UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 61: Along Life 1

"Dad! Did you threatened her? All Zainab wanted was to leave this house, what have you said to make her stay?!"

"It would be better if you can man up and face your own business for once Idris. Leave Zainab alone, Idris! Don't you think she knows what she's doing?!"

"You're a wicked father! I never thought you'll stoop so low! I'll tell Humaira about you myself!"

"Do that and I'll stop sponsoring you in school. Your mum would be coming tomorrow anyways, I'm sure she'll handle you better... Don't say anything Idris. Be warned." He said a controlling manner and walked away.

Tears gathered in his sad eyes. The one who he wanted to protect doesn't even want to get protected. It's all his dad's fault. 

'I hate you dad! Why would you do this to someone you once called your daughter. Or maybe you don't deserve to be called her father in the first instance. So this is your true colour, I won't run away from home this time, I'll stay to change it.'  Idris thought and sighed with irritation and fraustration before going into his room.

'Maybe dad warned her but anyways, what would he have said? I don't seems to understand anything. I'll have to fine out what's behind her change of mind in order to tell Humaira. I'm just so worried about Zainab, she don't deserve a life like this. She's been through enough already...'

***

Minutes later...

Ibrahim and Isah called Idris to take  their lunch for them. The two plates was filled with rice and beans, the stew had two big chicken laps on it and fried plantain by the side.

"And who are these for?"

Idris asked puzzled about what he's seeing.

"For Zainab and her sister, Humaira."

"What? But why the sudden change between you two. What do you mean?" Isah asked.

"As I remember, you two wanted Zainab out of this house. Why don't you plan something evil as you usually do? Or is this food poisoned?"

"It's not poisoned, Idris. We've changed our minds perhaps, Zainab is our sister. Why would we want her dead?" Ibrahim replied him cunningly

"Just do as you're asked and don't complain. I had a lot to do." He washed his hands in the sink and left.

Isah blushed and followed Ibrahim in the same manner. Idris watched as they walked out.

"I feel so stupid already. It's as if everyone has a plan in this game and I'm the only one left behind." Idris said to himself and took placed their on a very big try before taking it to their room.

Humaira was already dressed. The two sisters performed ablusion and pray salatul Asr.  After the salama, Idris knocked on the door. It's a proper way to knock on the lady's door before entering. Even when Humaira wasn't there, he knocks on Zainab's door in the same manner.

Zainab went to open the door and she was surprised with what was happening.

"What's this?"

"Your lunch." He smiled, trying to play along too.

"But... I thou-" she stammered in confusion.

"Don't just stand there, Zee. Collect the tray from the gentleman and place it on the mat here let's eat. I'm a bit famished, you know.." she said and smiled to Idris positively.

Idris smiled back at her and placed it on the mat, himself.

"Don't worry Zainab. Just come and sit."