Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Habib looked at Kalthum like she has two heads. " I don't get what you're trying to say kalthum "

She heaved a sigh " this is why I find it hard to tell people the truth . I know it'll be hard to believe it but I promise, that's the truth "

He just couldn't believe his ears. Here he has been having good thoughts about Basma and now hearing this new info about her is just unbelievable.

" Can you please tell me everything and don't try missing a point "

She nodded " ok"

Kalthum stared at habib as she began to tell him everything without missing anything. She even told him how she has been a pain in the neck to her and habib was left speechless. He blinked once, twice and even thrice!. This wasn't what he had expected to hear.

" are you trying to tell me that Basma did all this to you? And you didn't even tell me? "

Kalthum nodded " yes but I don't care anymore. What she wanted all along has finally happened " she shrugged

" I just can't believe my ears . I never pictured her to be someone like that. I've always thought she is... Ah" he sighed. He had wanted asking her out but hearing this has finally changed his mind.

Kalthum looked at habib's annoyed face. She smiled then said " it's in the past now. Let's just forget it. If Faisal had trusted me enough this fight between us wouldn't have happened "

Habib was still quiet. He was having conflicted feelings about this Basma's news. He raised his head up to meet Kalthum's eyes " Do you think she is behind what happened between Faisal and you? "

She shrugged " She is the only one that knows Bashir in that house so definitely she is the one behind this "

"  But don't you think my mother could also be involve too? Come to think of it, your break up came after her hand got fractured? Don't you think it's not just a coincidence? "

Kalthum thought about it for a while " but the thing is your mom doesn't know anything about Bashir unless if Basma is working together with your mother. "

" I think so too"

Kalthum's mind went back to how Hajiya Basira always treats Basma " Ya habib? "

" yes? "

" What if our speculation is wrong? I mean, your mom does not like Basma at all. She always treat her badly. I've witnessed it too. What if your mom isn't even involved? "

Habib sighed " I don't know what to think kalthum. I really don't know "

" The only thing I'm very sure about is that my sister Basma is the master plan to everything. She is the only one apart from Faisal that knows Bashir. I just wish I can slap her so badly "

" Do you want me to confront her? " Habib asked

" it's of no use. I know she will deny it "

" But we can atleast try our best " he tried telling her

She shook her head " it won't change anything . The deed has been done. I'm tired of trying to make everyone know the truth. I'm too young for all this problems ya Habib. All I need to face right now, is how I'm going to further my education . I have just four month left to look for money for my tuition "

Habib looked at her quizzically " What do you mean look for money? Weren't you given your salary? "

She smile " I refused to accept it "

" Why? "

" I just can't collect that money ya habib especially when  I'm being called a gold digger. I want to show Faisal that his money meant nothing to me. I can still further my education without his money. I don't need him " her voice broke at the end " I don't need him in my life anymore "

Habib was sad for her " I'm sorry you have to go through this at such a young age. I'm deeply sorry "

She smiled even when the tear kept pouring down " sometimes I wish he was like you. Someone high spirited, friendly,kind " she shook her head in disappointment " but he isn't you. Life with him is always difficult "

Habib chuckle " Thanks for the compliment, I guess"

She wiped her tears " well it's over now. It's time I stop reminiscing over the past "

" Please kalthum I have a proposal for you and please don't turn it down "

She furrowed her eyebrows confused " what is it? "

" I want to pay your tuition fee for your remaining two years. Please don't turn it down. I'm doing this from the bottom of my heart so don't break my heart "

She was surprised " I can't accept it ya habib. I'll manage "

" That's the thing Kalthum, I don't want you to manage. I'm your brother for Allah's sake or don't you see me as your brother anymore?" he stared at her from where she was sat fiddling with her fingers.

" you've done so much for me and I just don't want to bother you with my other problems "

" Did you heard me complaining? " he asked her

She shook her head " No"

" Good then. So please don't turn it down. Promise me you'll allow me do everything concerning your education, promise me "

She looked at him with teary eyes " Thanks alot. Thank you so much ya habib. I don't even know how to repay you back "

" you don't need to repay me. All you need to do is to always stay happy. Anytime I see you sad it hurts me and I don't like it one bit "

She giggles " Thanks alot again "

He smiled at her " it's nothing. Can I please get a pen? "

She nodded but didn't ask why he needed it. " yes. Let me go get it for you " she stood up and went to her room. She came out few seconds later.

" here it is " she hand it over to him.

Habib took it from her the he dragged a short book from his trousers pocket. Kalthum took not of what the book was. It's a cheque book "

He scribbled down something in the front page of the book then tore it out and hand it over to her " here, take it "

She widen her eyes as she took it from him " I can't accept this. No.. no please "

He smiled " please do. It's all yours "

" But it's too much " she groaned

He shrugged " it's all your. You can cash it out anytime you like "

She stared at the five hundred thousand digits being scribbled down. It just too much, she thought with a pout .

" Thanks alot "

He waved it off " oh please. It's nothing to thank me for. You're my sister after all"

He got up from the chair " I think it's time I leave "

" Isn't it too soon ?" she pouted

He chuckled " don't worry, when next I come I'll make sure to stay till midnight. I have somewhere very important to be right now. Where is your mom? "

" is that place more important  than I? " she joked " Mom is already asleep"

" okay then. I wanted saying good bye to her but no worries their is always a next time " he clasped his palm " I should be on my way now "

" OK. Let me walk you out "

***

Basma knew she should atleast be happy now since what she had wanted all along has come to past but she isn't. Infact,her mood changes since Kalthum left. She was having this sad feeling in her and the worst is that the house isn't as it used to be before.

Hajiya Basira is also always at her case. She complains about every little thing. Basma is now back to her previous post. She is now working for Hajiya Basira.

According to Faisal, he didn't want to associate with anybody related to kalthum which was the reason why he sent Basma to go work for his mother instead. After all, she needed a maid since kalthum is no more working for them.

Basma groaned as she saw that the time for break was over. She dragged herself out of bed, she walked out of the room holding her still paining head. She got pushed by Hajiya Basira this morning and unfortunately hit her head on the wall. The woman is just so unbearable.

Her fellow maids too also came out of their quarters and all stroll to the main house.

" Basma"

She turned when she heard her name being called.It was habib. She walked towards his car .He closed his car then walks to meet her on the way.

" Good afternoon sir"

He glared at her " Hold your greetings to yourself "

She was shocked . This new behavior of his is something new to her " what did I do sir? " the hurt was there on her face.

" I can't believe you could stoop this low Basma. I thought you're someone that could be trusted "

She was confused " I don't know what you're talking about sir "

" of course you know. I'm talking about how you treated you sister. For Allah's sake how could you do that to your sister! " his voice was becoming loud.

" I.. Seriously.. Do.. n't know what you're talking about "

" Stop lying to me Basma! Just stop it . Kalthum has told me everything. I know about the hotel incidence too so stop trying to act innocent "

Her heart freeze for a second " I.. I. You -"

" you're caught by surprise right? Yes, I know everything. Now you need to stop acting innocent in front of me. I know all your secrets. Do you think I don't know that you were also the one that sent those pictures to Faisal "

She blinked rapidly " What picture?! I didn't send any pictures wallahi. "

He stared at her like she has two heads " are you trying to act smart after I told you I know all your secrets?Do you think saying wallahi will make me believe you?Don't be stupid Basma "

The look of hurt passed through her face " please believe me. I didn't send those pictures you're talking about. I don't even know anything about the pictures. Please believe me "

Habib couldn't believe how well she could lie even in front of him. The beautiful eyes he was beginning to like shines with unshed tears. He himself was finding it hard to believe that she was this wicked.

She wiped up a drop of tear " yes I agree that I've been harsh to Kalthum and yes, I was the one in a hotel with that man but wallahi I didn't send any pictures to sir Faisal. I don't even know what the pictures is all about. Please believe me sir habib"

He shook his head " your game will never work on me . You want me to believe all your lies but that will never happen. I'm not like Faisal. You can never manipulate me like you did to him "

She kept wiping the droplets of tears that just won't stop pouring " I know nothing I say will make you believe me. I'll just be on my way now.

Basma turned around to walk to the main house but suddenly felt a pull on her arm. She came crashing into habib's chest.

She gasped in surprise. Basma watched him with wide eyes. She wiggled out of his hold but he didn't budge. Intend,he stared into her eyes like someone trying to understand something from mere looking at her eyes.

Basma gave up too since he won't budge. She stared right back at him quizzically. His eyes on her were intense that it makes her feels tingles.

He has beautiful eyes, she thought. A blush tinted her cheeks at the thought .

" Done checking me out? " habib finally said as he released her.

She took a step back " you're one to talk? You were also doing same " she shot back.

The nerves she got to say that shocked her too.

" Really ?" he smirked " but you don't see me blushing like you're doing right now "

Basma gulped. Why is he suddenly acting like this? She wonders. One moment he was angry and now he is acting as if he didn't just shout at her.

As if hearing her thoughts, Habib also cleared his throat " I'll just go in right now "

He left her standing dumbfounded. She watch his retreating back till he entered into the house.

What just happened?