FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 16: You're Just A Lowlife, A Nobody

It was Saturday morning, sunlight filters through the sheer curtains of the parlor. Tasleem sits comfortably on the plush carpet, surrounded by her study materials.

Mamie smiled, "I'm off to Hauwa's house. Don't skip lunch."

Tasleem nodded at her "Yes, Mamie."

Mamie checked her wrist watch "where is this girl? I'd just drop her off at the salon, what's taking her so long?" Mamie complained.

Just then, Amira rushed into the parlor, flustered. "Sorry, I was looking for my ATM card."

Mamie frowned "You always misplaced your things, let's go."

Tasleem laughed. "Be careful on your way."

"Are you sure?, you're going to stay alone at home?" Amira asked.

"I am, and I have a presentation on Monday" Tasleem replied.

Amira hugged Tasleem. "Alright, see you later."

Tasleem grinned. "Bring something on your way back"

Amira chuckled. "Okay, bye"

As they left, Tasleem refocused on her laptop, the soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, highlighting the curves of her features.

Her hair cascaded down, she wore comfortable home wear - a matching loose-top with palazzo pants.

Beside her laptop, a colorful fruit platter: fresh grapes and strawberries, sliced apples and pineapple and watermelon. She popped a slice of watermelon into her mouth.

Taskeem's eyes scanned the screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard. The words flowed effortlessly, her mind fully engaged.

Unbeknownst to her, Rayyan descended the stairs, he was famished. He wore a black top and a black sweatpants and fluffy white slippers.

As he entered the parlor, his gaze fell upon Tasleem, and he paused, taking in the serene scene. Her focus on the laptop was captivating.

Tasleem sensed his presence, her instincts prickling. She looked up, their eyes meeting.

Rayyan's gaze locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. "Bring me something to eat," his deep voice low as he settled into the plush sofa.

Taskeem's eyebrows furrowed, her lips pouting slightly as she gazed at him. Her eyes, like a clear pool of water, sparkled with a hint of annoyance.

'Shouldn't he at least ask nicely? What's the harm in that?' she pouted her lips.

He was surprised by her reaction, 'Did she just frown at me?' he thought.

Tasleem walked to the kitchen.

Her phone started ringing, indicating a call. He glanced at it. Ya Hamza showed on the screen. He slowly withdrew his gaze.

As she returned, she found him munching on her fruit platter.

"Those are my fruits," she murmured. Standing beside him.

Rayyan glanced up, raising an eyebrow. His piercing gaze locked onto hers, and for a moment, they looked at each other.

"Did you say something?" He asked, his voice laced with amusement.

Tasleem shook her head, she hurriedly passed him the food.

Rayyan collected the food plate.

At that moment, the sound of the door opening get their attention.

Amra walked in, both Rayyan and Tasleem turned, their eyes locking onto hers.

Amra's gaze zeroed in on Tasleem, her eyes blazing with hostility. Tasleem felt the weight of that glare, her heart sinking.

Tasleem looked away, swiftly packing her laptop and notes. Without a word she fled upstairs.

•••

Amra sat beside Rayyan, her voice dripping with expectation. "Ya Rayyan, where's my gift?"

Rayyan hesitated, unsure how to respond. He hadn't brought her anything. "I'll buy you one," he said.

A Hurt expression flashed across Amra's face, her eyes clouding. She forced a brittle smile. "Okay, I'll tell you what I want."

Rayyan nodded, relief washing over him. He returned to his meal, the silence between them now strained.

Amra's gaze drifted upstairs, her thoughts simmering with resentment. Taskeem's departure hadn't gone unnoticed.

••••

It was evening before Mamie returned home.

After dinner, Tasleem went into Mamie's room helping her choose the best scented bakhoor she brought back from Mama Hauwa's house.

The room filled with enticing aromas.

Mamie handed Tasleem a beautifully crafted bakhoor bottle. "Take this to Ummi," she instructed.

With the Bakhoor in hand, she headed out.

••••

"Amira come with me?" Tasleem asked.

Amira yawned, stretching her arms above her head. "I'm tired, Tasleem. You go ahead."

"Please, I don't want to go alone," she pleaded. "Come one, please" she pinched her arm.

"Alright, alright, you're so persistent," Amira said.

••••

Upon arriving, they both greeted Ummi.

Tasleem handed her the Bakhoor, and Ummi's face lit up. She opened the lid and sniffed it. "It smells nice, please thank her for me." she smiled.

After a small talk they bid farewell and stepped out of Ummi's home. Before they reached their side, Amra blocked their path.

Her eyes fell on Tasleem "You think you can just waltz in here and become part of this family? Who do you think you are? You're just a lowlife, a nobody. I'm warning you to stay away from Ya Rayyan. I don't want to see you anywhere near him, this is my la--

"That's enough, Amra!" Amira's face reddened with anger. "How dare you talk to her like that?"

She looked at her with shock. "Are you questioning me because of an outsider?" Amra asked.

Amira's voice rose. "She's not an outsider, My parents are the ones who took her in, not yours, you have no right to say those words to her."

Amra's expression twisted, her lips curling into a snarl. "You're defending this...this..."

Tasleem intervened, her voice calm. "Amira, let's go inside."

Amira's face turned red with rage. The air thickened with tension. "No, Tasleem, let me finish."

Tasleem held Amira's hand firmly "Come on, let's go."

Without another word, Tasleem dragged Amira away.

••••

As they settled onto the couch, Amira's damned emotions burst forth, and she sobbed uncontrollably. Tasleem wrapped her arms around her, gently wiping away her tears.

"Why are you crying?" Tasleem asked softly. "I'm supposed to cry, not you."

Amira's voice trembled through her tears. "I feel bad for you Tasleem. We're all humans... You have a heart too."

Taskeem's expression reflected a mix of pain and resilience. "Do her words show on my body?" She said, "I don't care; her words don't matter at all... I've heard worse from Mama."

Amira's tears intensified, her voice cracking. "Tasleem, we all love you... It doesn't matter what she said. She's not better than you in any way."

Taskeem's voice cracked, emotions surfacing. She hugged her and gently said. "And I love you all too."

As they hugged, Tasleem resolved to crumble, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Stop crying," Tasleem pleaded, her voice trembling. "You're making me cry, it's not fair."

....

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