I woke up with a serious headache because of the nightmares I've had and constant crying.I slowly got up and went into the toilet to perform ablution.After that I came out and prayed ,I prayed fervently to Allah to guide my aunt and show her the light and I prayed to Allah to make it easy for me and give me the strength and faith to pass the test.I prayed for my mom that Allah give her the fortitude to bear my loss and I prayed that it'll be easy for me to adapt to this new life.I. don't know what my aunt have in store for me and I really don't wanna know.My train of thought was interrupted when aunt khadeejah barged into the room without saying a salaam and motioned for me to follow her without saying a word. I wrapped my hijab securely and followed her silently.She took me to another part of the house and I saw a pile of laundry so huge it nearly reached up to my height.I gulped and silently prayed in my heart because I'm sure she will ask me to wash them.Even though we ain't that rich but Umma never allow me to wash my clothes.I know how to ,but I hardly wash."You should wash this clothes ,hang them to dry in the backyard and iron them today.I don't want any excuses.You'll have your food if you deliver the laundry on time."with that she turned to leave without even sparing me a glance. A lone painful tear slid down my cheeks as I started sorting the pile of clothes.As I was washing the clothes my headache increased and I started feeling dizzy.I kept praying when I saw samaad  coming towards where I was with a tray of food.No matter how angry I am with him I'm still grateful for his kind gesture,if not because of him I won't have eaten since after the break fast I took in the hostel ."Hurry up and eat before my mom catch us "he said with fear in his eyes."thank you samaad but please I need a pill for headache I'm having quite a serious one"I said while collecting the tray from him."here,take these drugs I'm sure you will need them and don't let her see them,I brought water and some snacks for you in case I don't get  a way to bring you food so that you won't starve"he said with concern and I just smiled because he is considerate and thoughtful and I'm also glad that he is not cruel like his mother.He continued washing the clothes while I ate.I finished and thank Allah for his mercy and shot a grateful smile at Samaad.He left while I continued with the most hectic duty I have ever done in my entire life.
"Siddika!!Siddika!!!siddika!!!!are you still washing the clothes?or I should come and teach you a lesson?"aunt khadeejah bellowed from afar."no!I'm almost done aunty"I shouted back so that she will hear me.I have been washing all day,the only time I got a break was when I hanged the clothes to dry.I'm almost done with ironing the clothes. My jumbled thoughts became company which made me work quickly.As I was about to fold a shirt aunt khadeejah appeared from nowhere and gave me a resounding slap which made me loose my balance and before I react she dropped the hot iron on my hands.I cried out in pain clutching my hands which are burnt and red.without any remorse or affection she left the laundry  leaving me there to heal my wounds.I looked frantically around the laundry for a first aid box but I cant find any.I slumped down I leant against the wall and closed my eyes.The pain is unbearable and my hand has started to swell.I found it hard to breath anymore and my left cheek stings from her slap.As I was about to fell unconscious Samaad came running with a band aid and other items.He treated my hand and gave me a pain relieving pill with a glass of water.He helped me walk to my room and I lay down in pain though it has subsided a little.He went out without saying a word and I effortlessly drifted to sleep.
*~*
Seconds turn to minutes ,minutes turn to hours, hours turn to days and days turn to weeks. I have been in hell hole for three weeks and what I have gone through is beyond any living soul's imagination.I have lost count of the scars and bruises in my body not to mention the times I fainted because of hardship or the amount of tears I shed.Sometimes I think I can't take it anymore but with Allah I have survived this long.My face lost it's colour and radiance,my hair is in a mess and I have lost a lot of weight .I have never given up with prayers day and night for Allah to bring an end to my misery and hardship.I always think of my mom and my friends .I never thought I will be separated from the ones I love and care for.True to her words,I have started wishing for death than what I'm going through."come out this instant and mop the kitchen .If  you are done cook lunch and serve it at the table.30 minutes"aunt khadeejah ordered. My biggest problem is how she give me a hard and time consuming work with a limited time.I sprang to my feet and dashed to the kitchen to carry out her order.As I was stirring the soup she came into the kitchen shouting angrily at me.She slapped me and hit me with the hot spoon ,I was lucky she missed my face.As usual I didn't say anything and wept silently .I wonder why my mom never suspect my aunt.Has she given up on me already?is she dead or alive?only God knows.That night I dreamt of my dad.

       Thank you all for reading this chapter .please do me a favour and vote if possible drop a comment please.
A new cover by @khdahoo.Do check out her profile.she is an amazing writer.
Love,
Humylash.