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AUTHORS POV
[EDITED]

Between Maami and Dadaa, there was silence - thick and palpable, like a physical presence. It was clear they'd been having a tense conversation before the knock on the door interrupted them.

Maami broke the tension, flipping her gaze to the door and calling out, 'Come in!'

Sadiya, Amal and Jamal entered, their smiling faces illuminating the room. Maami's heart swelled with warmth.

''Ah ahn who I'm I see here? I thought you guys already left! Jamal!?'' she exclaimed.

"Where have you been?" Maami added her smile so big while Jamal just smiled shyly

"Maami, how are you doing?" Amal asked, embracing her in a tight hug.

Sadiya joined in, hugging her from the other side. "How are you feeling? How's your health?"

By the bed, Jamal shook hands with Dada.

"I'm feeling much better," Maami replied, smiling warmly.

"How are you girls doing? And Jamal, I haven't seen you in how many years? You just left without a trace!" She teased, playfully glaring at him.

Jamal chuckled. "You know, Maami so many things happened. I had to leave for education and all."

Mommy hummed already knowing what happened, then turned her attention to Sadiya and Amal.

"We're all fine," Sadiya said. "We heard about your heart attack from Ihsan. We were worried. She came to our house and told us you'd woken up."

Amal nodded. "We had to come see you for ourselves."

Maami's eyes welled up with gratitude. "I'm glad you're here. It means so much to me."

Dadaa's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Sadia, look at how chubby you are! I can't believe it. What did UCLA do to you to make you gain weight?"

The room erupted in laughter. Sadyia playfully knocked her head, grinning. "Dadaa, I'll never hear the end of this for the rest of my life!"

Maami chuckled, shaking her head. "stop teasing her."

Maami spoke up, nostalgia in her voice. "It's crazy how you guys went to separate uni after secondary school. I thought you guys would all attend the same university."

"Yes, I know. Life took us on different paths" Dadaa nodded wistfully.

The room fell silent for a moment, filled with memories of what could have been.

Dadaa chuckled a bit, smiling. "I can't believe you actually applied to SNU. I thought you were joking about studying in Korea."

"I never joke about my studies, Dada." Amal grinned.

"You always joke about your studies!" Sadiya playfully smacked Amal's head.

The room erupted in laughter.

Maami turned to Sadiya, teasingly "UCLA really changed you, Sadia. You used to be the quiet, shy, and thin one. I won't stop talking about how you gained weight – it suits you!"

"Remember when Sadia couldn't lift a half-full bucket of water?" Dada joined in, laughing.

He shook his head, chuckling. "Look at her now."

Sadiya blushed, laughing with her second family.

"I know right" Jamal say quietly

"You know I thought Ihsan would choose SNU. I never thought she'd go for MIT! Becoming a neurologist? It's crazy!" Amal exclaimed

Sadiya nodded in agreement, smiling.

"Even her herself her brain ain't functioning, she's crazy," Sadiya joked, "but she wants to become a neurologist!"

The room filled with laughter.

Jamal chuckled, his smile tinged with sadness. "It's because of me. I once told her she couldn't become a neurologist, that she didn't have the brains for it. She's trying to prove me wrong. I can't believe she's doing it after all these years."

Sadiya's face subtly contorted, her eyes narrowing slightly, revealing a hint of jealousy. She'd harbored feelings for Jamal, but he remained oblivious.

Dadaa, noticing Sadiya's expression, raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Ihsan's determination is inspiring. We're proud of her." Maami, sensing tension, intervened.

The conversation flowed on, but Sadiya's gaze lingered on Jamal, her emotions hidden beneath the surface.

Ihsan's POV

Ugh, why did I let him get away with it? I thought, cringing. Last night's argument still lingered, and now my body ached with reminders. I'm becoming a neurologist, for crying out loud! I should be rational, not swept away by emotions.

As I lay in bed, Abba's gentle breathing beside me made me uncomfortable. I turned to face him, my eyes scanning his peaceful expression. My gaze lingered, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks.

I closed my eyes, mortification washing over me. How could I have given in? My mind replayed the fight, the make-up, and the...aftermath.

I hastily gathered the bed sheets, attempting to stand. My soreness protested, but I pushed through the discomfort. I needed to escape, hide from my embarrassment.

Just as I stood, Abba's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back. His voice, low and husky, sent shivers down my spine.

"Where are you going?" he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.

I froze, trapped between a little bit of regret and humiliation.Yes a little

My eyes shut themselves, my mind racing with self-doubt.

How could I? I thought, mentally cursing myself. I never back down from a fight, but one charming smile and I crumble. I let him win, and worse, I let myself down. Seriously Ihsan!!

Memories of our argument and passionate reconciliation flooded my mind, each moment more cringeworthy than the last.

I opened my eyes, focusing on Abba's arm wrapped around her. His grip was gentle, but unyielding.

"Let me go," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Abba's eyes locked onto mine, his expression softening.

"No," he replied, his voice firm but gentle. "We need to talk about this. Ihsan."

He released my waist, but only to guide me back onto the bed.

"Sit with me, Ihsan. We can't keep avoiding this."

I hesitated, unsure if i was ready for this conversation.

"What is there to talk about?" I asked, my voice laced with vulnerability.

Okay that was stupid, did you forget about the whole Dadaa and Sabrina case?

Abba's fingers intertwined with mine, sending a spark through me.

"Us," he replied, his voice low and husky.

I sat beside Abba, wincing slightly as I settled into the bed. The soreness was a stark reminder of last night's events.

His face contorted with worry. "Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry." He jumped up, his voice filled with concern. "Let me get the bath ready for you."

As he disappeared into the bathroom, my mind began to spiral into cringe-worthy territory.

Oh God, why did I say 'ravish me, you barbarian'? I thought, her face scorching with embarrassment. "And what was I thinking with all those 'oh Abba, yeses'? It sounds like I was trying out for a bad romance novel.

I buried my face in my hands, mortification washing over me.

And 'tornado of passion'? Really? Who says that? Innalilah Ihsan kin shiga uku

My inner monologue continued, each memory more ridiculous than the last.

I must have sounded like a cross between a harlequin heroine and a lovesick teenager

The sound of running water and Abba's gentle humming drifted from the bathroom, a stark contrast to my internal chaos.

Abba returned with a warm smile. "Your bath is ready, love."

My eyes met his, my cheeks still flushed. "Thanks," I muttered

I attempted to stand, but my legs wobbled, and I swayed.

"Whoa," Abba said, swooping in to scoop me up in his arms, sheets and all.

As he carried me to the bathroom, my face burned with embarrassment.

Once inside, Abba gently set me down and tried to remove the covers.

I shook my head, my eyes wide with mortification.

Abba raised an eyebrow, a sly smile spreading. "I've already seen it all, love."

My flush deepened. And I remembered another cringe-worthy moment –I think I yelled 'ride me like a unicorn'?

My mind recoiled in horror.

"Please," I whispered, desperate to distract muself.

Abba chuckled, turning to adjust the bathwater.

I slipped into the bubble-filled bath, the warm water enveloping me like a soothing hug. The bath bomb's sweet scent wafted up, relaxing my tense muscles.

As I sank deeper, my bones began to unwind, my soreness easing.

Abba sat beside the tub, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Feeling better?"

I nodded, my embarrassment slowly fading.

"You're adorable when you're flustered," Abba teased.

My cheeks warmed, but I couldn't help smiling.

"Shut up," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Abba chuckled, trailing his fingers through the bubbles.

"By the way, 'ride me like a unicorn'?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

My face scorched. "Don't remind me." I said hiding my face.

He laughed at my expense and he continued teasing mr, recalling my impassioned declarations. "And who could forget 'love me like a caveman'?"

My face burned, my eyes darting to the ceiling.

But then, a mischievous glint sparked in my eyes.Hehe, Gotcha

"Ah, yes," I said, my voice dripping with innocence. "But what about your own poetic declarations, Ya Abba?"

His grin faltered.

My smile widened. "Like 'I'll love you till the cows come home and even after they've had their second helping of hay'?"

Abba's face turned beet-red and his fair skin exposed him.I couldn't help but laugh! Thank god for my dark skin

The absurdity of his own words hit him like a ton of bricks, and I giggled, triumphant.

"Or how about 'my love for you is like a pizza – even when it's cold, it's still hot'?" I added

His eyes widened in horror.

The bathroom echoed with my laughter, my body shaking with mirth.

Abba's face contorted, caught between embarrassment and amusement.

"Okay, okay," he conceded. "I think we've established we both said some...creative things."

My laughter slowly subsided, but my I kept my goofy grin.

"Indeed," I said, my voice still laced with mirth. "I think we've both secured our places in the Annals of Cheesy Romance."

Abba chuckled, relieved.

"Guess we're evenly matched in the cringe department."

After soaking in the bath, I emerged, feeling refreshed. Abba handed me a bundle of fresh clothes.

"Get dressed, love," he said, his eyes crinkling. And he left the bathroom.

I dressed quickly, my movements fluid.

Abba sat on the bed, patting the space beside him.

I approached, intending to sit next to him, but Abba had other plans.

He grasped my hand, gently tugging me onto his lap.

My cheeks flushed, but I silently acquiesced.

Abba wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.

"I won't lie to you," he began, his voice low. "Last night was...intense. But I want to talk about us, about our future."

"Hmm" I just hummed not knowing what to say

Abba's fingers intertwined with mine. "Why don't you just go talk to Dadaa? Clear the air? Ask him your self? Do the DNA test again if you want huh?" His voice was very calming.

I nodded,my shoulders relaxing.

"Yeah" I should be the adult I'm and face reality... Let's just get it over with

Abba's lips brushed against my ear. "I'll be here, supporting you."

My poor heart skipped a beat.

"Thanks," I whispered.

Our conversation flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream.

As we talked, I realized Abba's words were balm to my soul.

But the I remembered something

I raised an eyebrow, my voice laced with amusement. "What the hell does that even mean? 'I'll love you till the cows come home'?"

Abba chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "It's an idiomatic expression, love. Means I'll love you forever."

My skepticism remained. "Cows coming home? What's that supposed to signify?" I turned him,so I was straddling him

"In rural areas, cows returning home signals the end of the workday. It's a metaphor for 'until the end of time'" Abba explained,further

"Ah, I see. And the 'second helping of hay'?" My expression transformed from confusion to understanding.

Abba grinned. "My own creative addition. Exaggerating the extent of my love." He chuckled a bit and the butterflies in my stomach kept having a field day

I playfully rolled her eyes. "English, na your mate?"

"I didn't get the best grades in English for years just not to know my stuff." Abba chuckled, his chest puffing out slightly.

I laughed, shaking my head. "Modest, too."

Abba's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. "Hey, someone's got to keep up with your wit."

"I love you" We chorused and then we laughed.