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The tears flow freely down her face. what have she done wrong? Kalthum questioned herself. Why can't Basma stop this nemesis she is trying to build?They are siblings for Allah's sake!The cold breeze tickles her skin. Kalthum relaxed herself to the chill weather.
She hugged herself and went on to sit on the bench close to the garden. She needed to clear her head coz she doesn't trust herself if she had stayed in that room with her sister. Some sister she has.
She took in a deep and calming breath. An idea came to her. It's high time she give her best friend a call. some friend she is, Note the sarcasm. She brought out her phone and did as thought.
Zaynab picked the call at the first ring, as if she has been expecting her calls.
" how dare you, you've been in that big house for what felt like weeks and you just decided to call me now! " zaynab shrieking voice came through
" hello to you too "
" you stupid good for nothing friend. You even have the nerve to switch off your phone all this time. I thought somet_
" TAKE A DEEP BREATH ZAYNAB" Kalthum finally shut her up
Zaynab loud sigh could be heard from the other side of the phone " you got me all worried for you" she was now calmed
" I know and I'm deeply sorry for that " Kalthum apologized with a smile. Finally sweet Zaynaab is back
" how have you been?I hope those two twins aren't stressing you out ?" zaynab asked concerned
Kalthum chuckled. Come to think of it, the twins haven't even given her any reason to complain about. Her only problems is her sister and Sir Faisal " No they aren't stressing me out actually "
" are you sure? I hope you're not covering up for them? Remember, I can come over to plan their suicide " zaynab joked and it was worth it coz it actually lighten Kalthum's mood
" Subhanallah! No! . You're something else zeyzey. "
" That's why you love me "
" That I can't deny " Kalthum replied truthfully.
There was a pause
" so tell me, what is bothering you? I know you too well not to ask. Is someone bothering you over there on a serious note ?atleast I know it isn't the twins so who could it be ?"
She does knows Kalthum too well
" I never said I was being bothered " Kalthum tried playing it smooth
" don't give me that attitude girl! Have you forgotten that I know you more than you know yourself?! You don't sound high spirited as you always do. We both know that amongst the two of us you're the out spoken one here so tell me what's wrong?"
Kalthum finally surrendered" I guess you know me too well then"
" so tell me "
" It's basma"
" I KNEW IT! That girl have always been a pain in the ass. What has she done this time around? "
Kalthum started by telling her the story from beginning to the end. " I've never seen her with so much hatred before. I swear I don't even understand her. Coming to work her made me notice some things about her that I've never seen before and it's confusing as hell"
" Remember I've always told you that she is jealous of you. This also applies here. She sees you as a threat trying to stop whatever plan she might have built in her head"
" But she knew I never wanted coming here. She herself was the one that talked me to it so why the cold shoulder now? "
" Try to think about it,She might only be trying to look good infront of your mom. Have you forgotten that she is your mom's favorite since from start. She might just be playing her game so well, another point to make your mom like her more "
Kalthum thought about it for a second and it kind of made sense though, especially the way their mom kept on saying sweet sweet words to Basma. Like, I know you'll make me proud ,another was, that's why you're my favorite daughter. This happened on the day they were about to leave for the Dantata's house. They both avoided Kalthum like a plague.
" But what crime have I committed that made the two of them dislike me to this extent. I never left my personal space to disturb their's"
" I know dear, I know. Just allow everything to play on it own, let's dwell on Allah. He is the master of all planner"
" Yeah you're right " Kalthum heaved a sigh
" soooo, have you met any one that interest you yet?" Zaynaab made sure to stress the 'so' word. " and don't tell me you've not met the two sons of Mallan dantata"
" Eww no, please don't start with your silly ideas. I don't fancy any of them in that manner especially not Sir Faisal. He is so annoying and arrogant "
"hmm, I seeeee"
" Please don't start"
Zaynab giggles" did you hear me say anything? "
" You don't need to talk before I know what you mean"
" okay fine. So, may I know what he might have done that made you dislike him? "
" I think that'll be another story for another time "
" pleaseeeee, pretty please tell me "
Kalthum groaned " nosey cat" she mumbles
" I heard that"
" of course you're meant to hear it"
" tell me now " Zaynaab drawled
" Okay fine. Do you remember the incident at the hotel? " Kalthum asked
" yes the one you told me about. I still don't get why you're covering up for you good for nothing sister in the first place " zaynab scoffed
" I still love her Zaynaab no matter the harm she might have caused we're still sisters "
" whatever, just continue the story"
" so, could you believe that the man who helped me out of that scene was non other than sir Faisal, my boss "
A gasped could be heard " it's a lie"
" I'm serious Zaynab. Imagine my surprise when I also found out!That day I had wished the ground should swallow me,It was so embarrassing wallahi"
Zaynab burst out laughing " I wish I was there. So how did he take it? "
" Well, he still sees me as a prostitute "
" but you're not!. Your sister is the prostitute here "
" but he doesn't know that yet" Kalthum sighed
" Then tell him,that will be better "
" I can't, even if Basma and I are not on speaking terms, I still made a promise to her and you know I don't break my promises"
" That stupid promise you made to her is spoiling your reputation! " Zaynaab snapped " why can't you just go to him and tell him the whole truth!That way, he will see the good person you are"
" Just forget it Zaynaab. He won't even believe me in the first place, or have you forgotten that there is a video? "
" but the video didn't show that you're in bed with the man for Allah's sake! "
" They all don't wanna hear it. Infact I don't even care anymore, they all can believe whatever they want to believe. That Sir Faisal is too arrogant and I know he will only think I'm trying to put my sister in trouble just to feel better "
" you're in for a lot girl,From frying pan to fire"
" I'm telling you"
" so how about the other Dantata"
" You're too nosy for your own good"
Zaynaab chuckles " you can't blame me "
" That will be a story for another day though "
" please don't do this to me" said Zaynaab like a small child
****
Faisal finds it difficult to sleep. He turned and tossed in his bed but sleep won't come. He blames this on the coffee he just had. He groaned and decided to have a walk round the mansion. Since the night was cold, he made sure to put on a blue and white sweater that hugged his biceps nicely.
His sisters are already asleep while Habeeb has long gone back to his own house. Habeeb isn't a fan of the mansion , Faisal blames it on their parents.
Faisal hummed quietly as he walked down the stairs. Who would have thought that the living room could actually be as quiet as it is now. All the Nanny's are already in their lodge, probably sleeping by now. He pushed the door open and finally, he was greeted by the cool breeze. He sighed in satisfaction as the coolness of the weather soothes him.
" Finally, some fresh air" he said to himself. He decided to stroll down the garden which is a few metres away from the main house. His thoughts went back to the conversation with Habeeb. Habeeb might be right about giving the maid a second chance. He shrugged. What will he lose by doing that? Nothing. Infact she will be the one losing her job if she tries anything funny.
Faisal kicked a small stone. He smiled remembering when he was young how he and his classmates love making a pass with a stone if there wasn't any ball to play with. That was when he was in primary 4 or so. He smiled at the thought. Finally he had reached the garden but stopped abruptly when he saw a figure sitting on a bench.
He couldn't pinpoint who might that be because the back of the lady was facing him But what he was sure about was that, it was a maid and she seems to be on the phone with someone. He shrugged and decided give her some privacy. He suddenly stopped when he heard his name being mentioned,His brows furrowed and suddenly he felt the need to know why his name was mentioned. Faisal quietly walks forward, he tried hard not to make a sound. Realization dawned on him,it was the maid, the prostitute maid. He got angry but didn't say anything.
" The two brothers are far far different from each other Zaynaab "
Zaynab? Could that be a friend of hers? Faisal thought but didn't say anything.
It seems the Zaynab girl said something that made her laugh and he won't deny it, her laugh was soothing and smooth.Faisal realize his mistake. How can he say her laughter was soothing? He mentally slapped the thoughts away
" Sir Faisal is just too arrogant for his own good. He thinks he is better than everyone. I don't get why he doesn't allow me to breath freely! He is a pain in the neck"
Faisal actually found the conversation quite interesting, he snorts . Was he really a pain in the neck? He thought
" but Sir Habeeb is totally different. He is nice, caring and funny unlike his big head of a brother " the maid said
Really?! So she thinks Habeeb is better than him? It seems she doesn't know how much of a player his brother was, Faisal scoffed quietly.
" yeah ,I know Zaynab. I feel sleepy now "
Faisal watched as the maid seems to listen attentively to what the Zaynab girl was saying on the phone. The maid nodded to what the zaynab said even if she can't see her.
" of course I've heard you. Can I go now? "
" Alright then, good night " the maid end the call. She yawned softly and stood up.
Kalthum hasn't noticed him yet, she stretched and then turn around to make her way to their lodge bud stopped abruptly as she realized who was behind her. It was Sir Faisal.
Her heart raced uncontrollably. Has he been standing there for long? She wondered.
She gulp " Good evening sir" greeting him was the first thing that came to mind. What would you have done if you were in her state?
Faisal raised a brow at her " After you've rant a lot of insult about me to your friend, you still have the liver to greet me?
She gasped " you heard?"
" I don't know if you're just stupid or dumb. Of course I heard everything "
She wish the ground will just open up and swallow her. She was embarrassed beyond words. How stupid could she have gotten! She should have known that the wall has ears. Anyone can come over here anytime , She thought. How could she not have thought about that!
" I'm sorry sir " she felt guilty
" Really? So you think I'm strong headed, arrogant and a pain in the neck?"
She felt embarrassed the more " no sir "
" isn't that what you rant out to your friend?" he challenged. He enjoyed seeing the fear in her eyes. Who would have thought that the same maid that talked back at him in the kitchen is actually shaking in fear now . He smirked, glad to be the one with the upper hand this time
" isn't that right little Maid ?"
" I'm totally sorry sir "
" of course you should be "
" I'll take whatever punishment you want to give me but please sir I don't want to lose my job. I'll do anything but that "
" Actually, I would have loved it if you lose your job_ "
Kalthum's eyes opened twice their size " I'm sorry sir"
Faisal mentally gave himself a well-done pat for scaring her for a second " but I wouldn't do that "
" Thank you sir " she breath out in relief
" Don't thank me y-
" Kalthum, mom wants to speak with you " another voice interrupted
Kalthum has never felt so grateful as this before .Basma rush to her with a phone in hand. Had it been she wasn't on bad terms with Basma, she would have hugged her. Basma then realized the figure before them, her mouth opened and closed like a fish.
Basma was surprised to see Sir Faisal standing. Her attention was only on her sister all this while that she didn't notice she was talking to their boss.
" Go-od eve-ning sir " she stuttered . Her head twirled with so many thoughts on why Sir Faisal is here talking to her sister in this lonely night.
Double Hatred
***