Malik gulped down the lump in his throat, his hands became sweaty, he knew it has come to an end. How would he repress those words? What he saw in her eyes was a clear assurance of not accepting him.

"Betty, complete your sentence," Hayfah's husky voice slurred, her whole body was weak, she wasn't expecting something close to this from him.

He rubbed his nape with his right hand, and kept staring at tensed Hayfah; unable to utter a word. "I love you, Hayfah. It wasn't something of recent, but the years we took together. I've found no girl in my life, but you. I've loved you since the first day I met you, I tried obfuscating my feeling for all those years__but it has come to a point that I couldn't.

Don't turn me down, do find a place in your heart and accept my feelings. I'm ready to settle down__with you I hope. Please, Betty," Malik finally found his voice, with each word he spoke, it held nothing but sheer adulation and altruism. He wish she would just say yes__and they'll get married in less than a month, for all he wants.

Hayfah couldn't comprehend what was he was saying, she kept staring at him, unable to fathom what he meant and what he really want. Was that the reason behind those intense stares? The extreme phone calls and care? How he could almost drool when he sees her? The visits. Ya Allah! This explains everything. Fareeha's instincts were indeed true.

"But, Betty..," she trailed off, unable to form a good word from her lips. How could she deny him? He meant a part of her. But deep down__she knew who she loves. It wasn't him, and would never be him.

Malik didn't talk, but opened the door for her, as the gentle man he is. She entered and heaved a sigh, not sure of what to do.

"You don't have to stress yourself over this, I love you__and would forever do. I'll respect your decision," came Malik's whimper, his heart twinging, he was afraid of what she would say.

Hayfah slowly lifted her eyes up, she felt her heart was heavy for her; it held a glum emotion she couldn't express. "I don't want to hurt you, Betty, I really don't," she whimpered, as a lone of tear rolled down her cheeks. She didn't know she was crying, the tears just fell without her knowing.

"Ya Allah!" Malik whispered, palming his face. He knew what that would lead to, that's why he was always procrastinating.

"Let's say I have feelings for you, do you think your people would accept me as the person I am? Plus I'm not ready to settle down__not even thinking of a future soon," Hayfah spoke sombrely, how could Betty do this to her? He knew she couldn't snub his plea__or what should she call it?

He turned, directly facing her, "Betty, I understand your neurosis, but believe me__they would never dislike what I love; so much. I love you, Betty, please don't do this to us," he pleaded, his eyes emoting his fear for veto, he knew it would be more than this hard.

Hayfah let out a humorless laugh, flummoxedly looking at him. "Can you believe this, Betty? Are we the ones talking about love? Huh! Life is unpredictable, you'll never know what's next," she couldn't help but chuckle. It felt... how could she even call it? She wasn't expecting this in her entire life.

Malik kept looking at her, he could see the amazement in her eyes, he knew she wasn't expecting this, he too wasn't. "I can understand it if you don't love me, I really will. I would respect your decision," he uttered, smiling ruefully at her.

Hayfah fumbled in her seat, and ducked her head down, "I'll think about it, it's something that needs a throughout cogitation. Thank you," she slowly whispered, not that she would think about something he would like. She knew her heart so well, it needs no one but him___Adyan.

Malik nodded haltingly, as she opted out of the car, he wished she would accept him, he loves her. He really do. More than that guy she claims to love.

Hayfah trudged inside the house, she couldn't think clearly, why is destiny toying with her feelings? How could she tell Betty she doesn't have any feelings for him? She isn't that heartless, she has to consider his feelings. Ya Rabb! This isn't going to be easy.

She prayed her Magrib salah and sat on the prayer mat, ruminative about how her life was twirling on the orbit of destiny. Wouldn't she have a normal life? How could a friend, whom she calls a brother falls in love with her? What has life kept in store for her? This is just too much for her. It really is.

"What are you thinking about?" Amna asked, as she groggily slumped beside Hayfah, nibbling on dates.

Hayfah heaved a sigh, she needs to erupt this out of her heart, she might feel at ease. "Something scary happened, it was really scary, Addah," came her sombre husky voice, as she made her attention fully on Amna.

Amna chuckled outwardly, a glint of happiness in her eyes. She wondered what was this scary thing Hayfah was talking about. "What is it? I hope you aren't exaggerating," she asked, thrusting Hayfah a date.

Hayfah collected the date, opened it and munched it down "Hmmm.. I wasn't, Addah. Betty confessed his love when he came in the evening. I'm confused, Addah, don't even know what to do," Hayfah informed, as she palmed her face, it was really harrowing.

Amna let out a hysterical laughter, so all this while__Hayfah didn't get the hint he was sending? Or was she just snubbing it? "You really are funny, sis. Are you going to tell me you didn't realize that since? Huh! You're really funny. Just accept joor, let's slay for a wedding," Amna spoke enthusiastically, she was happy Malik finally uttered those magical words to Hayfah. She could now rest in peace, and search for 'him'. Yes__she's still into him.

Before Hayfah could reply, Umma barged inside the room, her face held a presumptuous expression. "Wether she accept him or not__she has no husband but Malik. So you better put up your mind, and accept him in an easy way. For you'll be married to him__soon," she barked, glaring at her.

They both got spooked, they weren't expecting her. Hayfah was the one to abruptly looked at her, what does she mean by soon? Who would she get married to? Is that supposed to mean... Ya Allah! Don't let this happen.

"Umma, please don't do this to me, I promise not to do anything against your order. Please, Umma, wallahi I don't love him," tears were already finding their way out of Hayfah's eyes. She knew Umma was capable of doing anything, like everything__to make this marriage work out.

Umma hissed angrily, what do Hayfah take her for? She has sold out her body, and now finally got someone that would manage with her__but still saying she doesn't love him? She'll know who she is.

"I'm not asking for your opinion or something, just informing you. So get prepared, you'll soon be married," Umma spoke and sauntered out of the room.

Hayfah let out a loud wail, slumping on Amna's thigh. "What kind of life is this? Would I ever find happiness in this world? I don't love him, Addah. Help me beseech her, she'll listen to you," she begged, sobbing hysterically, her heart was squirming, she could felt how Umma's words crucified her heart.

Amna lifted her up, cleared her tears and spoke in a placating way "Don't get her wrong, she's probably isn't in her good mood. I know she'll take her words off later, stop crying please," she hoped her words would make Hayfah less tense, but she too has a feeling that Umma would hold unto her words. She was known as an adamant and sturdy woman.

Hayfah didn't talk, but kept sobbing on Amna's shoulder, she knew Umma would do anything that would hurt her, she prayed this wouldn't work__for she couldn't imagine her living a married life with someone else expect 'him'. Yes__she still loves him.

Amna had to gave her some inspiring talks, gisted her stories to take off her worries, before a desolated sleep took her off, sighing within minutes.

***

Adyan was working in his office, he looked stressed out; and knackered. He hissed and looked at the wall clock, hoping he could stir up the time. He palmed his face out of frustration, and decided to call his sorella before it's time to leave.

He dailed her number; of which she picked on the third ring, "Good evening sorella, how have you been?" He asked, how his voice erupted could tell a person how knackered he was.

Mom made herself confortable on the sofa she was sitting on, she wants to tell him that he should come back home, but couldn't__she knew he would be tired himself and come back home. She missed him alot. Those years without him were afflicting, she seldom laugh hysterically, nor could Dad do.

"How's my Habiby doing? I'm fine, just missing you over here," she spoke enthusiastically, smiling at Dad that entered the living room. He sat close to her on the sofa, and put the phone on speaker.

A smile crept out of Adyan's lips, he missed them too__more than he could express. "I miss you more, Sorella. That your smile that could melt a mountain, those magical eyes, the cheeks, the warmth, Ya Rabb! I'm missing alot. That your lame Romeo is having you all by himself," he said; amiability filled his voice. He didn't know that Dad was there, until he heard his voice.

"Slow down over there, bachelor. Get yourself a wife, and stop ogling at other people's property. And besides__she's more beautiful than you described," Dad taunted, smiling joyfully at the phone; as if Adyan could see him. He was worried about Kassim that didn't have a lady in his life, he isn't interested in the marriage things. He had scolded, preached; about marriage__ but all his effort went in vain. For Kassim was still single, and isn't ready to settle down.

A loud laugh crept out of Adyan's lips, this was going to be awesome. "Ohh...slow down tiger. Ask your Juliet what she told me__she missed me like die, and wants to see me. So__she isn't into you anymore, but this handsome bachelor," he laughed at the snort Dad let out, amusement glinted in his eyes.

"Okay, hold on__let's keep that aside, You can give me an attack. When are you coming back? Aren't you tired of working for other's country? Be patriotic, Adyan," Dad's voice was now soft and serious. He had a hope on Adyan, he didn't want him to spend the important years of his life in another country__but his country.

Adyan heaved a sigh, he knew this was coming, that's why he hasn't been calling Dad; evading from this talks. "Dad, I'm tired of working here too, but just wanted to conclude some works. I would be back in a year or less," he informed, hoping he can make it as he said, for he's the type of keeping promises__he doesn't want to fail this time.

"Really?!" Mom beamed, she couldn't suppress her felicity.

"Yes, Mom," Adyan answered, he was glad she was happy.

"Let me talk to my son privately," he hard Mom's voice, she probably collected the phone from Dad, and moved somewhere___for he heard some shufflings.

"So.. what do you want us to talk about?" Adyan asked, when he heard her settled down.

"Would you like to get married if you come back? I really want to see my grand children before I die. There are alot of beautiful ladies__whom are my friend's daughters. I can seek for their hands in marriage, or should I send you their pictures? So you could choose?" She rambled in one breath, the smile not leaving her face, she hope he would agree.

"Mom!" He whined, rubbing his temple, he wondered if something hasn't went wrong in the woman's head.

"What, son? You want the most beautiful or curviest?" She asked, not caring about his whining tone.

"I still love her!" He dropped the bombshell, he was always denying it, but he knew she was everywhere in his soul.

"You love who? It's been four years son! Don't hinder your life, please," the glumness in her voice was palpable. She thought he was over that girl. Ya Allah! This isn't going to be easy.

"Yes, it's been four years; but she's still everywhere in my soul. I still love her," he elaborated, hoping she wouldn't discord.

"There is now way I'm letting you to dessicate your life, all in the name of love. You'll get married, wether you like it or not," she declared, a tone of finality laced on her tone.

"Of course, I'll get married to her," was all infuriated Adyan could utter, as he ended the call.

How's Eid? Fantastic I guess. I wanttu see all your sallah pics biko💃💃

I love you guys so much Allah❤. __maamah my babeh❤❤ here is your adyan💫💫.

Bye.

Don't forget your promise of voting amd commenting. Suggest it to your friends and family also😊.

Ayshatou issa good geh👅👅.