats?" Maryam asked to re-confirm, unable to believe it. Sarah chuckled. She nodded to confirm her question.

"You'll see at least one or two of them wandering in his garden on the way to Sana's house," Umm Ishaaq said, looking over at the garden that was nearing them. Maryam followed her gaze and spotted a black cat and a ginger cat.

"Are those Akhi Hasan's cats?" she asked, running over to the cats. Sarah saw the empty streets and ran over to reach her.

"Yeah, they are," Sarah confirmed, as the two cats came closer to them. Maryam kneeled down to pet the two cats.

"What are their names?" she asked.

"Peachie and Amaye," Ishaaq answered, surprising Maryam. He came out of Hasan's house. He was tasked, or rather, he took it upon himself to gather Hasan's cats to show Ibrahim. Hania followed him outside to 'guide' him as to where the cats were.

"The ginger one is Peachie, and the black one is Amaye," Hania explained. Maryam turned to look at Ishaaq, and then stood up, feeling bashful. Ishaaq focused on picking up both cats and telling his elder sister to take Hania with her at Umm Hasan's request. Umm Hasan too joined them on their walk to Sana's house.

Hania then said goodbye to Ishaaq and joined her elder sisters, Sarah and Maryam, to go to Sana's house. Ishaaq too, returned to Hasan's house with the two cats and news of Hania reaching Sana's house safely. Before he returned, his mother, Umm Ishaaq told him to behave and be a good boy, to which he gave her a mischievous smile.

Maryam felt too embarrassed to say anything the rest of the way. She hoped no one noticed the bright pink on her cheeks.

"Nice blush," Hania complimented, as soon as they entered Sana's elegant house.

Sarah and Sana turned to look at Maryam and smiled.

"I've only ever seen one other person blush in my life," Sarah said, glancing at Sana. Sana glared at her. Maryam laughed, feeling calmer. Hania laughed along with her.

Sana cleared her throat, "Sarah, remember you're in my house," she warned. Sarah feigned ignorance.

"And so?"

"I can kick you out," she threatened.

Maryam and Hania defended Sarah until Sana resigned and took both to her room. By now, the mothers all gathered in the living room, showing off their flashy dresses.

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
To Our Doom (Paused)Where stories live. Discover now