CHAPTER 3.

She was walking straight with her head dipped forth between her shoulders which seemed slamming down too. She could feel the tickling session raised all over her body when a cold wind passed through her.

Kissing her face and piercing into her bones. She let out a huff in frustration, not knowing what to do next. Amy asked her to come along with her but she refused on the spot, not even giving it a second thought. It might have made Amy's mood sour and she started to plead. The argument didn't go well and they headed back to their path with disappointed and frustrated faces.

Now, when she was walking all alone, a sudden chill was making her feel frozen. Like she wasn't alone. This town was small and had a small population, moreover, where she was living rarely people came out of their comfort name, houses. Especially at this hour.

She knows it was a whiff of danger. Feeling someone coming close to her, making her sweaty. Her legs started to shake but she increased her pace and mostly started running toward the destination.

A deep sighed heard by her, making her doubt certain someone was following her but that sigh sounds like irritation.

" Slow down, you'll fall. " She gasped hearing the familiar voice behind her, it was all she took and ran recklessly. A deep groan in disappointment made her gulp but she didn't stop. Her hijab wasn't wrapping neatly around her and it started to loose. She could feel the hijab falling from her head but she caught it before it could fall from her chest. It wasn't time to fix it so she wrapped it around her head. The fast-approaching steps have been turning into running sounds like hers.

" Stop right there. " He shouted behind her but her breath hitched, feeling him getting close to her. Her legs were taking large steps in running as much as she could. Her heart was getting shallow in fear.

The feeling of him getting close was turning her blue, when she thought he would catch her- a hand wrapped around her and another was resting on her forehead, at the same time she was prevented from going further.

Still, her forehead and his hand hit something hard, but as he was covering her head she was safe. Can't say anything about his hand.

" Idiot. " He groaned pulling his hand back in such a harsh way she brutally stumbled back and ended up falling on the street.

" What got into you? Why were you running? " He was growling like it was her fault she ended up here- in that state. Her eyes widened in rage but stood up dusting her clothes.

" You were following me. " She barked at his face not knowing it was his shoulder. " Since you saved me from falling off the cliff you started to stalk me. " Her face has been turned where his face was. It made her cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

" So what? " His open confession made her gulp but at the same time, her blood boiled. Her small hands clench into balls as her teeth made a gritting sound.

" Don't you have shame? " She barked but this time she knew, she shouted at his face.

" Easy. Your throat will hurt and secondly. No. I don't have any. Cupcake. " He was scanning her face and her chest which wasn't wrapped as carefully as she used to cover. Her senses were knocked out of her mind. Inventively he looked around if there was someone to witness her beauty, and guessed it was his luck. The street was as silent as a cemetery.

" Don't call me that. " She shouted again but flinched when he shouted back. " Stop shouting at me. " His roar shook the whole street, even a few dogs started to bark.

She curled herself in fear but his anger didn't go down even after seeing her shivering badly.

" What do you think you're doing? " She said, in a low scary tone, wrapping herself to prevent his eyes from seeing her existence.

" And what do you think you're doing? " His deep raspy voice made her face up as if she could stare at him in question. " You're standing in a quiet street with a man. " He pulled the hijab off her which was half on her chest and half on her head, harshly making her hiss in pain. She bet a couple of hair has been plucked out of her scalp with his harsh act.

She wanted to scream at him but he already threw the same hijab over her head but this time making sure, it covered her hair and chest as he wrapped her fragile but she could feel his heated breaths and burning gaze.

" I can do..." She is cut off by him.

" Stay still. " It was an order but he was already done. " You're stupid. Allah knows. What if there was someone else other than me? Do you really think he would be decent to stand here with your inviting beauty? " She took three steps back covering herself with a red face and heard him sigh. " Stop being dramatic now. Come, I'll lead you the way. " This time it was an order with a soft tone but groaned seeing her backing off.

" Stop if you don't want to see the consequences. " She stopped because there was something in his voice that made her believe he was very much serious and she'll regret refusing him. " You're lost here. It's not the way to your home. We left it behind. " He said and waited. For her to respond or make a move but she was facing here and there not knowing if she should come with him, there was a chance he took her far from town and did something horrible.

" I swear, I'll slit your throat if you don't make a move in a few seconds. " Her eyes widened in horror and sobs left her mouth. She didn't want to cry but there was something dark in his aura which was making her feel scared, she could sense it.

" You want it the hard way. " She heard him taking a step closer and her blood dry up in her veins. Covering her face she stuttered. " I'm coming. I'm coming. " She cried between her hiccups taking her Allah's name. Her baby steps irritate him but at least she was walking beside him.

" I hate crying. Cupcake. " It was a warning, she brutally rubbed her eyes to prevent herself from crying but tears restlessly rolled down.

" Why were you stalking me? " She asked out of nowhere but he didn't reply. " Who are you? " Another silence, " What's your name? Do I know you? Why are you unfamiliar to me? I never heard about you before. " She asked him between her silent cries, expecting him to say at least a word.

" You want me to chop your tongue? " He said, simply but his voice was as firm as iron. She lowered her head more, she was just preparing herself for the disaster she could see even with her blind eyes.

" Here. Go inside and this time keep your window shut. " She swallowed, about to get into the house when heard him say. " About the ceremony. " Her legs felt numb when he added. " I'm sure your dearest best friend told you about the Pass. " She gulped again, her silence was enough to tell the answer. " Come with your friend at 7'O clock. I'm not impatient but when it comes to you I'm restless. " She felt his back of fingers brush her cheek. She backs off and ends up falling on the stairs of the house. The hard stone floor hit her hips and she groaned but her pain turned dew when felt him closer. Hovering over her face. " From where your friend's father received the Pass he can get a transfer letter too. " She tried to figure out where his face was, as her eyes were getting wide in horror.

" You can't do that. " Her voice was already low when his breaths started fanning her face, so close for her to inhale his scent and exhale breath.

" Believe me, I can do more horrible things. " He finally stood straight and her breath mind froze when felt him caressing her head softly. " Don't make me do something that I don't want to. The choice is yours. " With that, his warmth was taken back." Get in, now. " She hurriedly stood up with her legs feeling jelly. She unlocked the door and felt him still standing behind her. She got in and peeked out the door. It was the last try she could do.

" What's your name? " She hid more behind the door.

" So you can complain about me? " She gulped in fear, it was obvious why she would bother with his name. No one will get to know who he is until she tells the cops his name as she can't tell them his features.

" Try it if you want but I can bet no one will let you inside the police station after hearing my name. Still, if you want to know. It's..." He paused, making her narrow her eyes. " Adnan." Her heart skipped a beat, it took her one mere second to shut the door and lean against it.

It was something new, a tickling session rose high in her whole body hearing his name.

" Hello! " She heard a soft and low voice, maybe she detected the shyness through the tone too. She turned left to right to sense from which direction she needed to face.

" As-salamu Alaykum! " She greeted, still trying to focus on the owner of the sweet voice. There was a pause and she thought whoever it was left but she heard someone draw a long breath before adding.

" I'm Eden. Eden Vil " She nodded at him but felt him even more nervous with a deep sigh. " Ok! I think you don't like a friendly handshake. It's okay! " She furrowed but got it, what he was waiting for a mere second. Unfortunately, she couldn't see.

" I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you but...." She held her white stick up thinking it'll be enough to explain to him. She didn't see his hand forward.

" Wait? What? " He almost shouted, she imagined -however he looks but his eyes widened when the realization hit him hard. " Are you fucking kidding me? " He said, too surprised.

" Umm...Why would I joke with you? " She disappointingly screwed her eyebrows together.

" No, I mean. You're..." He had just licked his lips in nervousness when he added. " You're too beautiful. I just couldn't figure out you're...." Her cheeks heated up and turned her face away. Half praying Zain to come quickly but half praying he doesn't see this boy with her it will be awkward and dangerous.

" Anyway. I recently shifted here with my parents. I saw you a while ago sitting in your room and staring out of the window- which was probably you weren't staring but having fun...What I'm saying? Okay! I was just mesmerized by you because you look so ethereal and cute. I couldn't hold it when I saw you here...Am I making you uncomfortable? " He was already nervous but seeing her eyes getting wide in astonishment, he gulped. His voice was so soft and sweet like honey and barely sounded like a boy's.

She just turned away facing her back to him.

" I'm sorry. I talk too much than necessary whenever I feel nervous. " He chuckled, rubbing his back. She bites her bottom lip, feeling helpless that she can't even walk away because Zain would be worried sick if didn't find her in the same place he left.

" May I know your name, cutie? " He tilted his face to see her face but she lowered her face even more.

" Dia...." She couldn't complete it when heard a voice calling her name.

" Dianna. " She smiled at the direction from where the voice came. " Here, it'll melt. Eat up. " She heard his cheerful voice excited for the small thing.

" Hello! " She heard Eden greet Zain taking his all attention.

" As-salamu Alaykum! Do I know you? " Zain furrowed with a small smile.

" No. I guess not because it's my first time seeing your face. " Eden chuckled softly and forward his hand. " I'm Eden Vil. "

" Zain Altaf. " Zain grinned, taking his hand in a firm handshake. " You recently shifted here? " He asked further, talking casually as Eden was at the same age.

Eden nodded in agreement but his eyes landed on the beauty who was standing beside Zain at a decent distance.

" Is she your girlfriend? " Even though a pang was raised while asking that question, the reaction was unexpected. Zain choked his ice cream and she turned red. So red he wondered if she was cherry. He loves cherries.

" Oh! Allah forgive us. No, bro. She's my cousin. " A relief breath left Eden's mouth because he had cousins too who were like siblings to him but there was something in Zain's eyes whenever he looked at Dianna's red face, that made Eden think otherwise.

" In other words, you're like siblings. " Eden said, trying to dig more. It worked when Zain's eyes lost shining hearing him and not a single comment he got in return. " By the way, I would like to invite you two to my home someday for dinner. My mom sucks towards me for making new friends and bringing them home even though we just stepped into the house. " Eden seems more comfortable with them, even though he was still wondering about her, why she was wrapping herself in those layers of clothes when it was still hot but he dared to not ask.

" Oh! We'll ask our parents. Anyway, which school did you enroll in? " Zain continued with his ice cream but hers-it melted a long time ago.

" I don't remember the name but it's located in the first sector of the town near the lake. I guess. " He hardly gave them the idea and Zain chuckled seeing Eden's irritation with the mere thought of the school.

" It seems we're schoolmates. " Zain offered him the ice cream and he gladly accepted.

" Cool! It won't be boring then. " She remained silent like a doll and she could sense in each passing time Eden's gaze over her face.

" You don't like school. " Zain handed the rest of the ice cream to Eden and furrowed his brow.

" Schools are suck, bro. Who likes that tortured place? I'm not interested in studies anyway. I like art. I wanna be a painter.” Eden's eyes glinted but then they widened when she almost shouted.

" Really? " Her eyes spread wide and her mouth was ajar.

" Ye-yeah! I love painting. It makes me feel relieved and my parents never bothered with my choice of passion. " He was feeling more overwhelmed by her reaction.

" Will you show me? " She almost jumped.

" Of course. You two are welcome at my house anytime just give me an alarm before coming. " He leaned closer to them, whispered so low, scared to be heard by someone. " My parents are too cool than necessary, that's why I need an extra warning before you come, anyway I would like to show you both my paintings. " He grinned, dusting his hands like matter was solved.

" As I said, I'll ask our parents. I'm sure they won't mind but still. " Zain chuckled loudly, how frank and cool Eden's parents can be, it was clear in the shape of Eden.

They were talking when Azan echoed everywhere and Eden was startled for mere seconds. " Is it an announcement? Wait? In another language? " He roamed his eyes around but furrowed at their laughter.

" It's called azan. Have you ever heard of it before? " Eden shook his head when he added. " This town is a combo of different religions. Welcome to the town. " Zain patted his shoulder.

" What type of religion? " His eyes fell on her, who smiled at his question.

" I'm Muslim and Dianna too, what you heard a while ago. It's Azan, you can say an announcement asking us to pray for Allah. " Eden seems more curious now.

" I never had met any Muslim before. My bad I guess, maybe my parents know. I'll ask them. " Zain just smiled.

" We need to hurry now, Dianna's father is strict towards the outing. We need to head back. " Zain said, Eden seemed disappointed but smiled.

" Sure. Don't forget to give me company tomorrow. When I said, I hate school, I meant it. " Zain nodded with his soft laugh.

" Sure. Khuda-Hafiz! " Zain turned on his heels on the way back home.

" Khuda-Hafiz. " Her farewell seems sweeter than Zain, maybe it was because of her soft voice.

" Bye! " He didn't know how to greet them in their language so like an idiot he just smiled at them as they left for their home.

His eyes were still on her, her back. He furrowed when unable to scan her figure through her baggy clothes. It was strange for him but he was curious now. Curious to know her. Who was too shy to even say a word or came close.

" She's so cute. "

She was shaking like a leaf, sitting on the small chair. The first thing she did was shut the windows. She flinches at the mere thought of the man, named Adnan.

He seems arrogant and annoying. He didn't even flinch before admitting he was stalking her.

She was holding the empty glass about to fill it with water when the doorbell rang, her hands trembled so vigorously the glass fell on the table with a thud, and water splashed on the table and was falling off it.

She drew a long breath before going to answer the door. Her heart was getting sweaty too, like her forehead and palms. She unlocked the door and peeked.

" As-salamu Alaykum. " She greeted me not knowing who was standing in front of her.

" Hello! Ma'am. I will bring your parcel. Here you go. " A manly voice touched her ears as her perfect eyebrow rose up in confusion. She took the parcel that he handed and left.

She was confused, he didn't even ask to sign any paper but forgot it. She closed the door with a happy face, her heart could be blasted if it was Adnan, and she would have run out of sight.

She took the huge parcel in. Her hands scanned the box and searched for the point to open. She ripped the box and caught a soft fabric. A dress? She took it out and found it too long for her taste. She was confused about measuring the beauty of the fabric. She couldn't define what color it was but she assumed it must be pretty. She searched for something else and found a lengthy and wide cloth. A hijab?

She found a pair of heels but not too high.

The thing that made her more curious was a paper she found inside. Whoever sent this, maybe didn't know her state. But it hit her hard when she caressed the paper.

It seems it has been written in reverse and the nib of the pen has been dug more than necessary.

She turned the paper and started caressing the words, which were curved slightly making her easy to read.

Red, it's a red dress with a matching hijab and other stuff. Come tomorrow wearing this. I wanna see you in this dress, cupcake. If you won't, then over tomorrow your auntie's bakery will no longer exist.

Adnan.

Sweat droplets appear on her forehead. She threw the paper and dress inside the box and closed it. She swallowed, feeling trapped in the net of evilness.

" Oh! Allah. What should I do? Show me the way." She prayed, clutching her loose top. Her breaths started to hitch in her throat, and suffocation started to make her feel even dark, not just in front of her eyes but she was feeling her whole figure was dragged into a deep hole of darkness.

She fell on the small sofa, breathing loudly and uncomfortably. Her mind was frozen and she was calling her Allah. Her stress was eating her up but nothing helped her to get in good shape.

She walked towards the kitchen to get the glass of water but the floor was wet, her foot slipped and her head hit the table with a thud.

" Allah. " She called out to Allah before fainting.

The time she woke up, she found herself laying on the couch, but her head was aching lightly. The burning smell of food makes her sniff. She almost smiles when heard a voice.

" Feeling well? " She heard Amy ask.

" When did you come? " She sat up quickly but heard a groan.

" Girl lay down and I came when you were sleeping on the floor like a sleeping beauty. Crap! Do you know I freak out seeing your dead body near the kitchen? Don't you find a suitable place to die? '' Amy started and maybe she wouldn't be shut if Dianna hadn't warned her.

" I fell and please take care of whatever crap you were making. Just don't burn down my house. " She stood up avoiding a little headache.

" Yeah! I'm taking care of it, it's just a little brownish. " Amy said sarcastically. " But what the heck happened to you? How do you feel? dumb question I know, I saw the wet floor, I clean it, and you're welcome. " She was Amy of course.

" Jazakallah! " She held her forehead and noticed the bandage apply on the corner.

A sigh left her mouth, remembering the whole scenario that caused her to faint and the reason she freaked out. She wanted to tell Amy about the customer she was drooling for but thinking Amy will be scared or maybe cause more trouble with her boldness she let it go.

" Amy? " She called her out and heard a small hum from the kitchen.

" I wanna come with you to the ceremony. " She heard a gasp from her mouth in excitement but her heart was getting shallow with the mere thought of going there. She knew it was a trap but she won't mind getting into this if it means keeping the smile on Rosha auntie's face. She can't let go of this matter and be selfish. Rosha auntie had only the bakery left and Dianna was grateful for her kindness; she just can't turn away from those people who remained in her life.

Let's see what this ceremony brings for me.