In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 14: Unexpected Guests

The sun was just starting to peek through the curtains when Zara woke up, stretching lazily across her bed. For the first time in weeks, she had no classes, no assignments, and no looming deadlines. Today was the first day of her summer break, and the thought alone filled her with excitement. She jumped out of bed, her heart light, and a broad smile on her face. She spent a few moments savoring the luxury of doing nothing, feeling free for the first time in what felt like forever.

As Zara moved around the house, she found herself humming a soft tune, her feet light as she moved to TV launch. Today, she had planned to watch some movie, spend time with Nancy, cook something new, and perhaps even take a long walk in the garden. For the first time in a long while, there was no rush, no pressure, and it was a blissful feeling.

But just as she began to settle into the tranquility of the day, the sudden noise of a car pulling up outside jolted her from her reverie. Before Zara could check, the front door swung open, and two women entered. One was an older lady probably in her late 60s, elegant with a commanding presence, and the other was a young woman around Zara's age, brimming with youthful energy, her smile wide and contagious.

"Assalamualaikum!" the younger woman said brightly, wrapping Zara in an unexpected hug before Zara could even register what was happening.

Zara blinked, startled, and replied, "Wa-alaikum assalam," while trying to make sense of what was happening. Who were these people? And why were they hugging her like they knew her?

The older woman stepped forward, her gaze piercing, looked Zara up and down before asking, "And who exactly are you?" her tone direct and somewhat dismissive.

"I... I'm Zara," she replied, her heart thudding in her chest, still processing the surprise.

Before Zara could continue, the younger woman spoke up, her voice full of excitement, "You don't know who we are, do you? I'm Sofia, and this is Dadi (paternal grandmother)! Baba didn't tell you about us, did he?"

Zara's eyes widened as the realization hit her. Ibrahim's daughter? His mother?

"Oh! Uh, welcome... I didn't know you were coming," Zara said, her heart suddenly thudding in her chest. Ibrahim hadn't mentioned their visit. She felt a wave of nervousness wash over her, especially as Dadi's scrutinizing gaze lingered on her.

"Clearly," Dadi remarked with a critical glance at Zara. She looked around the room, unimpressed. "Where is Ibrahim?" she asked sharply.

Before Zara could answer, Ibrahim appeared, his face a mix of surprise and confusion. "Sofia? Ammi? What are you doing here? Aren't you coming two days after!"

"We wanted to surprise you! But... it looks like you're the one who's surprised!" Sofia grinned, her arms open wide as she ran toward her father and hugged him tightly.

Ibrahim chuckled, though he shot a glance at his mother. "You've certainly done that." He smiled and hugged his daughter back, but his eyes quickly darted back to his mother, sensing something was off. "Ammi... it's good to see you, but..."

Dadi's stern eyes turned back to Zara, who was standing off to the side, clearly unsure of her place in the scene unfolding before her.

"Ibrahim," Dadi said firmly, "I have a few questions for you about this... young lady, who you suddenly decided to marry."

Ibrahim tensed, stepping protectively closer to Zara. "Ammi, this is Zara. She is my-"

"I know who she is," Dadi interrupted, her tone sharp. "But I'd like to know more. Who are her parents? What is their status? What kind of family is she from? And most importantly, how are you so sure she's not after your money?"