“Overcoming abuse doesn’t just happen, It takes positive steps everyday. Let today be the day you start to move forward.” ― Assunta Harris

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"Ikram!"

"I am coming."

"Hurry up! I haven't got all day to waste. I have a meeting later in the day."

"I am sorry. Here I am. Let's go," I quickly grab my handbag on the chair and tuen to face Fawaaz, "How do I look?"

He scowls, "What are you wearing?"

"Clothes!"

"Don't act smart with me! Of course I know you're wearing clothes. But what is this?"

"What's wrong with what I am wearing?" I question, confusion etched all over my face.

"I don't like this gown and I don't like the colour of the hijab. I also don't like the colour of the lipstick. Go upstairs and change into something more fitting."

"But you're the one who was telling me to hurry up a moment back. What has come over you?"

"Don't ask me silly questions. Just go back to the room and change. I give you ten minutes, just ten minutes or so help me God!" he threatens.

I look at his face seeing a vein threatening to pop and I whimper.

"I am sorry," I mutter.

*********************

"You're welcome to our restaurant. Please have seat."

"Thank you," I smile at the waiter why Fawaaz simply ignores him and picks a menu on the table.

"Would you like anything before your order?" the waiter asks, smiling at me.

"Um, yes, w-"

"No, we are fine," Fawaaz utters dismissively.

"Baby! I was only going to ask for water," I sigh.

"Fine! Get her a glass of water."

"Warm water, please," I tell the waiter.

"Okay, Ma."

The waiter scurries away and comes back with a glass of water a minute later.

"Thank you."

"Anytime," he remarks before facing Fawaaz, "Can I take your orders now, Sir?"

"Get us spaghetti with fried snails and orange juice."

"Okay, Sir."

"One more thing, stick to your job which is taking people's orders. If you flirt with my wife again, I won't hesitate to report you to your manager and also get you arrested. Now, get out of my sight!" Fawaaz threatens the poor waiter.

"I am sorry, Sir," he apologises before he leaves.

"Baby, why did you say that to him?" I frown at Fawaaz.

"He was flirting with you," he growls, "You're mine! You belong to me!"

"Shhhhhh! You're going to cause a scene," I scold him, "I am not disputing the fact that I am yours. He was not flirting with me. The poor guy was only trying to be nice and I was only returning the gesture. No need to frighten him and embarass yourself in the process."

"What did you just say?" Fawaaz asks, clearly outraged.

"Relax, I am sorry. Let's just eat and leave," I tell him as another waiter brings our food.

The rest of the time in the restaurant is spent in silence and I am glad when we leave the restaurant.

**********************************
I decide to go to the market today to get some foodstuff.

"Baby, I am heading to the market now. Take care of yourself," I tell Fawaaz as I grab my car keys from the table.

He is busy with his laptop.

"Okay," he replies without looking up.

"Do you want me to get you anything?" I inquire.

"No."

"Don't be late," he warns.

"Okay, bye."

"Bye."

*****************************
I am done buying all what I need. I decide to visit one of my customers in the market who sells fish before I head home when a lady bumped into me. One of the polythene bags I am holding drops to the ground.

"I am so sorry," the lady apologises and tries to carry the bag but I beat her to it.

"It's okay," I remark not paying her any attention.

"I am really sorry. Let me help you with one of the bags," she offers.

"No, no, it's okay. Really, it's-" I pause as I look at her for the first time, "Semira?"

"Ikram?"

We immediately embrace each other.

"Wow, it's been long. When last did we see?" she asks.

"When we were both packing our things and preparing to go home after our final exams in the university," I smile at her, "Where have you been all these while?"

"I should ask you the same. Look at you! You've put on some weight and it looks good on you. You look even more beautiful," she states.

"Thank you! You also look beautiful."

"Thank you!"

"We need to catch up. Give me number."

"Okay," she says.

We exhange phone numbers and promise to give each other a call.

She excorts me to where I packed my car before giving me another hug  and then leaving. As I place the bags inside the boot, I notice the time and the missed calls on my phone screen.
Crap! I am in trouble.