DARK HORSE: REDEMPTION

Dark Horse : 13

"And if happiness visits you again,
do not remember it's previous
betrayal. Enter into the happiness,
and burst!"

Tasnim enveloped Ummu in a tight hug, overwhelmed with joy at the reunion. Weeks of not being together had felt like an eternity, especially after a lifetime of living together. This was their longest time apart, and the past week had been particularly difficult.

"Ummu, Hajiya, welcome," Tasnim said, releasing her tight hold on her mother.

She then turned to Ya Hana, who stood nearby with a guilty smile plastered on her face. Tasnim scowled, her lips pursing into a pout. She quickly looked away, still hurt that Ya Hana hadn't returned her call in two days.

" Welcome ya Hana, and don't think I have forgotten what you did " she mumbled.

Ummu and Ya Hana erupted into laughter, but Hajiya's gaze drifted elsewhere, captivated by the interior of Tasnim's house. As she stepped into the compound, her eyes widened in awe. The big, picturesque space surpassed her expectations, she hadn't anticipated such elegance within. Her attention remained fixed on the surroundings as Tasnim guided them downstairs to the lounge room.

Hajiya's face wore a warm, cheerful smile, but beneath the surface, a storm is brewing. A gnawing sense of envy wrapped itself around her heart, threatening to consume her. She had anticipated finding Tasnim in humble circumstances, but the reality far surpassed her expectations. The grandeur of Tasnim's home and the elegance of her surroundings left Hajiya feeling small and humbled.

Hajiya's mind also reeled in shock. She had expected to find Tasnim miserable and unhappy, trapped in a loveless marriage. But the reality was starkly different. The same Tasnim who had fainted at the thought of marrying that man now radiated with joy and contentment.

What happened? Hajiya wondered, her curiosity piqued. Had Tasnim truly found happiness with her husband, or was this just a facade?

They settled into the plush lounge, Ummu sitting beside Hajiya on the three-seater sofa, while Ya Hana occupied a single couch across from them. Tasnim crouched down, her eyes shining with warmth, and offered a gentle greeting.

"Fine, Alhamdulilah," Hajiya replied,

"Mashaa Allah, despite all the tantrums, you still ended up staying with your husband. Though I hope this newfound peace isn't just a facade," she added, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm, whereas her eyes narrowed slightly.

Hajiya's straightforwardness often led her to speak her mind without restraint. This time, however, her words hung in the air, met with an uncomfortable silence. Tasnim's smile masked her true feelings, but she chose to remain silent.

Ya Hana, however, had reached her limit, as she spoke, her voice dripped with sugary sweetness.

"The tantrums were all for show, Kinsan ( You already know ) Auta's dramatic tantrums. Think about it, Hajiya— she brought him home, introduced him to her father. If she wasn't interested, would she have let him cross her doorstep?"

Hajiya's face twisted into a bitter smile, her eyes flashing with resentment. She remained silent, but her gaze spoke volumes.

Ummu's eyes filled with concern as she watched Hajiya's exchange with Ya Hana. She sighed inwardly, pondering the depth of Hajiya's hatred toward her family, particularly Tasnim.

What has Tasnim ever done to her? Ummu wondered, her mind searching for answers. The roots of Hajiya's resentment remained elusive, but its effects were palpable.

"Tasnim, where's your husband? Or has he gone to work." Ummu asked gently.

Hajiya quickly chimed in. "Work? Already, Wasn't she brought to his house just last week? Isn't it too early to go back to work?" Her lip jutted out, her eyes narrowing.