FACETS # 2 | 1st Draft
Yahya Firas burnt every day in the fire of destruction lit by his parents.
Suffered. Survived.
Armineh Zain Ahmed was given to a man in marriage for another in the name of reparation.
Debts paid. Amends made.
Their paths coll...
'Assalamualaikum!' He heard her long before she came to see him, her loud greeting reverberating in the empty living room as she strolled to his mother's room, first.
Ahsan waited patiently while taking gradual sips of his coffee as the cool breeze danced around him, lost in her thoughts. It's been days since he had last seen her, talked to her when only month ago it seemed near impossible. The dipping sun witnessed his crestfallen expression as the man bowed his head, his lean fingers tracing the rim of his coffee cup, placed on the railing. Numerous questions roamed through his mind. Was she happy? Did she miss him like he missed her? Did she want to see him? Before Ahsan could drown himself in those miserly thoughts again, the pest appeared at the balcony door with a smile. The crescent engravings in her cheeks almost blinded him for a few moments as he turned sideways to look at her leaning against the sliding doors, her hands folded on her chest imitating him.
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'Hello.' Anaya's heart squeezed in her chest seeing the permanent frown etched on Ahsan's face. He looked better physically but his eyes remained the same, dull. She had always thought he had one of the most beautiful smiles in the world and she greatly felt it's absence when his lips only twitched slightly, depriving her of her own happiness.
'Hey. What are you doing here?' Ahsan greeted, he didn't want to act like he was fine in front of her. Even if he did, she'd know apparently she knew him better. Her words, not his.
'Can't a friend come to see another friend in times of their need?'
'Yes, but you were here only a few days ago.' Four days but Ahsan didn't think it'll do his already muddled brain any good if he mentioned that.
'I didn't think there was a limit to the visits. Should I leave, then?' Anaya sassed about to leave when Ahsan stopped her.
'No, stay. I-I mean since you're already here.' Ahsan stuttered under Anaya's scrutinizing gaze. It perturbed him and made him nervous, Ahsan shifted on his feet.
'So This is your first year in the university?' Ahsan inquired, clearing his throat, trying to make a small talk as an awkward silence elapsed between them. Last he had been in the city, she was preparing for the academic session.
'Yes, finally.'
'Let's see if you feel this relieved when you're about to graduate. You never told me your major?' He tried to joke but the smile must have looked more like a grimace if Anaya's reply was anything to go by. He also knew she was majoring in Accounting and Finance but he couldn't bear her silence.
'I know that you already know everything from my brothers so I don't feel the need to have this discussion with you.' Anaya replied bluntly, watching as he shut his eyes, gathering himself. A man wouldn't want to appear weak despite being at his lowest before a good friend.
