SAW-THE SIGHT SERIES

CHAPTER 6

_ILHAM_

My life has continued normally with no specific events to add to its excitement. It's been weeks since we went for Aunt Waleeda's anniversary party and it's been weeks of me focusing on my bakery whose sells has increased tremendously over the weeks. I have more costumers coming every single day to get a taste of the delicacies I offer.

I just closed off my bakery shop and called Amin to come pick me up. I regard him as my driver since my father doesn't have a driver of his own. Amin answered my call seconds after as he arrived in my fathers usual Honda and I got inside the car without any hesitation.

"How's work going ?" He asked as soon as I entered. I sighed telling him about how I need to hire atleast two more workers because just Ramlah and I can't manage to keep the bakery going with the increasing demands.

"I'll try to help you look for someone that's interested." Amin replied.

I smiled showing my appreciation, we reached home in no time since the distance between the bakery and our home is not far at all. I thanked Amin as I walked out of the car and entered into the house.

My parents were in the living room seated with a familiar set of eyes. I recognized them as Khalil's parents, they seemed to be discussing something important. I greeted "Good evening." My eyes scanning their delighted expression-they're delighted to see me.

"That's Ilham, she actually has a bakery of her own and she just closed off from there." My step mother praises while Khalil mother nodded impressed with the information
"Yes we met at the anniversary party." Khalil's father acknowledged.

"What a sweet girl ! She actually helped my son with his wound." Khalil's mother said while I smiled. If only she knows that her son walked out on me while I was not even done helping him with the wound. I still find that action super weird.

"Why don't you go and freshen up then come join us." My father said. I nodded realizing I've been standing by the door. I walked upstairs to my room and freshened up in a new set of cloth. A simple green abaya with a head covering and stepped out going to the kitchen first to get some snacks for them.

I put the meat pies and samosas I had baked earlier in a tray and put some drinks for them as I took it to the living room dropping it on the wooden center table in front of them.
"Thank you." I heard.

"Come sit here." My mother patted the space beside her on the couch and I sat there watching them all with confused faces.

I wonder what I'm doing here

"Ilham, you're 24." My step mother-Hajara stated and I nodded my head as she continued "And we think it's high time for you to form your own family."

I nodded not having any objection to what she just said. I plan on marrying at 24 anyways-
"So we've a marriage proposal from Mahir's family. Their son Khalil." My father added and then I tried to crack my brain on who Khalil is-

Then his face suddenly came into my head, the annoying frown he gave me before he walked off. I think they don't know that their son hates me if not they would not have been here to propose what—a marriage.

"I'm sure Ilham won't have a problem with this. Right ?" My step mother asked and then I looked at their hopeful eyes. Then I remembered all what they've done for me. All what she has done for me even though I'm not her biological  daughter.

"Right. I don't have a problem at all." I said plastering a convincing smile as they all burst out in excitement.

"Well then we are in laws already!" Khadijah- Khalil's mother beamed standing up to give me a firm hug while I hugged her back.

"But Khalil is fine with this right ?" My father asked and then Khadijah and Mahir turned to look at each other suspiciously before Khadijah said "Oh don't worry Khalil doesn't have a problem with this at all. In fact he was busy disturbing us about how he is already in love with Ilham."

I listened not realizing how a blush is already forming it's way to my cheeks.

He...likes...me..?

I would have never guessed that walking out while I wasn't done helping him means he likes me.

"That's good to hear." My father beamed.

"In fact he'll be coming tomorrow to see his future wife." Khadijah said gesturing towards me, I could feel my cheeks changing color already due to blush.

They stayed a little longer and left some minutes later as Hajara made me to escort them outside. I escorted them to their car and went back into the house.

We prayed our prayers together and sat down for dinner soon after, Amin came home quite late but he still managed to join us for dinner.
And then my parents went on to tell him about how the general's family came to ask for my hand in marriage.

Amin cocked his eyebrow and then turned to give me a knowing look.
"Now you still going to tell me he's not your boyfriend ?" Amin had asked me just after  our parents left after their dinner.

I couldn't help the blush that came to my cheeks
"She's blushing oh." Amin teased and kept on saying it that I simply got up and left the place for him.

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:Seena