Even though it was a dream

Encounter

The air between the three of them was filled with tension that even the chatter around them couldn't mask. Ayan, who always showed a calm demeanor was somehow nervous today. He kept glancing at Hala, his eyes were continuously shaking as if caught in a secret.

"Make sure everything is...perfect." he said.

Hala nodded, discomfort was settling in her stomach. She knew this was for Arham, something that Ayan had in his mind from the start.

Making Arham jealous.

This was merely a performance meant to convince him and also himself that all was well. Ayan was determined to show an image of love even though the truth was all about the unspoken feelings and some resentments.

The day went by like a slow-motion train. Hala, was continuously shaken by Ayan's actions and ......his nervousness?.

But she knew, She knew this with a certainty that made her stranded that he still cared, but his pride and bitterness towards Arham, because of Hala's past interest, kept him locked onto his revenge.

The act he was going to do was his way of proving something to Arham, that he had moved on.

As the guests arrived, Hala put on her best smile. She and her mother-in-law, worked side-by-side in the kitchen, preparing a meal. The air was filled with the scent of spices and some performances unfolding in the living room.

Mrs. Sera left the kitchen to get something.

Arham entered the kitchen, the space was now filled with unspoken words. They stood there, Hala and Arham, breathing into the past memories.

The memories, both sweet and painful, the dreams they had once dared to believe in. Suddenly, the silence shattered as Arham reached out, his hand was gently brushing Hala's cheek.

Oh but that was something that got them back into the reality.

Before they could think Ayan walked into the kitchen, his face full of a rage that surprised even himself. "What is this?" he asked, his voice angered . But why does he looks hurt. Hala thought."What the hell are you doing?". Ayan said.

Ayan couldn't think of anything else at the moment. He grabbed whatever he got his hand onto and slammed it right on Arham's face.

And then the sudden realization hit him. Damn it, I was going to maintain myself today but anger got me.

He started saying harsh things to Hala. Now everyone was there looking at them. Arham was bleeding. Ayan didn't realize it sooner but he got himself into a huge mess.

Ayan couldn't control himself, But Arham too , stood their without speaking a single word. Hala on the other hand, she was terrified now.

Ayan's father came right in and slapped him across the face, saying he wasn't allowed to do this to anyone no matter what the reason is.

Ayan full of rage stormed out of kitchen and went to his bedroom slamming the door cursing throughout.