A man like khalid

15

The day was warm, filled with laughter and the scent of freshly cooked meals as family and friends gathered for Hanif's naming ceremony. Nadeen cradled her son in her arms, his tiny fingers curling around hers. As the photographer snapped away, capturing these moments she knew would become precious memories, Nadeen forced herself to maintain a calm exterior. Yet, her heart raced the moment she saw Zeenat approaching, her smile wide and seemingly genuine. But Nadeen knew better; Zeenat's smiles often masked something far more sinister.

Since Hanif's birth, Zeenat had been conspicuously absent, which only fueled Nadeen's fears. Had Zeenat uncovered the truth about Hanif's parentage? The thought gnawed at her. As Zeenat drew closer, Nadeen instinctively tightened her grip on Hanif, though she plastered on a smile she hoped didn't look too forced.

"My dear Nadeen," Zeenat's voice was syrupy sweet, but Nadeen heard the edge beneath it. The hug Zeenat gave her was as stiff as her own. "Sorry, dear cousin, I didn't visit when you gave birth. I was in Dubai for a vacation, and we just got back yesterday. I hope you're not angry with me."

Nadeen's smile felt unnatural, but she couldn't let Zeenat see her discomfort. "No, not at all, Addah Zeenat. How was your trip?"

"It was wonderful," Zeenat said lightly, though her eyes remained locked on Hanif. She reached out to play with his cheek but made no move to take him from Nadeen's arms. That small detail sent a ripple of unease through Nadeen—Zeenat usually couldn't resist holding a baby.

Why isn't she asking to hold him? Nadeen wondered, a knot tightening in her stomach. Does she know? Is she keeping her distance because she suspects something?

Nadeen's mother and Sakina excused themselves to attend to some guests, leaving her alone with Zeenat. They stood side by side, and as the photographer gestured for them to smile for a picture together, Zeenat leaned in close. Her voice, low and cold against Nadeen's ear, sent a chill down her spine.

"Just because I was nice to you doesn't mean I've forgotten how you accused my husband of assaulting you. We're still not okay, Nadeen. I don't want to cause any drama on your big day, so let's keep pretending like we're good. But in reality, we can never be good."

The wide smile on Zeenat's face as she pulled back was a stark contrast to the venom in her words. Nadeen's breath caught in her throat, tears pricking her eyes. She blinked rapidly, refusing to let them fall, but her heart ached. She had expected hostility from Zeenat, but hearing it still cut her deeply.

As Zeenat walked away, her shoulders squared as if nothing had happened, Nadeen felt her composure slip. The joy of the day was tainted, overshadowed by the looming fear that her secrets were on the brink of exposure.

Why did I ever think this would end well? Nadeen thought, a wave of despair washing over her. I knew this day would come. I just wasn't ready for it to be today.

Later, when the ceremony had ended and the guests had dwindled, Nadeen found herself in the kitchen with Farhana. The familiar comfort of her friend's presence was a balm to her nerves. Farhana was making coffee, the warm aroma filling the space as they chatted.

"So, I wanted to ask, is there something happening between you and Zeenat?" Farhana's question was gentle, but it sent a wave of panic through Nadeen.

She hesitated, her mind racing. "We're fine. Why do you ask?"

Farhana turned, her expression skeptical. "I don't think you both are fine. I saw the way you acted around each other—fake smiles, tense silences. And I caught Zeenat rolling her eyes at you a few times."

Nadeen swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice steady. "Me and Zeenat are fine. Maybe it's just that we haven't been close since I got married."

Farhana's gaze lingered on her, a frown creasing her forehead. "I think you both know what's really going on."