Qurban

•34• Secret / راز

Zainab roamed around the orphanage as the children ran across the hall playing and screaming. Their soft giggles echoing, creating a melody to the listeners. The renovation was almost complete. The once old worn out building now looked as good as new. The paint still smelled like it was just painted hours ago. The lively blue and green colour painting the building like a child's playground. Zainab's fingers trailed over the wall, tracing the humongous tree drawn over the wall while a small swing was painted just down it, creating an illusion like it was hanging from the tree.

"The children love it."

Zainab turned her body at the new voice, seeing Kiran standing before her. The small hint of a scar peeking from her sleeves as she traced the drawing onto the wall. A reminder of the horrible fire they all fortunately survived.

"That was my intention." Kiran smiled at Zainab.

"Congratulations at your wedding. You two make such a good couple."

Zainab's smiled faltered, but she still managed to nod her head at the kind, beaming woman.

"Oh there's a guest waiting for you outside in the playground."

Kiran's face was split in a big grin as she pointed to the little girl sitting by herself on the stairs of the playground. Zainab walked over to the little girl, Aiman and sat beside her. Feeling her presence, the girl jumped and her whole face broke out in the biggest of smiles.

"Hello." Despite her apparent enthusiasm, the girl was shy talking to her face to face.

"Hello, love. What you're doing over there?"

Aiman's eyes darted to the little bundle of flowers she had gathered in her fist and shyly, she forwarded the multicolour flowers to her.

"Thank you so much."
Zainab couldn't help but chuckle at the redness that tainted the girls cheeks. She couldn't help but pinch her cheeks because she was just too adorable to ignore.

"Come on, Aiman. It's time for lunch."

Kiran's sweet voice interrupted the cute encounter between the two. Aiman nodded obediently at the woman and stood up and patted her clothes to get rid of the dust. Slipping her hand into Kiran's, the girl waved at Zainab before walking inside the hall with Kiran. Zainab smiled at the sight before strolling in the playground. A small content smile was plastered on her lips. Her steps came to a stop when she spotted a potted plant. It wasn't getting enough sunshine, so she bent down and got hold of the heavy pot. She turned around to move, but her foot twisted causing a yelp to escape out of her lips as she tumbled to the ground.

"Watch out!"

Strong arms wrapped around her shoulders steadying her and suddenly she was back on her feet again. Her eyes met the brown one staring down at her with worry as his lips were pulled in a frown.

"Are you okay?"

Zainab could only nod. For one, he was so close to her. So damn close. She could feel his breath falling on her nose as he assessed her form with his worrisome eyes.

"I'm alright."

She softly muttered and saw how he heaved a relieved sigh before grabbing the pot from her hands.

"Where do you want me to put this?"

She quietly pointed her finger to the area and he placed the pot there, adjusting so that it received sufficient sunlight.

"There! Done!"

The man wiped his hands down on the fabric of his pants before looking at her.

"Thank you."