Strings Attached

~Chapter 3~

"Why did you---," M'aroof Bhai starts speaking, but she cuts him off. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please don't shout at me. I couldn't find a book I'd brought, so I was looking for it. Found it under the bed, ha ha... ha," she lies swiftly, forcing a laugh. That laugh was so awkward and uncalled for. Idiot! Ugh, I shouldn't have told her to go slow. She took it too far. The girl makes her way towards me. "Do tell me how your parents take the big news tonight, okay," she says. Suddenly, the events of earlier in the day resurface in my mind. And I give her a quick nod as I escort them to the door.

Just when they are near the door, Sammy shouts to me, loud enough to make the house rattle from beneath. "Tell Raafiah Aapi, she is looking amazing in that sari!" And instinctively, her brother's head turns towards the stairs, expecting to see a sari-clad Raafiah there. For a moment, I'm baffled, and am about to ask what she's talking of. But then, I understand. Eventually, the poor guy realizes she must be talking about a photograph or something. And he sighs dejectedly. I genuinely feel sorry for him now.

I have to give this to the girl, though. That was a hell of an acting and quick-thinking combined. She pulled it off on her own, without my help. I'd surely prize that look on his face. Eager and full of interest. Can't quite figure out how Raf is able to bottle her feelings with such a sweet guy going crazy over her? Well, we are two different people anyway.

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That evening, when dad comes home, I let him settle down first, before breaking the big news. "Assalamu alaikum, Abba!" I greet him, as usual, and take his Office bag to keep it in his study. "Wa alaikum as Salam. Someone is chirpy today, I see." I just give him a goofy grin in return, and start setting up the table for dinner.

"Did she take a happy pill or something, today?" dad asks mum from the kitchen door. "Ask her yourself," she answers tartly. "As far as I remember, she's done nothing but be her usual hyper-active self all day, and bring chaos to the house." "I didn't do anything Amma," I pout, making my face in what is supposed to be an extremely innocent and I'm-totally-a-victim-here look.

"I didn't break that vase, Abba. Raafiah was chasing me around the hall." "You must've provoked her," comes the prompt reply of my mother. Well, sort of. It was that comment Sammy threw while going out that riled her up. And she thinks I'm involved somehow. But, I can't tell mum and dad about that or the secret will be out. "Abba!" I turn to him for help.

"Well, child. It is not being at your very best behavior to provoke your elder sister. So I'd suggest you tone it down a little. After all, accidents do happen," he says, affectionately patting my head. And I smile conspiratorially up at him. "You just keep encouraging her!" my mother shouts exasperatedly from the kitchen. My dad has a sheepish look on his face, which makes me laugh. "Alright, milady. The next time she spreads mischief, I'll make sure she gets a good spanking," he says and winks at me. My father will never hit me, I know that.

"So, what are you so excited to tell me, hmm?" he asks me, giving me a knowing look. He knows me too well, just like the back of his hand. He knew that I'm bubbling inside to tell him something. I think about it for a bit. Should I tell him right now? No. let me call mum. I need both their consent for this. "Amma? Are you done in the kitchen?" "Come here and tell me what it is. I'm busy." "Can't you come here for a bit?" "No." "Okay!" I retort heavily, as the air is puffed out of me. Mum sure is angry. Maybe, this isn't the best time to break the news about my selection.