Ammara's POV

Dandelions- Ruth B

I removed my gaze from Erica's knowing smile and focused on finishing my meal. She nudged me under the table and I sent her a glare

"What?

"Spill" She deadpanned

I furrowed my brows "Spill what?

"Where were you the other day?

"What day? I asked again

Aisha sighed "The day you went to the market"

I turned to Erica "And?

"Your mother came here looking for you and Aisha said she thinks you went to the market"

I whipped my head and looked at Aisha who shrugged innocently "I didn't know you snuck out"

"That's technically not sneaking out since I was already out" I argued

"It's still sneaking out if your parent don't know" Ammi pointed out munching on a fry

"You should have just told them about him" Erica said and I rolled my eyes

"What him Erica"

"Your artist at the market of course"

"And here we are hearing about Ammarah's love of interest for the first time" Badiyya said sarcastically

I turned to them "He isn't my love interest"

Erica waved her hands around "Yes yes he's just a friend. Go ahead, lie"

"I never said he was just a friend either"

Ammi sighed "Ammarah, you really need to stop confusing us"

"Exactly" Badiyya chirped in "We need to know if we should start planning a wedding or calm our horses"

I turned to them both and exclaimed "Rest! Then looked back at Erica

"Rayyan is—

"There we have it, Rayyan is the nane" Aisha said with a laugh

"Can I know his last name so I do a thorough investigation on him" Ammi said excitedly

I quickly shook my head "No one needs that Ammi"

"Then who is this man? Aisha inquired

"I met him at the market and he's been teaching me paintings"

They all gave me a look that screams we-are-doubting-you. I raised both my hands up "I swear to you"

Badiyya shook her head "That's weird. The market?

"It's not weird" Erica said placing a hand on my shoulder "It's different"

I nodded leaning back into my chair and almost wanted to tell them how he's helping find my real parent. But they don't know I have another parent or even searching for them.

"He's helping me..." I said and stopped mid way. Hopefully they understood and all assumed he's helping me overcome my father's death.

"He's a keeper then" Aisha winked munching on her food

Ammi nodded "He is. Just tell us when we need to investigate"

"Or plan" Badiyya chirped in

I threw my head back and laughed then nodded playfully "Oh I sure will"

I sure will.

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On my way home, I called Dr Yahya and asked him to come over as I needed something. He said whatever it is that I want, I should contact him so here I am making sure we meet and talk later in the evening.

I got home and my mom is out. Rahma was cooking along the house helps and I walked up to my room.

Pushing the door aside, the canvas stared directly at me as the colors and painting of yesterday stood vibrantly. The painting I did, of us.

I realized how it is very obvious and whoever walks into the room will notice it. But then a part of me wants my mom to see this. I want her to see and know that I've found someone and isn't backing down from my choices because of her own personal preference.

I'd want her to know how much a stranger I met under weird circumstances and under a short duration of time is making so much difference in my life.

After eating lunch and watching a movie, Dr Yahya came and I walked downstairs.

He sat on the couch facing the console while his foot taps at the floor impatiently. His hands were knitted together and his brows furrowed. No doubt he's worried about what I might ask for.

I cleared my throat, said "Assalamu Alaikum" and sat on the couch next to him. He looked up at me and smiled while I greeted him.

When the pleasantries waved off, I said "So you said I shouldn't hesitate to ask for whatever" I paused "right?

He nodded and sat upright "That's right. I'll try to do everything that is in my power for what you request for"

Deciding not to dwell on it or point out how he's perhaps only doing this because he feels guilty of playing a role, I smiled and said

"I want an art exhibition organized"

He suddenly wore a confused look "Art exhibition? I never knew you paint"

I shook my head "I did start painting month back but the exhibition isn't for my work"

This piqued his interest as he sat forward "It's for who?

"My friend" I replied calmly "He's a great artist"

He nodded slowly "Can I see his works?

I muttered a yes and went through my gallery for all the pictures I took of Rayyan's art. Dr Yahya collected the phone and watched the paintings, his left brow lifted clearly impressed with what he sees.

"This is great work! He exclaimed zooming in on the picture.

"So how do we go about it? I asked

He gave me back the phone and said "First, you combine the paintings in a single collection. I'll talk to the people I know who has alot to say on art, art studio and art exhibitions and get back to you as soon as possible"

I sighed, relieved that this might really be working out

"And clients for the exhibition? I questioned

He nodded smiling "They'll take care of everything"

Minutes later, he finished his cup cake and is on his way. I bid him goodbye and walked back to my room feeling so much accomplishment, content and love in the valley between my chest.

If this goes as planned, I'll be giving this art exhibition to Rayyan as a gift and I genuinely can't wait to see his reaction.

One that makes him my own Ray

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Rayyan's POV

I walked out of the doctor's office to sit in the long corridor while he invited my sister to his office for a "talk". I waited until there was no one in sight and then tip toed to the office before placing my ear against the door frame.

The doctor cleared his throat and said "He's still not obliging?

Binta was quiet for some times and then said "As strong headed as ever. We've all now accepted this harsh realty"

The doctor sighed "Why won't you just pay for it and force him to take it since he won't do it himself"

Binta let out a tiny sob "He swore to not forgive me if I used the money meant for his nephew and nieces for something that still can't be avoided"

There was silence, almost like the doctor is in some sort of thinking zone.

"I'm just saying if done in two weeks, he might fight it"

"I wish. I wish it was th—-" Binta's voice breaks midway and a chair squeaked

"It will be fine"

There was silence again and then Binta's voice came in a small tone "Thank you doctor"

He replied right away "It will be fine. Some miracle will happen"

Binta was quiet and her foot steps starting getting closer.

I quickly rushed over to my seat and brought out my phone. Ammarah's message was at the top of my notification so I tapped on it and read her message.

Hey Ray! (I just gave you this name so act like it's yours all along)

I have a goooooooood surprise for you!!! We should meet tomorrow, at our usual place! I'll bring Philadelphia and you should make cinnamon and star anise tea. It will be amaaaazing! And I am amazing, you're so lucky to have me in your life (sigh dramatically) Anyways I'm getting overly dramatic but it's a good surprise. See you tomorrow!

I look up from the text message and saw Binta walking out. She tries desperately to plaster a smile when I could clearly see the puffiness of her eyes and the tight way she gulps.

She walked to me, touched my hands hesitatingly and whispered "Let's go"

I looked to her walking back and to my phone wondering if Ammarah would be broken like Binta or worse if she finds out.

And for the first time in a month, I started rethinking my decision.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^