DARK HORSE: REDEMPTION

Dark Horse : 12

Khalil leaned against the threshold, arms crossed, watching Tasnim with a warm gaze. She sat comfortably on her bed, earbuds in, laptop on her lap, engrossed in a movie.

Earlier that day, Zainab and Khalil's cousins had visited, spending hours bonding with Tasnim. They had pestered her for stories about how she met Khalil, a promise she had made during their last gathering. Tasnim shared a few Snippets to satiate their curiosity.

After they left, Tasnim decided to watch a movie to pass the time.

Khalil pushed off the threshold and trudged towards her bed, his movements causing the mattress to dip as he settled beside her. Tasnim turned to him, startled initially, before exhaling in relief.

She removed her earbuds and paused the movie. "Hey, welcome back," she said, smiling.

" Thank you, " Khalil said, then added. "What were you watching?" his curiosity piqued.

Tasnim turned to face him. "Dune 2."

Khalil's curiosity sparked. "What's it about?"

Tasnim's eyes locked onto his, her gaze filled with astonishment. Her mouth hung open in disbelief. 'Wait, are you serious? You don't know what Dune is about?' She asked, shocked.

Khalil shook his head, his expression clueless.

Tasnim's astonishment deepened as she  chuckled. "How is that possible? Oh wait, I remember – we're from different generations. But still, how can you not know what dune is? What do you watch?"

Khalil smiled, biting his lower lip. "I watch football, and movies, here and there."

Tasnim raised her two eyebrows.

"Do you enjoy life like that? What's your idea of entertainment?"

Khalil shrugged. "Football's entertaining enough."

Tasnim chuckled, shaking her head.

"You sound like a father, I swear down."

Khalil's brow rose. "Are you that implying I'm old?

Tasnim nodded, teasingly.

"I'm thirty-four," Khalil countered.

"I'm twenty-one, and we have a thirteen-year gap. Gaskiya, you're ancient!"
She scrunched up her face, her nose wrinkling in jest. "How did I agree to this matrimony?"

Khalil chuckled, his eyes crinkling. He placed his hand over hers, rubbing her knuckles affectionately. Khalil finally rose from his seat, his movements fluid.

" Let me go freshen up before Maghrib prayer," he said, excusing himself from the room. Her gaze lingered on him until he disappeared from sight. With a soft sigh, she slipped her earbuds back in and resumed watching the movie.

***

Just minutes after Isha'i prayer, Khalil had appeared in her room, his voice low and soft. "Get ready, we're going out." Tasnim's curiosity was piqued, but Khalil's smile hinted at no further explanation.

Now, as they descended the stairs together, Tasnim's patience wore thin. "Where are we headed?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and frustration.

"'It's a surprise,' Khalil teased

Tasnim raised an eyebrow. "But what if I'm underdressed or overdressed for this surprise?" She glanced down at her outfit, uncertainty creeping in.

Khalil paused at the stair's end, his eyes roamed over Tasnim's elegant form. The cream Abaya draped elegantly on her frame, while her minimalist makeup—a hint of lip gloss and subtle kohl—emphasized her natural beauty. Her Amina Muaddi heels and sleek black purse added a touch of sophistication.