Mayi Ri

Chapter 15

Arsal and Ainy had always been study buddies growing up, their bond forged over shared notes and late-night cramming sessions. But when Arsal left for a few years, things subtly shifted. Now that he was back, Ainy felt a tinge of awkwardness, as if the ease between them had been replaced by an invisible wall. Perhaps Arsal sensed it too because, without saying anything, he seemed to create a small distance between them, waiting for her to bridge the gap.

One morning, as the house stirred awake, Ainy is already at the kitchen table, her books spread out before her. She flips through pages while sipping tea, her focus unwavering. Arsal walks in, yawning and rubbing his eyes, still half-asleep.

"You woke up early?" Arsal asks, his voice hoarse from sleep.

"Yeah," Ainy replies, glancing up with a small smile. "I usually wake up early to study."

Arsal chuckles softly, leaning against the doorframe. "Some things never change, huh? You always were the early bird."

"Guilty," Ainy says with a shrug, her tone lighter now. "Still works for me."

He hesitates before stepping closer, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "Need help with anything? Or are you good?"

Ainy looks at him, sensing his cautiousness. A part of her wants to say no and keep the dynamic at arm's length, but another part remembers the ease they once had. She gestures to the chair beside her. "Actually, yeah. I'm stuck on this one."

Arsal grins, pulling the chair out and sitting down. "Alright, let's see what's stumped the great Ainy."

As they dive into the problem, the initial awkwardness melts away, replaced by something familiar and comforting. For the first time in a while, Ainy feels like things might just go back to how they used to be—if she allows it.

"Ainy..." Fakhir calls out as he steps into the kitchen, his voice trailing off when his eyes fall on the scene before him. Ainy is seated at the counter with Arsal, both of them laughing over something. Her smile is wide, her eyes sparkling in a way Fakhir hasn't seen in a while.

A strange sensation twists in his chest—a mixture of confusion, frustration, and something he can't quite name. His steps falter, and for a moment, he just stands there, caught between wanting to join them and an inexplicable urge to leave.

He tries to shake the feeling off, but the sting lingers. Why does this bother me so much? he wonders. He knows Ainy and Arsal have always been close, study buddies since forever. And yet, the sight of them laughing together feels like a betrayal. Not a betrayal in the literal sense, but as though something he thought was his alone—her attention, her smile—has been given to someone else.

"Fakhir?" Ainy's voice pulls him from his thoughts. She turns to him, her expression softening. "Do you need something?"

He blinks, realizing he's been silent for too long. "Uh... no. Just... wanted some water," he says, his voice coming out more clipped than he intends. He winces inwardly at his own tone.

Ainy tilts her head, her brows knitting slightly as she senses his mood. "Just give me a second." She hops down from the countertop, walking toward him.

Fakhir forces a tight smile and nods, but his gaze flickers briefly to Arsal. The other man offers a polite smile, oblivious to the storm brewing inside Fakhir.

"I was just helping Ainy with her studies," Arsal says casually, his tone light and unassuming.

"I can see that," Fakhir replies, his words laced with a sharpness he doesn't fully mask.

Ainy hands Fakhir a bottle of water, her smile warm but questioning. "Here you go," she says softly, as if trying to gauge what's bothering him.

"Thanks," Fakhir mutters. Without another word, he twists the cap off, takes a long sip, and hands the bottle back. "I'll be in my room," he adds abruptly, turning on his heel before Ainy can respond.

As he walks away, his steps quick and deliberate, his hands clench into fists. The jealousy gnaws at him, foreign and unwelcome. Why does it feel like she's slipping away from me? The thought weighs heavily on his chest, twisting into something more complicated than he can fully process.

Sameena and Aisha step into the kitchen after their morning prayers. The soft rustle of their dupattas fills the room as they notice Arsal and Ainy walking out of the kitchen, arms full of books and notes. The scene is harmless on the surface, but Sameena's eyes narrow slightly, a hint of unease creeping onto her face.

"What were you two doing here?" Sameena questions, her voice calm but laced with curiosity.

"Studying, obviously," Arsal replies with a light chuckle, his tone casual as he adjusts the books in his hands.

"Hmm," Sameena hums, her gaze shifting between the two of them. Her uneasiness deepens as she observes their comfortable dynamic. Ainy, oblivious to the slight tension, flashes a polite smile and follows Arsal out of the kitchen.

Aisha, standing quietly by Sameena's side, notices her sister-in-law's discomfort. Gently, she places a hand on Sameena's arm. "Don't overthink, Sameena. Ainy is still a child at heart. And Arsal... well, he's always been like a brother to her."

Sameena sighs, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I know, but things are different now, Aisha. She's married, and Fakhir..." Her voice trails off, the unspoken thoughts heavy in the air.

Aisha nods thoughtfully, her expression soft. "Give them time to find their footing. Fakhir and Ainy have their own bond. This is just... familiarity with old habits."

Sameena doesn't respond but watches Ainy and Arsal disappear down the hallway, her mind weighed down by both worry and hope.

Sameena approaches her husband, Zaheer, later that evening. As he sits in the study, going over some papers, she clears her throat to get his attention.

"Zaheer, I wanted to talk about Ainy's rukhsati," Sameena begins, her voice calm but firm.

Zaheer looks up, adjusting his glasses. "What about it? We decided to wait until her exams are over, didn't we?"

"Yes, but I don't think we need to wait any longer," Sameena says. "Their nikkah was months ago. And with Fakhir and Ainy living under the same roof, it doesn't feel appropriate to keep delaying it."

Zaheer looks at Sameena, his brows furrowed in confusion. "What happened suddenly? Why are you in such a hurry for Ainy's rukhsati?" he asks, his voice laced with suspicion.

Sameena hesitates for a moment, sensing the change in his tone. She takes a deep breath before responding. "It's just that, with her exams over soon, it's the perfect time. We've delayed it long enough, Zaheer. The marriage shouldn't be held up because of her studies."

Zaheer studies her closely, a feeling of doubt creeping into his mind. "But why the urgency now? Is everything really okay?" His gaze sharpens as he searches for any sign of something more behind her words.

Sameena, caught off guard by his sudden suspicion, tries to keep her composure. "Yes, everything's fine. It's just time for Ainy to move on to the next chapter of her life." She pauses, then adds, "It's been long enough."

Zaheer sighs, still looking at Sameena with a mix of concern and understanding. "Alright, Sameena. If you're sure about this, I'll talk to the whole family during dinner tonight," he says, his tone softening.

Sameena nods, relieved that Zaheer is on board, but a flicker of uncertainty still lingers in her eyes. "Thank you, Zaheer," she replies quietly. "I just want things to move forward for Ainy"

Zaheer's voice is calm but laced with concern, his brow furrowing as he looks at Sameena. "Is there something else you haven't told me?" he asks, his gaze searching her face.

Sameena hesitates, her thoughts racing. She wants to be honest with him, but at the same time, she's not sure if she should voice all her fears. She opens her mouth to speak but then falters, unsure of how much to reveal.

Zaheer presses further, sensing her unease. "Sameena, you're holding something back. I can see it. If this is about Fakhir and Ainy... you need to tell me everything."

Sameena takes a deep breath, her eyes welling up slightly as she struggles to put her thoughts into words. "I just... I feel like something's off between them. Fakhir seems so distant from Ainy lately. And Ainy, she's been so focused on her studies, but sometimes I wonder if she's pulling away from him. Maybe she's not as committed as we think. And now that Arsal is back... what if it's causing her to doubt everything?"

Zaheer's expression softens as he listens. He places a hand on her shoulder, trying to ease her worry. "I understand why you're worried. But, Sameena, you can't let your fears control the situation. Ainy and Fakhir are young, they're still figuring out their relationship. Arsal being here could just be a reminder of old times. It doesn't mean Ainy is changing her feelings."

Sameena nods but still feels the weight of her concerns. "I just don't want to see them both hurt. And I'm afraid we've pushed them into something they weren't ready for."

Zaheer's voice is firm but gentle. "You're not alone in this, Sameena. We'll talk to Fakhir, and we'll see what's really going on. But we have to trust them, too. Let's handle this carefully, without jumping to conclusions."

Sameena looks at him, her heart still heavy but comforted by his words. "I hope you're right, Zaheer. I just don't want to make the wrong decision."

Zaheer gives her a reassuring smile. "We'll figure it out together."