Unexpected Promises

Chapter 25 ✓

Atifa's pov :

As soon as I opened the door, I was greeted by the woman whom we met yesterday. But what surprised me more was the lady standing behind her.

It was Zara bhabi, and she looked just as shocked as me, if not more. Moving aside, I let them in, greeting them with a small smile on my face. Was she really his mother? Zara's mother-in-law? So at least for once, I wasn't wrong?

I ushered them inside, guiltily feeling thankful that ammi wasn't at home. Afraid that she would move us once again because his family lived here. Maybe I was just being paranoid but I couldn't be sure about anything anymore. Not after the last abrupt decision which she took landed us here, away from him.

I wondered where Alayna was and if she was alright. If he came back or was still there, trying to find us.

After a bit of chit-chat, during which bhabi and I pretended to be meeting for the first time, I headed over to the kitchen, bhabi following me with a laugh and a box in her hand, claiming she brought something sweet for us.

"Oh my God Atifa! Are you alright? What is even happening here?!" She whispered in bewilderment as soon as we were out of earshots, concern written all over her face as she kept the box on the table.

"I'm fine bhabi, we are fine alhamdulillah." Sighing in relief, I gave her a small smile. "How are you and bhai? And what about... them? Are they both alright?" I hugged her lightly as thousands of questions roamed in my mind. I knew that even she had a lot of questions for us.

"Alhamdulillah we are all fine too. Now tell me, what's the matter?" She hugged me back, confusion clear in her voice.

I turned away from her to take out some snacks, also trying to avoid her heated gaze, which I could feel following my every move. "I'm sorry... I have no idea..." 

"What do you mean you have no idea? You came here with your family, right? So tell me, what happened?" She was furious, her gaze unwavering.

"Jee bhabi, I came here with them, but that doesn't mean that I know the reason for us moving here." I snapped at her before realising my mistake. "I- I'm sorry, maybe I'm overreacting but seriously, I have no idea myself."

(Yes,)

"Atifa! This isn't done. How can you not know? And if you don't know then who knows, huh?" Holding my arm, she turned me around to face her. I averted my gaze, not having any energy to retort.

"Api kon-" Amira interrupted us, halting in her steps when she spotted bhabi. "BHABI!" She squealed, running into the kitchen to hug her. I stared at her in shock, realising aunty might have heard her. But I was also relieved that she didn't head out to aunty first and came here, we could at least ask her not to disclose anything to her now.

(Who-)

Getting distracted, bhabi left my arm, bending down to hug her. Smiling slightly, I turned to complete my work while they chatted away. And I couldn't help but thank Allah for the wide grin covering Amira's face.

"Atifa, I still have so many questions, we are not done yet." Bhabi reminded me, her gaze stern.

"I know bhabi, but you can ask them later. For now, let's go or else aunty will come here."

Humming in response, she took a step ahead.

"Wait! Uh... wait a minute!" I held her arm before she could leave the kitchen. I couldn't let that question eat my brain anymore. I wanted to know her answer, and I had a feeling that I might not get another chance to ask her after this. "Did... did they come back?" Looking away, I started playing with the ring on my finger, my new favourite companion.