The twins chapter 10
Zara's day started on a disheartening note. Lukman was nowhere to be found, and she couldn't shake off the memory of yesterday. She suspected he might have left the house after that, but thankfully, Nafisat was by her side.
With Nafisat's help, Zara had completed her morning routine and was now sitting in the parlour, her prayer mat still unfolded as she continued her zikr. Nafisat sat quietly beside her, aware of Zara's worry but unsure of how to comfort her or offer guidance.
Just as the silence between Zara and Nafisat was becoming uncomfortable, a knock at the door broke the stillness. Nafisat was about to get up to answer it, but Zara beat her to it. As she opened the door, her face lit up with a bright smile. Standing in the doorway was her best friend, Safina.
The two friends exchanged warm hugs and greetings, their excitement palpable. Zara led Safina to the couch in the parlour, where they sat down together.
Zara ordered Nafisat to bring them some snacks and drinks, and she promptly left to fulfill the request.
Safina turned to Zara with a concerned expression, asking, "How is Lukman? Hope all is well now." Safina hadn't spoken to Zara since their last conversation, when Zara had shared the news of Lukman's return home. Zara was taken aback, unsure of how to respond.
She quickly changed the subject, asking, "Where is Safiyya? She hasn't come to my house yet, and Safeera is also hard to reach." Zara's query was laced with a hint of curiosity and concern.
Safina smiled, responding, "Actually, they're all at Zainab's house. They went there together."
"Ah, I see," Zara said, nodding in understanding. She was well aware of the close-knit friendship between Safina, Safiyya, and Safeera.
The three girls were inseparable, and their bond was strengthened by their shared experiences and interests. Safina, being Zara's friend, had often brought the group together, while Safiyya's friendship with Zainab had further solidified their connection.
As Zara and Safina continued to chat, they savored the delicious snacks and drinks that Nafisat had brought for them. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering everything from their daily lives to their favorite memories together. As they laughed and joked, Zara's mood began to lift, and she felt her worries slowly fading away.
At one point, Safina suggested they catch up with the rest of the gang, and Zara eagerly agreed. They made a video call to Zainab, Safiyya, and Safeera, who were all together at Zainab's house. The group's infectious laughter and chatter filled the room, and Zara felt grateful for the wonderful friends who always knew how to lift her spirits.
After the Asr prayer, Safina began to prepare to leave, and Zara felt a pang of reluctance. She didn't want her friend to go, but she knew it was inevitable. As Safina said her goodbyes, Zara escorted her to the gate, wanting to see her friend off properly.
However, as they reached the gate, the gateman stepped forward, blocking Zara's path. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you can't leave the house without my sir's orders," he said firmly.
Zara felt a surge of frustration and surprise, but she quickly composed herself, not wanting to reveal her true emotions in front of Safina.
Zara attempted to walk past the gateman, but he stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "Ma'am, I can't let you leave the house," he said firmly. However, before he could continue, Safina intervened, sensing the tension.
"Zara, I would take my leave now, you can go back inside," Safina said, not wanting to cause any trouble in Zara's marital life.
Zara began to protest, but Safina was already walking away. Zara's voice trailed off as Safina turned to wave goodbye. Zara returned the wave, struggling to hold back tears as she watched her friend disappear into the distance.
Zara turned and walked back into the house, her mind fixed on a singular mission: to confront Lukman as soon as he returned home. She was determined to demand answers from him, no matter how difficult the conversation might be.
The questions swirled in her mind: What was going on? Why was she being restricted from leaving the house? Why was Lukman rejecting her? Zara's heart pounded with anticipation, and she steeled herself for the confrontation that was to come.
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After completing her Isha prayer, Zara settled into the parlour, determined to wait for Lukman's return. She was resolute in her decision to confront him, refusing to leave the parlour until they had spoken. With a steadfast gaze, she sat patiently, awaiting Lukman's arrival.
Suddenly, Lukman arrived, and Zara called out to him. However, he ignored her and walked past, heading towards his room.
But Zara was not one to be dismissed. She quickly moved to block his path, standing firmly in front of him. Lukman's expression turned furious as he asked, "Zara, what are you doing?"
Zara didn't flinch or respond to his question. Instead, she went straight to the heart of the matter. "Today, the gateman stopped me from escorting my friend outside the house," she began. "He said you instructed him not to let me leave without your permission. What is going on, Lukman?"
He tried to brush past her, but she stood her ground, blocking his path once again, Lukman's eyes widened in surprise at Zara's newfound courage.
"You're not going anywhere without answering me," Zara declared, her voice firm despite the tears welling up in her eyes.
Lukman's face darkened with anger and surprise. Zara's words had struck a chord, and she could see the turmoil brewing inside him.
"Lukman," Zara implored, her voice cracking with emotion. "Why are you doing this to me? If I've done something wrong, please tell me. I'll apologize, I'll do anything. I just can't bear seeing you so angry with me."
Lukman attempted to walk past Zara once more, but she was having none of it. Her anger boiled over, and she used both hands to push him back, her palms connecting with his chest. Lukman barely flinched, but his eyes narrowed in warning.
"Zara, stop what you're doing," he cautioned, his voice low and even.
"Or else?" Zara shot back, her voice rising in defiance. She pushed him again, her hands connecting with his chest. "Why are you doing this to me? Why marry me if you're not going to treat me right? Do you still care about me?" she demanded, her words tumbling out in a frantic barrage.
Zara's eyes blazed with determination as she pushed Lukman again, demanding answers. "Tell me what I've done to you, and if you don't respond to me now, are we going to continue living like this?"
Lukman's face twisted in anger, and he tried to walk away, but Zara stood her ground, using all her strength to push him back. Lukman spun around, intent on leaving the house completely, but Zara blocked his path once more.
In a shocking moment, Lukman's hand rose, poised to slap Zara. She flinched, her eyes widening in horror, as Lukman's hand hovered in mid-air, his face a picture of rage and frustration. The air was thick with tension as Lukman struggled to regain control, his hand trembling with the effort of restraining himself.
Lukman's warning hung in the air, a chilling threat that left Zara shaken. "If you try this again, I don't think I'd be able to stop myself," he growled, before brushing past her and storming into his room.
Zara's body seemed to collapse, as if the weight of Lukman's action and words had crushed her. She didn't utter a word, but instead retreated to her room, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't believe that the man she loved and married just three days ago could try to raise his hand against her. The realization was devastating, and Zara felt like she was living a nightmare.
After a few minutes, Nafisat appeared in Zara's room, startling her. Zara had almost forgotten that Nafisat was still in the house, and the realization that she must have overheard the entire confrontation with Lukman filled her with embarrassment.
Nafisat quietly moved a small stool from in front of Zara's dressing mirror and placed it in front of her. She sat down, positioning herself directly in front of Zara, who had risen from the floor and sat on the bed. Tears continued to stream down Zara's face as she met Nafisat's concerned gaze.
Nafisat spoke up, her voice gentle but urgent. "Zara, please permit me to say something." Zara didn't respond, but Nafisat continued anyway.
"Zara, I think you should tell your family about this," Nafisat advised, her expression serious.
Zara's response was immediate and emphatic. "No, I can't," she said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation.
Nafisat's expression turned sympathetic as she asked again, "Please, Zara, I didn't mean to interfere, but why won't you tell your family?" Zara remained silent, unsure of how to respond.
Nafisat's voice took on a pleading tone as she asked once more, "Please, Zara..."
Zara finally spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, if I tell them, they would really separate me from Lukman. I don't think I can leave without him." Her words revealed a deep emotional attachment to Lukman, and a fear of losing him.
Nafisat's expression softened as she hummed in understanding, acknowledging the depth of Zara's feelings for Lukman. She spoke words of wisdom, trying to guide Zara towards a clearer perspective.
"Zara, I didn't think this would happen. As long as things are meant to be, they will be. Don't destroy your future because of someone who doesn't value and appreciate you," Nafisat advised, her tone gentle but firm.
She offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that involving Zara's family might not lead to separation, but rather to a resolution. "And Allah knows, maybe if you talk to your family, they might even resolve the issues between you instead of separating you."
Zara stood firm, "No, I can't risk it."
Nafisat hummed, reflecting on Zara's usual demeanor. Since arriving, Zara had shown herself to be a kind and gentle soul, but now Nafisat wondered if love had become Zara's Achilles' heel.