"My application has been accepted, at this medical college which I have been requesting even before my final year examination. "exclaimed Aleeya as she stir the soup which has been served few minutes ago by the waitress of the cafeteria. Thaqif remains silence in a while. It's been a week now he has finally being back home....away from his duty. "So I hope you know what I mean?" utters Aleeya as she look straight into his greyish blue eyes.
"Three years, I can wait." said Thaqif as he held on to Aleeya's slender fingers.
"Thaqif, this is not as simple as it seems. After my college....I'm pursuing further for my studies..my future. I'm just not ready to get myself tied down with you...and this marriage." cried Aleeya in disbelieve.
"We just solemnised our marriage vows...that's all....and I don't mind if you still wanted to set your dreams on pursuing your goals." exclaimed Thaqif. "Even our mum has agree to this." continues Thaqif hoping that Aleeya would just agree with this marriage agreement which his mum and Aleeya's mum has discuss a month ago.
"Thaqif, you don't seems to get the picture do you? I'm turning eighteen....the prime of my life. This is the time where I need to gain a name for myself." sigh Aleeya as she shakes her head.
"I wanted to set things straight again. I do not want to be like someone who will just pushed away his responsibility and left her hanging on a tread." exclaimed Thaqif sternly.
"Are you saying about my uncle?" asked Aleeya furiously.
"Did I mention any names?" asked Thaqif sarcastically.
"That's it..!" replies Aleeya as she stood up angrily and picks her helmet.....walking away from their table. Thaqif stood up and chase her as he gently grab her hands and pull her close towards him. Aleeya was tearing up much to Thaqif's dismay.
"Please forgive me...all right I won't pushed this matter again." exclaimed Thaqif as he swipe Aleeya's fringe off from her face. "I love you." utters Thaqif. Aleeya remains silence but she had her sight....on Thaqif's eye. Her emotion was whirling inside her....love, she just could not bring herself to be moved by those three little words which Thaqif had spoken to her. Thaqif brings his lips closer towards Aleeya and gently kisses her soft lips....as Aleeya held her arms wrap around Thaqif...more closer towards her. Suddenly, Thaqif's mobile phone rang as he brings his face away from Aleeya. "I need to take this call." said Thaqif. Aleeya nodded...as she leave Thaqif few feet away from her as he answered to that call which seems urgent.
"I'm needed again....tonight." exclaimed Thaqif solemnly.
"But, you've just been here for only a week." exclaimed Aleeya.
"This is my duty....and I need to be committed in this." explained Thaqif.
"What have you been doing actually?" asked Aleeya curiously.
"It's classify." utters Thaqif. "All right, once this matter has been finalised and resolve...you will be the first person to know...what exactly..my job is." replies Thaqif again with a smile.
"I love you." utters Aleeya...feeling surprised with herself for unexpectedly spoken those words.
"I know..!" said Thaqif as he smile lovingly towards Aleeya. "Come let me take you home....sure miss...having some challenging x-box games with Aden."
Photo shots at the studio was simply the best and blast moment for both Aden and Maya were experiencing at that moment, as both of them were giggling and teasing each other on certain shots which were taken by the studio photographer. Both were well dress and groom...thanks to their aunty Nadia who seems to have lots of contacts on all short of matters. Human telephone directory...that's what Aleeya had playfully calls her. Their engagement has been set on that evening...as simple reception will be done at their parent's home....upon Aden's and Maya's request as they both wanted this occasion to be done in a quite but romantic manner. Aleeya, Sarah and Zaharah was seeing busy at the kitchen....preparing some simple but exotic dish of some middle eastern delicacies, setting up the tables and decorations...whereas Adam and Zaki was busy arguing and struggling while fixing the light bulbs and lighting up the candles. And soon they heard a car was drove in front of the garden porch.
"Mum, they are here!" exclaimed Aleeya excitedly. Aleeya looks pretty with her pastel egg yolk coloured kebaya that goes along with a dark brown sarong which her mother had presented for her. She had bun up her hair neatly and secure it with a sweet looking silver lilac butterfly hair pin. She even had put on the butterfly silver bracelet which Aden had given to her much to Aden's delightfulness.
"Surprised!" cried everyone....much to Aden's and Maya's joy. And soon they realised all this photo taking at the studio, was a ploy to get them away from their home..so that the rest of Aden's family members could get themselves preparing this simple but wonderful engagement reception. Maya looks absolutely stunning in her pastel cream kebaya and sarong. Aden charmness stands out....with his black suit and pants. Food has been served and it seems that everyone was having such a good time. Maya and Aden and so are their parents Adam and Zaharah was seeing dancing away to the soft tune of the music which was played by Aleeya. Zaki smile with pride as he looks at his son...suddenly his heart feels a tinge of solemness when he had his sight at Sarah, who was busy rearranging the plates on the dining table. Zaki brace himself as he walk closer towards Sarah, and stood there not knowing what to say. "Come let me give you a hand." offers Zaki as he finally managed to get those words out from his mouth. Sarah was surprised by his gesture but, she let him carry half of the plate from her arm, however without saying anything...she remains tight lip. After all the plates has been done and nicely stack back to it's origin..Sarah walks away much to Zaki's dissapointment.
When suddenly, Sarah turns and calls out his name. "Zaki, thank you. For watching over our son..he's wonderful." utters Sarah with a smile. Zaki nodded with tears in his eyes.
"Photo taking!" cries Aleeya excitedly as she gets herself in her best position...between her mum and dad. Aden put his camera on stand by mode, and then he set the timer on for ten seconds, before he dashed to take his place beside Maya and the rest of his family.
"How long will you and Zaharah be away?" asked Nadia as they sat by the veranda enjoying the cool evening breeze .... that comes and goes...such a calmness moment, certainly a moment which has been saturated in their soul for such a long time..after been through all kinds of turbulence storm for the past few months.
"Probably two weeks before Aleeya starts her thesis at her college." replies Adam. "It's about time, now..Adam's Eye should carry on with it's trading...and who knows....my future generation will keep it going." utters Adam with a smile as he looks lovingly towards Aleeya who seems to be deeply engrossed with her conversation on her mobile..Adam knew...from that sweet smile and joyful gesture...it was Thaqif she was talking too.
"We are bringing Aleeya along..so that she will get the full picture ...off what exactly Adam's Eye makes off ...compassion, sincerity and love" exclaimed Zaharah as she looks lovingly towards Adam with a smile. Adam held out his hand and slip them in between Zaharah slim fingers.
"Thanks for allowing Maya to come along with me back to Thailand, since she will be continuing her thesis there ....and in fact this is a good exposure for her to pursue her career as a social and psychologist cause I'm sure, the mounting cases there will be a good experience for her to start with. " utters Maya.
"Yah, I'm impressed with the choice of career she's pursuing now." exclaimed Zaki.
"I believe her traumatic past got something to do with her choice of career, which she might be heading right now. She had eventually told me that...now it is the time for her to contribute something for the unfortunate society...since she got the golden opportunity in her hands." exclaimed Zaharah. "She's evolved...she's no longer the weak and emphatic soul like how we had first found her....she's more confident, and it is her positive determination which had drove her to the extend of her present state right now." continues Zaharah with a smile of pride as she set her sight at Maya...the transition of a refine woman.
"Dad, can I have this dance with you." utters Aleeya as she happily skip towards Adam and held out her hands lovingly towards him.
Adam could not help but felt so much grace and love for his daughter as he stood up and says, "For my lovely princess Aleeya....anything." utters Adam as they both headed towards the living room and dance to the soft, beautiful music score which was played by Aden with his guitar...a new found talent which he had secretly learned from Thaqif.
"Aleeya, please forgive me for not always been there for you, whenever you needed me. I know it is hard for me to keep promises but....I'm trying...." trail Adam as he held his daughter close in his arms as they both dance following with the motion of the strumming guitar.
"Oh! Dad please don't say that..you are the best daddy in the world....a Blessed gift that could never be replace and trade with any other high price elements in this world...I love you dad." utters Aleeya as she smile solemnly and then she lays her head on his chest as she's fighting back her tears of guilt cause she knew....until at that present moment, Adam was still left unknown about her shameful deed....a mistake which could never be amended.
"Baby, I have a surprised for you." exclaimed Adam as he gently let go of Aleeya and put his hand in his pocket as he drew a piece of seal envelope and hands it towards Aleeya. Aleeya was taken aback by her father's strange gesture, but she took the seal envelope with a smile. Aleeya carefully unseal the envelope and her eyes widen in amazement as it was a brochure with Adam's signature of consent on it....a consent for Aleeya's pursuing her passion on motorbike racing programme.
"Daddy...this is...I'm speechless..!" utters Aleeya with tears of delightfulness in her bright brown eyes.....and without second thoughts, she embrace her father with all her might. "I love you dad." Adam smile as he held on to his daughter in his arms, suddenly he turn solemn while he gently caress Aleeya's bun up hair.....it beautiful rememberence which he had once felt before......when he had always held her in his arms .....when she was still his little princess as he will rocks her until she fallen asleep on his shoulder.
"Aleeya, if I'm gone...promised me that you will remain as strong-will and high-spirited soul as ever. "exclaimed Adam solemnly. Aleeya let loose of her embrace from her father, as she looks at him with despair and anxiousness was written all over her strong intense features.
"Dad...why are you saying all this? You will never be gone....you will always be here with us.....with me to stay." exclaimed Aleeya with tears in her eyes.
"Aleeya, please do promised me on this baby.." exclaimed Adam and he looks persistent much to Aleeya's dismay.
"All right dad....I will." utters Aleeya and the anxiety on Adam's intense features miracalously disappeared but was replace with calmness and satisfaction upon hearing those promising words from his beloved daughter.
Finally, it was almost half past midnight when everything and everyone begins to settle down...getting ready to go back home. The tables has been cleared, however the lightings of the twinkling glittering light, which was beautiful hang and decorated by Zaki and Adam was left to be on. And soon Zaki, Nadiah and their twins exchange embracing and words with Adam's family....congratulating Aden and Maya for their simple but beautiful engagement reception.
"Sarah. come let us drive you home." offered Nadia.
Sarah remains silence in a while until Aden came forward and embrace his mum lovingly. "Auntie Nadia is right. It won't be safe for you to travel back home all alone." exclaimed Aden. Nadia gently took Sarah's hand and walk her towards their car and finally, they begin their journey back to their respective homes.
"Dad, I've make some coffee for us, " utters Aden as he brings in two cups of coffee and place them onto the side table, which was place inside the working room. The surrounding of the small working room was still retained just like before, with it's original settings and wooden laminated floor....for Adam's keepsake, though new magnificent paintings has been either hang or stand against the wall. Zaharah beautiful potraits was to be remain hang on the wall...and also some of Aden's and Aleeya's potraits.
"I remember during that afternoon, when I discovered you were busy palm printing onto my daisy potrait...and the whole mess which you have made in this room, with half of my paint were gone...onto the floor and some of it has been blotched on you. You were only three...it was just like yesterday....you are just my little boy...but look at you now. You have become someone whom...I have never expected to be...such a refine young man. And I'm so proud of you...and it is such a blessing to have son like you." utters Adam as he looks solemnly towards Aden but with a faint smile.
"And I'm blessed to have a father like you...dad, I love you." replies Aden with a smile but Aden begins to feel a tinge of worried in his thoughts.
"Here, there's something which I need you to have." exclaimed Adam as he place the coffee cup back on the side table, and walk towards the display cupboard and begins unlocking one of the drawers. And then he took a seal envelope and hand it towards Aden.
Aden held it in his hands, as he slowly unseal the envelope and drew out some documents from it....as he begins to read the content. "Dad, this is your property deeds....I don't think.." trails Aden.
But even before he was able to finish his words Adam replies, "No, Aden....I want you to have it...this is all yours.....you deserved this." exclaimed Adam. "I wouldn't know what our next chapters of lines and scene might be heading too....it could be the final one...which I was left unknown...undiscovered...cause only God knows...where and what the next line might be laid for us....for me" utters Adam with a faint smile.
"Dad, why are you saying all this? I can't listen to this dad..I'm not strong enough.." said Aden as his eyes begins to tear up.
"Promised me Aden, you will look after your mum and your sister. Be a good husband and a wonderful father for your future kids...cause when I'm gone...you are the man in the house now." said Adam as he held on to Aden's shoulder with both of his hands.
"Dad, this is not you...all right. We still need you...!" utters Aden as he shakes his head and let his tears fell from his eyes.
"Promised me Aden....you will keep your late grandfather company going." continues Adam ignoring Aden's pleas of anxiety.
Aden was seem to left with no other choice, seen his father been so persistent on this matter as he finally nods his head. Adam smile with full of contentment and slowly he kissed Aden on his forehead.....a beautiful gesture which suddenly....Aden remembers...that's how Adam had always shown his affection towards him..when he was still a child, however that scenario was lost for quite sometimes as Aden enters into his teenage years. And now....after been so long...that old scene came back into his life...and it really had touches his soul. Aden could not contain his uncertain emotion at that present moment...he was afraid....afraid the perfect puzzle of his maze was beginning to detach itself away from it's complete picture. Aden embrace Adam with all his might with tears in his eyes. "I love you dad." whispered Aden.
"I love you too son." exclaimed Adam calmly.
"Aleeya, Sarah had spoken to me just now." utters Zaharah as she released Aleeya's bun up hair and let it fall nicely free on her shoulder. Then Zaharah took the hair brush from the dressing table and gently brush Aleeya's baby soft hair. Maya was seeing busy packing her bag for her upcoming trip back to Thailand in another three days time. The night lamp was dimly lit...it was such a serene and beautiful moment being in the room with her daughter and her future daughter in law.
"If it's about that marriage plan which you and his mother had came out with...I'm sorry mum...I'm just not ready to fully commit myself with this short gun marriage." utters Aleeya much to Zaharah disappointment...however she tries to conceal that emotion tugged in her soul as she continues lovingly brush Aleeya's hair...in silence. Aleeya knew, her mother's silentness meant a thousand words for her. Slowly Aleeya, turn her body to face her mother. "Mum, I've talk to Thaqif about this...we will eventually ties the knot...in few years time. I hope you will understand...cause I do not want Thaqif wanting to rushed into this marriage due to the guilt and sin which both of us has committed...I want this marriage to be base on true love." exclaimed Aleeya as she looks solemnly towards her mother. Zaharah nods her head..with a meek smile. "Honestly mum, I wished I could just turn back the time, and undo all that unforgivable sin....the guilt keeps on haunting me....and the agony which I have to go through each day....carrying this deceit burden of sin and it just get worst..... just by seeing daddy's and Aden's faces...it just killing me." utters Aleeya with tears in her eyes. Zaharah held out her arms and embrace her lovingly with all her might.
The sound of the soft gushing wind, blowing it coolness of significant invisible pleasure, knowing the present of the wind could only be felt, heard but could never be seen. The swaying of the bushes and the rustling sound of trees against one another...was the sign of the arrival of the blessed wind. Adam set his eyes of the green hills, as he inhale the fresh smell of the pine trees which has been there, as long as he could remember....even before he and Zaharah had eventually took their first step into this home. Zaharah saw Adam was lost within his own thoughts...and slowly she came closer towards him and sat by his side...with her head against his shoulder.
"I dreamt of my mum and dad few days ago...it felt the distance where ever they are right now...it seems to be getting closer." exclaimed Adam. Zaharah lift up her head from Adam's shoulder and the same sheer of fear and shudder came rushed through her anxious heart.
"Adam, maybe you have been thinking about them too much." said Zaharah as she held Adam's arm closer towards her.
"Zaharah, thank you, for raising our children....and for putting your strong faith and grace throughout our marriage..and also for putting up with my nonsense." said Adam as he grin his darlie grin...a trademark which Zaharah could remember...that smile and his beautiful doe eyes which had definately drawn her towards him, and eventually fallen in love with. But there's something which was amiss about Adam...his shudder mood and the funny speech...it's breaking Zaharah's heart.
"Adam, without you being by my side....we would not have gone this far....!" whispered Zaharah and then she bring her face closer towards him and let her lips gently touches his. Adam close his eyes and response towards Zaharah soft beautiful kisses and held his hands as he embrace her lovingly.
"The eminent lamp, glows it glorious light...enlightened the darkness....warming up the coldness. At last, what's the use of this ordinary lamp....without the saturated burning light..! Will the candle burns itself ....and cruxify it's own soul...for the sake of the darkened lamp. What is a lamp without it's light..without it's burning candle. What beauty and significant would it gave....without the spark of this glow. The hollowness, which the lamp have always felt....deepen with it's abundance grief for mercy...for the forsaken love...searching for the light...for love. Am I a mistake to you father...why do the lightness which I have been craving from you...turn it glows away from me....and leave my soul empty....in total darkness...trap in this lamp." Aden place his bookmark on that page of Zhorif's journal....and then he look as his family photo..with his sight on his father.... Adam. Aden shut his eyes as tears begins to well up...and finally he turn off the lamp as he pulls his blanket and cry silently.
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