FOREVER WITH YOU

Tasleem smiled shyly

After Amira returned from school, they enjoyed a peaceful lunch together. Amira asked, "Mamie, you said, we'll go shopping for Tasleem today."

Mamie nodded and replied, "Yes, I know. But wait until the driver gets back."

Amira looked at Mamie with pleading eyes and asked, "When will he be back?"

Just as Mamie was about to respond, the door swung open, interrupting their conversation. Rayyan rushed in, his footsteps echoing through the living room, oblivious to their presence in the dining area, and headed upstairs.

Mamie called out, her voice gentle, "Rayyan!"

Rayyan turned, apologetic, "Oh, Mamie, sorry I didn't see you."

Rayyan came back downstairs. He greeted her warmly.

Mamie smiled, answering his greeting.

"Are you done with the office? I see you're back early," Mamie asked.

Rayyan explained, "I forgot an important file, so I came back to pick it up."

Mamie nodded understandingly. "Okay."

Amira and Tasleem greeted Rayyan, and he replied.

He swiftly headed upstairs.

Amira turned to Mamie and said, "Mamie, please tell Ya Rayyan to drop us off on his way."

Mamie nodded. Amira smiled and said, "Thank you."

Rayyan headed downstairs with the file.

Mamie stopped him. "Drop Amira and Tasleem at the shopping mall."

"Mamie, David should take them. I'm in a hurry."

"David's out with Abba," Mamie replied calmly.

Rayyan frowned, he reluctantly said "Okay, but they need to hurry. I'm running late." He turned and left.

Amira exclaimed, "Mamie, let me go get ready quickly!"

Mamie nodded and said, "take my ATM card in the drawer, buy her all the things she needs." and she turned to Tasleem,

"Tasleem, since you're already ready, go outside and wait. Amira will join you shortly."

Tasleem nodded, stood up, and walked slowly out of the living room, her head down. As she turned the corner, she accidentally bumped into Rayyan. Her veil slipped off her head, and the breeze messed up her hair.

She quickly adjusted her veil, her eyes meeting Rayyan's. They stood inches apart, he was a thousand times bigger than her. She seemed so small, like an ant or a rodent.

Rayyan's irritation boiled over. "What's your problem?" he shouted. "Can't you walk properly?"

Tasleem's voice trembled as she apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't see you... I-"

But Rayyan cut her off, his anger raging. "Are you blind? You're doing this on purpose!"

Tasleem stood quietly, her fear and vulnerability made her look even more tinier and beautiful.

"Get out of my way" His voice Sharpened.

She immediately moved aside and her head hung low.

....

Rayyan got into the driver seat. Amira opened the back seat "get in" she said.

Amira repeated this a few times, but Tasleem merely stood outside the car and silently peered inside, seemingly having no intention of getting in.

Amira walked toward Tasleem. Placing a hand on her shoulder, Amira noted with astonishment that Tasleem was trembling and quivering with so much fear.

"Stop wasting my time, I've got things to do." Rayyan angrily said.