CAPTAIN AMIR

Twenty Five.

I moved swiftly in the kitchen, preparing the evening's cuisine for iftar. Ramadan had just begun, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

The aroma of samosas, kebabs, and basmati rice filled the air as I assembled the dishes on the table.

"it's time!" I called out.

He walked into the dining room, his eyes scanning the spread before landing on me.

"Looks delicious," he said, his tone softer than usual.

I smiled slightly, handing him dabino.

"Let's break our fast," he said.

We took butes, the sweetness reviving our spirits.

Amir glanced at his watch. "Time for Maghrib prayer. Go perform your ablution; we'll pray together."

I nodded, heading to the bathroom.

As I washed my hands and face, I reflected on Amir's behavior. Lately, he'd been less ruthless, less nonchalant about me.

Not exactly nice, but... okay.

Perhaps Ramadan's arrival had brought a change within him.

I returned to the prayer area, where Amir waited.

"Let's pray," he said, his voice gentle.

After prayer, we headed to the dining area. I served Amir and myself, then picked up my plate to leave.

"Where are you going?" Amir asked, his brow furrowed.

"I'm more comfortable eating in my room," I replied.

Amir's expression turned stern. He didn't say a word, but his gesture was clear: come back.

"I'd rather—"

His sharp glance silenced me. I sighed, returning to the table.

"Sit," Amir commanded softly.

I set my plate down and took a seat beside him, feeling a flutter in my chest.

Amir began eating, his eyes fixed on me occasionally. I avoided his gaze.

The silence between us was thick.

"Try the kebabs," Amir said suddenly. "You made them perfectly."

Surprised by his compliment, I met his eyes.

"Thanks," I murmured.

Amir's gaze lingered, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of warmth.

But it vanished, leaving me wondering if I imagined it.

We finished dinner in silence.

Just as we finished dinner, Layla walked in, her eyes narrowing at the sight of us together.

"Ya Amir, I want to have a word with you," she said, her voice dripping with malice.

I immediately stood, wanting to give them privacy.

"Excuse me," I murmured.

But Layla's gaze pinned me, sending daggers my way. I shrugged it off, accustomed to her hostility.

Amir's hand shot out, clutching mine. "Stay, Safiya."

Layla's eyes flashed with anger, but Amir's firm tone brooked no argument.

"Layla, go to your section. I'll come see you," Amir said.

Layla's lips pursed. "But  ya Amir, this concerns you and—"

"Go, Layla," Amir repeated, his voice firm.

Layla's face darkened, but she knew better than to push Amir.

With a huff, she spun on her heel and left.

Amir's grip on my hand remained.

"Thank you for staying," he said softly.

I met his eyes, surprised by the warmth in them.

"Why did you stop me?" I asked.

"You can go," I said, trying to pull my hand free. "It might be important, especially after iftar."

Amir's grip tightened. "Is she more important?" he asked, his eyes piercing.

I hesitated. "She's your wife, too."

Amir's expression softened. "And so are you, Safiya. You're also my wife."

I chuckled painfully. "Have you ever treated me like your wife, Amir?"

Amir's gaze faltered, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of guilt.

"Respect is earned, Safiya," he said finally. "Only people with self-esteem and respect for themselves deserve to be treated with respect."

His words stung, but I held his gaze.

"Is that why you've been inhumane? Because I didn't meet your standards?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Amir's jaw clenched. "I've been trying to protect myself, Safiya. From your..." he paused

I felt a surge of anger.

"You don't know me, Amir," I said, my voice firm. "You never have."

Amir's eyes narrowed. "Perhaps it's time I did."

"Amir, let's not—"

"No, Safiya," he interrupted, his voice cold. "You want to know why I've been hostile?"

I nodded, bracing myself.

"Your sin," he spat. "It's unforgivable."

"Amir, please—"

"You think a simple apology will erase what you did?" His eyes blazed. "You're like a green snake—beautiful, enticing, but deadly. Deceived by your appearance, but always dirty."

I recoiled, his words piercing.

"That's not fair," I whispered.

I don't even know what sin he was talking about.

"Fair?" Amir laughed. "Life's not fair, Safiya. Your actions have consequences."

"What consequences?" I demanded. "You've already punished me."

Amir's expression twisted. "Punished you? You're still living in my house, still baring my name. You're still my wife."

"Am I?" I challenged. "Or am I just a prisoner?"

Amir's jaw clenched. "You're whatever I say you are."

I stood, anger coursing. "That's not true. I'm a person, Amir. With feelings, with rights."

Amir sneered. "Rights? You gave up those rights when you betrayed me."

Betrayal. The word hung between us.

"I made a mistake i don't even know about and you won't even come forward and tell me" I sobed. "But I've paid for it. Can't we move forward?"

Amir's face hardened. "No. Your mistake will always taint you."

Taint. The word cut deep.

"Amir, listen—"

"No, Safiya," he cut in. "You listen. No matter how much I want to accept you back into my life, your sin won't let me. You'll always be dirty in my eyes."

Dirty. The word echoed.

Tears pricked, but I refused to cry.

"Then why keep me here?" I asked.

Amir's gaze dropped. "Duty. Responsibility. You're still my wife, no matter how tainted."

Tainted. Again.

"I'd rather be free," I whispered.

Amir's eyes snapped up. "You'll never be free, Safiya. You're mine."

Mine. The word chilled.

I don't get it anymore?

What wrong did i do for gods sake?