FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 23: I Know Where Tasleem Is

Amra swiftly got ready, her heart racing with anticipation. She headed to her mother's room.

"I'll tell your father that you went to your Aunt's house to spend the night." She knows that when Alhaji Usman finds out, it will not end well for them.

Amra nodded. "Yes, Mommy, I hope everything goes smoothly." She knew that's the only chance she got.

"Insha Allah," Mommy said, "Be careful on your way."

Amra nodded at her.

"And make sure you come straight back home," Mommy added, her voice firm.

Mommy had no other choice but to send Amra. She didn't trust anyone else enough to handle the task, fearing that anyone else would betray her or throw her under the bus.

••••

Amra glanced around, making sure no one saw her. She swiftly got into her car.

As she drove away from the house, her heart racing with anticipation.

The early morning sunlight cast long shadows across the landscape as she drove for hours. As the villages grew smaller and the roads narrower, she began to doubt her direction.

The drive proved chaotic, just as she had feared. Amra frequently stopped to ask for directions, frustrated by the winding roads that seemed to twist and turn endlessly.

After another four hours' drive, she turned a corner and spotted a man sitting under a tree, eating a raw mango.

His weathered face and worn clothing hinted at a life of hard-won struggles and endless hustle. Amra pulled over and approached him.

"Excuse me?" She said.

The way he devoured the raw mango, skin and all, grossed her out.

The man's gaze lingered on her, his eyes gleaming with lust. "Yes, young lady, what can I help you with?"

Amra felt a wave of disgust wash over her, but she suppressed her revulsion and asked, "Do you know where Tasleem Abdul's house is? Can you please direct me?"

The man's expression changed, his eyes narrowing as he thought. After a moment, a sly grin spread across his face. "Oh, Tasleem, the lost village beauty," he said, his voice dripping with innuendo. "It's been two years since I last heard that name. But I'm afraid I can't show you... personally."

Amra's anger flared. But she remained calm. She opened her designer bag, pulled out 20k and handed it to the man. "Lead the way," She said, her voice firm. She believed that money could solve any problem, that it was the key to unlocking any door. And she was willing to spend it to find Tasleem's house.

The man's eyes widened, and he snatched the money, his sly grin returning. "Follow me," he said, tucking the money into his pocket.

Amra hissed as she swiftly donned a face mask and sunglasses. Protecting herself from the polluted air. The man led her through the dusty village. Until they reached an old sandstone house.

"You can leave." Amra rudely commanded, dismissing the man.

As he hurried away, Amra stepped into the house, her eyes scanning the surroundings. She couldn't believe people actually lived here.

Yet, a sense of satisfaction washed over her.

Tasleem once called this place home.

This is her rightful place, she didn't deserve to be in her family. Living as if she's one of them.

Her shoe nudged a silver bucket, its metallic clang echoing through the silence.

Instantly, a woman burst out of the room, her eyes scanning the area before locking onto Amra.

"Who are you?" The elderly woman asked, her voice laced with alarm. Her gaze lingered, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the lady's face concealed behind sunglasses and a face mask.

Slowly, Amra removed her glass and face mask, revealing her features.

"I know where TASLEEM ABDUL is,"

The elder woman's eyes widened. Her eyes blazed with hatred, her face twisted in resentment.

••••

Amra opened the passenger door and retrieved a large, transparent plastic sheet.

"Get in," Amra instructed, laying the sheet on the passenger seat.

Mama hesitated, then slowly obeyed, her movements stiff.

Amra slid into the driver's seat, starting the engine.

"Don't move around," she warned. "I don't want my car to get dirty."

Mama shifted to the middle of the seat, her eyes flashing with anger.

The next day...

As night descended, they reached the city. Amra pulled up at the servants quarters.

"Stay here for the night," Amra instructed. "You'll see Tasleem tomorrow. And make sure you didn't come out."

She handed Mama a bundle of cash.

"Remember, do exactly as I said."

Mama's eyes widened as she took the money. In her whole life, she never holds so much money. She grinned happily and nodded in acknowledgement.

••••

Amra entered her mother's room, finding her seated on the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed intently ahead, deeply in thought.

"Mommy." Amra called softly.

Mommy's head snapped up, eyes locking onto Amra's, she immediately rushed over, filled with a mix of relief and anxiety. "My baby, you're back? Is everything set?"

Amra nodded, her expression calm, but her mind racing. She had managed to bring the woman to the servant quarters without being seen, but the fear still lingered.

"Yes, she's here," Amra replied, "I hide her in the servant quarters."

"I hope no one saw you bringing her in?" She whispered.

Amra shook her head. "I'm sure no one did."

"You did a good job, Amra. I hope you've explained everything to her?"

"Yes, Mommy."

"We can't let our plan be ruined," Mommy whispered. She would do whatever it takes to make sure their plan succeeded.

"Yes, Mommy, don't worry."

Mommy nodded. "Let's get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

Amra nodded at her. "Good night, Mommy,"

•••••

She took a shower and went to bed. Her mind buzzed with excitement. She couldn't wait for morning to arrive, for the event that would change everything.

A wide smile spread across her face, her pearly whites teeth gleaming in the dim light. Joy and anticipation danced in her eyes, impossible to conceal.

She closed her eyes, a soft sign escaping her lips.

"Tomorrow," she whispered, the word tasting sweet on her tongue.

She soon drifted off to sleep.

......

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