Caught In The Cyber trap

The Growing Rift

Maalik had sensed it for days something was off with Afnan. Though he had been busy with work, his family, and the upcoming wedding, he couldn't ignore the changes in her. She seemed more distracted, distant even, and the lively conversations they once shared had grown brief and hollow. Determined to bridge the gap, he decided to try to show her he still cared.

That evening, Maalik called Afnan and suggested they meet for dinner at their Favorite café. He knew she liked the place, with its quiet corners and calming ambiance. As she approached their table, Maalik noticed she looked beautiful as always, but there was something about her demeanour that felt... different. He smiled warmly, trying to mask the tension he felt.

"Hey, habibti," Maalik greeted her, standing to pull out her chair. "You look beautiful."

Afnan offered a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks."

They sat in silence for a moment, a far cry from the easy, flowing conversations they used to have. Maalik took a deep breath and leaned forward, placing his hand gently on hers.

"I know I've been distant lately, and I'm sorry. Work has been crazy, and with the wedding plans on top of that, I've been stretched thin. But I don't want you to think that I'm not here for you. You're my priority, Afnan. Always."

Afnan glanced at their intertwined hands, guilt bubbling inside her. She knew Maalik was trying, but her heart was distracted tangled in a web of secrets she hadn't yet admitted, even to herself.

"I understand," she said quietly, pulling her hand away to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "You've been busy. I get it."

Maalik frowned slightly, noticing her shift in tone. He could tell she wasn't fully present, and that hurt him more than he wanted to admit.

"Afnan, I know something's wrong. You've been distant too. You're not the same as before. Is there something I don't know? Have I done something to upset you?" He spoke softly, but there was a hint of worry in his voice.

Afnan bit her lip, trying to find the right words. How could she explain the confusion that Akeem had introduced into her life without revealing everything? She wasn't ready to confront it herself, let alone tell Maalik.

"I'm fine, Maalik. Really," she lied, her voice unsteady. "It's just... I've had a lot on my mind too. School, the wedding. It's overwhelming sometimes."

Maalik wasn't convinced. He reached across the table, taking her hand again, his grip firm but gentle. "You know you can talk to me, right? About anything. I'm here for you."

Afnan felt her chest tighten. She wanted to confide in him, but the truth was too tangled in the lies she had already spun. Instead, she forced a smile and nodded. "I know, Maalik. And I will. Just... not now."

Maalik's heart sank. He could feel her slipping further away, and no matter how hard he tried to close the gap, something invisible seemed to be pulling her in another direction. He was used to Afnan being honest and open with him, but this new version of her was guarded, distant.

The rest of their dinner was filled with forced pleasantries. Maalik tried to bring up their wedding plans, suggesting new ideas for the reception or the honeymoon, but Afnan's responses were short, almost mechanical. She wasn't as excited as she had once been, and it was painfully obvious.

As they walked out of the café, Maalik tried one last time to reach her. "I miss the way things used to be," he said softly. "Between us. I just want you to know that no matter what's going on, we can work through it together."

Afnan looked at him, her heart heavy with guilt. He was trying so hard, but her mind was elsewhere. Akeem's messages echoed in her thoughts, his attention filling the emotional void Maalik had unintentionally left behind.

"I miss it too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maalik placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before stepping back. "I'll give you time, Afnan. But please... don't shut me out."

She nodded, watching him get into his car and drive away. As he disappeared down the street, Afnan felt a pang of regret. Maalik was a good mankind, caring, everything she had ever wanted. And yet, she couldn't shake the pull she felt toward Akeem, even though it made her feel like she was betraying Maalik with every passing day.

When she got home, the familiar creak of the gate greeted her as Dauda, the gatekeeper, opened it. His usual wide smile greeted her, but this time, Afnan barely noticed. Her mind was too clouded with guilt and confusion.

"Good evening, Afnan," Dauda greeted, his eyes lingering on her as usual.

She gave him a half-hearted nod, brushing past him without sparing a second glance. Normally, his intense stares made her uncomfortable, but tonight, she was too preoccupied with her own thoughts to care.

As she entered the house, her mother, Hajia Shafa'atu, was in the living room, preparing tea. "You're home early," her mother said, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't you and Maalik have plans?"

Afnan shrugged, kicking off her shoes. "We did. But it's done."

Her mother looked at her curiously but didn't press the matter. "Alright then. Your brother Affan will be home soon. You know how he is with being on time."

Afnan nodded absentmindedly, still lost in her thoughts. She made her way to her room, but even as she lay in bed, all she could think about was the growing rift between her and Maalik and the mysterious man who seemed to be filling that space.

Her phone buzzed, and Afnan's heart skipped a beat as she saw Akeem's name flash on the screen.

Akeem: Couldn't stop thinking about you tonight. I wish I could see that beautiful face of yours.

Afnan hesitated for a moment, then unlocked her phone and began typing. She knew she was treading dangerous waters, but she couldn't help it. The distance between her and Maalik had pushed her closer to Akeem, and now, she wasn't sure she could turn back.

Afnan: You're always thinking about me, aren't you?

The response came quickly.

Akeem: Always. And one day soon, I'll prove it to you.

Afnan stared at the screen, her thoughts racing. She knew she had crossed a line maybe several lines but a part of her didn't care anymore.