DARK HORSE: REDEMPTION

Dark Horse : 11

Tasnim sank into the plush, tufted couch, its luxurious velvet texture caressing her forearm as she settled in. After a productive morning of tidying up the house, she had retreated to the  lounge upstairs to rest. Just as she began to relax, her phone rang, displaying her mother's familiar name on the screen.

"Good morning, Ummu," she greeted her mother warmly through the phone.

"Morning, Bitti, how are you?" Ummu's voice filled the room through the speaker.

"I'm fine, Ummu. How's Kaduna? I miss you and Abbu so much. I wish I could come home," Tasnim said, her voice tinged with longing.

"Ke ban san iskanci," Ummu lightly scolded. "You've only been gone for a few days."

"Ummu, I'm tired already," Tasnim complained. "Did you see the work I did today? Gaskiya (honestly), Ummu, I need a house help."

Ummu sighed, shaking her head. " Ask your husband first. If he agrees, we'll find a house help for you."

"Okay, then when are you coming to see me?" Tasnim asked, her voice laced with longing.

"Coming to where exactly?" Ummu teased.

Tasnim pouted, "To see me! Don't you miss me?"

"No, I don't." Ummu's response was laced with playful sarcasm.

Tasnim whined, "Okay, even if you don't, ni dai (please) come and see me. I miss you so much."

Ummu's tone softened, "I'll come, but only if you promise to stay in your husband's house and live with him peacefully."

Tasnim made a soft throaty sound, protesting with little cries. "Ummu, I've already stopped fighting it, and I've accepted him. So, when are you coming?"

"I'll tell you when I talk to your dad," Ummu replied. "We'll be coming with Hajiya."

Tasnim's squeals of happiness filled the line.

"Oh, thank you, thank you! I love you so much!"

Ummu chuckled, ending the call as Tasnim's ecstatic squeals continued to fill her ears. Tasnim placed the phone on the couch's handrest, still chuckling lightly, her face filled with joy.

Khalil walked into the lounge, his athletic build showing in the fitted track pants and sweat-drenched T-shirt that clung to his torso. Fresh from a vigorous workout in the gym, he had been drawn in by Tasnim's infectious squeals.

"Assalamu alaikum," Khalil murmured, approaching Tasnim.

"Wa alaikum Salam. Good morning," she replied, looking up to find him standing beside her.

"Morning," Khalil said, leaning down to peck her forehead. But Tasnim swiftly dodged, her face scrunching up in distaste.

"Eww, you're all sweaty!" Her nose wrinkled.

Khalil chuckled, settling onto the couch's handrest. "Fair enough," he said, his eyes crinkling.

"I thought you went out," Tasnim said. "I came to your room and found it empty."

"I needed to get back into my fitness routine," Khalil explained. "It's been a week since I last exercised, so I hit the gym."

Tasnim nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, I see."

"And before I forgot, I need a house help," Tasnim stated. "Someone to assist me with chores."

Khalil's gaze lingered on hers before responding. "I know, but Ummu's help will be coming to tidy up for now."

Tasnim frowned. "But why? I need assistance in the kitchen too."

"Don't worry, I'll help you out in the kitchen," Khalil said reassuringly. "And whenever you don't feel like cooking, we can just order out."