"How was your night?" Mrs. Hadiza started. "I hope you were able to have a peaceful rest."

"Yes, ma." She nodded, curtly. "Thank you, ma."

A muffled laugh from Yumnah had everyone's attention diverted to her. Her hand was still over her mouth as she attempted to stifle another laughter.

"What's so funny?" Her mother quirked a brow in incomprehension.

Yumnah reclined backward in her seat and shook her head. "It's nothing, Ammi, I just remembered something."

Needless to say; One way or the other, Larai knew the derisive gesture was hurled towards her in a 'roundabout' manner.

"Have some barbecue sauce, Larai." Yusuf stretched a hand across the table.

Barbecue sauce?

There was this curiosity pushing Larai to ask what a barbecue sauce was, but due to the presence of the ladies in the room, she decided against it. The last thing she wanted, was to be made a mockery of, for the second time in a row.

She smiled in appreciation and accepted the outstretched dish. With a shaky hand, she picked up a spoon and scooped a spoonful of the sauce. Due to the steam evaporating from the food, she inferred it was smoky hot, so she allowed some air into it, before bringing it to her mouth.

"Hi, Larai, we haven't met, so I'd like to introduce myse-Ya Allah!" Yusrah squeaked when Larai began to cough intermittently. "Are you alright?"

Yusuf's shoulder tensed, but for some reason arcana, he remained glued to his seat.

"Give her some water." Mrs. Hadiza suggested.

Yumnah rolled her eyes as her twin quickly poured some water from a jug into a tumbler and handed it over to Larai.

Larai gulped almost the entire content of the tumbler down. She was fortunate the cough ceased right after.

The involuntary action was ignited by Yusrah speaking to her so unexpectedly, plus the foreign sensation in her taste bud contributed.

"Sorry." Yusuf rasped, his monotone resolute.

It was amazing how in spite of how scrunched up his face was, he still looked handsome. If Larai had been in his shoes, she bet she would have looked hideous. She shook her head in an attempt to kick off the thought from her mind. It wasn't the proper time to harbor such thoughts. In a careful manner, she dropped the tumbler on the table, for she felt it would break if manhandled even in the slightest way.

"Are you okay now?" Mrs. Hafsa's voice depicted genuine care. "Drink some more water."

Larai picked up the tumbler again and seeped the remainder of the water.

Mrs. Hadiza pushed back her seat."You all should carry on." She excused herself and strutted out of the dining room.

Larai exhaled. Albeit the nice gestures Mrs. Hadiza had constantly shown her, she still couldn't bring herself to be comfortable around her. Perhaps time was what was needed. It had only been a day since they met. She figured it was too early to jump to a conclusion.

"So, Larai-I hope I got the pronunciation right." Yusrah edged forward on her seat. "How are you liking your stay in our house so far?"

"Fine." She smiled, glad that Yusrah wasn't giving her the phlegmatic attitude. Rather, she had been the one initiating a conversation.

"I was told you like books too. Would you like to read some of my works?" Yusrah offered, a warm smile tugging at her lips.

"Yes!" Larai enthused. "I'd like that a lot." She wasn't just passionate about books, she loved the idea of writing. Just like Yusrah, she hoped she would be able to sit in front of a screen soon and pen all of the story ideas she had pent up.

"I knew you two are going to get along well. You both have similar attributes." Yusuf remarked, lodging a piece of meat in his mouth, with a fork. The smile and twinkle in his eyes proved just how happy he was with the fact.

Larai donned a knowing smile and looked down at her plate.

Yumnah, on the other hand cleared her throat, apparently in an attempt to seek attention. "I also want to read your works."

"What? My works?" Yusrah pointed a finger to herself and her eyes dilated in sheer astonishment. "You want to read them?"

Why not?

Larai looked on, a lot of questions crossing her mind. They were sisters-twin sisters. So, why was Yusrah so surprised about Yumnah showing interest in her work?

"Quit being a drama queen, will you?" Yumnah raised the corner of her lips in scorn. "That was what I said, or is it that you don't want me to read them? Fine then, I take back my words."

"No, no." Yusrah tittered. "I was only surprised, because you've never really had any interest in the books I write. I remember forcing you at one certain time, but you barely finished the first chapter, before practically shoving it back to my face."

Uh.

"That was then." She bickered. "I have changed a lot in the past few months."

For some reason, watching the duo converse was appealing for Larai. It made her mind drift to Azumi. Though she was overly respectful, there were times she wrangled about things not being in her favor. A small smile curled up her lips at the thought. She wondered how she was doing back there in the village. Hopefully, she wasn't being blamed for her choice to run away from home.

"That's a good change." Yusrah reclined backwards in her seat and picked a serviette from the holder. "I will send you my latest work later."

Larai wasn't really convinced about Yumnah's sudden interest in her twin's books. In her opinion, she only said the words, because she got envious at the way Yusrah was heartily conversing with her. Perhaps she was afraid they would end up becoming close and she would be left out.

"Larai, how many books have you read?"

Uh?

The question took Larai by surprise. She sat upright on the chair and fiddled with her fingers. "Actually, I have only read a few. My parents were against me reading fictional books. The few I got to read were all presents from my school principal."

"That's awesome." Yusrah remarked. "Your principal is cool."

"She sure is," Larai mumbled.

Mrs. Rukayya-what a great impact she was on Larai and other bunch of people. Larai had always admired the woman beneath a hijab. All the way from the city, she had built a school and made it free for all villagers. While her parent were busy shunning her talent, she was the only who had ever told her she had potentials and that she should reach the stars. For being the best in literature, Larai always got awarded with books by her.

"What's the title of the last book you read?" Yusrah inquired.

"Love in paradise by Aisha Sidi. But unfortunately, I couldn't get to finish it." Larai responded. She was surprised at how fast and easily Yusrah and her seemed to be getting along. Talking to her felt so natural. The timidity from earlier had completely dissipated into thin air.

"I just finished reading that particular book about a week ago. I can lend it to you if you want. I still have it in my bookshelf."

Larai nodded quickly. She could not believe her ears-finally, she was going to get to finish the book she loved so much, without any interruptions.

Yusrah proceeded to tell Larai about her recent reads and some other books she had read. Poor breakfast was cast aside. To Larai, it was a good thing. The food tasted strange anyways.

The dinner which had started off as awkward, thrived into a rather exciting one for Larai. In just a few hours, Yusrah and her had totally clicked. They practically shared the same interests and the best part was that she was now granted permission to a truckload of books. She was happy, but would have been happier if the circumstance she had left her parents was different.

"What do y'all think about shopping after breakfast?" Yusuf inclined a brow.

Yumnah placed a hand underneath her chin, in a thoughtful manner. "I think it's essential. We get to buy goods and-"

"I didn't ask for a definition. You know exactly what I mean." Yusuf groaned, then averted his gaze to Larai. "Would you like that?"

Yes!

"No, it's fine." Out of courtesy, Larai declined the offer. Of course she deemed her action fit. What type of a person would she portray herself as if she jumped at the chance. She predicted it would make it seem like she was the kind of person who places expediency above principle-an opportunist!

"Of course it isn't." Yumnah reclined forward in her seat and rolled her eyes. "Who says no to shopping? And...don't you think you need a change of wardrobe? I don't know about the two of you, but I'm definitely taking the offer."

"Me too." Yusrah declared. "Since the three of us are going, why don't you tag along? You will get to get some new things and other necessities for yourself. Besides, it's going to be fun for you, since it's your first time in the city."

"That's right." Yumnah chimed in; enthusiasm laced in her voice. "After that, we should go sightseeing. There are some pretty awesome views in the city."

The idea was enthrallingly inviting. Tourism had always been something she looked forward to. She could remember how she and Azumi used to stroll about the village and the neighboring villages as well. More than ever, she missed her younger sibling. She wished she was there with her, to experience the moments.

"So..." Yusuf declined backwards in his seat. "Are we going?"

Larai hummed and nodded in affirmation-not like she had a choice anyway. For a fact, she knew Yusuf would insist and she didn't have the willpower to refuse him.

"Great!" His lips stretched into a fervor smile and rose to his feet."I'll be in my room. When y'all are ready, let me know."

Larai couldn't control the smile that graced her lips. Yusuf was considerate-she had always known him to be.

"I hope you know that Yusuf only initiated all these because of...her." Out of the blue, Yumnah remarked, shoving slices of watermelon in her mouth.

"This isn't the first time he's treating us out. He has done that on several occasions" Yusrah responded matter-of-factly.

Larai opened her mouth and was about to intervene, but at the last moment, she decided against it. Airing her opinion on the matter could prove to be fatal, as she didn't want to be on Yumnah's bad side and eventually end up being blacklisted by her.

"Don't call a spade a spoon." Yumnah huffed. "Look, I don't have any complaints whatsoever. I'm just pointing out an observation. Ah! Am I not even allowed to do that? Is there a fine to pay?

"No, but there's a decision you can make. Stay back home if that pleases you." Yusrah grunted. "Come on, Yum, don't be melodramatic."

Uh!

"It's fine if we don't go." Larai could no longer remain quiet, She had to step in. She knew her opinion would most likely be disregarded, but if she was being sincere, the enthusiasm from earlier had disappeared-all thanks to Yumnah's tactlessness.

"Don't mind Yumnah's words." Yusrah excused, shaking her head. "She's just being herself. Times without number, I have told her to put a filter on her mouth, but she doesn't listen."

"Hahaha...funny." Yusrah scoffed. "I will try to put a filter over my mouth next time."

•

Assalamualaikum/hello!

I don't know about you, but I love Yumnah 🥰

Have you ever had to stay with a stranger for even a day?

Don't forget to vote, comment and share ❤️

deey_jah
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