FATE INSPIRED

Chapter 14

Layla

The past few days had been a whirlwind of stress and endless overthinking, and I should have thought that if there was any chance of the weight catching up to me. It would have been through my very terrible history of headaches. The headaches had returned with a vengeance as if punishing me for the emotional turmoil I had let myself fall into.

I woke up with a throbbing headache, one that I thought I had left behind years ago. It felt like my skull was being squeezed, a relentless pressure that pulsed in time with my heartbeat. I hadn't felt this kind of pain in a long time- years, in fact. It brought back memories I'd rather forget the details of. The pain was all too familiar, a grim reminder of the accident that stole my father from me when I was just a child. The doctors had called it post-traumatic headache syndrome. I hadn't had one since the beginning of my teenage, I had hoped and prayed that I had outgrown it but it seemed the pain had simply been lying in wait.

For two days straight, I couldn't even afford to go to school. The pain was too much, an unrelenting and constant force that kept me confined to my bed. Every movement and every sound felt like a hammer to my head. I kept the room dark, the curtains drawn very tight, as even the slightest bit of light seemed to worsen the throbbing behind my eyes. Ummi, Ya Malik, and Aunty Yamaniya were all worried, of course. Especially Ummi, she hovered over my side, her concern evident in every gesture but there was very little she could do. Ya Malik brought the family doctor immediately, and I was prescribed a steady supply of painkillers that did little to ease the ache. Aunty Yamaniya took turns with Ummi to feed me, sit, or sleep in the room with me for comfort.

But today, finally, the pain had receded enough for me to breathe again. The headache was dulled to a manageable level, almost gone completely. I decided it was time to get out of the house and do something to help me feel like myself again. And where better to relax than Aunty Yamaniya's new henna, spa, and body care parlor? I had been looking forward to visiting the newest shop since she opened.

The shop was nothing short of a luxurious sanctuary. The interior was a perfect blend of modern elegance and traditional charm with sleek, feminine, furnishings. There were different sections. The henna section walls were adorned with beautiful henna patterns, some simple and some elaborate, and a display case showcasing a variety of henna cones. Next was the spa area, the air was thick with the scent of lavender, eucalyptus, and other calming essential oils, and the walls were painted in soothing earth tones, with soft, flowing drapes that added a touch of elegance to the room. Then the body scare section was a feast for the senses. Shelves lined the walls, filled with a variety of luxurious products, exfoliating scrubs, nourishing body butter, and fragrant lotions, all made from natural, high-quality ingredients. It also featured a small but well-equipped salon area, where clients could receive everything from facials to body wraps.

"The man doesn't even give interviews. Just 6 since he took over his family business which is less than 1 a year figuratively." Rahilatu said from her massage bed, reading from her "research" on Asad from her phone.

My best friends thought it was a good idea to "research" on Asad, so I'd learn more about him. I wasn't interested in knowing that way, but I didn't have a choice at all. She put it away for the few days I didn't feel well and what perfect time to reveal all her discovery than at the massage room?

"And boy, he is like a ghost on social media, no personal photos, hardly any public appearances. How does a man like that stay so hidden?" Rahilatu's voice rose a pitch higher. "His brother's pictures mostly pop up, but they don't even look that much alike, to be honest." She finished as she flashed her phone screen.

The massage beds were lined up in a row, each one draped in crisp, white linens that felt cool and smooth against the skin. Plush pillows were placed beneath our heads, providing support and comfort. The beds themselves were heated, emitting a gentle warmth. We laid side by side while the masseuses moved in sync, their hands gliding over our bodies with precision.