Sudan, Khartoum.

***

It wasn't Sudan's abrupt change of weather or Ya Maamah's endless call that is on the top of his list rather aunty Kulthum's hard glare and the issue at hand.

He closed his eyes and breathe out heavily hoping somehow when he opens his eyes everything will return back to normal.

Three months ago, he would have been in his office or holding a meeting in the conference room talking about business, or sneaking a cup of coffee so JamJam won't see him and report him to Batool, or talking on the phone with Ya Maamah or any of his sisters who will nag him about coming home but right now, he is a bag of mess.

"You have been sitting here for the past one hour, are you taking any actions or at least explain to me what is going on?" Aunty Kulthum asked.

"I am waiting for someone aunty Kul, I don't want to worry you"

She hissed not so softly, "worry me? It has been half a day already!"

Before he could reply, the bell rang and Myra was quick to jump up the couch and open the door. She stepped away and their eyes fell on him leaving aunty Kulthum in shock.

"Hassan?" She asked when the person walked inside the room dressed in black trousers and blue buttoned up shirt.

"It's Hussain" he crouched, "Assalam Alaikum"

Of course.. how can she even compare Hassan to his well mannered twin who is completely sober and mentally healthy?

"Wa'alaikum salaam" she replied and Khaleel motioned for him to sit on the couch.

He paused for awhile after they exchanged pleasantries before letting out a sharp breath.

"I haven't been keeping tracks of him for three weeks now. Our parents found out that I have been sponsoring him all this years so they cut his electricity and his bills and forbade me from keeping contacts with him" he said and one could easily detect the sadness in his voice.

"I saw him last three weeks, he looked.. miserable" Khaleel replied and Hussain nod his head understanding.

"Are you sure the girl is with him? I have been calling him but his phone is switched off"

This time JamJam is quick to speak up, "obviously she is with him. He is the only person she knows here apart from us.."

"Jameelah!" Aunty Kulthum snapped.

"I mean to say she is definitely with him. Aamirah has not been herself for the past three weeks and just this morning she said she will be meeting with Hassan" she replied trying not to be rude this time around.

"They seem close"

JamJam nod her head "Ever since their first date, they have been tight"

Khaleel's heart fell in the pit of his stomach on the word date.

Wait.. is that even considered a date? But it was more like a friendly meeting..

Wasn't it?

He cleared his throat to stop Jameelah from saying anything that will irk him further.

"Can you help us track him or should we take legal action?" Khaleel asked.

"Give me twenty four hours please. I know my brother has caused a lot of problems to your family but I am pleading with you"

Khaleel felt the pang in his chest, seeing Hussain beg him is something he has never imagined. He is his ex best friend's twin brother, they practically grew up together and just to be in this situation, again is heart wrenching.

"It's not fair you have to clean his mess every time he creats one, it's not on you"

Hussain smiled standing up. "Thank you, InshaAllah she is safe no matter what he will never hurt her intentionally"

It was on the tip of his tongue to say it but he stopped himself walking him to the door.

"But with Khadi, it was different"

There he said it!

Hussain stopped in tracks before his white, brand new camry, "with Khadi, he was in love" he left.

***

Khaleel rolled his eyes at his aunt who walked inside his room for the third time that night, ever since Hussain left and Aamirah's sudden disappearance she has been on his trail. The fact that he was in touch with Hassan couple of days ago worries her so much, she can't let him get influence again, not on her watch.

"Is everything okay?" Khaleel asked as her eyes scanned his room for anything unusual or out of place but she found none.

"Yes.. Are you okay?"

He nods his head holding up his phone, "just chatting with Batool"

"Oh MashaAllah! How is she?" She beamed

"Fine Alhamdulilah" they fell into comfortable silence.

"Is Batool aware?" Aunty Kulthum asked and Khaleel shake his head sideways.

"I don't need her falling back to depression when she is in such a good place right now"

"Khaleel if you need someone to talk to I am always here.. You have me. Don't drown alone, we are all in this together" she said concerned and he smiled at his aunty.

"Thank you aunty Kul"

She stood up and glanced at the pills on his bedside table, her body froze. "What's that?"

Khaleel followed her gaze to the white pills beside him, "Pain killers"

"I'll keep this with me, goodnight"

He sighed deeply.

He can't blame them for being cautious this time around..

They have every right to.

***

JamJam frowned at her cousin strongly disagreeing with his idea of rescuing Aamirah. Her jaw hardened and suddenly her eyes were blazing from fire, icy, hot fire. Kabeer who was sitting on the couch sipping a glass of iced raspberry dropped his cup and gulped hard.. SubhanaAllah! Khaleel is in for it today!

"Your kidding me right?"

Khaleel shrugged off his shoulders nonchalantly. "I am damn serious Jameelah! Let me handle this"

"Handle this? No! Your acting a damn fool Khaleel. This is not even funny anymore.. It's been two days now! Mimi is out there, somewhere in danger with this Hassan guy and your just sitting here waiting for Hussain to call you because you trust him?!" She yelled and Kabeer cleared his throat standing up.

"Jam calm down. You don't see him sleeping or having a feast do you? He has been on his feet trying to find her.."

Jameelah glared at him "Just shut up! I'm not talking to you Mr handsome-gorgous-heart-thief"

Kabeer chuckled as she stomped her feet childishly sitting down on the couch.

"Hussain said he will meet me later, I'm hoping he comes bearing good news" Khaleel changed the topic swiftly.

"He better! If not-"

"That's my drink!" Kabeer cut her off as she sips his iced raspberry tea.

"So?" She raised her eyebrow and when he opened his mouth to speak she beat him to it. "Oh I can see your falling out of love already! Jerk! I hate you. enjoy your stupid, amazing drink" she walked out the office.

"I-i but.. What?!" Kabeer stammered while his friend laughed at him.

"Don't look at me. She's yours and I have a lot on my plate"

"Thanks for having my back man" he replied sarcastically following after his beloved who is making him lose his mind bits by bits..

Damn! He is a goner.

***
Assalam Alaikum peeps! Long time no see.. Well not exactly, right?

JamJam na Kabeer😂 only Kabeer can handle you wallah😩💔 God I love her!!!!!!😭💗💗

Mimi is missing🙊 DUN DUN DUN

who is fixing the puzzle already? I can't wait to reveal every thing bits by bits.. 😌

Do you think Hassan has something to do with Mimi's disappearance?

Yes or no?

Alright.. Vote, comment and share. ❤