CROSSED PATHS

|37|

****

Like wildfire, the news of Aryan and Aida being in a relationship spread throughout the palace. From the queens, younger ones, and even some of the maids, everyone seemed to know—except Aryan and Sultan, who remained unaware.

Sultana, on the other hand, was overjoyed when she first heard the rumors. She had once subtly suggested Aryan consider Aida, but he had dismissed the idea. Now, it seemed he finally saw in Aida what Sultana had always seen in her niece. The thought alone brought a smile to her face.

It had been a month since the rumors started, yet Aryan hadn't said anything to her. Deciding to wait until he was ready to share the news, she chose not to mention it. She also hadn't told Sultan yet, wanting to hear from Aryan first before discussing it with her husband.

Now, she sat watching Aryan eat his lunch in her chambers. It was the weekend, a rare work-free day for Aryan, so he had chosen to spend the time with her.

Clearing her throat, she began, "Aryan, is there something you're not telling me?" Her eyes studied him curiously.

"No, Mom. Why do you ask?" Aryan responded, slightly puzzled.

"Oh, nothing. I'll leave you to enjoy your lunch," she said with a smile as she stood up.

"Alright, Mom. Where are the twins? It's so quiet here," he remarked, glancing around.

"They're at Hana'ah's. They went to spend the weekend with her."

"When did they leave? I had no idea," Aryan said, raising an eyebrow.

"Last night. Asma came to pick them up."

"When did she return?" he asked.

"Thursday. Actually, she mentioned wanting to speak with you, but said your number wasn't going through. You should talk to her when you go to get the twins."

"In Sha Allah, Mom," Aryan replied.

***
Meanwhile, in the Nazif residence, a heated argument brewed between two sisters.

Aida fumed, glaring at Asma like a tigress ready to pounce. "What are you even saying, Asma? Do you even hear yourself?" Aida's voice was sharp with anger.

"Yes, you heard me right!" Asma shot back, equally fierce. "What you're doing is uncalled for! Have you forgotten that he was our sister's husband?"

"Stop yelling at me! And for the record, I'm not doing anything wrong! Since when is it a sin for one to marry her late sister's husband?" Aida snapped.

"It's not a sin, but it's unfair! YaAryan doesn't even love you! Can't you see that? Why don't you give someone else a chance instead of throwing yourself at a man who doesn't even know you have feelings for him?" Asma's words were cutting.

Before another word could be exchanged, Aida's palm met Asma's cheek with a loud slap.

"Don't you ever speak to me like that again!" Aida gritted through her teeth. "And as for YaAryan, he's mine and will be forever, In Sha Allah. Go sulk on that!" She stormed toward the door, but Asma's next words stopped her in her tracks.

"With the way you're acting, I'd say you've been in love with YaAryan even before he married YaAira!" Asma hissed as she stormed out, leaving her fuming sister behind.

Outside, Asma bumped into Aryan. She managed a small, strained smile as she tried to walk past him, but he gently grabbed her hand.

"Asma? Is everything okay? You seem upset," Aryan asked, releasing her hand.

"I'm not fine, Ya Aryan. I've been wanting to talk to you," she sighed.

"Sure. Wait for me a moment while I greet Ammi. Then we'll talk. I've also got something to discuss with you," Aryan smiled warmly before heading inside.

As he entered the house, he almost collided with Aida, who was furiously scrolling through her phone.

"Careful," he said, steadying her with his hands.

"Ya Aryan!" Aida beamed, snuggling into him.

"How are you doing? I missed you," she pouted when Aryan gently pushed her away.

"I'm fine, Aida. Can you please let Ammi know that I'm here?" Aryan asked calmly.

"Of course, Ya Aryan!" Aida smiled and hurried off.

Moments later, Hajiya Hana'ah appeared, the twins happily running ahead to meet their father.

"Paapi!" they squealed, rushing into his arms.

"How are my babies? I hope you didn't trouble grandma too much," Aryan smiled, pinching their cheeks.

"No, Paapi! We were good," they replied, their cheeky grins lighting up their faces.

"Good afternoon, Ammi," Aryan greeted, kneeling out of respect.

"Afternoon, Aryan. Please, have a seat," Hajiya Hana'ah smiled, gesturing to the couch.

"How's work?" she asked.

"Alhamdulillah, everything is good," Aryan replied, avoiding her eyes out of respect for the woman he adored.

After some light conversation, Aryan and the twins bade her goodbye and headed to the car, where Asma was waiting. She hopped in, and they drove off.

"So... you've been wanting to talk to me?" Aryan asked, glancing briefly at her before turning his attention back to the road.

"Yes, Ya Aryan. First of all, you didn't come to my graduation as you promised," Asma pouted.

"I'm really sorry, Asma. I had so much work. Congratulations, though. May you and the entire ummah benefit from your knowledge," Aryan prayed, smiling.

"Thank you, Ya Aryan," Asma replied with a wide smile.

"Now, for the second thing—do you have a girlfriend or anyone you're seeing?" she asked, her tone playful yet curious.

"No, why do you ask?" Aryan responded casually.

"Oh, no reason," Asma grinned, now certain that Aida's "relationship" with Aryan was one-sided.

"What about the talk you said you wanted to have?" she asked.

"Oh, right. Where is Ariana now?" Aryan asked.

"Ariana?" Asma blinked in surprise before answering. "She lives in Maiduguri with her grandparents."

"Why her grandparents? Are her parents...?"

"Her mother passed away, but her father is alive."

"May her soul rest in Jannah," Aryan said softly. He couldn't explain why, but he felt a strong need to protect Ariana.

"Ameen," Asma replied quietly.

"I want to seek her hand in marriage," Aryan blurted out, leaving Asma momentarily speechless.
***

Hehe🤣. Vote away and comments🤣🥂.
I will be at the comment section to chill🥂. And mind you , no comments, no update💁‍♀️.

24.4.22🍀.

LY💕