chapter 41

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As the argument came to a close, the family members began to disperse, each one retreating to their own private space to process the shocking turn of events. Irfan and Nouf made their way to their bedroom, their faces etched with worry and concern.

"This is a disaster," Irfan said, his voice low and frustrated. "I don't know how my mother could do this to us."

Nouf shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "I don't know either," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But we have to think about Amaan's well-being. We can't let Amrah's presence affect him."

Meanwhile, Aunt Malika made her way to Amrah's room, "Don't worry, Amrah," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "We'll take care of Nouf and Irfan. They'll soon learn to accept you as one of us."

Amrah's eyes gleamed with excitement as she hugged Aunt Malika tightly. "Thank you, mom," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I knew I could count on you."

Grandma, on the other hand, retreated to her room, her face stern with disapproval.

As for Nouf's parents, they said their goodbyes and left the house, their faces etched with worry and concern.

But as the house grew quiet, the tension remained palpable. Everyone was on edge, waiting to see what would happen next. Would Amarah's presence tear the family apart, or would they find a way to come together and overcome their differences? Only time would tell.

Nouf made her way to Amaan's room, a warm smile on her face. She knew that her little boy couldn't fall asleep without her by his side, and she was happy to oblige. As she entered the room, she was greeted by the sight of Noor fast asleep on Amaan's bed.

Amaan looked up at his mother, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Mom, can you imagine?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The person you sent to take care of me and make sure I sleep is the one sleeping! Aunt Noor is just impossible!"

Nouf couldn't help but laugh at her son's words. She knew that Noor was a bit of a scatterbrain, but she loved her dearly nonetheless. "Come on, Amaan," she said, helping her son get into bed. "Just go to sleep and let Aunt Noor sleep in peace."

Amaan snuggled under the blanket, his eyes already beginning to droop. "Okay, Mommy," he said, his voice sleepy. "But can you please make sure Aunt Noor doesn't snore too loudly?"

Nouf smiled and leaned over to kiss her son's forehead. "I'll try my best, sweetie," she said. "Now, get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

As she turned off the light and closed the door behind her, and made her way to her room.

As Nouf entered her room, she was greeted by the sight of Irfan already in bed, his eyes fixed on her as she began to clean up her makeup and apply her face cream. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of comfort and security in the familiar routine of her evening.

But as she worked on her skincare, Irfan's voice broke the silence, his tone serious and concerned. "Nouf, I've been thinking," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "Amaan won't be going to school anymore."

Nouf's hands paused, her eyes snapping to Irfan's face in surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Irfan sighed, his expression somber. "I've hired tutors to teach him at home," he explained. "I just can't risk him having an episode at school. What if something happens and he needs medical attention? I just can't afford to take that risk."

Nouf's face softened, understanding etched on her features. "That's a good idea, Irfan," she said, her voice filled with relief. "But home teaching is going to cost a lot of money, isn't it?"

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