Chapter 16: Chapter 16

•Yusuf•

He was picked up from the train station by his father. He requested his father pick him up so that he will break it to him first.

Yusuf tried hard to break it to his father without breaking down. He is man but he has emotions and feelings that couldn't be hidden.

He loved her more than everyone could imagine but he lost her due the mistake he made. The mistake he thought to be mere.

He followed through the hallway to avoid meeting hauwa and seeing her means he has to answer unnecessary questions and then, she will give him the pity look. She always try to mask her laugh with a pity look.

Yusuf prayed after freshing up. He needed to find peace and solace, so he picked his rosary and his Qur'an, that is the only way he can find the peace he is looking for.

He was reading when his mother entered the room. He didn't notice her until she sat close to him and she ran her hand into his hairs .

"Your father told me what happened, I am sorry but I want to know you have the time to choose, to make the right choice. You don't have to rush" She said. He only nodded, he couldn't find the voice to talk back.

"I will send your food now, you need to eat"She added leaving the room. Later on, hauwa entered holding a tray, she kept it on the vanity table before sitting close to him.

He tried not to be distracted by the stare hauwa was giving him. He knew she wants him to talk first, she wants him to break it to her.

He kept the Quran back to it place before turning to hauwa. " Do you need something"

She shook her head no, helping him drop the food. "Should I feed you?" She questioned, with a fake sad look on her face.

She knew he has been through a lot just to get Aisha back but she can't believe he lost her to someone and that doesn't make him a coward. He should have fought for her, but nevertheless, she will always wish her the best.

"I don't look like I am a cripple or something, so I am fine" He  replied with a straight face. This is not him, he cannot break down in front of his sister because a lady broke his heart, he needs to act stronger than he looks.

She waved her hands before existing the room for him to pull his self together. He drape his jallab over the hanger, he pulled his phone out.

Three missed calls from Maryam's sister and two from khalil. He dialed khalil's number first because he doesn't know what the lady wants from him.

After talking to khalil, he thought about calling the girl, he doesn't even know her name and he doesn't understand why she is trying to clingy unto him.

It was obvious the lady whose name is Fauziya likes him and he couldn't help but wonder how she fell for someone she just met.

Fauziya recently finished her service and her family are on her neck to get married. That was reason her sister befriended him.

Even though, Fauziya is not the kind of lady he wanted for himself, he still wants to give it a try. Just like khalil told him before, it doesn't hurt to try something for the first time.

He made a mental note to invite her on a date the next day. He needs to know her well before asking her to be his girlfriend.

----

A fierce knock on the door startled him, making him groaned. It is just seven in the morning and he is yet to start going to work. He sluggishly opened the door, meeting his mother.

"Good morning" he greeted, stretching.

" Morning, I don't have time for chit chat. One of your father's family member died so we are going now. I am giving you just five minutes, meet us in the car " she said in a breath.

He thanked Allah for letting him see another day of his life. He dressed in a white jallab, picking his essential things.

He met his family in car waiting for him. "Let me drive" he told his father.

"Firstly, you don't know the house and we are in a hurry so I don't have the time to direct you." His father uttered, starting the car.

The house was full with people that came for the burial. He mistakenly heard one of the maid telling someone the lady that died committed suicide, he had to force himself to turn around.

They're supposed to pray for her not say lies about her death. They returned to the Mamman house while after putting the body to rest.

He was introduced to his uncles that he didn't know about. He felt relieved after seeing them, at least he won't see them somewhere else and pass them just like they are strangers.

He moved to car to call Fauziya. He had to cancel their data and also tell her the reason so that she will not think he is backing out on her.

"I will see you later, don't forget to send me the address" He whispered and Fauziya giggled. Finally, she will be able to move freely in their house without someone telling to get married.

Her brother's wedding was postponed because of her and since then, they became sworn enemies.  He promised not to talk to her until she brings a husband and his wedding is back in track.

There is this feeling people get when they know someone likes them or they want to date that person, but Yusuf doesn't feel like that. He feels nothing about her that way, his heart took her as a baby sister but he is trying to force himself to like her or rather love her. It is not hard to love someone dearly.

"Can I borrow your phone" Hauwa questioned entering the car. She only earned a glare from him. "And you can't say your Salam?"

She apologized for not saying her Salam and he passed her the phone afterwards. "Who is Fauziya and why is she sending you her address with 'I love you' attached to it" She asked confused.

"It is non of your business"