Unknown Betrayal

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Zaynab

Idris snickers as mommy gives out to me over marriage. Now that even Aaleyah is soon to get married she’s been on my neck about when am going to get married and bless her and daddy with grandkids.

“Mommy you’re going to make me get late for the celebration. Can we talk about this later?”, I ask her but that little request just earned me yet another smack on the head.

“All your mates are married. Are you waiting until your 40 to get married? Your 28”, mommy yells.

I look at daddy, but he just looks to be agreeing with everything mommy is telling me.

“Okay mommy after Aaleyah’s wedding. You can start looking for proposals.... how about that? “I ask her.

“No. Let us start looking now. You don’t have to get married now, you can just be engaged?”, mommy proposes.

“If I say yes will you let me leave in peace?”, I ask her.

“If you say yes, I won’t kill you myself before you kill me. I didn’t kill my own mother so you will not kill me”, she says standing up from the couch.

“Mommy okay. You can look for proposals”, I tell her.

She hums then sits back down.

I fake a smile then greet them goodbye.

“Have fun, not too much fun”, Idris says while waving.

“Yeah, yeah”, I ruffle his hair then run out of the house before they could start another topic.

I unlock my silver Toyota corolla car and enter. I close the door then plug in my phone. Once it starts to charge, I put Zayn’s address on the GPS. I know the way there but its dark and I don’t want to get lost sooooo its better this way than be sorry later.

***

I cut off my car engine and take my keys out of the ignition.

I exit out my car. Fawaz’s house is spacious and large. The outside itself tells it all. Plus, the dude has a big water fountain right outside. And by the number of cars parked here, am guessing everyone from the meeting came.

I take a quick look at my outfit which isn’t too glamorous. After all, the party isn’t for me so why dress too lavish for something that isn’t meant for me right?

My outfit consists of white, flower print flared trousers, baby pink shoes, baby pink loose top and brown hijab which I wrapped around my head but making sure it covered everything and the color matches some flowers printed on my trousers. And with all that I have on my silver watch. No bag, just my phone and black purse.

I stand outside the door and ring the doorbell. While waiting, I take a look around the compound bored. This better not suck.

The door opens and Fawaz shows up laughing.

“Hey, your late....as usual”, he comments.

“Yeah Walaykum Salam to you too. Anyways congrats again. Sorry am late, parents’ things. Where my girl at?”, I ask him as I push past him into the hallway. I could hear everyone’s laughter from all the way here. Wonder what is so funny.

“Why you always so grumpy? And she’s in there with the rest of the early birds”, he says as he leads the way.

I follow him ignoring his comment. When we get to his living room which is about the same size as my garden at home, it’s all filled with everyone from the meeting. There are drinks like malt, club, Fanta, wine (nonalcoholic) etc., and chicken, fries, and yeah.

“Look who decided to bless us with her presence”, Aayan yells as he pops open a bottle of wine. They all cheer along with the i***t. I just roll my eyes. Am annoyed...but not with them, with mom trying to force me to get married when I clearly told her that I wasn’t ready. And now she’s making it seem like am willingly disobeying her. It irritates me.

“Leave her alone Aayan. Hey b” Aaleyah squeals as she rushes over to me.

“Congrats b”, I hug her tightly and kiss her cheek.

“Aww thank you”, she smiles.

I look her over, she’s dressed in a loose purple top and black bottoms and black hijab. She looked beautiful, as always.

“You look beautiful b”, I smile.

“Why thank you, you don’t look too bad yourself”.

We both laugh then she hands me a can of Fanta.

“Hey, everyone else sorry am late”, I tell them.

“What’s the excuse this time?“, Zara asks me.

I look at her with a raised eyebrow.

“What’s that supposed to mean?“.

“Nothing. Don’t mind her”, Aaleyah tells me.

“No stop”, I push her away from me and turn to Zara.

“So, Zara. What do you mean by that?“, I ask her with my arms folded.

“Am just saying. You always have excuses for every time your late, that’s all” she shrugs.

“And all those excuses don’t concern you so why you tripping for?“.

“Well I never said they did which is why the question still raises WHY ARE YOU LATE THIS TIME? Am confused, will you also be late for your “best friends” wedding?“, Zara says.

“Zara stop”, Maryam and Aaleyah yell.

“Give me a second”, I put my phone and purse down on the table then pick up a plastic red cup. I pour in some water then take a sip. I then turn to Zara.

“You saw how quickly that went through my system?“, I ask Zara.

She just looked at me with confusion.

“Well b that’s how quickly my fist will connect with your messed-up face if you don’t shut up and mind your damn business”, I snap at her.

“Sure”, she mumbles.

“You know what”.

“Zaynab not today”, Aaleyah yells.

I look at her confused then she sighs.

“Please. Just ignore her. You know Zara don’t know nothing else but to stir s**t up”, she tells me.

“I swear I wouldn’t even be here if not for you”, I mumble.

“Anyways, do you want anything to eat?“, Fawaz asks.

“Nah am okay. Thanks though”, I mumble then take a seat beside Maryam.

“Don’t mind her”, she whispers as she gives me a hug.

I smile and nod.

Am just drained out completely. I suddenly want to go to sleep.

It wasn’t even much of a celebration party, it’s more like a us chilling time. We just watched some TV series, talked about random things, listened to music, talked again and we’re now back to watching TV shows. This time we’re watching How to Get Away with Murder. I’ve already watched it all, just waiting for next episode now.

“How’s your sister? How’s she holding up? Hope my soon to be here niece isn’t causing her any trouble?“, Ayesha asks me in the middle of the show.

“No, she’s fine. We’re all really excited. I can’t believe she’s due at any time now. It’s scary but exciting at the same time. You know”, I respond.

“I know what you mean. It’s not easy “, she says.

“I’ll be back” I mumble.

“Where you are going?“, Khalid asks.

“Bathroom. I’ll be back”, I mumble then make way down the hall. I had to walk past about bedroom doors before getting to the bathroom door which is the last door. I knock on it first to make sure nobody was in there and when I get no response, I open the door. I turn on the light then walk into the bathroom after whispering:

"Bismillaah, Allaahumma inni a’oodhu bika min al-khubthi wa’l-khabaa’ith (In the name of Allah, O Allah, I seek refuge with You from evil and from the male and female devils).”

I close the door then walk towards the mirror. I fix my hijab and apply on some more lip gloss. Once done I just stand there for a few more seconds. Just to pass time. I stare at myself for a while then sigh.

“Zaynab. Let’s face it, your 28. Your parents are right. You’re not getting any younger. You have a degree, a job....so what exactly ARE YOU waiting for? You should just get married too. There’s no harm in it”, I tell myself.

“You j-“.

“Zaynab. You okay in there?“, Aaleyah’s voice cuts me off my little pep talk.

“Am fine”, I reply then flush the toilet. I wash my hands then open the door. Aaleyah looks at me suspiciously but smiles when I throw her one.

Before stepping out of the bathroom I recite the words:

"Ghuf-raa naka

Translation: I seek your pardon”.

“Am fine just ate too much”, I tell her.

“Oh, okay come on. We’re cutting the cake”, she tells me as she drags me back into the living room.

When we get there, everyone is sitting on the couch while Maryam pushes out the desk which has the cake on it. Mmmm the cake doesn’t look so bad. It’s a Black Forest Gateau. Looks good.

“Since you both aren’t partners yet. You’ll cut separately so there you go”, Maryam hands both Fawaz and Aaleyah separate knives.

I get out my phone and take pictures of the cake and them as they stand together.

“1, 2 and 3”we all count.

The two cut down the cake earning loud cheers from the rest of us.

They both cut a bit and feed each other using forks. Aaleyah turns to me and feeds me before feeding the rest.

I smile at how happy they both looked.

“Here help me cut cake for everyone”, Maryam tells me as she drags me over to the tray while everyone else continues talking amongst themselves.

“Okay there you go”, I hand Khalid his plate and fork.

“Thanks”, he nods. I smile and nod then help Maryam hand the rest their own share.

“Zaynab. Your phone has been vibrating for the last 3 minutes. Your brother-in law is calling”, Zara says holding my phone.

“My brother-in law?“, I take my phone from her and signal everyone to quiet down which thankfully they do.

Phone conversation

Me: Asalam Alaykum, is everything okay?

Luqman: Eniola just gave birth to our daughter

A loud gasp escapes my mouth and my eyes widen with shock. Gave birth? But they never told us she was admitted to the hospital.

“Is everything okay?“, Aaleyah asks me.

I ignore her and bite my lip then shut my eyes. Maybe I didn’t hear properly. I think he just said that MY SISTER. Just gave birth. As in I have a niece. And she’s alive.

Luqman: hellooo?

Me: are you messing with me? Don’t do that please

Luqman: how can I mess with something like that? She gave birth to my no our daughter, and they’re both healthy

Me: b-b- you didn’t tell us you were at the hospital

Luqman: because we weren’t sure, and we didn’t want it being false alarm.... apparently, she’s been having contractions since midnight and we didn’t know, she didn’t feel any pain at all but on our way home she tells me to go to the hospital, said she felt something so I did. She delivered 3 hours after, Alhamdulilah

Me: oh my God oh my God Alhamdulilah indeed. Oh my God. Is she okay? Is she tired? Is she hungry? I’ll come to Kilkenny today itself

Luqman: oh no no its already late, come tomorrow morning

Me: but I c-

Luqman: I called your parents, they know and they’re coming tomorrow too so come tomorrow

Me: okay that’s okay I guess

Luqman: here your sister wants to talk to you

Me: okay

I smile as I hear Eniola clear her throat.

Me: hey sis how you feeling? I hope you didn’t feel too much pain sha?

Eniola: Alhamdulilah it was okay. You would not believe it, I didn’t feel any pain during the contractions and even during delivery, it came so easily....its all because of everyone’s prayers and fasting

Me: sure is. You know Allah is amazing like that, oh sis congrats am so happy for you

Eniola: *chuckles* thank you. Don’t come today come with the family tomorrow

Me: yeah bro bro told me yeah. Am so happy though I can’t wait to my adorable niece. Send me pictures please

Eniola: will do anyways I have to call others too so bye bye

Me: byeeee

I hang up then squeal loudly and jump up and down.

“She delivered? Safely?“, Aaleyah asks me.

My phone beeps so I unlock it. I click on the message I got from sis and open it up revealing an image of my niece. She is just- .... wow. I feel like crying.

I fan myself as I stare at the picture.

“She’s adorable”, Maryam and the ladies whisper as they gather around me.

“She didn’t even feel pain wow”, I smile.

“Told you everything would be okay”, Aayan wiggles his eyebrows.

I look at him and was about to insult him, but I couldn’t even do that. I was so happy. I literally jumped on him.

“Woah”, he gasps but holds me before I could fall off his chest.

“You did, thanks b”, I smile. He smiles a little then rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, I did tell you that I am a genius. Anyways get off me. Your so haram”, he says

“Oh yeah sorry”, I clear my throats and get off him instantly. I look around and notice the weird looks I was getting from everyone.

“You’re an aunty now”, Aaleyah screams.

“Am an aunty now”, I scream then we both scream and hold each other’s hands.

“We’re going to visit her tomorrow”, I smile.

“Yeah mama says so. Tomorrow morning at 8”, Khalid says as he checks his phone.

“You’re coming with us. She said to sleep over at our place. They’re going tonight apparently. Your mother couldn’t wait so she’s dragging uncle with her tonight”, Khalid explains.

I chuckle then call mommy. She basically explained to me everything Khalid told me.

“Sleepover tings”, I smile.

“Just stay out my way and we won’t have any problems”, Aayan rolls his eyes.

“Nigga”, I lean back.

“How come you can say that word, but others can’t!“, he asks.

“Uh nigga”, every colored person in the room yells.

“Because we can”.

“Well damn okay”, he mumbles.

“Okay I am excited, happy, words can’t even explain this. Nothing and I mean NOTHING can bring my mood down”, I squeal.

“But eeeeeh am an aunty. Anyone wanna party?“, I take the wine bottle.

“Now we are talking. Come on”, Zayn takes it and pops it making it splash everywhere and earning cheers and laughter from everyone.

***

“Congrats babez”, I hug Aaleyah then Fawaz.

“Thanks”, they both keep on a smile as everyone else hugs and greets them.

“Do you want me to drive your car? You look sleepy”, Khalid proposes.

“Nah b it’s okay. I’ll drive”, I tell him. Aayan and him wait and watch as I walk to my car and get in. They even waited until I started the engine before they both got into Aayan’s car. Once their engine was started, I follow after them.

The drive to the house wasn’t long at all. They literally live about 10/15 minutes’ drive from Fawaz.

I park behind the boys then we all get out.

“Mom is still awake I think”, Aayan says as he unlocks the door.

“Well obviously. What else would she be doing.... sleeping?“, I scoff.

He looks at me with this look that made me feel like the dumbest person on earth.

“Am just going to let that one sink in”, he whispers.

“Oh, shut up and open up. I need to pee so badly”, I tell him while moving side to side which also known as my “pee dance”. That’s what Aayan and Khalid call it.

“Is that you boys?“, aunty calls from the living room.

“Yes aunty”, I yell for the three of us.

“Would you stop”, Aayan pushes me.

“Shut up Aayan stop hitting me”, I gasp and push him back.

“Well why you trying to break my eardrums with your disgusting ass voice”.

“Your whole life is disgusting. Move out of my way. You disgusting human being”, I push him harder than the last time.

“Can you both stop. I have a headache”, Khalid groans.

I look at him and he looks so tired.

“Awww am sorry baby”, I hug and pat his head.

’Come on let’s go greet them so you can go sleep. Forget your stupid self of a brother”, I drag Khalid into the living room with me leaving Aayan.

“Hey!“, Aayan yells. I turn around and stick out my tongue which he returns.

“Asalam Alaykum dad, mom, Basha”, Khalid and the boys hug their mother and nod at their dad and Basha.

I smile and hug aunty then uncle and Basha.

“We talked to your sister and Alhamdulilah she’s doing well”, aunty tells me.

“Yeah I talked to her too. We aunties now”, I squeal along with Basha.

“Here hot chocolate”, she hands me my own specialized mug. Khalid and Aayan bought it for me last month. Because I love hot chocolate. And it is massive. Best gift ever.

“Thanks b”, I smile and take a seat beside uncle.

“How’s Aaleyah?“, aunty asks me.

“She’s good, looks happy so I guess that’s good”, I shrug.

“And you? Your mother said she has a proposal for you”, uncle asks.

“Mommy is at me to get married. It’s not that I don’t want to......I just.... I don’t want to”, I let out a loud groan.

“Why not? Maybe just meet the guy”, Basha shrugs.

“I have to anyways or mommy’s going to kill me”, I hum.

“Why not just marry Aayan. You both fight like married couples anyways”, Basha shrugs.

“Ewwwww”, I scream.

“Shut up b I’d be a perfect husband. You’d suck as a wife”, Aayan comments.

“Aayan”, aunty gasps then she smacks his head.

I smile and stick my tongue out at him.

“I’d be an amazing wife. I don’t want you anyways, so you don’t have to worry about that”, I tell him.

“Ah then who do you want?“, Basha asks.

“Someone sweet, nice, gentleman, gentle, calm, someone that I can laugh and mess around with and someone that when am mad and hot, he’d be the water to calm me down and also agrees with everything I say”, I say.

“Sooooo you want a Yes Man”, Aayan yells.

“Then marry Khalid”, Basha shrugs.

“I’d love to b”, I yell and blow a kiss towards Khalid who rolls his eyes and sits beside Aayan.

“Heyy you just dissed my proposal”, I yell at him with a frown.

“Okay I’d love to too”, he smiles.

“See me and Khalid are soulmates. Aayan I don’t know where you came from buuuut, you’re not needed here anymore”, I shake my head.

“Oh, shut up. He’s MY brother and twin sooooo he cares more for me. Don’t you”, he yells at Khalid.

“Both of you shut up and quit yelling”, Khalid yells.

“Damn”, both me and Aayan mumble.

“Am going to bed”, he kisses his mom’s cheek before running up the stairs to his room.

“Well us too. Goodnight peops”, I kiss aunts’ cheek and hug uncle then link arms with Basha. We both walk to her room. I could sleep in the guest room buuuuut what fun would that be?

“Goodnight my lovely queen”, Aayan teases before I could enter the room.

I turn to him and he winks at me.

“Mmm I know am a queen. A beautiful queen thanks baby”, I wink at him. We both laugh as I enter Basha’s room then close it.