Chapter 11

"She's not back yet. Good evening," she muttered, her head ducked. He massaged the space between his nose and hissed softly before heading out of the kitchen to his room. She rolled her eyes and continued with her work. She wondered why they both ignored her greetings. Maybe that was how they are, she thought. She finished cleaning the kitchen and went to the living room. She settled down on the soft carpet and stared at the blank TV. She sighed softly and hugged her knees. She didn't even know if she was going to spend the night there or not. All she knew was mommy told her she was coming to help Amira with house chores. She stood up sluggishly to pray isha when she heard the adhan. After she had prayed, she laid down there tiredly. She had never worked that much in her life. She tried to keep her eyes open but it was impossible to do that. Her body ached and all she needed was a good night sleep. He walked down the stairs, into the living room and met her already fast asleep. He walked passed her and entered the dining area to eat his dinner. He had never felt so refreshed and calm in his own house ever since he got married to Amira. He looked around the clean dining area as he calmly ate his dinner. He gulped everything down with a cup of water and stood up. He went back to the living room and settled down on the sofa close to where she was sleeping. He gently tapped the mat to wake her up. "Dalia, wake up." She briskly sat up right rubbing her eyes. "Have you prayed?" He asked and she slowly nodded. "Okay stand up let's go, I'm taking you home," he informed her and stood up. He walked to the door as she also followed him after she had folded the mat and kept it in the right place. She entered the car and they zoned out of the house. In few minutes, they were at the house. He entered thinking Amira was in the house but he wasn't. He met mommy in the living room alone. She looked at them in awe. "Muhsin, you're welcome. Where's Amira?" She asked. He ducked his head as he greeted her. "She's not back yet," he responded. Dalia had already left the place after she greeted mommy. "She's not back? She told me she was going to her friend's house only, what's taking her so long. I thought she would be the one to return this girl or you'd come together." He didn't pay attention to anything she had said. It would only irritate him more if he replied her or thought about it. He bade her good night and left. He didn't even have the strength to exchange words with amira that night. Mommy picked up her phone the minute he left and dialled Amira's number. "Where are you? Why haven't you gone back home up till now? I thought you would be the one to return dalia instead your husband did." "Oh he has returned her? I was actually going to call him but I was afraid he wouldn't because I know he's still mad at..." "Amira are you mad? So you're telling me you left that girl all alone together with your husband in your own house because you don't have sense?" Amira wanted to hiss but she knew what would follow after that. "Mommy what's there please? I trust him and that little girl wouldn't even dare try any stupidity with my husband. Trust me mommy, nothing will happen. I'm driving home now, we will talk tomorrow," she finished talking and ended the call. Mommy shook her head and kept the phone. She was not comfortable with muhsin bringing Dalia back home. Amira was too dumb to understand what her mother was telling her especially when he uttered those words about adding another wife. "What about that girl, what's her name again. The first born of Bappah Khaleel, she seems nice and she's obviously into you," his smile grew wider when he realized that he had annoyed his cousin with his silly suggestions. "Firstly that woman is not my type and secondly she's into you not me and you know that. Please you should stop it with this suggestions. I will eventually get married when the right time comes." Muhsin averted his gaze to the tv and chuckled. "You're not getting any younger big brother," he reminded him. Yusuf shrugged his shoulders and sipped his drink. They both turned to the corridor where the entrance was when they heard the door bell. Muhsin gently arise from the sofa and headed to the door. He opened it and to his utmost surprise, she stood before him. She quickly lowered her gaze and greeted him. "Afternoon," he replied. "My wife isn't around or you're here for something else?" He inquired looking at her. She fiddled with her fingers and nodded. "Mommy said I will be coming here every Saturday or Sunday to do the house chores and cook," she uttered, slowly gazing at him. He hesitated before nodding. He widened the door for her to walk in. She walked in slowly and headed straight to the kitchen after she greeted Yusuf. He stared at her retreating back till she disappeared into the kitchen. Muhsin threw a pillow on his head to get his attention. "Wha- why would you do that? Who's she?" He asked. Muhsin threw his head back laughing. "Amira's mom sent her to clean. Aren't you surprised that the house looks clean now? Come let's go to the gazebo, she's coming out soon to clean the living room.