Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Aunty Suwayba rushed into the hospital with kalthum trailing behind her. They were both looking deshelved after hearing the news from Umm rasheed who called them.

As they entered, they looked round the reception in hope to find a familiar face. They forgot to bring their phone because they were in haste to leave the house.

" Good evening ma, how can I help you? " the lady in the front desk asked as she saw how worried they were.

Kalthum turns to her " My sister is here. She just got admitted few hours ago "

" Alright can you tell me her name so I can check the book for her room number?"

Kalthum exhaled " her name is Basma Uthman. She came with a older lady "

The nurse eyes perked up in realization." yes I remember. Go to room 23,you'll find them there. It's a private room"

Kalthum nodded " Thanks alot nurse" she went to meet her mother " Mom let's go"

They hurriedly left to look for room 23.

***

" Doctor ,what could be the reason why she fainted. She really gave us a scare " Faisal asked the doctor then rub his face.

The doctor nodded in understanding " it's normal to get scared when things like this happens. We've run a test on her "

" So what is the result? "

" it's nothing much other than typhoid and we also discovered that she hasn't been eating well. This is exactly what made her fainted because she was weak. I think you need to monitor your wife sir, because if she continues this habit of non eating I'm sorry to say this, she might developed an ulcer. I'm even surprised that she is even ulcer free"

Faisal was confused with this news. He wonder why she hasn't been eating when there are lots of food at home.

" She is not my wife "

" Whatever she may be to you, you still have to monitor her if you don't want what happened to repeat itselt"

Faisal heaved a sigh "But doctor I hope after this treatment, this fainting of hers will stop? "

The doctor shrugged " it depends. If she decides to take her meal seriously then you don't have any problem and as for the typhoid, you'll have to get the drugs I've prescribed from the pharmacy downstairs."

" OK. Thanks once again doc" they shook hands

***

Kalthum finally reached the third floor which is were room 23 was. Aunty Suwayba followed her lead.

Kalthum was about to make a turn to her left when she came crashing into someone's chest.

" Ouch"

The man held her in place before the two of them could stumble backwards and fall. Kalthum groan then pushed herself away quickly after she noticed that she was being held by a man.

She was about to apologize but freeze when she came into eye contact with the person.

" you? " she huffs

Aunty Suwayba have long left her behind and was already in room 23.

Faisal smirk " What? Is it my fault now? "

The smirk she once used to love before.

She glared at him " I don't have time for small talks. If you may excuse me, I have somewhere important to be " she side passed him but got dragged back by Faisal himself

" Don't touch me! "

He released her hand and raised it up in surrender " please hear me out kalthum "

" Faisal,please leave me alone. What more do you want from me " she raised her voice which actually got others attention.

Faisal saw that she was seriously angry with him so he said " I was about to take this food to you sister's room. Please take it and give it to her "

She didn't noticed that there was food in his hand not until now. She eyes him suspiciously then grabbed it out of his hand " ok"

" Thank you" Faisal said

Kalthum looked at him strangely before she left him standing by himself. The way he was behaving is so annoying to her. Now he is making her feel guilty for not thanking him for helping her sister.

She groaned then sighted room 23. Kalthum quickly walked over to it and enter.

Kalthum was totally speechless as she saw her sisters lifeless body on the bed. She looks so thin with drip attached to her hand. How comes she is like this in just a matter of few days?  Could it be that karma is already playing  games on her sister? Is this what people call karma, Kalthum wondered.

Kalthum's attention finally fell on the other people in the room. Umm Rasheed and her mom were sitting  on the chair facing Basma's bed.

Umm Rasheed stood up to hug Kalthum " oh dear, I've missed you alot "

Kalthum couldn't stop the threatening tears that ran down her face. Hugging Umm Rasheed right now has made her realized how much she misses the woman. Her second mother

" I've missed you alot Nanny" she sobbed

Nanny rubbed her back gently " I'm very sorry for what happened. I wished I knew before hand, I wouldn't have let that happened dear. "

Kalthum pulled away then shot Nanny a smile " I'm over it Nanny. Let's forget the past "

Nanny looked at her sadly. She wished the two will finally work things out.

Kalthum smiled " I almost forgot, Nanny meet my mom "

Aunty Suwayba smiled at the older lady " we've already done the introduction before you walked in dear"

" ok" Kalthum said then faced Umm rasheed " so what did the doctor say about her health"

Umm Rasheed sighed softly " He discovered that she hasn't been putting food in her stomach and she has typhoid "

" But how comes she hasn't been eating. Basma that I know loves to eat " Aunty Suwayba told them

" yes it's true" Kalthum nodded in agreement " She never plays with her food so why would she starve herself? "

" only she can answer that dear. I really don't know " Nanny sat down " Faisal went to get food for her, I don't know why he is taking so long.

Kalthum's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the name " I met him before entering the room" she picked up the nylon which has flasks of food " he gave this to me. I've totally forgotten "

They heard a groan and all turn towards the bed. Basma tried sitting up. Aunty Suwayba quickly went over to help her up.

" Basma why did you give us a scare like that? Do you know how worried we were for you" Kalthum yelled angrily. No matter what Basma might have done to her, she is still her sister and she cares for her.

" you're worried for me? " Basma asked shocked. She didn't expect to see kalthum in the hospital not to talk about worrying for her especially after all she has done to her.

" of course Basma, you're my sister for Allah's sake. Why shouldn't I be worried? Please don't ever try scaring us that way! "

Basma was ashamed of herself. What she couldn't do for her own sister, yet the sister was doing it for her. Kalthum was worried for her . Kalthum cares for her. Basma broke down in tears. Her shoulders shook terribly.

" I'm sorry for giving you all a scare. I didn't mean to do that "

Aunty Suwayba rubbed her back" why have you been starving yourself Basma, why? "

She sniffles " I never have time to spare to eat my food "

Umm rasheed's ears perked up " What do you mean by that? "

Basma sighed " Hajiya Basira never gives me any breathing space. She kept on overloading me with work that sometimes I even forgot that I haven't put anything in my stomach. It then turn to a habit I guess.

" Subhanallah! I never knew . Why didn't you tell me dear ,why? Sometimes i thought maybe you are in the lodge taking some rest. I'm so sorry dear " Umm rasheed felt pained.

Kalthum was confused. How is that possible? She thought Basma and Hajiya Basira are working together.What is happening?

Aunty Suwayba has tears in her eyes " I'm sorry you have to go through all this. It's all my fault. I'm sorry dear "

Basma also wiped up her tears " I should be the one apologizing for worrying you all. I promise, it won't repeat itself "

" uhm, Nanny... Mom.. Can you two please excuse us? "

The two older ladies nodded then left the room for the two sisters.

Kalthum stared at Basma in anger " you don't need to pretend Basma. What actually happened? " Kalthum still believes that Basma was lying. There is no way hajiya Basira will do that to her if they are working together.

Basma looked at her sister with wide eyes " what do you mean? "

Kalthum put her hand on her waist . She stared hard at Basma " How come Hajiya Basira did all this to you when you two are working hand in hand. Aren't you her accomplice? Didn't you two join hands to separate Faisal and i"

Basma gasped " Wallahi I know nothing about it. I don't know anything about that. I agree, I never wanted you and Faisal together but I never once join hands with his mother. That matter had never raised up between us. Infact she hated me alot because you're my sister. I don't know why you'll think that "

" No, you're lying Basma. I know you're lying. You can't use your tears to deceive me again, never"

Basma sniffled " I know it'll be hard to believe but wallahi I've no hand in what happened between you and sir Faisal. "

Kalthum walked to her bed she gripped Basma's shoulders " I don't believe you. I know you're lying. You've always wanted to see me in pain. How do you expect me to believe you "

" please believe me kalthum. Do you think I'm pretending to be sick? How can I do that? I agree I was once wicked but now I'm a changed person. I've repented. I don't want to hate anymore. I want to have a clean heart Kalthum. I'm tired of all this rage in me, it's destroying me little by little "

" is it now you realized that?I really don't know why I'm finding it hard to believe you. You irk me Basma. You destroyed the love I once had for you. How do you expect me to believe you just like that? "

Basma wiped off her tears " Then why are you here then?Why are you here if you know you don't care about me anymore? Tell me Kalthum "

" I might not love you as I used to before but that doesn't mean I don't care about you. I have a conscience unlike you Basma. I know what is right and what is wrong Basma. I never allow the anger in me to consume me "

Basma broke down in tears " is that not why I'm apologizing now. I'm sorry kalthum, for everything. I'm terribly sorry, please forgive me "

" I don't believe your apologies Basma " Kalthum shook her head " I really don't "

She gave Basma one last look then walked out of the room.

Kalthum found no one outside the door. Maybe they went to have something to eat, she thought. She decided to go home but unfortunately, the world was against her again. There she saw Faisal resting his back on the wall exactly close to the stairs.

As if sensing her presence, Faisal raised his head up and came eye to eye with her. He moved away from the wall.

" Hey"

Kalthum glared at him then walked pass him. Faisal didn't give up, he followed her down the stairs .

" please Kalthum hear me out "

She ignores him as she made her way outside the hospital. He still didn't give up.

" please kalthum " he grabbed her hand which made her freeze. Faisal went on his knees.

He is beginning to cause unwanted attention.

" What are you doing Faisal ?" she whispered yelled " people are looking "

" I don't care" he sighed softly

" please Faisal stand up "

" I can't "

" if you can't then leave my hand "

" Not until you hear me out. Please Kalthum "

She glared at him. He gave her the puppy eye look which made her almost smiled.

"  You know, you're annoying right? "

He smiled gently " I've been told that alot of time "

" I hate you" she groaned, she missed him.

" I know. I also hate myself"

She huffs " must you reply to whatever I say? "

" Will you listen to me now?"

She hates how he was making her feel " Fine"

He grinned widely " Thank you, thanks alot" Faisal stood up and dust his trouser.

" My car is parked over there"

She looked at where the car was parked suspiciously

As if noticing her hesitance" I promise, I'm not going to hurt you "

She glared at him " let's go "

***

Faisal took her to a quiet area not far from the hospital . They parked the car at the side of the road.

" So..

He cleared his throat " I'm sorry"

She glared at him " is that what you brought me here to hear? "

" No, not only that. I know I've hurted you alot Kalthum. I regret ever doing that to you.Since what happened, not once have I ever have a peaceful night sleep Kalthum. My conscience kept hunting me. I always drown my self with work just to forget the guilt. It was eating me up terribly . I know I was stupid, foolish ,inconsiderate and all the whole insult in this world Kalthum "

She scoffed" and you just realized that now? Look Faisal you don't have to do this if you don't want to. I've even forgotten what happened and I want to move on with my life without you in it. I know the stunt Umm Rasheed pulled, I know she and my mom purposely left so you can have time to talk to me."

" please kalthum just hear me out "

" isn't that what I've been doing ?"

" please I want to be in your life again Kalthum. I want to be the same Faisal you use to know. I want to be your dream man. I want to be everything you ever think of"

Kalthum hates how her heart beats for him. She hate it all. She hate the feeling she was having right now. She wiped up a threatening tear.

" please just take me back to the hospital "

" Don't do this to us kalthum, please "

" Bashir " she gasped

Faisal followed her gaze and was shocked to see that same man he saw at the hotel, the same man that was the reason for their problems.

She unlocked the door then quickly got out of the car. Faisal also followed closely behind her.

After Bashir collected his change from the shop. He turn around to leave but was surprised to see Kalthum and Faisal looking at him with a hard look.

He bowed his head in shame " excuse me "

Faisal dragged him back " where do you think you're going? "

Kalthum folded her arms as she hissed at him " what have I ever done to you Bashir? why did you do what you did to me? "

" What did I do to you "

" Don't pretend you don't know what you did. Why did you deceive me the other day, why? What wrong have I done to you? "

" look, I don't know what you're talking about miss. "

" If you take a step, I'll make sure you end in jail right this minute. You better start talking " Faisal threatened

" I...i got paid to do what i did. I swear I didn't mean to do that to you. I really wanted to apologize but I got swayed with money. I needed the money. I'm terribly sorry. "

" So you mean Basma sent you to do that to me? "

Bashir looked at her confused " Basma? Basma didn't send me "

" Then who did? "

" It's Maryam"