FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 37: Love

It's not for you, you're thinking highly of yourself." 

After lunch, they relaxed in the cozy living room, surrounded by the warm glow of afternoon sunlight. Tasleem thoroughly enjoyed herself, basking in Inna's affection. The older woman's teasing jokes about Rayyan's childhood left Tasleem in stitches, though Rayyan himself wasn't amused, his scowl lingering throughout the day.

As evening drew to a close, they bid their goodbyes and left Inna's house for their villa.

****

Amra and Mommy navigated the servant quarters, the soft glow of the house lights illuminating their path. The murmured conversations of the night air filled the background as Amra dialed Mama's number. Mama answered after just one ring.

"Come outside," Amra spat angrily, her voice harsh and menacing.

Mama emerged, her expression stern and unyielding. Her narrowed eyes conveyed her growing impatience.

"Did you bring the money?" she asked, her firm voice commanding attention.

Amra's frustration boiled over, her eyes flashing with anger. Mommy intervened, extending five bundles of cash to Mama with disdain.

"Take this," Mommy said, her voice dripping with contempt.

Mama's incredulous expression deepened, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "What's this? Is this supposed to be the five million?" she mocked, her laughter echoing through the courtyard.

Amra sneered, her lip curling in contempt. "What would you do with five million? Buy a village? You're not sophisticated enough to invest in it."

Mommy's voice was laced with venom. "You're from a small village; what do you know about handling large sums of money? You'll probably get cheated or robbed."

Mama's anger flared, her face reddening with rage. "You think village people are fools? I'm not leaving until you pay me the five million. You hear me?"

Amra's fury erupted, her eyes blazing. "Are you mad? You think you can walk around the city with five million? You'll get robbed! Village people like you don't understand the city."

Mama stood firm, her eyes blazing with intensity. "I gave you one week to bring my five million. If you fail, you'll regret crossing me. I'll turn your life and your daughter's life upside down."

With that, Mama snatched the cash and stormed off, leaving Amra and Mommy seething. Mommy followed Mama until she disappeared from sight.

Amra's expression turned thoughtful. "What about going to Ya Rayyan's house and spending some time there?"

Mommy replied, "You'll be going tomorrow. Just do exactly as I told you."

Amra smiled, hugging Mommy tightly. "I'll do as you told me, Mommy. Don't worry."

Mommy's expression turned resolute. "I'll talk to Hajiya Halima about it."

Amra nodded, and together they walked back to their part of the house.

****

At around nine o'clock Tasleem's phone rang, breaking the silence in her room. She smiled as she saw Amira's name on the screen.

"Hello?" Tasleem answered, trying to contain her excitement.

"My beautiful sister in-law! I have some great news," Amira said, her voice bubbly. "Mamie wants you to come over for dinner on Sunday."

Tasleem's heart skipped a beat. "Really? That sounds amazing!" she exclaimed.

Amira laughed. "I know, right? Mamie's really looking forward to seeing you. The driver will come pick you up on Sunday at 5 pm."