Heartbeat-Reeree and Rafeeq

6🥀

"Yeah, anybody with a heartbeat has a path to victory."

RAFEEQ's POV.

As I stood there, lost in thought, I heard the sound of the door opening. It was Zoya, back from school.

"Hey, bro," she said, dropping her bag on the floor. "How's it going?"

I turned to her, feeling a mix of emotions. "It's going," I said. "I just got off the phone with Riri's dad. I managed to dodge meeting Faridah for now, but I know it's only a temporary reprieve."

Zoya's expression turned serious. "We need to come up with a plan, Yaa Rafeeq. We can't keep stalling forever."

"I know," I said, feeling frustrated. "But what can we do? Mother has all the control."

Zoya's eyes sparkled with determination. "We'll figure something out, bro. We always do."

Together, we sat down on the couch, brainstorming ideas and strategies. We knew it wouldn't be easy, but we were determined to take back control of my life.

As the night wore on, our plan began to take shape. We would gather evidence of Mother's manipulation and blackmail, and use it to expose her true intentions.

But just as we were making progress, we heard the sound of Mother's voice, echoing from downstairs.

"Rafeeq! Zoya! Come down here, now!"

Our hearts sank. We knew we had to be careful, that one misstep could ruin everything.

"Let's go," I said, standing up. "We can't keep her waiting."

Zoya nodded, her eyes locked on mine. "Stay calm, bro. We've got this."

As we walked downstairs, I felt a sense of trepidation. What did Mother want now?

But I knew I couldn't show weakness. I had to keep up the act, for now.

"Yes, Mother?" I said, trying to sound obedient.

Mother's eyes narrowed. "I've been thinking, Rafeeq. It's time you met Faridah. Properly."

My heart sank. This was it. This was the moment I had been dreading.

"But Mother," I began, trying to protest.

"No buts, Rafeeq," she said, her voice cold. "You will meet Faridah, and you will marry her. That's final."

I felt a surge of anger, but I knew I had to keep it in check. For now.

"Yes, Mother," I said, trying to sound resigned.

Zoya's eyes met mine, and I knew she understood. We would keep fighting, no matter what.

But little did we know, Mother had one more trick up her sleeve.

"Rafeeq," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I've invited Faridah's family to dinner tomorrow night. You'll make a good impression, won't you?"