"Brother-in-law."
His lips curved into a smile, and he excitedly came closer.
"Look, Sarah, this is your new aunty."
Sarah quickly asked me to embrace her and happily smiled. She was adorable and resembled Joyah quite a bit.
"Oh! The family is gathered here?"
"Arwa. Perfect timing. This is the new wife."
Arwa met my eyes, and with a calm smile, she greeted me. She was his older brother's wife. Her demeanour was everything I admired- calm, composed, and graceful.
"Now, Sarah, come back. Ariya can't hold onto you much longer."
Sarah completely ignored her mother and remained in my embrace. Honestly, my arms were beginning to ache, but she refused to let go.
Then-
Out of the blue, he came and took Sarah from my hands. Our hands brushed for a brief moment, and I felt a strange tingle in my stomach. My heart skipped a beat, and I immediately faltered.
It felt odd in my chest but a squeal interrupted.
"Uncle Haider!"
Sarah lovingly clung to him.
He caressed her hair and smiled for a second before returning to his usual stoic manner.
Arwa giggled gracefully and moved next to her husband's side.
"She's takes after you, Ali."
"Now she takes after me?"
He joked, as his eyes grew larger after his wife poked fun at him.
The room filled with casual laughter all because of little Sarah. She was the brimming joy of life.
"Sister! I have so many people to introduceto yoi!"
Johya took my wrist and immediately began dragging me away from the family. And soon, one after the other, many aunties and sisters came to greet me.
"It's been so long I've seen you Ariya. Have you gotten fat?"
"Haha...my Lord is feeding me well."
"You lucky girl, I've been trying to set my daughter to Haider but you took him."
"It was all the Lord's plan."
"I know what you mean, I was ready to make my daughter marry young so I could have Haider as my son-in-law."
"Pleas aunty, think about your daughter's perspective." I uttered confidently, making sure my voice was heard.
The aunties appeared to be slightly taken aback, they most likely thought i was challenging them.
"Hahaha! You can't even take jokes Ariya."
I let out a fake chuckle and pronounced.
"If only the jokes were humorous aunty."
I could see Johya's mouth left open and when our eyes met, she gave me a double thumbs up.
I couldn't help but giggle at her cute behaviour and soon the aunties bore hostile stared and left me alone.
"Wow, Ariya you are amazing. Even i cannot shut up those aunties."
I let out a nervous laugh.
"Don't learn anything from me."
"Eh! Why not!? That was soo cool!!"
"You will get in trouble if you act like me." I pronounced while in a daze.
She took a moment before asking her next set of questions. With a quiet tone, unusual for her, she spoke.
"Is... my brother treating you well?"
Her question brought me back, and I could only think for a few seconds before making up a reply.
"Uh- yes! He prepares breakfast every day..."
I shut my mouth immediately after and pressed my lips together. It almost felt like I had said something I shouldn't have.
She remained silent, and after a while, she gently grabbed my hand.
"Please give him a chance."
My throat felt dry. What was I supposed to reply to that?
This girl... she was trying to comfort me. She was worried that I would dislike him.
My lips curved, and I let out a whisper.
"I trust him."
I wasn't lying, not even once has he forced me into anything or rushed me. He was patient with me throughout and made sure I was comfortable. Even offering me a private room to stay in.
Her face immediately brightened, and she jumped from her seat before hugging me tightly.
"Hehe, I can't wait to spend time with you!"
I hugged her back, feeling her warmth and genuine feelings. She was just a little girl, far younger than me, yet mature enough to reassure me.
Thanks to her, my heart felt at ease
"Girls! It's time to eat."
"Coming Mom!"
Johya turned to me with her glistening eyes.
"Let's go eat!"
Another giggle escaped my lips and I followed behind.
I never had a sister but today I felt as if I had one.