Chapter 5

Sour 

Her mouth tasted sour, her body also feels sour. Kalthum tried getting up but her body fails miserably. She feel so down that her temperature is also getting too high. Her sister who is in the next room doesn't know anything yet and she is very sure her mom will insult the life of her when she finds out about this.

Kalthum tried getting up with all her strength which she successfully did. She sat on her bed while holding her head. The headache is as a result of the swell on her forehead. How will she get up to perform wudu? She hates missing any prayer . Even if she is terribly sick, Kalthum always makes sure to pray. Speaking with her lord is one of the beautiful thing she holds dearly. 

She recited a short prayer before standing up with force. She dragged herself  to the bathroom to do what was required of her. She finally came out few minutes later. 

Kalthum lay the praying mat and faced the qibla to pray. She makes sure to put all her pains in the prayer. The funniest thing is, she is or rather she and her sister will be leaving for the Dantata's house today. Infact this morning. How will she be able to go with this sickness which is trying to develop?. Her mom wouldn't even allow her to stay behind because at first they were supposed to leave a day before, it was still Kalthum that pleaded with her for a raised day which is today and now that this sickness is trying to form, What will she do?. 

She folded the mat after she was done, any minute from now her mom will come to call her out. Lucky for her, she has already prepared her box yesterday in the morning.

***

Basma dragged her bag to the living room, already prepared. Anyone who sees her will think she was going for a wedding because of how she overdressed herself.

" where is your sister? " Suwayba asked

" she will be out soon "

Suwayba hissed " she better hurry up. We're running late all because of her"

" she will be out now mom ,don't worry" Basma smiled but deep down she also wished Kalthum will just come out so they can get going. She just can't wait to go to the Dantata's house. 

" I have something to talk to you about before your sister comes out" said  Suwayba " come sit here"

Basma became confused. What does her mom want to talk about with her? 

" Uhm okey" she went to sit on the chair beside her mom " what is it mom? "

" it's about your sister " Suwayba started

Basma swallowed " erm, what is it about her? " she has a feeling it has something to do with what happened yesterday. 

" Hm, your sister is hiding something from us. I know that the excuse she gave yesterday was a lie, I was just not in the mood to argue with her. " she sighed " as her sister, I know you two might have talked about one or two things. I know she might have told you where she actually went to and how she got those bruise"

" mo-m I do-nt

" please don't lie to me Basma, I'm your mother and I put a lot of trust in you. Please tell me what really happened. Where did she tell you she went to? "

" i-i -i don't know. I swear. She didn't tell me anything "

" but I saw you entering her room yesterday in the night and I heard murmurs as if you two were arguing? "

" mom, I'm telling you the truth. She didn't tell me anything " Basma said firmly 

" are you sure? "

" yes mom very sure "

Suwayba heaved a sigh. She is confused right now " OK then"

Basma forced a smile on her face. She took her mom's hand and put it in hers " mom, please believe me, she didn't tell me anything. I'm sure she was telling the truth about where she went to"

" are you sure? "

" of course mom. You've got nothing to be worried about " 

" OK then" she said " but I want you to always put an eye on her as you leave for the Dantata's. I wouldn't want her to do something that will tarnish my name. I know that girl can do and undo. I don't trust her at all"

Even Basma was surprised by her mom's harsh words. She always wonder why their mom doesn't get along with Kalthum at all. It became this worst after the death of their father. 

Basma would love to ask for the reason behind this hate but she won't , because she wouldn't want the love her mom has for her to diminish. Truth be told basma loves all the attention her mom always showers on her. Too bad for Kalthum 

" I'll make sure to guide her mom. Don't worry " she said instead 

Suwayba smiled lovingly at her eldest daughter " this is why you're my favorite. I know I can trust you"

"yes mom" she smiled widely "is that all you want to talk to me about? "

" well, there is something else" Suwayba said 

" okay and what is that?" Basma asked with a brow raised

Suwayba was acting all funny now almost confusing her daughter " you will be turning 23 next month "

At the reminder, Basma smiles" yes I will " 

" and you know what that means? "

" what does it means? " asked Basma with a cock brow

" don't be oblivious dear. This means you're fully a grown woman and it's high time you meet a rich man who you'll be spending the rest of your life with! "

" marriage? "

" yes dear, marriage. I can't wait to see my grandkids. "

" But mom isn't that too soon? "

Suwayba scoffed " you call this too soon?!This isn't soon at all dear. Remember you're going to work with rich people now"

" so? 

" so you should grab the opportunity thrown at you. I heard the Dantata has two sons . Make sure you win the heart of one . You have all it takes to win their hearts. I know you can do it. " Suwayba smiled widely 

" but mom that will be difficult " Basma said thoughtfully 

" it's not difficult at all. Just use your beauty on them and they will all worship the ground you walk on"

" I pray it works o"

"DanAllah stop saying rubbish. Be positive for once. Where is the confident Basma I always know "

" I'm right here mom"

" Good. Don't ever give up do you understand? "

" yes mom I won't " she nodded with confidence

" I also want to move with the rich. I want to have a rich  son-in-law. All those people that always look down on us ,put them in shame ."

" you're the only one I have hope in. Your sister Kalthum doesn't even know what it takes to keep a man. I'm very sure she doesn't have any boyfriend. Who would even want her when she doesn't put on makeups nor dress the way you do! "

" I got that from you mom" Basma grinned from ear to ear, enjoying her mom's praises

Suwayba smirk" I trust you dear. So please, don't put me down. Win the heart of the eldest Dantata . I'm sure he is going to like you at first sight, who wouldn't?. 

" I won't let you down mom. I'll try all it takes to win his heart. You just wait and see"

" Now you're talking " she hugged her daughter tightly " I'm going to miss you dear"

" I will miss you too mom. Don't worry, I'll always make sure to call you"

" please do. " they pulled away " why is your sister taking so long? Please go check on her before umm Kamal comes to get you"

" ok" she nodded and left 

***

Kalthum's strength was totally reducing. She thought she can do this but she can't. She knew any moment from now, her mom or her sister will come to get her. 

" Kalthum what is taking you so l--" Basma barged in but paused upon seeing her sister " what happened to you Kalthum? " she rushed to her side immediately 

She touched her on the forehead " your temperature is high. We need to get you to the hospital "

" no-no- please don't tell mom. I can manage.  Just help me up, I'll manage " Kalthum assured her

" No, you need medical attention "

" please just listen to me sis. It just a mere headache and it's going to go. I only want you to help me up,please"

" are you sure? "

" very sure. Just help me up" she stretched her hands out for assistance 

" okay " Basma was reluctantat first but nevertheless she still helped her up

" will you be able to walk?"

" yes, I'll manage " Kalthum told her " please don't say a word about this to mom. If she asked you what took us so long just help form a lie please"

" I won't tell her, don't worry"

"  please help me pass my hijab. Its in the cupboard "

" okay" Basma did as she was told. She helped her put it on

" let's go "

***

The house was as big as rumors has it. Infact it was even more than how people assume it to be. It's just so big and eyes watering. 

" wow" Basma whispered in awe 

Umm kamal chuckles" you haven't seen anything yet not until you enter the house "

" I can't wait " an excited Basma yelled

Kalthum was all gloomy. She wasn't even interested in what they were saying, all she needs right now is to know where her room is situated so she can sleep. All they are both saying is the least of her problem. 

" Kalthum you aren't saying anything? " umm kamal asked

" the house is Mashaa Allah can we now move to our room? " she asked " please? " she added not to sound too rude

" uhm OK but about that -

" what is it again?. Don't we have a room? "

"  of course you do. I was about to say that the eldest Dantata requires to see you two before any room is assigned to you" umm kamal explained 

" OK let's go to him then."

" Why the rush dear?" umm Kamal couldn't help but asked 

Kalthum exhaled loudly " I'm so sorry for sounding rude. The thing is I'm not getting myself as it is. If I don't have a rest I might collapse right now "

" oh dear! I didn't know. Come let's go, the faster the better "

" now you're talking " Kalthum mumbles to herself 

On the other hand Basma couldn't wait to meet the eldest Dantata. She smirk devilishly. The moment kalthum and umm Kamal moved forward she stood behind to rub more powder on her face before following suit.

" you two got nothing to worry about . You'll enjoy your stay here trust me" umm Kamal assured them as they walk 

" I know that already " Basma said while Kalthum rolled her eyes. She knew how much her elder sister had waited for this day. 

Finally, they came to a halt in front of a large door. " here we are"

Kalthum felt kind of strange. The way her eyes keeps rolling  said otherwise. It was as if she was about to faint. Why is it when they were about to see the person inside? Why not after?. Her body was failing her badly and if care isn't taken she is definitely going to collapse right now. 

Umm Kamal knocked on the door and someone answered from inside. It was a female voice. 

"I thought you said we're here to meet the Dantata's son? " Basma couldn't help but asked

" yeah he is in there. The voice you heard is the senior Nanny's. She is like a mother to all the children and Sir Faisal is her favorite. "

" Faisal? That's his name? "

" yes it is " answered umm Kamal before pushing the door inside.The two sisters followed suit. Kalthum wasn't paying attention at all. She was trying hard to hold herself but her body and brain are not. 

" you can leave us now " Faisal dismissed umm Kamal . She gave the two an assuring smile before leaving. 

Faisal was exactly as Basma had pictured him. He was sitting there on his chair like the Greek God he was. Their is nothing more she want than to win this man's heart. He is mine. 

Kalthum whose head was down trying all she could to stand still. 

" welcome to the Dantata's home " the senior nanny (umm rasheed) said warmly 

" Thank you" Basma answered too excited for Kalthum's liking. 

" I'm sure you two know what you're here for? "

His voice was also exactly as she imagined. Basma couldn't help the smile on her face 

" yes we do" she answered

Faisal noticed that it was only one of the sisters that has been answering. The other isn't even looking at them. Her head was down like she doesn't want to be here. Then why come? 

He continued what he was saying but his eyes was still set straight on Kalthum who still wasn't looking or talking " make sure you do your job adequately and also respect all the rules which will be giving to you by Nanny here" he pointed at umm rasheed 

Kalthum's head was slightly raised to see who the nanny was. That was how Faisal finally got a glimpse of her and the worst happened .

" YOU? 

The room became quiet by Faisal's looming voice. Even Kalthum had to look up to meet his eyes for the first time they came here and her nightmares came running back to her. She knew she was absolutely going to faint for real now and Kalthum embraced the darkness wholeheartedly.