Chapter 25: Chapter 25

" Answer me! "

Kalthum snapped out of shock. She quickly went forward to grab her phone out of Basma's hand.

" Give me my phone " she demanded

Basma refuses to give her " answer the question first. I'm very sure that this chat I just read was with sir Faisal. He is the only Faisal you know if I can remember. When did you two start it all? What did you do to him? I'm sure sir Faisal isn't in his right state of mind, you must have done something to brain wash h-"

Kalthum jerked her phone out of Basma's hand inbetween her ranting

" you don't know what you're saying Basma.  Who gave you the right to go through my phone? " Kalthum snapped

Basma fumed " you disgust me alot. I don't know which game you're playing with him. You better leave him alone or else"

" you can't do anything to me Basma. Just because you saw a particular Faisal on my phone doesn't mean it's sir Faisal. Just lay off of my business and mind your own "

Basma shook her head. She held her waist " I won't stay out of this and you can't fool me Kalthum,you can't . I thought you're still the good and calm kalthum I use to know but now I can see that you're worst than that. You disgust me to the core"

" Just sut up Basma. You keep on talking about disgust! When you're the only disgusting thing I know,so never in your life try comparing me with yourself. Just wait till the day, the whole universe will know about who you really are. "

Basma laughed sarcastically " and who will believe you? No one is going to,dear sister. Remember, sir Faisal was the one that found you at the hotel when that man's wife was beating you. It won't be long before he gets tired of you"

" Shut up. You are the one on the bed with that married man not me. Stop trying to twist the story again "

Basma chuckled " but he doesn't know the truth dear. Sir Faisal doesn't know that . Have you forgotten that there is a video ?" she winked

Kalthum was at the verge of clawing out her sisters eyes " just shut up. You can't do anything to me Basma. There is nothing you can do"

" Alright little sister " Basma laughed " just watch your back "

" GET OUT! "

" That's exactly what I'm about to do love. Catch ya later " Basma blew her a kiss

The moment the door made a banging sound, Kalthum screamed. She was tired of Basma always having the upper hand. Kalthum knew Basma was only trying to get to her and she successfully did. She took a deep breath.

" I won't let her get to me. I need to get a hold of myself" she chanted

Umm rasheed's word came back to her " never give up, fight whatever storms that might come your way"

Kalthum assured herself. That is exactly what she was going to do. She has to fight it all. She was never a loser and this fight, she will never lose it.

Kathum search the room to see if there was anything Basma could use to implicate her. She checked Basma luggages and found non. She checked under Basma's bed and still found nothing.

Then realization dawned on her. The first day they came working here, she remembered collection a condom pack from Basma with the intention of throwing it away later. Till now,she hasn't done that. She ran to her own box, she opened the small zip at the front of the box, there it was sitting in her bag. She retrieved it quickly and ran to the bathroom. Kalthum  flushed it down the drain.

She blew out a breath, There was nothing else Basma can use against her. Kalthum still knew she has to be alarmed. Her sister is very corny, whenever she put her mind to do something she must absolutely do it. Kalthum needed to be careful before all her hard work goes down the drain.

No one can take away Faisal's love from her. He is hers to keep and she is ready to fight all he war.

**

Basma kicked the wall repeatedly in anger. Why does everyone have  to always choose Kalthum?Why? Isn't she beautiful enough? Not once in her life has she ever had a serious relationship. All the people that always comes her way just want only one thing and that is to sleep with her.

Basma sobbed quietly . She was tired of always feeling neglected. All her life she always need to try harder before anyone could love her. She too has feelings why can't people see that. She hate the feeling of been neglected.

Basma wiped up her tears. She breath in and out. She held a face of determination. Never will she let Kalthum have sir Faisal, never ! If she isn't happy so goes to Kalthum too. It's better they end up miserably together. She will never be the laughing stock of others .

She shook her head once again. That moment, a plan came to her. She smiled then went ahead to execute it. Her plan A.

**

Saddam opened a page in his textbooks ,instructing Hassana to solve a certain question. They've grown to be good friends.

A month ago Hassana confessed her feelings for him to which he told her straight in her face that he doesn't love her that way. He told her his feelings for someone else and Hassana was in rage at the time. She knew that person was non other than their maid, Kalthum.

That day,hussaina had to talk some sense into her before she could beat the hell out of Kalthum. Hassana has learnt to get use to the fact that Saddam wasn't hers and she didn't want to lose him as a friend which brought them here.

" You actually did it right Hassana. I told you already, you're a fast learner " he gave her a thumb up

She giggled shyly " All thanks to you "

Saddam shook his head " just get use to the praises Hassana. This has now brought us to the end of our tutorial for the semester as we are starting our exams tomorrow "

She pouted playfully " yeah and I'm so going to miss this "

" There is always a next time " he smiled softly

" yeah you're right. Next semester it is "

He packed up his books and put it in his bag. After he was done packing he smiled up at Hassana.

" Good luck in your exams "

She smiled shyly " yeah, same with you" she escorted him to the door.

Kalthum walked into the living room at that moment. She was in thought that she didn't see them standing

" Kalthum? " Saddam called

She raised her head up with eyes wide open when she saw Hassana with him. She doesn't need any trouble right now.

" hey" she said and was about to leave but was shocked by what Hassana said next

" why are you in a haste to leave Kalthum. It's bad not to say hello to your long time friend "

" what?? " she asked with eyes wide open

Hassana smiled. It wasn't a forced smile at that. That's what got Kalthum even more surprised.

" I'll leave you two to talk " Hassana said then left the room for them.

Kalthum watched in shock as she left. A clearing of throat brought her out of her shock.

" Kalthum "

" Saddam " she said awkwardly

Saddam rubbed his neck. He was always out of words whenever he was with Kalthum " how have you been? "

" I've been good "

" I hope you're enjoying your stay here? "

" yeah thanks for asking "

" erm Kalthum abo_

" No Saddam " she cut him off . She already knew what he was about to say " I've thought about it so many times Saddam. I just don't see you that way. I only see you as a friend and that's it "

He looked hurt " oh OK. I'll just take my leave then"

She nodded sadly " I'm sorry"

He gave her one last look before walking out of the door. Kathryn released a breath She didn't know she was holding then went to the kitchen.

**

After eavesdropping on the conversation between Kalthum and Saddam, Hassana ran to her room. The same one she shared with her sister.

She barged in almost scaring hussaina

" Subhanallah Hassana!You scared me! " hussaina held her chest calming her racing heart

" I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you " She said then went on to sit beside her sister " guess what hussaina!"

Hussaina heaved a sigh " what is it again? Why are you this happy?"

A smile spread wide on Hassana's face " the maid told Saddam that she doesn't likes him! Can you believe it! "

" is that why you're happy? " hussaina asked with a raised brow

" of course dummy. This mean he has to move on. Maybe he can decide to give me a chance "

" oh dear. What will I do with you Hassana? I always wonder how your mind works. "

" Whatever, I'm just happy that he doesn't have a chance with her. "

Hussaina sighed at her sister's stupidity. She wonders if that is how people behave when they're in love. What does she knows when she herself hasn't falling in love yet. Hussaina shrugged.

**

Hajiya Basira was lying on her bed pressing her phone in the process. She was chatting with some of her friend back in the US. They kept on tellimg her about things she has missed.

She smiled while replying to all their text.

She heard a knock on her door. She furrowed her brows confused. The maid has already done her work so who could it be.

" who is there?" she asked but got no response.

The person knocked again

This got her even more confused " I said who is there? Don't you have a mouth to answer ?" she still got no response.

She angrily dropped her phone on her bed, then got down to answer the door.

" you must be stupi-" her next work flew into thin air. She found no-one by the door. She checked her left and was surprised to see no one. She did so to her right. The hallway was clear of people.

" This is strange " she thought. She was about to close the door when she found a white envelope laying on the floor of her door. She furrowed her brows then picked it up.

She read What was written on it and was surprised that it was addressing to her. She closed her door then walked back to her bed.

She opens the envelope and dragged out the well folded paper inside of it.

Dear Hajiya Basira

I don't have time for any introduction but all I have to say to you is to beware of your maid (Kalthum) she isn't the person you think she is.

From your well wisher

H

er brows shot up confused as she finished reading it. She wonder who might have dropped the envelope.

" what is this person trying to say " she thought

Does this mean Kalthum is a thief?she thought once again.

Hajiya Basira was deep in thought. She needs to be alarmed. She knew something was off about Kalthum and this letter proved her right.

She wore her shoe and went downstairs to the dinning room . It was already time for dinner. Maybe she can use this opportunity to study Kalthum even more.

***

Kalthum went to serve Faisal but have this feeling that someone was watching her. Her hand shook unexpectedly and Faisal noticed it on time .

" are you alright ?" he whispered in concern. She nodded her head quickly and left his side. She hates this feeling she was having. Kalthum already knew who was looking at her and that scares her even more.

She served hussaina then went on to do the same for Hassana.

" Don't spill the stew on me " Hassana snapped

" I'm sorry " Kalthum apologized but rolled her eyes mentally

" Stop it Hassana. Can't you see it was a mistake " Faisal scolded his sister

Hajiya Basira saw that as an opportunity to interfere " The maid also need to be focused. She isn't paid for nothing "

" Mom! "

" What? it's the truth son. She has been acting suspicious since she started serving our food."

" I'm sorry ma" Kalthum said as she finished serving Hassana " it's the headache I've been having I guess. I'll be more focused next time ma"

" Whatever " said hajiya Basira.

Kalthum excused herself and went back to the kitchen. She held the sink as she breath in and out.

" are you ok Kalthum ?" came Umm Rasheed 's concerned voice

Kalthum turned around to face her with a smile " yes I am"

Umm rasheed still doesn't agree " you can tell me if anything is bothering you dear "

Kalthum gave up " I think Hajiya Basira suspect something . She has been giving me this look and I just don't like it "

" oh dear. This is why I insisted on you two not to keep it a secret. Someone must find out one way or the other . If you trust on your love for each other then you have nothing to be scared about "

" I don't know Nanny" Kalthum sighed " I'm scared about how people will take it most especially the maids"

" Who cares about what they think? You shouldn't let that bother you dear. Just believe in yourself. It's not as if you're doing something wrong "

Kalthum smiled" you're the best Nanny. I don't know what I'll do without you" she hugged Umm Rasheed

" I know you'll still find a way even if I'm not there" Nanny said with a smile

" Thanks once again"

" oh don't thank me dear. By the way, you're free for today. You can go back to your room and please don't think too much about everything. You're not doing anything wrong "

" OK Nanny. Goodnight "

" Goodnight dear"

**

It was as if a load was off her shoulders as she talked to Nanny. She felt free. Kalthum walked to the lodge when her phone vibrated in her pocket.

She saw an unknown number. With furrowed brows she picked the call.

" hello? "

There was a paused at the other line

" hey Kalthum. Hope you missed me? "

" excuse me? Who is on the line? "

" I can't believe you don't even recognize my voice "

" just say who you are already "

" OK fine. It's jamil, Zainab's brother "

Realization dawned on her. How did he find her number? That betrayal, zainab must have given him. She thought of calling zainab to scold her after this call.

" oh hey.I'm sorry,didn't know you're the one. So how have you been ya jamil "

"I've been good and you? "

" I'm fine as you can see. So what did I owe the honor of this call?"

" well... You see.. I've missed seeing you at our house "

" Ya jamil. We all have our daily task. You don't expect me to just come visit like I have nothing to do "

" No!no please don't be mad at me. I didn't mean to vex you. I just missed you that's all"

She already knew where this conversation was heading to.

" look ya jamil, I've told you already that I only see you as a brother. I don't see you the other way, I'm sorry "

" yeah yeah. I've heard you saying that so many times but I'm still not giving up Kalthum. I love you"

Kalthum heard someone clearing their throat behind her. She turned around only to find an angry Faisal standing with folded arms. The worst part of it all is that he heard everything because her phone was on loud speaker. She looked at Faisal shocked with the phone still pressed on her ears.

" I'll call you back later " she said then hung up

" Faisal? "

Faisal looked at her dissapointed then turned around to leave.