Chapter Five

I had prepared tilapia fish, with mash potatoes and vegetables gravy to accompany it.

I then called Akka and Tariq for dinner.

We were now seated, I couldn't really eat after knowing that I won't have all this after four months...it's not that I am happy here, but atleast I call this my home, but after the divorce am sure my mum won't allow me back home.

Cause I would be disgrace for her.

"Zeren?" Tariq called out.

I looked at him," yeah?" 

"It's just you were zoned out... Anyway you need anything?" He asked.

Why is he trying to be nice?

I denied shaking my head as no.

He nodded continuing eating.

*****

I was now in my room, and since Akka was still staying with us, Tariq had to sleep with me in the same room.

He came out of the bathroom, his six packs on show.

With droplets of water sliding down his bare chest.

His jeans hung low.

I averted my gaze and asked," do you want me to go and sleep with Akka?" 

Drying his hair with towel, he tossed the towel on the sofa, and came to stand beside me.

I was looking at my legs.

Holding me by my shoulders he asked," why are you looking down?" 

I looked at him in the eyes and then turned away immediately and looked at our mahogany wooden doubled door cupboard.

I then replied," because you aren't wearing shirt."

He chuckled, then took his hand and kept on my chin, making me face him.

"So I make you feel uncomfortable?" 

I looked at him directly in his eyes and said," no."

He looked into my eyes and took a sharp breath and muttered something under his breath me but I didn't catch anything.

"Go and freshen up, I'll set the bed." He said before going towards the cupboard to remove his pyjamas.

I laughed silently and said before heading towards the bathroom," your PJs are on the bed Tariq."

He removed his head from the cupboard, looking toward the direction of the bed and muttered," oh! Ofcourse I know."

I shook my head laughing as I entered the bathroom.

*****

We were now lying on our bed, our back facing each other when I felt a dip in the bed and felt him closer to me.

I then felt a hand on my waist, and his face behind mine.

"Zeren?" He asked.

I took a deep breath and said," hmm?"

"Are you sleeping?" 

"No, what is it Tariq?" 

Why is he sleeping so close with me?

"I asked Zee."

"Asked what?" I asked.

What did he ask Akka?

"You were right."he stated.

"Right?about what?" I asked unsure as to what he was talking about.

"You are not his real sister." 

"Oh that! So you didn't believe me till you asked Akka." I stated a little hurt that my husband didn't believe in my words.

But our marriage isn't real, so why would he believe me?

"It's not that," he tried to speak but then stopped Midway and turned me around so I was now facing him.

Putting my fallen hair, behind my ears he spoke," I do believe you."

I rolled my eyes and said," really?" In a sarcasm tone.

He nodded.

"I knew I was adopted, my mum always kind of indicated that, plus I have many reasons as well, like the way, dad, mum and Akka have fair complexion whereas I.." he shushed me keeping his fingers on my lips.

"You are very beautiful Zeren."

Keeping his forehead on mine, he closed his eyes and said," I don't know what's wrong but I want to know you more." 

He then opened his eyes and looked at me.

"But.." I said and he spoke leaving my unspoken sentence mid-way.

"But we can't talk right now, cause I might kiss you any time." He then moved away, sleeping on his side still facing me, he smiled and muttered," good night."

What's wrong with him?

Kiss?

He might kiss me if we talked more?

How this sudden change?

I turned, my back now facing him and replied," good night Tariq."

I don't know how but sleep took over me.

******

I woke up to find Tariq already awake and staring at me.

We were both facing each other.

He smiled, tucking my hair and said," good morning."

But all I could think of was," you haven't left?" 

He chuckled facing the ceiling and asked," is that how you will wish me good morning?"

I rolled my eyes getting up, but he pulled me back and said," stay for few minutes,please?"

I looked at his pleading eyes.

Why is he doing all this?

I wanted to know.

And for that reason I stayed back, facing the plain ceiling.

Our breath heard in the silence of the early morning.

The sun was yet to rise.

It was 5 a.m.

My time to wake up for fajr prayers and then prepare breakfast.

But now I was laying beside Tariq staring at our plain bedroom ceiling.

The silence was soothing but I couldn't stay for long, I didn't wanted to miss my prayers.

"Why?"

I asked.

He looked at me and then faced the ceiling again and answered," I don't know."

I looked at him, balancing my head on my palms, which were now held by the elbow.

"Is it because of Akka?" I asked again.

He turned to face, and sleeping in a position I was.

Balancing our body on elbow.

"No, she wanted me to divorce you." He replied.

I turned and sat up, tears starting to well up in my eyes.

He pulled on my pyjama shirt and said," lay back down?"

I gulped away the tears still not facing him and muttered," can't. Am getting late for my prayers." And then stood up and headed towards the bathroom.

Upon closing the door, I slid down sitting on the cold bathroom tiles and cried silently.

Why did Akka tell me to marry him if she wanted later him to divorce me?

Wiping the tears I stood up and started doing the ablution for prayers.