"Beneath the Surface"
609 Words
Kia was in her office when a notification popped up on her phone. It was a w******p message from Mrs. Awwal - Mustekim's mother.
"My daughter, don't forget my birthday dinner."
Kia stared at the message for a moment, smiling, yet feeling a slight wave of worry.
"Mummy, I'll try," she replied.
Almost immediately, Mrs. Awwal responded.
"Don't try. Come. I'm expecting you."
Kia smiled again.
"Okay, mummy."
She then sent a message to her twin.
"Tia, Mustekim's mum is having her birthday dinner today. I'll be back by 5 to pick you up - no excuses. We need to shop for outfits. You know, girls' things. Don't reply, I'll be home soon."
Tia read the message, smiled, and replied with a playful sticker.
Not long after, Ismail texted her, asking what she was up to. Tia told him about the birthday dinner and shared the venue details casually.
At the Birthday Dinner
Kia and Tia arrived wearing elegant cream-colored long gowns, each holding a small clutch without straps. As they walked in, a few heads turned quietly.
Across the room, Mustekim noticed Kia. A small smile appeared on his face.
She looks beautiful, he thought.
The twins walked up to Mrs. Awwal, greeted her warmly, and handed over their gift. After exchanging pleasantries, they were seated and served their preferred meals.
Once dinner was over, guests began moving toward the club section of the venue.
Kia and Mustekim hadn't had proper time together in a while - life had been busy, emotions complicated.
Tia kept herself occupied, chatting with Ismail and occasionally checking in with Kia.
After a few minutes, Kia leaned toward her sister.
"I need to use the restroom," she said. "Don't panic. Just stay here and keep chatting with Ismail. I'll be right back."
Tia smiled.
"I'm fine. Take your time."
Kia stood up and headed toward the restroom. On her way back, she noticed Mustekim standing with his brother, Hassan - directly along the path to the club.
As she approached, she smiled.
"Hi, Hassan."
Hassan laughed.
"Pretty damsel. Kia, how are you? It's been ages. If not for Mum's birthday, we wouldn't have seen you."
Kia smiled politely.
"Not my fault. Work has been hectic - you know how it is."
"Yeah, yeah, boss lady," Hassan teased. "I understand. I'll leave you to your man."
With that, he walked away.
A brief silence followed.
"You look really good tonight," Mustekim said softly.
"Thank you," Kia replied.
She began walking toward the club, and Mustekim followed her.
"Did you tell Mum we're not together anymore?" she asked quietly.
"No," he said. "It didn't feel necessary. We didn't break up — we just had a misunderstanding."
Kia stopped.
"We did break up. You typed 'okay! That was clear."
"I said okay to respect you, not to agree," he replied. "I'm still waiting."
Kia looked at him, her eyes betraying everything she hadn't said. She missed him - the closeness, the familiarity - and it showed.
She quickly looked away.
Before she could step back, Mustekim gently held her and kissed her — not deeplv. iust a soft kiss, filled with everything unsaid.
They pulled apart.
"I need to get back to Tia," Kia said quietly.
"She shouldn't stay alone too long."
She hurried back to the club and found Tia exactly where she left her — glued to her phone.
"Twin," Kia called.
"You're back," Tia said, smiling.
"Sorry I took long. I ran into Mustekim."
"I figured," Tia replied knowingly.
Then Tia looked up.
"Kia, Ismail said he's outside the venue."
Kia smiled immediately.
"Let's go. You know I can't let you go alone.
- Writer
