The Untainted
Chapter 25 – Holiday Whispers and Hidden Plans
Days turned into weeks, and weeks drifted into months. The semester exams finally came and went, leaving Rihannat with a sense of relief and accomplishment. The holiday had begun, and she found herself at home, sitting on the soft couch in her parents' living room, weaving her mother's hair. Her hands worked skillfully, yet her mind wandered, reflecting on everything that had happened over the past few months.
All the drawings and calligraphy works she had received at Folakemi's party were finally completed. With Folakemi's help, the delivery process had become so much smoother. Folakemi had taken charge of contacting recipients, helping with addresses, and even accompanying Rihannat to ensure the items reached their owners safely. Rayyan and Balkis had also lent a hand, but Rihannat couldn't shake a growing unease about Balkis.
Balkis had been acting… different. She seemed distant, preoccupied, and Rihannat couldn't help but feel the tension. She knew from the start that Balkis had an interest in Basit, but instead of confronting him or being honest, Balkis's behavior was confusing—and it was beginning to affect their friendship. Rihannat silently prayed that it wouldn't destroy the bond they shared.
And Basit… sighs. Sometimes she felt he might have feelings for her, and sometimes she thought otherwise. It was a confusing mix of emotions, like trying to catch a breeze in her hand. She decided not to overthink anymore and simply trust Allah's timing. Balkis would come around eventually, she hoped.
Despite these minor worries, Rihannat was overwhelmingly grateful. Everything had gone smoothly—the party, the delivery of her works, the recognition she received. People couldn't stop praising her artistry and craftsmanship, and she couldn't stop praising Allah. Alhamdulillah, she whispered softly, feeling the weight of gratitude in her chest.
A gentle tap on the wall glass jolted her from her thoughts.
"Ma…" she called softly, turning toward her mother who had been watching her quietly.
"What are you thinking about, my dear? Will you share it with me? You know I'm a good listener."
"Nothing, Ma. It's fine, in shaa Allah," Rihannat replied with a small smile.
Her mother nodded, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Okay then, if you say so… now help me finish this hair."
Rihannat chuckled. "On it, Ma."
One quiet afternoon, the phone rang.
Rihannat picked it up. The voice on the other end immediately made her heart flutter—Basit.
"Rihannat! Salam, how are you?" he greeted warmly.
"Walaikum salam, Basit! I'm good, Alhamdulillah. How about you?" she replied, her smile audible in her tone.
They spoke for a while—about the upcoming semester, their projects, their holiday routines—but it wasn't just small talk. Basit's voice carried the longing of someone who had been quietly missing her. Though he hide it well but its obvious to anyone except Rihannat.
Rihannat laughed at something he said, and her mother, passing by, paused to listen. Her eyes twinkled as she realized it was a male voice.
"Oh?" she murmured to herself, "She has a male friend now?"
Her curiosity piqued. Could this be the reason Rihannat had been rejecting proposals? Perhaps this boy… she seemed different from the others her parents had suggested.
Her father, walking by, overheard. "Hmm, why would she keep this from us?" he asked. "Do you think he's from a poor background and she feared we might reject him?"
Her mother smiled slyly. "Perhaps… but we need to see this for ourselves. Let's surprise her and invite him home without telling her. That way, we can meet him and gauge her reaction, and maybe reassure her that we don't mind where he comes from."
Her husband laughed softly. "How will we call him, my woman?"
"I have my way," she said cunningly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Okay, I surrender. Let's do it your way," he said, shaking his head with amusement.
Later, Rihannat's phone rang again. The name on the screen lit up: Balkis.
She answered promptly. "Walaikum salam warahmatullah, sis," she said warmly, smiling at her friend's voice.
"Hi, Rihannat! How are you? How's the holiday going?" Balkis asked.
"Oh, Alhamdulillah. Busy, but I've been productive. How about you?"
Their conversation flowed easily. Plans were discussed. Balkis mentioned she and some others would be visiting soon, and Rihannat smiled knowingly.
Hmmm… what is Balkis planning now? she wondered silently, a sense of anticipation creeping into her heart.
For the first time in weeks, Rihannat felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. Something told her that the holiday would bring surprises—some delightful, some unexpected. Not knowing balkis has hidden agenda.....a not so good intention towards her.
And perhaps, she thought with a small grin, even during the holidays, we can still catch up.
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Thoughts for readers:
Rihannat's family is about to take center stage. How will they react to the boy she's been talking to? Will Balkis' mysterious plan create tension or joy?