You may fool the world temporarily. However, lies can not defeat the truth

*************
She arrived shortly at Khady's house to bid Mama's farewell before she left, Khady following her behind.

"So, how was your first day at work?" Khady questioned

" Hmm Well, fine, I guess," Tehzeeb replied nonchalantly

"Why guessing? You're to tell me how it was not guessed. "

"Well, it was fine, actually. Apart from the advice given to me by some of my colleagues, " Tehzeeb replied with a shrug

"What advice? Don't tell me. I know you very well, you won't listen to their silly talks because I know that's the only thing they say. "

"Why do you know me so well?"

"Well, Sparks of being friends since we were toddlers"

"You're not serious. Start going back since I've gotten a ride. "

"Goodnight. Please don't stress yourself by coming to our house all the time. You will get exhausted even before the real work gets started. "

"Yes, ma. I've heard you, and thanks for the care and support. I really appreciate"

"Have you forgotten so soon? There's nothing like thanks between us now. Moreover, if I do something for you, I did it for myself because we're family, not friends. "

"I know, but still I can't just stop myself from saying it."

"It's okay, dear. But get over that soon. Goodnight, my regards to Umma and Baba. "

"I will In Sha Allah". With that being said, Khady left, and Tehzeeb entered the Keke and left for home. She arrived home and paid the Keke man his money before she walked towards the house but what she saw at the doorstep made her smile because to her it was funny. "Baba, Umma. What are you both doing standing at the doorstep? Are you expecting a visitor or what?" She asked them, trying her possible best not to laugh because she knew they were waiting for her to come back

"Yes, we're expecting a visitor. Is it a crime?" Umma asked

"Of course not. But seriously, don't tell me you're both standing here just because I am not yet back?"

"Shouldn't we be worried about our only child? Moreover, it's not a crime since you're our child, " Baba said

"Alright. But can we please go inside now, since I'm back? " she said

"Of course. Let's go in so you can freshen up and tell us how your day went, " Umma said, holding Tehzeeb's hand like a two years old learning to walk. Tehzeeb just doesn't know how dramatic her parents could be. They always seemed to amaze her all the time, which she's grateful and proud to have them as her parents. She went inside her room, removed her clothes, and went to take her bath before she performed wudu since it was already time for magrib. She finished praying and dressed up and was about to go out when her parents entered her room. Umma was holding the tray of food while Baba was holding the jug. Tehzeeb quickly collects the tray from Umma. " Why are you stressing your self. You know I will soon come out, " she said, collecting the jug from Baba after dropping the tray of food. "Let's eat first before I tell you how my day went," Tehzeeb said to no one in particular.

"Hmm," Umma sighed, fine if that's what you want, but I would have preferred you tell us first how your day went. Or what do you think, Baba?" Umma asked her husband

"You're right. But let her eat first. Guess she's famished, " Baba replied. They all ate together because Baba didn't eat since he got back, saying he would wait for Tehzeeb first. Immediately, they finished eating. Umma spoke

"So how was it?"

"Did they treat you well?" They both asked her all at the same time, not waiting for her to reply to the first question first.

"Gosh! You need to calm down. " Baba was about to talk."I mean, the both of you, " Tehzeeb beat him to it. "Actually, it was fine. The people there have been nice, at least for now since I just started. I can't really say what their character are like. So yeah it's was fine" she answered Umma's question first before she replied Baba " Baba they treated me well and moreover today was my first day, so they have no reason to treat me badly on my first day. That will not look good on them if they start treating me badly on my first day. So chill. "

"Alhamdulillah for that. I hope it's continues like that, " Umma prayed

"Ameen, it's will in Sha Allah. Don't stress yourself too much, " Tehzeeb answered

"That's good to hear. But please don't be influenced by anyone, " Baba said worriedly

"You worry too much, which is not good for your health, and I promise that no one will influence me. Trust me,"

"Good. Don't take what is not yours even though I know how we brought you up and you are not like that"

"I won't In Sha Allah. Worry not, Baba. "

"That's all. You need to rest now because I can see you are tired, " Umma said, standing up from her position

"Alright, goodnight then," Baba said, following Umma out. Tehzeeb sighed after they left and smiled about her parent's behaviour. She doesn't know when they will stop getting themselves thrilled over nothing

She was tired but decided to check on her books before she laid down, since she has not been able to open her book since in the morning. She started reading, but the moment she started reading her eyes, she began to get heavier, so she dropped the book and dusted off her bed and laid down after saying her azkar.

She woke up the next morning without feeling any pain in her body or joint since she slept off before ten o'clock. She performed her morning duty and dressed up for work since she would be leaving soon.

"Are you ready already?" Umma asked

"Yes, I am. But will leave after my break fast"

"That's good. Here it is, eat and start going so you won't be late, " Umma said, handing over her breakfast to her

"Where is Baba?" Tehzeeb asked, looking around for any sign of her father

"Oh! He's dressing up. Don't worry, he will soon be out, eat your food. " Umma replied to her

"Alright," she ate her food in silence and got up after she was done with her breakfast. "Umma, I'm done," she said, getting up

"Okay, that's good,"

"Baba, are you ready?" Tehzeeb asked her father

"Yes, dear. Let's get going, " Baba said, walking out of the compound Tehzeeb following suit while Umma prayed for their safety. Just like her yesterday, she accompanied her father to his shop before she left for her own work. She arrived shortly and didn't bother to stop at Khady's place since she had told her not to bother coming all the time. She entered the mall and didn't bother to change since she wore her uniform right from home
"Good morning," she greeted the receptionist

"Morning Tehzeeb. Guess you're an early person just like me. "

"Morning and yes I am,"

"That's good to hear. You can hang around for a while since others are not here yet. "

"Alright. What of madam is she here yet or?"

"Oh! She's here already. She opens the mall herself since she gets bored at home all alone. "

"That's good. Is her children not around or what?"

"Lol, they're not just. She has just two children, one male, one female. The female one is already in her matrimonial home while the male is always at work"

"Eyyah, I know how she feels,"

"You can guess,"

"Alright, let me sit over there so you can do your work."

"Don't worry, hang around. Let's gist for a while. Moreover, I don't have any work yet. So it's okay if we while away the time together. So let's know much about each other since you did not bother to ask of my name. My name is Binta. "

"I'm sorry, nice name you've got there"

"Thank you." With that, they both continued to talk about one thing or the other. Till a customer arrived

"Good morning, and welcome to Ashafa's shopping mall," both Tehzeeb and Binta greeted in a professional way

"Oh, thank you. Such a warm welcome, I see. " The lady that came in said and picked up a basket

"I can help you with the basket if you don't mind." Tehzeeb approached her

"That's so sweet and kind of you," she said, handing over the basket to Tehzeeb

"See you later, Binta. Duty calls, " Tehzeeb said, waving at Binta. Which Binta smiled at her waving.