The Unlikely Union

3 ~ Bitter Memories

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One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Dua sat in the living room, her gaze drifting to a photo on the mantle. 

It was an old picture of her and Wajdan taken during a family vacation, a time when laughter filled the air and their bond was strong. Wajdan's arm was slung around her shoulders, both of them grinning from ear to ear, captured in a moment of pure joy.

But as Dua looked at the photo, the warmth it evoked was swiftly overshadowed by the memories of hurt and betrayal. Two years ago, their relationship had taken a dark turn. Wajdan had lashed out at her, words sharp as knives that had cut deeply into her heart. Despite her attempts to brush it off, the wound had festered, a reminder of the bond they once shared and the trust that had been shattered.

The day it happened felt etched in her mind, replaying with painful clarity. They had been living together as cousins and best friends, sharing everything from dreams to secrets. But on that fateful day, Wajdan had been under immense stress, grappling with a business crisis that left him irritable and short-tempered. Dua had tried to reach out, to offer her support, hoping to lighten his burdens.

Instead, her kindness was met with disdain.

"You're always clinging to me, Dua," he had said, his voice cold and devoid of warmth. "You're always there, always wanting to talk, always wanting to share everything with me. Can't you just leave me alone for once?"

Dua had felt her heart shatter at his words. The person she thought would always understand her had turned against her, and in that moment, she realized how little he valued her feelings. The thought of it made her chest tighten as she blinked back tears.

Just then, she felt Wajdan's presence beside her, pulling her from her painful reverie.

"Dua, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice softening with genuine concern.

Her eyes flared with anger, a stark contrast to the hurt that coursed through her. "You really don't remember, do you?" she replied, barely above a whisper, her tone heavy with accusation.

Wajdan's face fell, his gaze drifting away as he struggled to meet her eyes. "I... I don't know what you're talking about," he replied hesitantly.

Dua's laugh was bitter, a sharp edge to it. "Of course you don't," she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You forget and move on as if it means nothing, expecting everyone else to do the same."

Wajdan's eyes snapped back to her, filled with regret. "Dua, I'm sorry," he said, sincerity lacing his tone. "I know I hurt you, and I'm truly sorry. But can't we just move on? Can't we forget the past and start fresh?"

The pain in Dua's chest tightened. "Why did you say those things to me?" she pressed, her voice firm. "Why did you hurt me like that? You never even tried to apologize or make things better between us."