WHEN STARS ALIGN

~CHAPTER NINETEEN~

The living room in Ashraf's side of the house was a serene contrast to the tension that had filled the main part of the mansion earlier. The space was tastefully decorated, with neutral tones dominating the walls and furniture, giving it a calm, soothing atmosphere. The furniture was plush, and the overall feel of the room was one of understated elegance. Ashraf had great taste; that was undeniable.

Zara sat on a comfortable beige armchair, her legs curled under her as she leaned slightly against the armrest. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts, replaying the events of the day, the things that had been revealed, and the words that had been spoken. Fatoo was on the sofa to her left, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone, while Nana sat across from them, her posture straight and her expression thoughtful. The silence between them was heavy but not uncomfortable; it was the kind of silence that came after a storm, when everyone was still trying to process what had happened.

After a while, Zainab entered the room, carrying with her the scent of fresh air, as if she had been outside for a moment to collect her thoughts. She moved gracefully to the armchair opposite Zara and sank into it with a soft sigh. For a few moments, she joined them in silence, her eyes darting between the three women before her, each lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, Zainab broke the silence, her voice gentle yet firm. "I'm older than all of you, even if it's just by a few years, and I've got a bit more experience in this thing called life, I think." She smiled slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully, before continuing. "I'm telling you this not just because I'm Ashraf's older sister, but because I've known him all his life. I know what he is and isn't capable of."

Zara looked up, her gaze meeting Zainab's.

"My point is," Zainab continued, "Ashraf is a good man, and you're a good woman. You two deserve each other. You might not see it right now, but you do. Wallahi, it's true, and time will tell. Give this marriage a chance."

Zara felt a lump form in her throat as she listened to Zainab. She had heard similar sentiments before, but hearing them now, after everything that had happened, felt different. There was a weight to Zainab's words that made them hard to dismiss. Not after everything that he had done for her.

Just as Zainab finished speaking, Umma walked in, her presence commanding yet warm. She smiled softly at the group before focusing her attention on Zara. "She's right, my dear child," Umma said, her voice filled with nothing but love and adoration. "Give the man a chance and see how this marriage works out, hmm? Forget about the past, even though it might take time. Focus on the present and pray for a good future."

Zara was silent, absorbing the words of both women. They didn't know it, but she had already made up her mind a while ago. Despite her fears and doubts, she had decided that she would give Ashraf and their marriage a chance. She wasn't sure how it would work out, but she knew she owed it to herself to try.

"I'll try my best, Insha Allah," Zara finally said, her voice quiet but firm.

The room fell into a surprised silence. All eyes were on Zara, as if they were expecting her to argue and put up her usual resistance. But instead, she had agreed, and that alone was shocking enough to render them speechless.

Nana and Fatoo exchanged glances, both of them wanting to say something, but before they could, Umma raised her hand slightly, signaling them to let the topic go. They understood her unspoken message and decided to shift the conversation to something lighter.

"I've been wanting to get a hold of Mina," Fatoo said, breaking the silence. She leaned forward, her expression concerned. "She's been acting weird lately."

Zara quickly uncrossed her legs and sat up straighter. "I know, right? I tried talking to her yesterday, but she brushed me off, saying it was nothing and that I shouldn't worry about it."

Nana nodded in agreement. "I've noticed it too. Something's definitely up with her, and we need to get to the bottom of it."

Umma watched the girls with a soft smile, clearly pleased to see them back to their usual selves, even if just for a moment. After a few more minutes of light conversation, she stood up, her hands resting on her hips. "Up, up. You girls should let my daughter rest. Her husband is on his way, and all of you need to leave."

A chorus of groans filled the room as the girls protested, not wanting to leave Zara alone, but they knew better than to argue with Umma when she was in this mood. Nana and Fatoo were the first to leave, followed closely by Zainab, who hesitated at the door, giving Zara a supportive smile before stepping out.

Umma stayed behind, her expression softening as she looked at Zara. "You're a good girl, Zara na, and I want you to be an even better wife. Be obedient and do as the Quran has taught you. Be respectful, too. Dan Allah fa ba dan ni ba."

Zara nodded, feeling the weight of Umma's words. They hugged briefly, and as Umma left, Zara felt a mix of emotions swirling within her—gratitude, fear, hope, and something else she couldn't quite place.

Meanwhile, in the hallway leading to the main house, Zainab bumped into Ashraf, who was just arriving. She stopped him, her hands reaching up to grab his collar, managing to catch it despite their height difference. "Treat her well, Ashraf," she said, her voice firm but tinged with concern. "She's a mess; you can see it in her eyes."

Ashraf nodded, his gaze softening as he thought of Zara. "I know, Ya Zainab." He reached out and playfully tugged at her cheeks, causing her to glare at him in mock annoyance.

"She's a mess of beautiful chaos," Ashraf continued, his voice thoughtful. "Yes, I can see it in her eyes, she is a paradox of contradiction."

Zainab stared at her little brother, realizing just how much he had grown. He wasn't the mischievous boy she used to scold anymore; he was a man, and a thoughtful one at that. She sighed, a smile tugging at her lips as she patted his lower back. "A whipped man, that's what you are."

Ashraf chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "Maybe I am, but that's okay."

With one last look, Zainab released him, feeling a sense of contentment as she walked away. She knew her brother would take care of Zara, and for now, that was enough.