love by chance

chapter 5

Aunt Malika gently scolded Miss Khadija, "You shouldn't have slapped Irfan and shouted at him like that."

The rest of the family nodded in agreement, murmuring their support for Aunt Malika's words.

But then Noor, Irfan's younger sister, bravely spoke up. "You shouldn't have slapped your own son like that, mom," she said.

Miss Khadija's face turned red with anger as she turned towards Noor. "How dare you interfere in this matter?" she shouted.

Noor stood her ground, her eyes filled with determination. "I just think it wasn't right for you to react that way," she said softly.

A tense silence fell over the room as the family waited to see how Miss Khadija would respond to Noor's defiance.**The Insolence of Noor**

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Miss Khadija's stern expression sent shivers down Noor's spine. The old woman's grip on her hand was unyielding as she dragged her through the narrow hallway. Noor's tears blurred her vision, but she could still see the disapproval etched on Miss Khadija's face.

"You insolent girl," Miss Khadija hissed. "Talking back to your elders in that tongue! I'll put an end to this behavior today."

Noor's pleas fell on deaf ears. She begged her mother for forgiveness, but Miss Khadija remained resolute. The wooden door creaked open, revealing Noor's small room. Miss Khadija pushed her inside and locked the door behind her.

Alone in the dimly lit room, Noor sank to the floor. Her sobs echoed off the walls. She had never felt so trapped, so powerless. Outside, the family members whispered in hushed tones. They knew what had transpired, and they disapproved.

"Miss Khadija has gone too far," Uncle Adnan muttered. "Noor is just a child."

"But her insolence—" Aunt Malika began.

"—doesn't warrant this cruelty," Uncle Adnan interrupted. "We must find a way to help her."

Miss Khadija's voice carried through the door. "No one is to open Noor's door," she warned. "Or they'll face my wrath."

The family members exchanged glances, torn between loyalty and compassion. They left the living room, their footsteps heavy with anger. Miss Khadija remained there, standing alone, her resolve unyielding.

Irfan's rage was palpable as he slammed his fists against the wall, cursing under his breath. The memory of his mother's slap stung fresh in his mind, fueling his fury.

"How dare she," he roared, his voice shaking with anger. The sound echoed through the house, causing all the family members to come running to his door, concerned etched on their faces.

Aunt Malika, ever the peacemaker, pleaded for Irfan to open the door. "Irfan, calm down. Please, let us in. We're here for you."

Uncle Adnan, always practical in a crisis, quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Irfan's dad. "We need to get his dad here. He's the only one who can calm him down when he's like this."

And the rest of the family tried to reason with irfan through the closed doors, the tension in the air was thick with worry and uncertainty. But deep down, they all knew that irfan just needed a moment to cool off and collect himself before he could open up and talk about what has set him off.

Amrah awoke to a cacophony of worried voices and urgent footsteps. She rushed to investigate, finding her family gathered outside Irfan's door.
"You must talk to him, Amrah," Aunt Malika urged.
Amrah knocked, her worry evident. "Irfan, please open up," she pleaded.
The door remained closed, Irfan's voice tight with pain. "Leave me be."
Amrah persisted, her voice cracking. "Please, Irfan. We care about you."
His response was sharp, laced with anger. "Leave, Amrah! I don't want to see you."
Her face paled, tears welling as she turned away.
In the tense silence, Uncle Adnan spoke. "Let's give them time." The family agreed, each retreating to their rooms as the house fell into a heavy quiet.