Unexpected Promises

Chapter 20 ✓

Atifa's pov :

I rushed upstairs as soon as we got home. One of the reasons was the stickiness on my abaya, it was making me uncomfortable. Even my hands had gotten sticky just because of him. The other reason was obviously him. I couldn't face him after that little moment of ours. I mean... I was crazy for doing that and being childish in front of him. What was I even thinking?

I also needed some time for myself. I couldn't face anyone with my puffy face. Especially not ammi. I didn't even know how to face her anymore. Taking off my abaya, I soaked it before washing my face.

I didn't know how to face him either. Maybe I should just stay in the washroom until I feel like I could face them? God! It was so awkward and embarrassing. Ya Allah help me! Why did I always manage to embarrass myself and make things harder for me?

Calming my racing thoughts, I came out of the washroom. Thankfully, no one was in the room. Checking my face in the mirror once again, I lined my eyes with kohl and moisturised my chapped lips.

Feeling guilty for not being the one to cook or help ammi out when I should be handling that work, I headed downstairs. At least I could have cooked before heading out. All the responsibilities came on ammi! Ya Allah! What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I just do something right for once? I always had to mess things up, right?

Frustrated, I rushed to the kitchen, only to find it empty. Where was ammi? And others? The voices from the living room answered one of my questions. But I still didn't know where ammi was. Sighing, I checked the time before setting up the table. Maybe she was praying.

I was lost in my thoughts, keeping the glasses on the table when I heard ammi's relieved voice. "Oh you are back alhamdulillah. Where did you go?"

"Sorry, I went to the park without informing you." I apologised sheepishly.

"It's okay. I hope you enjoyed yourself." Smiling slightly, she headed towards the kitchen.

Not knowing what to say, I replied instead. "I'm going to call everyone for lunch."

"Okay."

._._._. 

"It's okay, I will do it." Grabbing the bowl, ammi headed to the kitchen, making me confused. What was wrong with her suddenly? Why was she behaving like that? Was everything alright?

Before I could ponder much upon any of these questions, she returned. Quickly grabbing the plates, I took them in the kitchen. I could see her coming in from the corner of my eye. Gathering my courage, I turned to look at her, hoping she wouldn't ignore me. "What happened ammi? Is everything alright?"

"Huh? Yeah- yeah, I'm fine. It's nothing." She hurried out of the kitchen. Frowning, I followed her into the dining room. "Come on kids, go and take a nap. It's already late." Composing herself, she ushered them. Her sharp gaze was enough for them to obey her command as they quickly stood up to head upstairs.

He sat there, looking confused as ever. With questions swirling in his gaze, he kept looking at us, maybe searching for answers or any sign of them. When ammi didn't look in his direction, he came into the kitchen.

Grabbing the remaining bowls, I followed him. "What happened to ammi?" Confusion and worry seeped in his voice, which warmed my heart. I had never seen any guy other than abbu and mamu being worried and concerned for ammi.

"I don't know. She isn't telling me." I replied quietly as I reached him, keeping the bowls aside, making sure my voice wasn't too loud for her to hear.

"Hmm… I hope she is alright." He muttered, his gaze flickering between me and the door, where ammi was - still outside - before leaving.

"I hope so too." Sighing, I started washing the dishes, trying to get my mind off of these thoughts.