24~Bad~Good news #2
"And secondly... I'm sorry if what I'm about to say offends you."
"But this is honestly how I see it."
He held Abdul's gaze.
"Are you really trying to protect Hanan or are you trying to separate us for your friend's benefit?"
"I mean... Najib's."
"What?" Abdul fell silent for a brief second.
Hanan also turned to study him closely. "Yes."
"From our conversations, I can tell the two of you are close." Faruk continued.
"And that's perfectly normal."
"Friends naturally look out for each other."
"But is that what's happening here?"
"He hurt her."
"He cheated on her."
"He threw her out of his life without a second thought."
"And now you want her to go back to him?"
"Don't put words into my mouth." Abdul frowned. "I'm not defending him."
"And I'm certainly not taking anyone's side!" Abdul shot back.
"Then prove it." Hanan sighed quietly.
"Prove that you're not on your wicked friend's side but mine by supporting our relationship. If you're truly trying to protect me, then approve of us." Hanan said as she reached for Faruk's hand, intertwining their fingers.
A broad smile spread across Faruk's face the moment she did that.
He was relieved to know he wasn't fighting this battle alone.
"I want him." She continued firmly. "You may think we aren't compatible or mature enough for each other, but that's a choice I want to make. I'll face whatever comes with it. I choose to be where I'm loved... where I'm happy. So why don't you want that for me?"
"Hanan..." Abdul began, but the words died on his lips.
"Abdul." Nanny Ann spoke up gently. "I support and approve of their relationship."
She smiled warmly at both of them before continuing.
"No one is a saint. We're all bound to make mistakes, and he has apologized. Trust him. He loves her, and I don't believe he'll ever intentionally hurt her."
"Fine!" Abdul let out a defeated sigh.
"You can all stop making me the bad guy."
"I approve."
He pointed a warning finger at Faruk.
"But if she cries... or even gets a scratch because of you..."
His gaze hardened.
"You'll be dead meat."
"And if I don't?" Faruk smirked confidently.
"Then I, Abdul Rahman Sanusi, promise to sponsor your wedding with Hanan."
"Whoa!" Faruk beamed, his smile overflowing with satisfaction.
"Deal sealed." Nanny Ann laughed. "I can't wait to see my Hanan dressed as a bride on her wedding day."
"Oh my..." Hanan chuckled. "You're getting way ahead of yourself."
"I'm not." Nanny Ann grinned. "It will happen. Please make it happen soon, Faruk."
"Oh my God!" Hanan laughed, hiding her face behind both palms.
"I think it's time for you to leave, Faruk."
"No." Abdul sighed.
"Before he leaves, I've got a few rules."
"Rules?" Hanan stared at him in disbelief. "What rules?"
"Here they are." Abdul replied.
"So... boyfriend."
"Yes?" Faruk smiled, noticing Abdul had finally softened toward him.
Deep down, he promised himself never to give Abdul a reason to regret trusting him.
"He has a name, you know." Hanan sighed, rolling her eyes at Abdul.
"It's alright." Faruk smiled.
"I'm your boyfriend, aren't I? Honestly, I even like being called your boyfriend."
"Oh God." Hanan rolled her eyes again.
She got up and shifted closer to Nanny Ann, resting her head on her shoulder while everyone listened to Abdul.
"Firstly... No date or outing should go beyond ten at night. Whether you're together from eight in the morning or any other time, once it's ten pm, she should be home... As long as she's still under my care, I won't appreciate anything beyond that."
"Noted." Faruk nodded with a smile.
"Secondly... No intimacy."
"I don't intend to become an uncle to an illegitimate nephew or niece."
"Oh my God!" Hanan groaned. "Why would you even bring that up? You're too much!"
"Sorry.". Abdul replied unapologetically. "But it has to be addressed."
"Ugh!" Hanan whined, burying herself against Nanny Ann.
"I need earplugs."
Nanny Ann burst into laughter.
"So..." Abdul continued.
"I trust you, Faruk."
"And I know you're a good man with genuine intentions toward my Hanan."
"But if a day ever comes when you feel like you no longer love or care about her..."
He paused.
"Force yourself to love her again."
"Because if you hurt her..." Abdul paused staring at him a death stare look.
"I never will." Faruk smiled immediately. "I swear on my life."
"I'm just reminding you..." Abdul narrowed his eyes. "Unless you want to dig your own early grave."
"Hmm..." Hanan sat upright. "Can we please stop talking about death? It gives me chills. Let's move on to the next rule."
"The last rule." Abdul nodded.
"If you truly intend to marry her... Then make your family love and accept her."
"That's the only condition I'm giving you."
"I will." Faruk replied without hesitation.
"I promise."
"Because I want to make her mine forever."
"Good. You may leave now." Abdul sighed.
"Thank you." Faruk smiled.
"Especially you, Nanny Ann, for believing in me."
"I'll take my leave now..."
He turned toward Abdul with a grin.
"...Brother in law."
"It's Abdul. You haven't paid her bride price yet so we're not in laws yet." Abdul scoffed.
"Okay." Faruk laughed.
"Goodnight, Abdul."
"Goodnight, Nanny Ann."
He headed toward the door.
"Good night dear, and drive safely. Nanny Ann smiled before turning to Hanan. "Escort him out." She said with a playful wink.
"I was already going to." Hanan whispered.
Smiling, she hurried after him.
Hand in hand, they walked quietly toward his car.
"Don't miss me too much." Faruk chuckled as he got into the driver's seat.
He remained seated while still holding her hand as she stood beside the open door.
"I won't."
"Liar." He smirked.
"And thank you for having my back in there."
She frowned slightly. "Please don't mind Abdul. He's just being an annoying overprotective and possessive brother these days."
"But don't worry, he's cool now."
"Yeah." Faruk laughed softly.
"I have to admit... Those rules were hilarious."
"He still thinks we're teenagers." Hanan rolled her eyes with a quiet laugh.
Silence settled between them.
Faruk simply admired her for a long moment before gently pulling her closer.
"I'm the luckiest man on earth to have you."
He smiled warmly.
"I still can't believe you're mine."
He lifted her hand and pressed a gentle kiss against it.
"You don't have to keep saying it."
She smiled proudly. "I already know you're lucky to have me."
"My girl is sassy tonight, huh?" Faruk laughed.
"I'm always like this."
She shrugged.
"You'll just have to deal with me."
"And your one week is already running out."
"One day is gone."
"You've only got six days left."
"Come on..." Faruk groaned.
"Today doesn't count."
"Fine, boyfriend." She smiled teasingly. "It starts counting from now."
"It's already midnight."
"You should leave."
"Sleep tight and dream only about me." Faruk smiled.
"I'll try." She waved as he drove away, watching until his car disappeared from sight.
Only then did she turn and head back inside.
The moment she entered, an overjoyed Nanny Ann rushed over and wrapped her in a hug.
"Congratulations, dear."
"Thank you." Hanan laughed.
"As long as you're happy... So are we."
Abdul joined them, gently patting her head.
"Thanks, bro." Hanan smiled.
"Well... I should get some sleep." He sighed.
"It's late. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." They both replied as Abdul went to sleep, they returned to the sitting room.
For Nanny Ann and Hanan, It wasn't a night meant for sleep.
It was a night of conversations.
Nanny Ann gently took Hanan's necklace, admiring the beautiful initials on it.
"It's beautiful."
She smiled.
"Are you happy?"
"Surprisingly..." Hanan smiled softly.
"I am."
"I feel relaxed."
"And honestly, I wasn't expecting to."
"I'm also scared... I'm afraid I might actually end up falling for him."
"Why are you scared?" Nanny Ann asked lovingly.
"That's exactly what I want for you."
"I want you to love him."
"And someday... I want my dream of seeing you both build a beautiful family together come true."
"I have another fear." Hanan sighed.
"What if I never love him back?"
"What if I end up hurting him?"
"His father already hates me."
"What if he never accepts me?"
"And then... He's related to Najib."
"Oh, please." Nanny Ann smiled.
"Put those fears to rest."
"For once, Prioritize yourself."
"If you truly fall for him, don't be afraid to accept your feelings."
She squeezed Hanan's hand gently. "That's my final advice."
"Now let's go to bed before Abdul comes and chases us away."
"Thank you, Nanny Ann." Hanan hugged her tightly. "Your words are always the best."
"Welcome dear and goodnight." Nanny Ann smiled.
"Good night."
Together, they retired to their rooms.
Soon, the lights throughout the house dimmed.
"You called at the right time." Abdul sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
"I've got good news, my friend." Najib sighed.
"And I've got bad news."
"Really?" Najib's voice immediately turned serious. "What happened?"
"It's Hanan and Faruk..." Abdul exhaled heavily. "They're officially in a relationship and... I'm sorry, bro. As much as I tried not to, I ended up giving them my approval."
For a brief second, silence lingered on the other end of the call.
Then Najib let out a quiet breath.
"Wow..." He muttered. "That's one hell of a breaking news."
"Yeah." Abdul sighed. "Now tell me, what's your good news?"
Najib's tone shifted completely.
A dangerous calm settled in his voice.
"I found Musa..."
Abdul straightened in his seat.
"...and I found a lot more than I was looking for."
.
.
.
***