The soft hum of the morning filled the house as Zara stood in the kitchen, stirring a pot of tea while Nancy bustled beside her. The sun cast a warm glow through the windows, painting the kitchen in soft hues of gold. It was a busy morning, the house coming alive with the energy of the family. Zara felt a sense of contentment in these small moments-helping prepare breakfast, the clatter of dishes, and the smell of fresh bread filling the air.
As she worked, Sofia's bubbly voice floated in from the hallway. "Assalam o Alikum ladies, Good morning!" Sofia chirped as she entered the kitchen, her smile bright and infectious. She wrapped her arms around Zara from behind in a warm hug. "You're up early!"
Zara chuckled, still stirring the tea. "Walikum Asalam, Good Morning! Well, someone has to make sure everyone is fed."
Sofia hopped up onto the counter, watching Zara and Nancy work. "You know, you're spoiling us. Baba never gets this kind of treatment when I'm around!"
Zara smiled, her heart warmed by Sofia's easy nature. She had grown fond of Ibrahim's daughter in the short time they had spent together. Sofia was like a ray of sunshine-warm, vibrant, and full of life.
"You're welcome to help if you feel bad about it," Zara teased playfully, glancing over at Sofia.
Sofia made a show of looking offended, raising her hand to her chest. "Me? In the kitchen? You don't want me burning the house down, do you?"
The laughter that followed was genuine and light, easing Zara's nerves for the day ahead.
Moments later, MeharBano, Ibrahim's mother, entered the kitchen. Her presence immediately shifted the atmosphere. She was regal in her movements, her eyes sharp as they flickered over to Zara, observing everything with her usual critical gaze.
"Assalam o Alikum, Good morning, Zara," MeharBano greeted, her tone formal but not unkind. "I see you're quite comfortable in the kitchen."
Zara, feeling a slight tension rise in her, smiled politely. "Walikum Assalam, sorry aunty... I didn't see you coming. She awkwardly replied.
"Don't call me that! Call me Ammi, just like Ibrahim called me", MeherBano disappointedly corrected her immediately. "What are you doing?" she added.
"Ji Ammi...... Uhm- I am just finishing up breakfast." she replied nodding her head on her remark.
MeharBano didn't respond immediately but gave a small nod of approval. "A woman should always know her way around the kitchen. But you should remember that you have staff for these things." Her eyes drifted to Nancy.
Before Zara could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Ibrahim entered the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. He was already dressed for the office, his expression serious but softening slightly at the sight of his daughter.
"Assalam o Alikum, Baba!" Sofia greeted him brightly, hopping off the counter and giving him a quick hug.
Ibrahim smiled at his daughter, his gaze briefly flicking to Zara. "Walikum Assalam. Smells good in here."
They all settled at the dining table, the morning chaos flowing as everyone found their place. Zara served breakfast quietly, and they ate in peace while Sofia kept the conversation going with her father. She told him about her plans for the summer, about her friends in Barcelona, and how excited she was to be home.
"You should've told me you were coming early," Ibrahim said, a slight smile on his lips as he listened to his daughter.
"Then it wouldn't have been a surprise!" Sofia countered, laughing. "Besides, I missed you Baba."
YOU ARE READING
In the Heart of Darkness
RomanceIbrahim stood frozen, his heart tightening in his chest as her words seeped into him. Her eyes searched his, looking for something-anything-that would give her hope. "I know you don't love me the way I love you. I can feel it," she continued, her vo...
