BEYOND THE ABAYA

32. Lies and Half-Thruths

THIRD-PERSON POV

Islaha's gaze remained fixed on him, her eyes brimming with unspoken emotions. The air thickened, heavy with tension.

"MUHIDEEN?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Muhideen's expression transformed from calmness to shock. He took a step forward, his eyes locked onto hers.

"Islaha?" he repeated, his voice laced with caution.

The room seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of them suspended in a sea of unresolved emotions.

"What's going on? Do you know her?" Mujeeb demanded, breaking the silence.

The first Lady intervened, her voice trembling. "Let's sit down, everyone."

They reluctantly took their seats, Islaha's eyes never leaving Muhideen's face.

"Wait," Mujeeb interrupted, his hand raised. "Explain why you're here."

Mujeeb's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in suspicion. "Why is she in our house?" he demanded, looking at Muyinah. His voice low and menacing, his eyes piercing through Islaha like a dagger.

Muyinah's eyes darted between Mujeeb and Islaha, her smile faltering. "Sister Islaha is my new tutor, Brother Mujeeb. I told you about her," she said, her voice laced with a hint of defensiveness.

Mujeeb's gaze lingered on Islaha, his expression unreadable, his eyes burning with intensity. "I don't recall," he said, his voice dripping with skepticism.

The First Lady intervened, her voice calm and authoritative. "Mujeeb, dear, Muyinah did mention Islaha. Let's not forget our manners," she said, her eyes sparkling with a gentle reprimand and you Muhideen, do you know her?

Muhideen's eyes locked onto Islaha's, his gaze burning with intensity. "Islaha and I are... you know friends," he said, his voice dripping with secrecy, his smile hinting at a shared understanding.

Islaha was too shocked to believe her eyes. She didn't understand why Husnah didn't tell her all these before. her eyes darting away from Muhideen's piercing stare, her lips opened into a thin line.

Just then, Muhsin burst in, his face lit up with excitement. "Who owns the Bentley Bentayga outside? That's a car worth a fortune bro. Muhideen don't tell me you bought this again without telling me!" he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with envy.

Islaha's eyes sparkled, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's mine," she said, her smile a little.

Muhideen's eyes widened, his face pale. "How did you...?" he trailed off, his voice laced with incredulity.

Islaha sighed. "A friend got it for me as a gift," she said, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Muhsin whistled, his eyes gleaming with envy. "What? Babe that's a nice car you've got out there. Friends like that are hard to find," he said, his voice dripping with admiration.

The telecom rang, shattering the tension.

The First Lady answered, her voice tightening. "What is it, security?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.

A pause.

"What? Who's here?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.The room fell silent, anticipation hanging like a dagger.

Muyinah broke the silence. "Sister Islaha's visitor is here. She's here to deliver something. Please tell them to let her in. I forgot to do that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Just then, Tiara stomped in, her face scrunched up. "Where's my gift uncle?" she demanded, her voice shrill.

Mujeeb chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, "Tiara dear, just wait until we come back from Jummat prayer. Your uncle hasn't even eaten anything yet. Just calm down."