VULNERABLE

LAUGHTER, KUƁAIWA AND BURPS

ARMAAN

I heard the sound of the door creaking open across the hall, and immediately, I froze. Slowly, I turned my head to see a beet-red Tahbeer standing there, staring at me with wide eyes. I smiled sheepishly, but then it hit me—I wasn’t wearing a shirt.

Her eyes widened even more, and before I could say anything, she dashed back into the room she had just come from. At the same time, I spun around and rummaged through my luggage, pulling out my favorite black cotton, short-sleeved hooded shirt. It was way too big for me, just the way I liked it. I quickly slipped it on, still trying to shake off the embarrassment.

As soon as I stepped out of my room, her door opened again. We both stood there, staring at each other. She looked even more flustered than before, her eyes darting everywhere but at me. She was wearing a goofy, loose tee with a giant dog emoji and matching pants. I had to hold back a laugh—it was weird seeing her so embarrassed, especially when I had been the one shirtless.

"Assalamu alaikum!" We said at the same time. Then, for some reason, we both burst out laughing. It wasn’t even that funny, but the awkwardness of the situation just made it impossible to hold back.

When we finally calmed down, I asked, "When did you get here?"

"Not too long ago," she said, still smiling. "I came with Mama."

I nodded, my mind drifting for a second. Ah, that explained why Ummi had been acting all nervous earlier. I chuckled under my breath, realizing she hadn’t even told me we’d have guests.

Tahbeer put her hands on her hips, trying to look serious but failing miserably. Then she turned and started walking toward the stairs. I followed her, immediately hit with the sweet smell of kuɓaiwa coming from downstairs.

I couldn’t resist. “I think I smell kuɓaiwa!” I grinned and made a run for it, pushing past her as I dashed toward the staircase.

"Armaan!" she gasped, her footsteps quickening behind me. But I was already halfway down the stairs, practically flying to the dining area.

As I jumped off the last step, I stopped dead in my tracks, instantly regretting my decision. Ummi and Tahbeer’s mom were standing at the dining table, their conversation coming to an abrupt halt as they both turned to look at me. I could feel Tahbeer catching up behind me.

I flashed a quick, awkward smile and greeted Abidat’s mom. “Salam Alaikum, Auntie.”

Just as I turned back, Tahbeer charged into the room, a slipper already in her hand, ready to strike. I dove behind Auntie Fatima, hiding like a child. She stopped in her tracks, holding the slipper high in the air, her face set in determination.

I peeked out from behind Auntie. “Tahbeer, relax. It was a joke!”

She narrowed her eyes at me, and without missing a beat, she hurled the slipper at me. I yelped, diving away just in time for it to hit me square in the backside.

"Ow!" I squealed, rubbing my butt. But the second I looked up, another slipper was flying toward me, courtesy of Ummi. It hit me on the other cheek.

I groaned, clutching both sides of my behind as the three women burst into laughter, their trust clearly shattered. I had been betrayed by the people I loved most.

When they finally calmed down, I limped over to the dining table and sat next to Tahbeer, who was still glaring at me. Ummi’s voice rang out from the other side of the room.

"What happened?" she asked, pretending not to know.

In Arabic, Tahbeer answered, "Dafani min sassalam qata shima kuɓaiwa min ƙasa!" (He pushed me down the stairs because he could smell kuɓaiwa from downstairs!)

She raised her hand as if to hit me again, her lips curling in mock fury as she muttered, "Anta qird! Wallah " (You're a monkey!)

I ducked my head, avoiding another possible slap while Ummi and Auntie Fatima were practically doubled over with laughter.

Ignoring them, I quickly grabbed a plate and served myself some tuwo and kuɓaiwa. As soon as I took a bite, I moaned in satisfaction, savoring every mouthful.

I glanced at Tahbeer, who was also eating quietly beside me, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the food. But something caught my attention. She hadn’t served herself much. It bothered me more than it should have, and I made a mental note to ask her about it later. Hopefully, it wasn’t what I thought it was.

Ummi and Auntie kept chatting as me and Tahbeer ate in silence. Occasionally, I’d catch bits of their conversation, mostly about family and work. When I finished my meal, I couldn’t help it. I let out a loud, content burp.

Ummi’s sharp glare met mine instantly. “Armaan!” she shouted, throwing a napkin at me.

I grinned, but before I could say anything, Tahbeer followed my lead, burping even louder than I had. I stared at her, wide-eyed, while Ummi and Auntie shook their heads, laughing.

"SubhanAllah" both ummi and mama said at the same time.

Me and Tahbeer burst out laughing, doubling over in our chairs.

Not bad for a family reunion, I thought, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes.

~~~~~~

What a really beautiful family reunion.

I think I've set a record for fastest update, I'm just kidding I already wrote the chapter in my notes app so I just copied pasted and then edited.

Now that my heart is at peace I hope to edit thrice tomorrow hopefully.

Armaan and kuɓaiwa hmmm.

Pls vote comment and share bye.

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Mrs.armaaan