FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 25: He Couldn't Grasp The Reality

The house felt like everyone was walking on ice, the tension palpable. The events of the day had led them into uncharted waters, leaving each face etched with worry and no one knew what lay ahead.

Lunch sat congealed and forgotten, a testament to the appetite lost amidst anxiety. as evening shadow crept in, the silence deepened, a suffocating shroud that wrapped around them all.

Tasleem sat quietly, tears streaming down her face like a relentless river. The sound of her sobs echoed through the room, heart-wrenching and raw. Amira sat beside her, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders, trying to stem the tide of sorrow.

Amira knew all too well that once Tasleem's dam burst, it was impossible to halt the flood. Tasleem's tears were never just a brief release; they were a cathartic storm that left her drained and shaken. Amira feared that if Tasleem didn't compose herself, the anguish would consume her entirely.

"Please stop crying, Tasleem," Amira implored, concern etched on her face. "Crying won't solve anything. Your eyes look puffy and red, and you haven't eaten anything." Amira's voice trembled, revealing her own fragile emotional state.

Tasleem trembled, fear etched on her face as Mama's words swirled in her mind like a relentless storm. Each phrase echoed as a painful reminder of the consequences she knew all too well. Mama's words were never idle threats, but promises of consequences to come.

"Amira," Tasleem whispered, her voice cracking. "I have no choice. I'll go back with her. I cannot bear the thought of this family's reputation being ruined because of me." Tears streamed down her face.

Amira's expression Shattered, she burst into tears, "What are you saying? Didn't you take us as your family? How can you decide things on your own?"

Tasleem's tears flowed harder, her body shaking with sobs.

•••••

At 10:30 PM, Amra and Mommy arrived at the servants quarters. Amra handed Mama the food, her glare icy. She seethed with resentment, despising the fact that she was forced to associate with someone connected to Tasleem. The mere thought of it made her skin crawl. Yet, she had no choice - she needed Mama's help to achieve her goals, and she was willing to tolerate this unpleasantness for the sake of Rayyan.

Mama's eyes lit up as she opened the container, revealing succulent chicken with fried rice. Her hands trembled with anticipation as she picked up a piece and devoured it, savoring the taste.

'So this is the kind of food that wretched girl has been enjoying for two years, while I suffered.' Mama thought, her eyes narrowing with resentment. 'I'll make her vomit all the food she's eaten when we get back to the village.'

"Did everything go smoothly?" Mommy asked.

Mama nodded, her mouth full. "Yes, I did as you said."

Mommy handed her three bundles of cash.

Mama's grin widened as she snatched the money. She stared at the stacks of cash, her mind reeling as if she'd stumbled into someone else's life.

The sheer amount of money left her breathless; she felt like a stranger in her own skin. It seems like the time has come for her to be rich.

'This city is a blessing,' she thought, a sense of wonder still lingering in her mind.

Amra's voice was cold. "When are you taking her away?" Amra couldn't wait for Tasleem to leave the house. To be out of their lives for good.

"In two days." Mama replied.

Amra hissed and her anger flared up. "We told you tomorrow."

Mama's head jerked up, her expression cautious. Not quite sure of what she was hearing. She remembered the day clearly. but what can she do, they're the ones with the money. "You did? I can go back anytime you want."