3)Silent For His Sake(Completed)Edited

3:He's back(edited)

Anisa:
I tried turning from side to side and praying, but my mind was racing with innumerable thoughts about them returning after a whole 12-year absence. I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling since my mother told me the news.

It was too much to watch someone you like not knowing about your feelings or him not liking you back, but I tried so hard to move on during these 12 years. I liked him, and as the days passed, my feelings for him grew stronger. However, even after I realized this, it was too late; by then, someone else had entered the picture. It was no longer just her and him; we were friends.

Since everyone believed that we were three best friends who could not be separated, I remained silent because he was happy with her. However, when things started to go south, I gave up everything and went with them. My heart hurt.

She was the only girl in the picture who I became friends with because Ayman wanted us to. She was his neighbor.

Mayra, our high school principal's daughter, had it all: a lovely figure with perfect proportions, a perfect smile, kind and compassionate demeanor, and greyish eyes that never failed to bring joy. We sometimes wished we could have her figure.

The day Ayman first introduced us is still fresh in my mind. At first, everything was going great, but I soon realized that my friendship with Ayman was crumbling before my very eyes.

He would not stop talking about her, Mayra this and Mayra that, but I had to keep quiet out of respect for him and his happiness.

I am not sure what transpired when they moved to Dubai and we continued to live in London; he just abruptly left without warning.

A painful memory. I remembered being invited to Ayman's birthday party when he cut the cake, and by the time I arrived, he was feeding her and she was feeding him, so she was now given first priority, but I was happy for them; if she makes Ayman happy, I will back away, as I had said and remained true to my words.

I left his gift on the table and went with my parents; I did not stay back. However, I had to be strong because it was not easy to avoid him when Uncle Ahad asked me to go to the park with them, inviting Mayra as well.

Wiping away a tear I have a lot going on right now, so I need to be strong.

I have to remain silent this time so that he stays away from me and is not hurt. I can not be weak again because of him or let him in at this point in my life when I am aware of the most agonizing phase of my life. My parents are the only ones who know how I am suffering.
*****
"Anisa are you ready dear?" mum came in my room and asked me with weak smile she knows something and she wasn't telling me I can see right through her.

"Yes mum just hijab I will tie this and come down, "I told her while fixing my hijab and mum turned me.

"Ayman is with them,"she informed me the news of him being there also.

I just nodded and sighed.should I be happy?or avoid him?

"Mum I can't I will break down in front of him, "I said in low voice I know they will be here any minute but I can't face him after all these years he will ask me a lot of questions.

"You are strong dear one day or the other he will find out,"mum said while wiping my tear and hugging me.

"Your dad is waiting downstairs you know how impatient he is he wants us to be down before they arrive, "mum said and I relaxed after talking to her she always calms me down with her loving words.

"Mum what if he sees some changes in me he will know, "I explained to mum about drastic changes in my weakness, pale eyes and my hair I always covered them but my parents know.

"Don't worry he won't judge you,"mum said while shaking her head believing in Ayman.

Just then we heard dad calling us we rushed downstairs and knock was heard dad went to open the door while we waited in the sitting room.

"Assalamualeikum, "we heard them greeting it was voice fo uncle Ahad and aunty Yumna they were another couple after my parents whom I admired most and wished one day Allah sends someone for me.

"Waleikumsalam, "we all greeted and they hugged each other but I was feeling nervous my throat felt dry it was like all memories rushing back like flow of the river.

"Where is Ayman?"dad asked the question which I was avoiding to ask I was not ready to see him.

"He's parking car and my son has been impatient since it was his idea we shift back to our homeland, "uncle Ahad said while drinking water and mum and aunty yumna sat and started their stories no one knew why we stopped being friends.

"Assalamualeikum, "that familiar deep husky voice greeted us and which sent chills down my spine but I didn't dare stare at him or look him up I avoided his gaze I know he was staring at me I could sense it.

"Waleikumsalam, "every one of us replied I felt like running away again from him from everyone.

I heard footsteps approaching near us he sat right next to me...Astagfirullah but we were friends but still I moved abit far without looking at him.

After dinner, I went to wash the bowls to avoid listening to everyone else's conversations while they were outside in the garden, but I remained silent.

I pretended not to hear the person calling my name as I carried on cleaning the dishes.

"Why are you avoiding me?" A familiar voice whispered in my ear, and I could smell his cologne, which I had always loved and gifted him, and he still wears it. He was right next to me, leaning on the table while I wiped my hands, and he stood as if waiting to block my path once I finished wiping my hands.

I simply cannot tell him anything because it will break him; I must avoid him at all costs.