“Silent”
677 Words
Premiere night
The premiere hall was buzzing with life.
Cameras flashed endlessly, interviews were happening in every corner, and celebrities filled the space with elegance and rehearsed smiles.
Mrs. Abdul stood out effortlessly in a dazzling blue gown touched with gold. She moved contidently through the crowd, greeting people like a queen in her territory - the proud mother of the star and the wife of a well-known judge.
Faridah, dressed in the silver gown her mother had chosen and holding a small yellow clutch, stood slightly away from the excitement. The dress fit perfectly, yet she telt disconnected from everything around her.
As the lead actress, she couldn't completely avoid the cameras. She answered the questions she could tolerate and quietly ignored the rest. When it all became too overwhelming, she slipped into a quiet corner and sat down, watching everyone from a distance.
A loud cheer erupted outside the hall. Faridah didn't even flinch. She already knew what it was about.
Moments later, someone tapped her on the shoulder.
She turned and saw Ismail.
"So you're the superstar everyone's been shouting for," she said with a small smile.
"Yeah. Your brother," Ismail replied dryly.
Ismail looked at her properly.
"Why are you sitting alone?"
"It's the premiere," she said, staring at him.
"I know that," he replied calmly. "I'm asking why you're hiding here."
Faridah sighed.
"Everyone's having fun. I'm not feeling it. And I can't even smoke — it'll be all over the news."
Ismail chuckled.
"You can hold it in till everything is over."
She smirked, then tilted her head.
"By the way... that girl you followed on i********:. What's going on with her?"
Ismail smiled knowingly.
"You noticed and never asked. You must be bored."
"You caught me too fast," she said, laughing softly.
"She's fine," Ismail said. "We still talk. I'm still trying to get her attention."
"Wow," Faridah teased. "So she's not falling for your charm. I already like her."
"That's part of why I like her," he replied.
Faridah studied her brother for a moment before speaking again.
"By the way... Mum was curious about the girl you followed on i********:. She tried to see her pictures but couldn't find any."
She looked straight into Ismail's face.
Ismail frowned slightly.
"She deleted all her photos. She doesn't want her face everywhere on the internet. And why is Mum even bothered? over her pic.
Faridah gave a slow, knowing smile - almost mocking
"You know who your mother is. And you know she believes she'll be the one to choose who you marry."
Ismail shook his head immediately.
"That will never happen. That wasn't our agreement."
Faridah's smile faded.
"But you told me I would live freely. Why am I here?" she asked quietly.
Ismail exhaled.
"Just do this for now, Faridah. I know what I'm doing."
Before she could respond, he changed the subject.
After a short pause, Ismail added,
"Did Mubarak text you? He asked me to video call him when I get here."
"Yes," Faridah said. "He sent congratulations... and some money. I replied. Why the video call?"
She gave him a side glance.
"Why don't you like Mubarak?" Ismail asked gently. "You know he's my favorite cousin."
Faridah leaned back in her seat.
"I know. Congratulations to you both. I just don't see myself liking him — or his parents.
That's why I avoid anything involving them."
Ismail lowered his voice.
"Be careful, Faridah. Words travel fast here.
They're family — Mum's elder sister's family."
"I know," she replied quietly. "I just can't get past his deeds."
She looked down at her phone, pressing the screen absentmindedly.
"Some people can do anything for money," Ismail said calmly. "And honestly, I'm not interested in the matter."
Footsteps approached.
They both looked up and saw their father standing before them.
"You're both here," he said. "Come. The guests are waiting. They're here because of us."
Faridah stood up slowly.
Ismail followed.
Together, they walked back into the lights, the noise, and the perfect image everyone expected to see.
- Writer
