33~Funeral #3
The ring slipped from her fingers onto the floor.
She quickly picked it up and hid the box behind her.
Amina stood at the doorway.
"I was looking for you."
Hanan forced an awkward smile.
"I... dropped something."
Amina glanced at the hidden box but pretended not to notice.
"Oh."
She smiled knowingly.
"You must be surprised to see your pictures everywhere."
Hanan looked away.
"It's his room."
She forced a smile.
"He can decorate it however he wants."
Amina folded her arms thoughtfully.
"And you're really okay with your pictures covering your ex husband's room?"
Hanan hesitated.
For some reason... She couldn't answer.
Amina smiled knowingly. "Can I ask you something?"
"Hmm?"
"If you've truly moved on..."
She nodded towards the hidden ring box.
"Why did seeing that ring make you panic?"
Hanan's heartbeat quickened.
She licked her dry lips, desperately searching for an answer.
None came.
Instead, she quietly looked away dropping the ring box.
"Tell him to take my pictures down."
Without waiting for Amina's response...
She hurried out of the room almost as if she were running from her own feelings.
Her heartbeat thundered inside her chest.
Only after reaching the kitchen did she finally stop.
Several unfamiliar women were busy cooking while others prepared refreshments for the mourners.
"They must be the new cooks..." She murmured quietly.
As Hanan smiled and exchanged greetings with the maids, the familiar faces hurried towards her.
"Ma'am Habiba!" They exclaimed excitedly.
"It's really you! We've missed you so much."
Hanan laughed softly.
"I've missed all of you too."
She looked around with a smile.
"But I'm only here to visit."
"We wish you were back for good." one of them said with a pout. "Still, seeing you again makes us so happy. We never thought we will get this chance."
"Thank you."
Her smile widened.
"Your words mean a lot to me."
"It's our pleasure, ma'am. So much has happened since you left."
"Oh?" Hanan raised a brow.
"Tell me everything."
Soon, laughter and conversations filled the kitchen.
While chatting with the maids, Hanan naturally joined them in preparing food for everyone in the mansion.
Guests continued arriving to offer their condolences, and she made sure each of them was properly attended to.
She personally served meals throughout the house, moving from one room to another without resting.
Even Grandma, who insisted she had no appetite, couldn't escape Hanan's persistence.
"You have to eat at least a little." Hanan had insisted until Grandma finally gave in.
Only after every guest had been served did Hanan allow herself to breathe.
By the time the last visitor left, the once crowded mansion had fallen into an unusual silence.
The sun had already begun to set.
It was a little past six in the evening.
Hanan picked up her handbag.
"Amina... Emma."
Both women turned towards her.
"I should get going now."
She smiled gently.
"Please take good care of Grandma... and Najib. They need both of you now more than ever."
"We will." Emma replied reassuringly.
Amina walked over and hugged her.
"I wish you could stay the night."
She sighed.
"But you've already done more than enough for us today."
She smiled gratefully.
"I honestly don't know how I would've managed everything without you."
"You don't have to thank me." Hanan squeezed her hand.
"I'm just glad I could help."
"My driver will take you home." Amina sighed.
"And I will walk you out." Emma offered.
Hanan shook her head.
"Don't worry. My ride should already be waiting outside."
"Alright." Amina smiled. "Call me once you're home."
"I will."
With one last wave, Hanan turned heading towards the door.
A sense of relief settled in her heart.
At least... She and Amina had finally reconciled.
Only one broken relationship remained.
Amira.
She wondered if there would ever come a day they would be friends again.
She missed her a lot.
Lost in thought, she walked absentmindedly towards the entrance.
Her foot suddenly caught the hem of her dress.
"Oh!"
She stumbled forward.
Just as she was about to crash onto the marble floor, the front door swung open.
A strong arm shot out and caught her before she could fall.
Instinctively, another arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her safely against the door.
For a moment...
Time seemed to stop.
Their eyes met.
Neither of them spoke.
Words suddenly felt unnecessary.
Everything they couldn't say seemed to pass silently through their eyes.
Hanan found herself unable to look away trapped against the door in his arms.
Suddenly...
His body collapsed against her.
Confused, she blinked.
"Najib...?"
Before she could react, his body went completely limp.
Her eyes widened in horror.
"Najib!"
With trembling hands, she cupped his face.
His eyes were shut.
His face had turned frighteningly pale.
"Najib..."
No response.
Fear gripped her chest.
"Amina!" She screamed.
"Emma! Somebody help!"
Her voice echoed through the silent mansion.
.
.
.
***