"where's the tea?"
"I think they're almost here!"
" Subhanallah! Why are the cookies not yet out ?"

I had woken up for the second time today due to the various voices of the people in the mansion. I usually get back to sleep after saying my Fajr prayers. Dragging myself out of bed, I followed the direction of the screaming, argument and whispers.

Reaching the kitchen, maids were working fast, and surprisingly Surayyah; the first daughter of Abu was giving orders.
I know for a fact that she never stepped foot in the kitchen ever since she got married.
The maids were always at her beck and call.

Scanning the living room area where some of the aunties stood whispering among themselves while keeping an eye on the girls decorating the garden and surroundings.

What is going on?
Just then, Surayyah noticed me and waved. I merely stared at her wondering why the sudden acknowledgement. As far as I remembered, we weren't on good terms.

"Huda, I see you've woken up. Coffee?", a soft voice spoke and I swiftly turned.

"Anisa. Explain to me why the mansion is in a frenzy. What's the occasion?".

Looking at her intently, I saw her quietly take a breath before pushing away the curly strand of her from her face.
"oh Huda, it's... An Engagement "
" Okay. Whose engagement?", I questioned and she paled.

The family was blessed with girls. Specifically, six females against two males. With one of the girls married, the aunties were hunting down the perfect partners for the rest. I kind of expected it though.
" Tahira and Laiqa "
" What!"
Giving out a sister of mine to a stranger was already bad, and now that they were two. I wasn't going to sit and watch them marry some guy who doesn't deserve them.

Running towards the stairs, I made my way to Tahira's room which was adjacent to mine. Barging into the room, the rest of the girls were already present.
They had on a look of shock and surprise.

Laiqa was already dressed in a bottle-green gown, and Ayesha was making her hijab. Tahira was on the other side of the room where a lady was applying makeup on her face. She wore a similar dress to Laiqa, but hers was royal blue.

" I won't let you do this! There will be no engagement!", I spat out angrily and several gasps were heard. By now, I was aware of the presence of two of the aunties; Abu's younger sisters.
"What nonsense are you talking about, child? ", a hoarse voice exclaimed. That was Aunt Ulya.

" There is no way I am going to let you ruin my sister's life. I won't let that happen! ", I continued.
The shock was written all over their faces. It was like they were given a slap on their faces. Even Aunt Nana; the patient's Aunt, seemed to be angry.

" Huda, have you gone crazy? Talking to everyone like that? What's your problem?", Tahira said. Her tone was slightly angry.
Well, I don't care about that.
My voice hardened, "No. Unfortunately for you, I am still very much sane".

" if you have a problem with yourself, then deal with it. But, I won't let you get in the way of my sister's happiness. You're being sadistic ", sneered Surayyah who had now entered the room.

I knew she was being fake earlier. They were all talented actresses.
" I am not the one who is going to regret it later on, keep that in mind Surayyah. Tahira and Laiqa are my sisters, and it's my responsibility to keep them away from harm-"

"Huda, don't say a word anymore!", Aunt Ulya said trying to pull me away from Surayyah.
"Why Aunt Ulya? Let me speak to my satisfaction. I am not someone to back down and not the girl you think I am".

"that's selfish of you, Huda. You are trying to take away your so-called sisters' happiness. Is that really how low you've become?". This time, it was Aunt Nana who spoke.
Why on earth is everyone thinking that I'm taking away my sister's joy?
"Nothing - "
" Will you all please stop?", a meek voice rang out.
" Tahira-", I tried making her see reason, but she cut me off.
"Huda please? Do not ruin this day for me. I made my decision, and I am very sure that I won't regret it, so stop trying to cause chaos in this family ".

I looked at her in shock. How dare she think of me as a barrier to her happiness. Facing the other bride-to-be, I spoke.

" Laiqa, whatever ideas it is that they are creating in your mind, know that - "
" I'm sorry Huda. Nothing you say can change my mind. I have decided, and I'm not going to agree with whatever it is that comes out of your mouth! ".

I was astonished. Laiqa never raised her voice at anyone, not even when Ayesha angrily tore her art book.

" you never really cared about us, so why the sudden pretence? All that matters to you is yourself. You're obsessed with yourself and don't think about others. Do you think we'll listen and consider whatever it is you say? No! The world doesn't revolve around you. Wake up! "

Scoffing, I clapped my hands in mock amazement.
" bravo, bravo Tahira. You're so mature now. How surprising. And here I thought humility was deeply rooted in you. I guess I was wrong. We're so alike, no doubt that blood is thicker than water, sis-", then facing Laiqa I spoke.

"what about you Laiqa? Come on you've said something earlier, why don't you continue from where the other blood sister stopped, huh? I am getting entertained here, my boring day is suddenly becoming spicy. Add some drama will you?", I finished raising my left eyebrow.

Suddenly, Surayyah decided to interrupt. Gently pushing Laiqa further into the room, she stepped closer to me looking me square in the eye.

Never being the one to back down, I smirk and raised my eyebrow slowly at her, silently asking her 'what now?'.
" I want you to get out of this room this instance! ", she scowled
" and what if I don't? ", I taunted

" Huda, respect our opinions and leave us in peace. This household was fine until you decided to come back. Don't try to ruin our happiness as you did to others. For once in your life, don't be selfish, and don't let envy cloud your eyes. I know you'll probably feel offended by my words, but ever since you came back, the atmosphere in our home had negatively changed", Tahira said looking pissed.

"Please do us a favour, and leave", Laiqa added.
I scoffed. So much for being the nice sister.
Huffing, I turned on my heels exiting the room, but not before giving everyone in the room the last gaze.

On reaching the door, I chuckled. There was something wrong with this engagement, and I could feel it strongly. With my back facing the small crowd in the room, my voice rang out.

"I wish you good luck with the engagement-".

Then I turned and faced Tahira "- this will be the last time I'll interfere with your family's matter. You don't need to rub it in my face every time about not being your blood sister. You already gave off the vibe. Happy Engagement Tahira! Cheers to the newest status of your life".

Aunt Nana gasped at my words, but I could care less. The poor woman probably thinks I'm going nuts.

" And Laiqa? Don't worry about my stay in the mansion. It is only temporary anyway. One day you'll wake up, and I'll be gone from your lives. The days of your pain and endurance are limited. I'm a guest here in the mansion, so my stay isn't going to be permanent. Congrats Laiqa!".

I finished my mini-speech and looked at the expressions on their faces.
The aunties were surprised, Anisa who had now entered the room looked like she would break down anytime soon, and Laiqa had on a guilty expression.

Tahira on the other hand, her face was priceless.

She had expected me to blow up so that she'd have an upper hand when Abu hears about this. But I didn't want to give her that satisfaction.

I'd save the argument for some other time.
Laughing dryly, I finally stepped out of the room with the doors of my heart closed. They don't deserve any humane feeling from me.
And that would be the very last time I'd consider them as a part of me.
They know nothing about me, and I want nothing to do with them.

So... the Third chapter is up!
Feel free to express your thoughts on the book.