Saad's pov :

I was woken up by aunty Safiya for Asr prayer. I quickly made wudu in the washroom downstairs and prayed in the drawing room where aunty left a prayer mat for me. After praying, I was just sitting there, contemplating whether I should call my parents or not when aunty came back again.

"Can you go and wake up Amira and Alayna? They will miss their prayers and even I have to go and pray now, or else I would have woken them up myself." She told me apologetically.

I stood up, nodding at her. "It's okay aunty, where are they sleeping?" I asked her confused.

"Ah, they are upstairs, second room. You will get to know, don't worry." She replied before leaving. Second room? What if I enter the wrong room?

Confused, I cautiously went upstairs and saw only three doors. It must be the middle one which she referred to as the second one. The door to this room was already ajar. Going towards it, I saw her standing there, trying to wake them up.

'Who will even wake up by listening to this soft voice?' I thought and a chuckle threatened to escape my lips. Quickly clearing my throat, I told her. "They won't wake up like this, let me wake them up."

Hearing my voice she turned around, moved aside without looking up and when I came inside, she rushed out of the room. I shook my head while my lips twitched into a smile unknowingly.

My trick of 'not-playing-with-them-tomorrow-if-they-don't-wake-up-now' worked and they woke up. I smiled in victory. After they prayed -which was so cute to watch - I gently reprimanded Alayna for leaving her bag behind.

"Sorry bhai, I got hurt and... And I didn't know what to do. I was crying and Amira asked me to come with her. And... I- I forgot my bag there..." She stuttered while looking down sadly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

I couldn't see anyone cry. Let alone because of me. Sighing, I hugged her. "It's okay, I forgive you. Just don't leave anything behind recklessly next time. I was so worried about you. I thought..." I stopped midway. I thought I lost you. And I couldn't bear the thought of losing someone else too.

After a while, I stood up and left the room, heading downstairs. I almost reached the end when I saw her coming from the kitchen. Before our gazes could meet, I quickly walked into the drawing room. Just as I sat down, Magrib azan went off and Aunty Safiya returned.

"You can go to the Masjid as long as you promise to come back after praying." She said, smiling warmly at me.

'Where can I even go when you literally have my sister with you? I can't leave her behind, even you know that.' My mind stated in irritation while I just nodded my head.

"Ok then, you are free to go." She replied enthusiastically before going out.

._._._.

I was sitting in the guest room which Aunty had cleaned up especially for me. 'How sweet right?' I thought sarcastically.

And before I could think much, a knock on the door brought me out of my thoughts. "Come in." I replied thinking who it could be.

Aunty peeked in from the door before coming inside. She had some clothes in her hand. And she seemed awkward? It was a surprise for me since she has only come off as bold and authoritative in front of me.

"Since you can't go back to bring your clothes, I thought I should help you out. Here are some clothes which were my husband's. But I don't think we will ever need them... And don't worry, they are new. He didn't use them." Keeping the clothes on my bed, she said, going back to her firm and bold self. This woman confuses me.

Sighing, I nodded at her. "Jazak Allahu Khairan. I think I will manage. You don't have to do this." I replied gesturing towards the clothes. I hadn't even thought about it since my mind was elsewhere.

"Waiyyakum. No I had to do this. And I'm not asking you I'm telling you baby boy." She replied, winking at me at the last word. I internally groaned, not this again. I looked at her and she laughed. I don't even know what my expression was.

"I'm sorry but it feels good to tease you." She said while going towards the door. "Take care and good night, Allah hafiz." She added before leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

Sighing, I stood up and kept the clothes in the cupboard just taking one t-shirt and tracks with me to change. Sitting back down, I started thinking again.

I was irritated because of aunty's question earlier and her expecting me to say yes. I hate to break people's expectations. And I haven't even talked to my parents yet. I don't know if they will approve of it if I agree. I don't even know if I should tell them about it yet in the first place. They will definitely be angry and would want to come here. It will create a scene and I don't know... I don't want to deal with any drama. I'm already tired and exhausted. I don't have any energy to answer their questions or to deal with it now.

This was supposed to be a short vacation for me but here I'm. As they say, stuck in the middle of a well and a cliff. I'm a man of my words. There is also a hadith that a Muslim always tells the truth. And I don't want to back out from my words when I have already given them.

But I also don't want to marry her because I don't really know her or what she wants. I don't know if she is willing to marry me, and I don't want to force her into anything because of me. I don't know if she has any dreams which she would like to follow. But most of all, I don't know if she is like her mother or not. I mean, what if she turns out to be crazy just like her mom? Uh... I think I thought too much.

Shaking my head, I got up, made wudu and went to pray Salatul Istikhara and clear up my mind. I will just leave my thoughts to Allah. Whatever he wills, I will accept it.

._._._.

After fajr, in the morning, I was woken up by Alayna and Amira giggling in my room. I squinted my eyes, confused as to what the matter could be. I want to sleep some more. I was having such a good dream and they interrupt it, now I don't even remember what the dream was. I just know that it was something bright and happy.

Groaning, I covered my face with the pillow. "Let me sleep little devils. I'm not in the mood now. Later girls." I muttered and started sleeping again. I smiled when I didn't heard their giggles anymore. Maybe they left.

I was almost asleep when I was woken startled by someone tickling my feets. Groaning, I moved my feet aside. Why won't they leave me alone? When they continued to tickle my feet even after a while and couldn't stop giggling, I finally sat up. I peered at them with a yawn. Running my hands through my hair, I sighed.

"What time is it?" I muttered but picked up my phone anyway to check the time. It was 9:50 a.m. I looked at them accusingly with narrowed eyes. "Why so early? Huh? Couldn't you little devil's let me sleep for a while more?" They giggled at my state.

"Bhai you will be late for breakfast if you don't freshen up now. It's almost 10 and api is waiting for us all." Alayna said while pointing to the door and looking at me with her big eyes.

I rubbed my face with my hands. "Alright you guys go, I'm coming." I replied while stretching my arms. When they left, I stood up, folded the blanket and freshened up. I still have to take a bath. Leaving it for later, I left for breakfast.

The smell of Aalu paratha made me realise how hungry I was. And without wasting much time I sat down to eat.

._._._.

It was past Zuhr time and Alayna and Amira were with me in my room since morning. I had a bath, wore one of the shirts aunty gave me and we prayed together. Now they are playing, trying to involve me too in their game. I kind of regret telling them that yesterday. Because now, I'm stuck with them for the whole day.

"Bhai can you please refill this jug and come? Our restaurant needs water." Alayna asked as they both looked at me hopefully.

I blinked looking up at them, coming back from my trance. "Huh?" I was lost for a moment there before I caught on to what she was telling me. "Yeah sure. I will be back." I told them while getting up and taking the jug, eager to get out of here and take fresh breath for a while.

As I was heading to the kitchen, I heard voices coming from there. A frown adorned my face, as far as I remember, only Atifa was here. Who else can be here? Shaking my head, I proceeded to the kitchen.

"What? No ya Allah, I don't have a blush on my face." I heard her mumble.

"Accha ji, and I believe you." Someone replied in a teasing tone. I furrowed my eyebrows, I don't remember hearing this voice. Do they have another sister? "Accha at least tell me his name. You didn't even tell me about it." The other voice whined like a child.

"God! Not again." I whispered to myself. No more kids please.

"Ya Allah! I just realised I don't even know his name yet!" Just as I reached the door, I heard her exclaim and I looked up to see horror on her face. My lips twitched up into a smile and I looked away. She looked cute while cooking and talking. More specifically, tossing and talking. Astagfirullah I muttered in my head. What am I even thinking?

"My name is Saad. Saad Ibrahim." Before I could process what is happening, I heard myself answer her. I looked up and saw her rooted on her place, her eyes squeezed shut and a blush creeping on her face. My gaze travelled to the person standing beside her. She had jumped from the counter on hearing my voice and was looking at me stunned. I looked down embarrassed.

"Uh, Jazak Allahu Khairan for letting me know." Came her awkward reply. I could make out a bit of nervousness on her voice.

"Waiyyakum." I mumbled, which I was sure she didn't hear, because my voice has suddenly decided to take a break. More like it has decided to calm down. "I came here to refill this jug." I added after a while of awkwardness.

"The filter is there and the ice-cubes in the fridge, if you want them." She replied and my gaze flickered over to where she was pointing. Towards her left side. The other girl was unfortunately, still staring at me. Nodding my head, I moved ahead to fill the jug.

"He is hot." I heard the other girl whisper loudly as I was filling the jug and the jug almost slipped from my hand in astonishment. She started coughing, I hope she is alright.

"Are you alright?" The girl asked her concerned. When she didn't reply anything, I got a bit worried and took a glass of water for her. "Oww, what did I do? I just said whatever was true." The girl added while frowning and I could feel my face getting hot. Ya Allah, this isn't seriously happening! This is so embarrassing. Why did I even come here in the first place? Taking a breath, I went towards her.

"Here." I handed her the glass and she accepted it carefully. After taking a few sips she cleared her throat, most probably to say something.

"And caring too." But before she could say anything, the other girl whispered. I shifted uncomfortably in my place, my face heating up again. I need to get out of here and away from them.

"Jazak Allahu Khairan." She mumbled while looking down her cheeks burning, if that was even possible.

"Wa Antum Fa Jazak Allahu Khairan." I replied, my gaze flickered at her and then at the other girl, my voice uncertain because of the new girl present here. I quickly took the jug and hurried out of the kitchen.

Ya Allah, this place is filled with crazy people! Please keep me sane. First aunty, who decided to kidnap me and now this new girl, who is trying to... I don't even know what she is trying to do.

I shook my head and hurried to the guest room. That place is at least better than roaming here knowing that crazy ladies are roaming around. I just hope that she isn't like them.

._._._.

A knock on the door brought me out of my thoughts. "Come in." I replied confused. To my horror, it was the other girl. She smiled before coming inside. I just stared at her with wide eyes for a while before looking away. "Astagfirullah." I muttered under my breath.

"Emaan api! When did you come?" Amira squealed before running to hug her.

"Assalamualikum to you too little one." Emaan or whatever her name is, said while hugging her back and laughing.

"Opps, sowwy. Walikumussalam api." Amira replied and turned to face Alayna. "Api this is my new friend Alayna and he is her big brother." She introduced while pointing at me. And then pointing at Emaan, she introduced her. "Alayna she is api's friend."

"Assalamualikum cutie." She said while smiling brightly at Alayna.

"Walikumussalam." Alayna answered shyly, coming beside me. She is a shy girl. It is hard to befriend her and it was a surprise for me when I saw that she got along with Amira and her sister so quickly and easily.

"Api you didn't answer me, when did you come?" Amira asked her again.

"Just a while ago. I was with your api until now." She replied and then turned towards us. "Oh yeah, I came here to call everyone for lunch. It's ready!" She added, turning to head out.

"Okay api." Amira replied and she followed her after calling Alayna to join them. Alayna too left with her.

I sat there, contemplating whether to join them or not. I wouldn't have any problem if someone else would have come to call us, but since it's the crazy girl, I'm doubting it.

And I'm also not sure about the answer, which I have to give aunty. I haven't even thought about what I'm going to tell my parents or if I'm even going to let them know about this now. Sighing, I stood up and left the room, hoping there should be others too and not just us present for lunch. Or else it would just be awkward.

But as I reached there, only they were sitting there and chatting. Aunty or her were nowhere to be seen. I checked the kitchen but it was empty too. Frowning, I nevertheless took a seat while taking out my mobile and checking the notifications, ignoring the crazy girl.

After a while both of them joined and I noticed that Alayna and Amira have moved to sit beside me. The chair in front of me was left for her and her friend sat beside her with a smug look on her face.

"Oh by the way, Assalamualikum Saad. I'm Emaan, Atifa's best friend." After a while, her friend introduced herself to me. I was taken aback to say the least. I need to stay away from this girl, she screams trouble.

"Walikumussalam. It's... uh... Nice to meet you." I replied while shifting uncomfortably in my seat, looking anywhere but her.

"It's nice to meet you too. Although I'm sorry for whatever happened the first time we met. I was just trying to tell Atifa the truth. But she just don't get it I guess." She said and I could feel the smugness in her voice. Like she was deliberately bringing up this topic.

"Oh you have met him before?" Aunty asked her curiously.

After that the fiasco which followed during the lunch was crazy. I had an idea that her friend was crazy and her second name could be trouble. But I didn't know even Atifa has this side. If needed. And I don't mind that cute side of hers. At least it was much more harmless than the other two people's crazy side, who are present here. And many times, I couldn't stop myself from smiling or watching her with amusement. And I'm sure she has even caught me looking at her but I couldn't help it.

Wait a minute... Did I actually called her cute? Am I actually looking at her? And enjoying their argument? What is even happeneing to me? I need to give myself a reality check I guess. I can't just be so normal with whatever happened.

But it wasn't actually her who kidnapped me. She most probably doesn't even know until now what her mother did. And I don't think I want her to know anymore. I don't think it even matters anymore. Maybe it does but I don't want for it to matter? Well, I'm confusing myself too now.

Sighing, I cleared my mind and continued with my lunch. Maybe now I know the answer to aunty's question. After all, I even had a bright dream, although I don't remember it, but whatever it was, it was good. I just hope and pray that I don't regret it later on.

._._._.

After the lunch, I went to the drawing room with aunty. I couldn't stop running my hand through my hairs again and again. I need to stop doing that or else she will know that I'm nervous. Actually, she might already know that, but still. I stuffed my hands in my pockets. Better, I guess. At least they won't run on their own.

We sat down on the sofa and there was silence for a while. Awkward silence to me more specific. She was sitting in front of me. Finally, breaking the silence, she asked me. "How are you doing?"

'How could I be doing when you have put me in this great dilemma?' I wanted to retort but I kept my mouth shut. "Fine alhamdulillah. What about you?" I replied instead.

"I'm good alhamdulillah." She said while adjusting herself comfortably in her seat. "So, what have you decided?" She went straight to the point. Her face was stoic but I could still see a gleam of hope and happiness in her eyes. An expected answer.

Clearing my throat, I sat up straight. My hand were already out of my pockets, I don't even remember taking them out. Running a hand through my hair, I took a deep breath. "Yes. My answer is yes. I agree." I replied, my voice surprisingly didn't weaver and came out strong and firm.

She beamed, now her eyes gleaming with sheer happiness. Her grin was so wide, I was surprised it didn't split her face into two. Trying to contain her happiness, she asked me. "I want to know if you are agreeing for this on your own will. And if not, then you have the right to say no. I won't force you, I promise."

Now that was a question which had me thinking. Was I doing this on my own will? Or was it solely to meet my sister and keep my words? As I thought, to keep her safe and take her back with me? Was I agreeing to this for this woman's happiness or for my own? Have I really started liking her? So much that I'm even willing to spend my whole life with her?

The answer to these questions were unknown. Lost somewhere between the mess of my thoughts. Some not even known to me yet. But I was sure about one thing, I wouldn't have done Istikhara if Allah Subhanahu Wa Taàla didn't want for this to happen in the first place. And I got that happy dream for a reason. I may have started liking her for a reason. And maybe that reason is this. For me to agree to this. I don't know what Allah has planned for me, for us. But for now, I will go with the flow and what I think is right.

When I looked back at her, her excitement had toned down a bit, and she was looking at me, waiting for my reply. "Yes, I'm agreeing to this on my own will." I replied firmly, looking into her eyes.

Her happiness had no bounds as she stood up and squealed like a teenager. And I know if it were up to her, she would have squeezed me in a hug by now. "I'm soo happy. You don't even know how happy I'm. I will just go pray and then come." She told me excitedly and turned to go. She stopped midway before turning around, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Get ready after Asr prayer, we will be going for shopping." Adding this, she beamed before heading in the direction of the kitchen, most probably to inform them about shopping.

And I wasn't wrong, because as I was going back to the guest room, I heard a high pitched squeal. Yes, you guessed it right, it was Emaan. Shaking my head, I continued my way to take a much needed nap.

._._._.