DARK HORSE: REDEMPTION

Dark Horse : 7

Nothing ever ends poetically. It ends and we turn it into poetry. All that blood was never once beautiful. It was just red.
-Kait Rokowski

The doorbell rang, the ringing reverberating around the foyer. Tasnim sprang up from her seat. Her heart jolting as she quickly walked towards the entrance door. She had been waiting anxiously for Khalil's return, ever since Shaheeda departed an hour ago. She was all alone in the big house, and that scared her.

Throughout the day, Tasnim welcomed a stream of visitors from both her family and Khalil's. Though her family spent only some minutes before leaving. The only thing she was thankful for was when Gumsu came. Tasnim seized the opportunity to contact Ummu, her voice was a comfort to Tasnim's nerves.

Their conversation, though predictable, offered Tasnim a sense of peace. Ummu's gentle reminders, "Obey your husband, Tasnim," and "Be patient," echoed in her mind, a mixture of reassurance and obligation.

Tasnim's feet seemed to move of their own accord, carrying her quickly towards the entrance door. Tasnim entered the password, then turned the door handle, swinging open the massive entrance.

Khalil stood on the pouch, his chiseled features stoic, clutching two large plastic bags.

Their gazes met, and for an instant, time suspended. Khalil's stoic expression softens up a little.

"Welcome back," Tasnim whispered, stepping aside to let Khalil in.

As he entered, Khalil's gaze drifted downward, then snapped back up, his eyes locking onto hers. His attention lingered on her, taking in her beauty.

Tasnim wore a stunning peach-colored floral gown, its delicate patterns dancing across the fabric. The dress hugged her curves, cinching at the waist before flowing elegantly to her shins. Her dark hair was swept into a low ponytail, a few stray strands framing her face.

Tasnim's outfit is courtesy of Shaheeda's persistence. She agreed to wear it only when Shaheeda playfully threatened to call Ummu.

"Assalamu alaikum," Khalil murmured, his footsteps echoing through the foyer as he walked in. His gaze still lingering on Tasnim. His eyes roamed from her radiant face down to her elegant curves, and his expression softened with appreciation, adoration, and love.

Tasnim's voice barely rose above a whisper, "Wa alaikum Salam."

Khalil's arms opened wide, inviting her into a warm embrace. "Can I get a welcome back hug?" he asked, his soft voice filled with affection.

Tasnim pouts, and she shook her head, her eyes avoiding Khalil's.

His arms dropped, and the warmth in his face faded, replaced by a hint of hurt.

"Are you repulsed by me, Tasnim?" Khalil asked, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Tasnim's eyes met his, her gaze softening. She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, I'm just...not comfortable."

He nodded wordlessly, his countenance stoic, as he walked past her. The hurt in his eyes, however, betrayed his stoic expression. Her mother's warning words, suddenly richotched through her mind. A knot formed in her chest, tightening around her emotions.

Regret washed over her, and she spoke softly. "I'm sorry." She trailed behind Khalil, her footsteps quiet, her eyes fixed on his retreating back, thinking he was ignoring her.

Meanwhile, Khalil's mind was consumed by the challenge ahead. He needed to find a way to make her comfortable around him, to make her fall for him. The thought of a loveless marriage was unbearable. Initially, he'd assumed it would be simple, especially once she was brought into his home. But now, he realized gaining her trust and affection would be a daunting task.