Two weeks has passed since the terrible incident that occurred with Manal. She was discharged and had returned to living in the cottage once again. But this time, Cairo ensured he provided enough food stuffs for her himself. He had bought double of each of what he had bought for Hadiza's house. He bought a bag of rice, beans, two cartoons of indomie each, and two packet of spaghettis each and so on. She was happy she was loaded with food and gas and the best part was that she had her clothes with her. Now she wouldn't have to go into the mansion again for now. She walked over to the mini living room in her cottage, it was portable and well kept. She sat on her couch and laid her head on the headrest. She was feeling suffocated from staying here alone but the peace surpassed the suffocation so she liked that at least. She closed her eyes a bit, she was inhaling the fresh air that came through the opened window. It was nice and Blissful, she liked the feeling of peace and Quite. Suddenly, A knock came on the door that immediately jolted her out of her trance. She immediately wore her cap and got up and went over to see who it was, she was sure it'd be Hamza, he always checked up on her each time he was free. "I'm coming" She said. She twisted the door knob slowly and outside stood Cairo. Wearing a blue Kaftan that suited his dark skin. "Park your bags. Come back into the mansion" He said and immediately almost turned around to leave but she stopped him.

"I like it here" She said.

"I'm not asking you to come because I want you back, My brother is coming and I do not want drama. If he knows you stay here they'll be havoc. So park your bags and return back before I get back from work" He didn't even wait for her to speak and took his leave. She immediately felt anger rush through her veins, she liked it here. It was better and peaceful over here than there, Oh God. She hates what's happening.

She parked her bags as instructed, she arranged everything properly and took them to the mansion. She was happy that she didn't see Hadiza when she arrived there, she disliked Hadiza and doesn't want any further drama in her life. She entered into her room and it looked just like she had left it, she felt a bit happy to be in her room for once. Feeling a bit sleepy, she laid on the bed and took a rest that lasted till Zuhr (Muslim Noon prayer). When she had woken up, she immediately performed ablution and observed Zuhr. After that, she dashed out of her room and proceeded to entering into the kitchen. on arriving there, She met a girl of about 16 years of age standing dressed in a wrapper and a faded top. 'Who could she be?' She thought. "Good Evening ma, what do you need?" The young lady asked.

"Nothing, I came to cook. Who are you?" She asked.

"I'm the new maid madam, and there's food in the cooler if you are hungry" The girl said.

"You work here?" She asked but got a reply from a person who the question was not addressed at. "She is my personal maid. Ameerah, you are not to take orders from her, am I clear?" Hadiza said rudely. And Ameerah nodded.

"I was not ordering her to do anything, I was simply asking who she was" Manal said, very calmly.

"Whatever. the fact that you are back here doesn't mean you'll remain here forever. Got that?" Said Hadiza. Manal simply pretended not to hear what she had said and turned around and left. That made Hadiza very angry, but she will not react now. She would most certainly teach Hadiza a very big lesson. "And you, what are you doing standing like a statue?. Get back to your work my friend" Hadiza hissed very loudly before stomping her feet's on the ground angrily. She left Ameerah to do her work. "But the woman seems nice, hmm. This madam Hadiza has problem o" The house girl rolled her eyes and returned to washing the dirty dishes before her. She knew very well that Hadiza was wicked, From looking at Manal she could tell that the beautiful soul meant no harm and was as peaceful as her looks.

*~*

It was exactly 10:44PM and Cairo had returned home along with his brother. Whose name was Afan. Afan was Cairo Little brother who was exactly the same age as Manal, the only time he had seen Manal was the day she was brought from the village to become Cairo's wife. After that day, he hadn't set his eyes on her until now. She had come out of the room and had ran into them while both Afan and Cairo were laughing at a joke Afan had told.

"Asalamualaikum (Peace be unto you)" Manal immediately said.

"Walaikumusalam (Peace be unto you too)" Afan replied happily. "You are Manal right?. Masha Allah you've changed so much Manal" he said happily.

"Uhm, Thanks. Have you had something to eat?" She couldn't help but take a glimpse of her husband who was certainly raining insults on her in his mind.

"No, Manal. Thank you for asking, unlike Hadiza who was only interested in my gifts" Afan Joked but Got a warning glare from his brother which made him chuckle.

"Okay, I'll get you food. Come and I'll serve you" She said to Afan who immediately stood to his feet and trailed behind Manal who immediately got him food from the kitchen. She made sure his food was garnished and very delicious. She brought it to him and dropped it before him.

"If you need anything just tell me, okay?" she said.

"Manal, sit with me please. It's been long I've seen you, let's talk" He said.

"Eat first Afan, I can see you are hungry" she said.

"There's no harm in talking while eating" He defended. She chuckled, Afan had certainly not changed one bit. He was the same, a box filed with sarcasm and jokes. She decided to sit with him and talk. They conversed on many issues which brought Manal joy and happiness. Oh, it was long since she had such an interesting conversation with someone.

"Afan" A voice called from behind. It was Cairo and he held a plate of food in his hand as well, he wanted to also eat. Manal immediately got up to leave but Afan insisted which made her sat back. "Manal have you eaten?. because I'm full. You can have my food" Afan Said.

"No Afan, eat please. Don't be shy" she teased and they both chuckled. Cairo immediately hissed at the twosome as they spoke. He hated the fact that Manal was breathing the same air as him.

"Manal you have to eat, please" He said. Manal took a spoon from the spoon-holder on the dinning table and cleaned it with a tissue. Indeed she was hungry, she took few scoops from the food but immediately began choking on the pepper. "Cairo, Give me a cup of water please" He said and Cairo passed him a cup of water. He gave it to Manal who drank it slowly until she felt better.

"Thanks Afan" She said.

"You're welcome" He smiled but didn't fail to notice how cold his brother was towards Manal. And now his doubts were confirmed, his brother still disliked Her.

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