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Behind A Smile 052
Closing the door behind her, Zynah let loose the tears she had been suppressing while in Hafsa's room. Even at such a tender age, he seemed to be aware of what she had done to him. She wondered what she had to do to make him accept her. She had asked Ramlah about his favorite things, and had been doing it to get him to like her, but her efforts seemed futile. Zynah didn't return to her room. Instead, she returned to Adnan's. She wanted to feel his presence. Stepping into the room, she began to go through his stuff - his clothes, toys and even his books. A sad smile crept up her lips as she saw his drawings. It practically didn't make any sense, but for a boy his age, he actually made a good effort. She was supposed to be the first person to teach him how to hold a pen. But she wasn't. She wasn't even there when he said his first word. She wasn't there when he took his first steps either. There and then, Zynah realized just how much she had missed out on her son's life. But i
Behind A Smile 053
"Bilal! Open the door, Bilal!" Mr. Idris banged on his door with his fists repeatedly. "Don't do this, Bilal! Open the door right now!" "Dad, please calm down," Nazmeera pleaded, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Why are you shouting?" "Calm down?" He roared. "How can I calm down, Nazmeera? Today is his wedding and he has locked himself up in his room. How am I even sure he's in there? What am I going to tell our relatives? What will Zaahida's parents say? Poor girl." "Dad, don't worry, I'm going to convince him to open the door," Nazmeera reassured. "Just go. The guests are waiting for you." "You better make sure he appears there in thirty minutes. Anything later than that, he's going to witness my wrath," Mr. Idris hissed before storming away. Seated on his bed, Bilal wrapped his hands around his head. He was suffering from a terrible migraine and his family were only adding to it. He had made it clear to them that he didn't want to get married to Zaahida, or anyone
Behind A Smile 054
"Where is my husband?" Zaahida walked up to Nazmeera and asked. After the commotion that took place before the wedding, she had been keeping an eye on him. She never knew when he would decide to leave. Their marriage wouldn't be able to stop him — she knew. But it was only for the time being. She promised to make him fall head over heels for her, and not only that, she was hellbent on wrapping him around her little finger. He was her husband now. Hers. The thought make her lips stretch into a smile. "He's left already," Nazmeera replied. "He did immediately after the wedding fatiha." Zaahida hissed. "He left? Where did he go to? Why did you allow him leave? Why didn't you stop hi—" "Zaahida!" Nazmeera's high-pitched voice cut her off. She placed a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down. Why are you getting angry now? You've won. Bilal is now yours." Zaahida shrugged Nazmeera's hand away. "I know, but I can't calm down, Nazmeera! I need to know where he is. I'm leaving." "Wait
Behind A Smile 055
Bilal's hand balled into a fist. He gritted his teeth in anger. He hated to be reminded of Zaahida. Her name alone was enough to change his whole mood. Hearing his father constantly referring to her as his wife only added to his anger. It was a truth he wasn't ready to accept. Not now or ever. Getting into his car, he slammed the door and sped out of the compound. He didn't know where he was headed, but he needed to get away. To get away from the problems that were weighing him down. He couldn't breathe properly. He knew if he continued to stay that way — in deep thoughts, he would create more problems that weren't even there in the first place. As Bilal drove around aimlessly, his mind suddenly drifted back to Zynah. He wondered where she was. How she would take the news of his marriage. Would she be disappointed? Or happy? Bilal couldn't help but wonder if she still loved him the same way his feelings for her hadn't changed. For a fact, he knew she left because of the way he t
Behind A Smile 056
Without thinking twice, he pulled over and alighted from the car. She had turned around and he could see her clearly now. She was indeed his Zynah. He wanted to rush over to her and beg her to return to him, if he must, but seeing her laughing heartily with the a strange man made Bilal ball his fists. • Zynah wanted to pay the kiosk owner his money, but Ibrahim did before she could. "You don't have to do that always, Ibrahim," Zynah politely declined. "I have my own money." "I know," Ibrahim shrugged. "Keep the change." Zynah offered a tired smile. "Thanks, Ibrahim." "Seems Adnan is feeling sleepy," Ibrahim pointed out. "Let me help you. Give him to me." Zynah handed a sleepy Adnan to Ibrahim. "Go ahead, I need to buy something from that store over there. I'll meet you in the car." "Alright," Ibrahim replied, and walked away with a now sleeping Adnan in his arms. Just then, Zynah felt someone grab her arm. At first, she thought it was Ibrahim, but he had ne
Behind A Smile 057
Amidst the commotion, the police arrived. Apparently, someone from the crowd had called them. "Stop!" One of the officers ordered, walking towards us in fast paces. "Hands above your head. Musa, hurry, take the victim to the hospital." Ibrahim immediately stopped, and without any form of complaint, did as he was told. Bilal was quickly carried and rushed to a nearby hospital. "Handcuff and take him away!" The same officer ordered. "No, please." Zynah quickly got in front of Ibrahim. "Please don't. He is innocent. He didn't mean to fight back. He was just defending himself. Why don't you ask these people?" She pointed to the bystanders. "Don't get involved, Madam, otherwise we'll be forced to take you along with us to the station." The officer threatened. "I'm already involved. In fact, this all started because of me, so take me instead." "What are you doing?" Ibrahim asked, his voice strained. "Have you lost your mind?" He averted his gaze back to the policemen. "D
Behind A Smile 058
Zaahida couldn't stop pacing to and fro in the waiting room. The news of Bilal's condition had her unstable. She had been crying nonstop since she found out he had been hospitalized. Bilal's family were also present at the hospital. His dad, Mr. Idris was sitting on the bench. Nazmeera standing by the wall. It had been over two hours that they had been waiting for the doctor to emerge from the emergency room, but he still hadn't. "Calm, down, Zaahida," Nazmeera approached her, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He is going to be fine, if Allah wills." Zaahida gazed at her through her vision which has become blurry. "I don't want to be a widow so soon, Nazmeera," She choked out, her voice a little above a whisper. "Please tell me he'll be fine." "You won't be. Nothing is going to happen to him," Nazmeera reassured. Her gaze averted from Zaahida to Mr. Idris. He was seated on a bench quietly. She wondered what was going on his mind. He was unusually quiet. "Dad,"
Behind A Smile 059
Walking into the ward, Zaahida couldn't help, but sob at the condition she met Bilal in. She was told he was seriously beaten, but she never imagined it would indeed be that serious. There was a bandage around his head and arm. The spot next to his eye was red and swollen. His nose, as well as his lips were broken and swollen. With the back of her palm, she wiped her tears, and walked further into the room. Bilal was lying motionless on his bed. The doctor had informed her that he was stable and was only sleeping, but she was finding it hard to believe. "Billy," She sobbed and raised a hand to touch him. She stopped midair for she knew he would never allow her do that if he was awake, but remembering she was now his wife, and she had every right to touch him, she went on to do it. First, she placed her hand on his forehead, feeling his temperature. Her fingers then trailed from his forehead to his eyes, nose, and finally rested on his broken lips. Her heart bled as her fingers ge
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