DARK HORSE: REDEMPTION

Dark Horse : 8

Tasnim stepped aside, allowing Khadija to enter, before closing the door behind her. The two women exchanged warm hugs, surrounded by joyful chatter, as Tasnim led Khadija to the main lounge.

Khadija took a seat, while Tasnim headed to the kitchen to get some small chops and drinks for her guest. Thankfully, she had prepared some snacks earlier that day, making it easy to serve.

"Sannu, thank you," Khadija murmured, her face radiant with a wide smile. Tasnim sat opposite Khadija, smiling softly.

"Bakomai, good morning," she greeted.

"Morning, habibtee. How are you? How's the new life treating you?" Khadija asked.

Tasnim shrugged slightly.

"Well, we thank Allah."

Khadija chuckled, nodding.

"I understand, but with time, you'll settle in."

"In Shaa Allah," Tasnim whispered, her tone soft and hopeful.

"Where's Saif?" Tasnim inquired.

"I left him at Ummi's place," Khadija replied.

"Ayya, you should have brought him along," Tasnim said, pouting slightly.

"My visit wasn't planned, that's why." Khadija explained.

Tasnim nodded in understanding.

Khadija started munching on the snacks Tasnim had prepared, while Tasnim's gaze drifted to the TV. They exchanged occasional comments about the show they are watching.

"Did Ya Khalil tell you about the family get-together?" Khadija asked.

Tasnim nodded, recalling Khalil's instructions.

"He told me to be ready by noon, that when he comes back, we'll be heading to his uncle's house for a meeting," she replied.

"Yanzu, Ya Khalil returned to work just four days after the wedding, what kind of workaholic behavior is that?" Khadija lamented.

Tasnim smiled, choosing not to respond. Honestly, she didn't mind Khalil's busy schedule. The only time she gets bothered is when dusk approaches, she feels uneasy about being alone in their spacious house.

"Ke kika barshi, I won't tolerate this," Khadija said, concern etched on her face.

"You're staying alone, and that's  unacceptable. You should have asked Ummi to send Zainab for company."

"It never crossed my mind, but In Shaa Allah, I'll talk to her," Tasnim replied, smiling.

Khadija's expression turned stern.

"There won't be a next time. I'll speak to him. Oh, sabida ya gan ki yarinya,  He thinks he can take advantage of you (because he sees you as someone he's older than )." She said, her tone laced with disappointment and anger.

Tasnim was surprised by Khadija's reaction. She had assumed Khalil's behavior was normal, given the demands of his job.

"Oh, don't confront him, please," Tasnim pleaded.

"His job is demanding, and I believe it's something serious that takes him out."

Khadija shook her head, smiling.

"Trust me, you don't know Ya Khalil. He's older than me, but sometimes he needs a wake-up call to reset his priorities."

"Now that I'm here. Go and get your clothes, let's get going to Ummi's house. Today's gathering is not only a family reunion but also a welcome ceremony for you into our family," Khadija explained.