Chapter 2

She woke up the next morning to pray to her tahajjud (early morning prayers) , and woke Alia to join her . Once they were done they recited the holy Quran till they heard the adhan to salat al fajr(compulsory prayer), they closed it and offered it then headed downstairs to prepare breakfast for everyone.

As they entered the kitchen they were greeted by Kulthum's mum with her welcoming smile. They said their greetings then offered to make breakfast together. Once they were done they set the dining table and called her father and brother Sadiqque to join them for breakfast.

The dinning was fun and as they finished, they helped in clearing the table then headed to the office.

"These patients are suffering and I can do nothing to save them! It really pains me to realize that". Alia said very emotionally.

"You can if you wish to" she said looking at her for a nanosecond.

"Okay! Please tell me what I can do to help them from suffering from this terrible heart attack. I really hate it when I see my fellow Muslims brought here in a rush to the surgery unit and I always have to attend to them.

Did you see the one I operated on today? Oh my God! It was very scary but I had no other choice but to operate on the young man. He was looking almost lifeless but Alhamdulillah I saved his life!".

She said with a little smile. Alia is a type of girl that hates seeing her loved ones in pain or danger, she likes seeing everyone happy and healthy. She is the type of person that hates people who look down on others or too proud of themselves. That is why she never gives them the facial expression to mess with her. She is the "no-nonsense" type of a girl and always calm when annoyed, unlike Kulthum who deals with the person that messes with her then and there.

She met her in their sophomore year in school, she was quiet at first but when they got to know each other Kulthum was like wow! So she isn't the same person she used to know before because she can talk non stop but when they are in the mix of people she is always calm.

"Have you finished your duty or are you still on it? Maybe I can help in the process because I am done for today! Alia asked crunching on the chips she was eating.

"Well, maybe not. Because I am waiting for Miss Anna to give me a list of all the surgeons in their department, so I have to wait for her for like fifteen minutes then we will be off!. She explained.

Usually Alia dislikes Anna because she says she is too rude for her liking and unfortunately for her, they are in the same department which usually makes her too grumpy.

"Okay then" she grumbled. "But I won't take it easy with her if she tries anything stupid!" She was annoyed by the fact that she has to meet her again because she really can't stand her presence.

"Okay, don't just try it in front of me, you do know that I am your boss right?". She asked and winked at her.

"Yeah, whatever!" She huffed. In the office they do have their separate cabins but Alia usually spends almost all her time in Kulthum's. And because of that, Kulthum's employees are finding it difficult to distinguish between the two friends. How stupid of them right?

"Ma'am," Anna called handing the files to her

"Yes, thank you Anna"

"No problem. Is there any other thing you need ma'am" She asked, she could clearly see Alia shooting daggers at Anna and that made her smile.

"No Anna am alright thank you , you can go" she said and Anna left

"Really Alia, what is wrong with you?" She asked immediately Anna left

"Well, nothing I just don't like her and you do know that right?" She asked, raising a perfect shaved brow at me.

"Hmm, I see". And it was quiet till they arrived home. She dropped Alia at her place promising to visit another time then headed home. As she reached her home, the gateman opened the gate for her and she drove inside, parking her car A.K.A her baby at the parking lot then went inside the house.

"As salamualaikum". She said before entering the living room which was dark. The only light that emanated the room a little bit was coming from the lamp which was kept on the center table.

"You are back" her mum's voice said which almost made her jump out of her skin. Turning her head to where her sweet voice came from she notice she sitting on the three seaters that were facing the television so she couldn't see her to well.

"Mum?" She called walking closer to her

"What are you still doing here? You are supposed to be sleeping by now, why aren't you?" She asked, coming closer to her.

"Come" her mother said patting the space next to her on the cushion.

"Where is dad?" Kulthum asked.

"About that, we forgot to tell you this morning when we were having our breakfast. He traveled to Dubai and won't be back till after three weeks. He said I should tell you that he is truly sorry for not letting you know about the trip and that he will miss you so much". She explained, Kulthum nodded and asked again.

"Okay but why are you still seated here at this hour of the day mum? And where is saddique?". She asked because she hadn't seen him anywhere close. He always used to be the one that makes her smile when she's gloomy or usually not in the mood, he always stands by her and hates seeing tears in her eyes. She never wishes to have a better brother than him. He treats her more like his own daughter.

"He went with your dad to help him with a few office things. You know he is inheriting the office after a few months so he wants him to know how things used to work there". She explained. But she could still see worry in her beautiful eyes and wondered why.

"Mum, what's wrong? Is something bothering you that I don't know of?". She asked

"No Ummu, I just ..... I just don't want to lose you again". She said and her eyes widened. Did she remember her younger sister?.

"Mum, what are you saying? I don't understand what really happened to you that you are suddenly thinking about Zeenah? She asked but didn't get a reply instead she stared at the space in front of them.

"Umm Kulthum," her mother called. She has never called her full name before only when something really bad or worse is going or about to happen. And she could feel it, that is why her voice is so low almost like a whisper.

"Yes," she answered. "what is wrong?".

"I went to the hospital today to do my checkup and I was diagnosed with a high blood pressure." She said and her jaw dropped.