FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 45: Confession

Morning soon arrived, Rayyan took the day off!

He went to the kitchen to make breakfast, but couldn't decide what to make. This was his second time cooking for a woman. He knows Tasleem likes potatoes and strawberries but that's the only thing he knows.

Now that he thinks about it, he doesn't know his wife well enough. 

After a long hesitation he decided to call Amira and asked her. He dialed her number, but the call wasn't picked until he tried it for the third time.

In a sleepy voice Amira asked, "who's.. this?" She didn't even look at the name before she answered the call. She was having a sweet dream when the ringtone woke her up.

In a cold voice Rayyan asked, "Are you sleeping? Do you know what time it is?" 

Startled by his tone, Amira immediately sat up. "Ya Rayyan." She called him. "I didn't know it was you.." she intentionally ignored his second question.

"Anyways, what's Tasleem's favourite food?" He asked in a serious tone.

Amira's eyes widened, it was said that marriage changed people for good. But she never thought that Ya Rayyan would actually ask this question. Is he possessed?

Out of patience Rayyan said, "What's taking you so long to answer?"

It seems like her guess was right."Oh sorry." She said, She told him all the food Tasleem likes without leaving anything out.

 The day would surely be a good one, Amira thought. "Ya Rayyan I have more useful information if you want." She offered. "But it's not free, I'll tell you everything Tasleem likes."

The line went quiet for a second, this was his only chance to know his wife better. "Alright, how much do you want?" He asked.

Amira jumped out of joy. This is definitely her year of being rich. "300k for every information, deal?"

Rayyan slightly frowned, a little displeased. He couldn't believe he got scammed this early morning, but it's worth it. "Deal." He said. He ended the call and started preparing breakfast.

****

Tasleem didn't come out of her room after what happened in the living room last night. She felt tired and hungry.

Rayyan showed up, got dressed, and then walked slowly into Tasleem's room. He sat down beside her on the bed, stretched out his hand to feel her forehead, and then put it down.

Tasleem was avoiding his eyes when a broad, warm hand felt her smooth forehead. Her body stiffened slightly.

His hand had a light scent of mint and the warmth of his palm spread all over her body from her forehead.

His eyes, which should have been bright and sharp, seemed extremely tired.

Tasleem's heart ached a little. Her internal displeasure was gone at the sight of him. She was feeling bad.

"Are you still mad at me?" He asked. But Tasleem didn't reply to him. He lifted his hand and tucked Tasleem's long hair to the back of her head. "I'm so sorry, I know you must be scared, and I promise I wouldn't do anything you wouldn't like, but Tasleem can you please give me a chance? Please give our relationship a chance. I know you are married to me out of force, we are married despite our unwillingness. But I love you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know I've not been good to you in the past, and I know I don't deserve you, but I can't imagine my life without you. Please." He was very pleased.

Tasleem was startled hearing his confession of love, coming from him.

This mountain-cold man who was almost never approachable, was confessing.

He loves her?? 

How?

 Since when?

It was as if Rayyan was able to read her mind and said, "No need to doubt me. I've never been in any relationship before. You're the first person I have this feeling for. And I really want us to work out." He never expected his love to be so strong. It was like a poisonous pill that made him totally addicted to her.

Her stomach made a loud sound, Tasleem closed her eyes feeling embarrassed. Why is this happening to her? And at this moment? She feels like screaming right now.

Rayyan smiled at her reaction, "Let's go and eat.. okay?" He asked in a pleading voice.

Seeing the pleading look in his eyes, Tasleem nodded lightly and said. "Okay." She can never reject food anyway.

The shadow in Rayyan's heart was gone by this single word which she uttered. He was relieved.

He had no idea why Tasleem was no longer angry with him.

He had been worried on the way here that she would not want to talk with him, or that she would ask him not to touch her and tell him that she hated him!

Yet none of these things happened. She was quiet and gentle, just like a tamed cat.

He was relieved beyond words.

 He held her hand tightly and they went downstairs for breakfast.

He garnished the potatoes with broccoli, and put more on her plate. 

Tasleem immediately forgot her problems looking at the food in front of her. She was starving. She immediately started eating, she couldn't help it.

"Do you like it?" He asked.

"Yes." Tasleem whispered, "You cook so we-"

"What?" Asked Rayyan. The man invaded her space, not caring as he looked at her. "If you enjoy the food so well, I deserve a kiss as a reward. Don't you think so?"

Tasleem gulped and avoided his eyes. When did he become so cheeky? Is this even the Ya Rayyan she knew?

****

As night descended on the capital city, Mama and Asabe found themselves stranded, and decided to spend the evening on the roadside. For Asabe, who had never set foot in a city before, every sight was a novelty. The bright lights and towering buildings seemed to stretch on forever, captivating her with their beauty. Her eyes darted everywhere, drinking in the unfamiliar sights, her mouth agape in wonder.

She felt like the city was a world away from her village.

As they stood there, a giant screen display caught her attention, flashing vibrant images and colors that seemed almost otherworldly. Asabe's eyes widened in awe, and she nudged Mama, pointing a trembling finger. "Mairo, look!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's like magic!"

Mama didn't even glance at the screen saying, "You're seeing the city for the first time, Asabe, but I've been here before. It's not so new to me." She was clearly trying to show off by acting like she knew the city inside out and being bossy in front of Asabe.

Mama dropped her bag to the pavement and settled onto a nearby bench, her gaze narrowing at Asabe's antics. "Stay close, Asabe," she said curtly, her tone laced with a hint of amusement. "Don't get lost."

Asabe's smile faltered for a moment before she plopped down beside Mama, her fingers darting from one fascinating sight to the next. Mama's eyes crinkled at the corners as she watched her, then she stretched out her legs and yawned. "Time to rest, Asabe. We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. No more gawking, okay?"

Asabe sighed, nodded, and snuggled down close to Mama on the ground, her heavy eyelids closing as they both drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Mama and Asabe finished getting ready and headed to Attajiri's villa. Thirty minutes later, they arrived and stopped at the large ornate gate. Finding the gatekeeper absent, Mama pushed the gate open and led the way in, with Asabe following closely behind.

As soon as they reached Yasim's party, Mama's voice boomed through the house.