CHAPTER SIX
Hearing "my dear" from Ryan wasn't a surprise; he had always treated me with such affection. Only me. It was enough to make a girl feel proud, wasn't it?
I left Ryan's room and took the stairs to the basement stealthily. The lights were out—a sign that my parents were already asleep. I reached my bed, seeking refuge in the blankets my mother had prepared. Setting aside Israr's grim condition, it had been a good night. I wished I had asked Ryan what secret lay behind the incident—whether it was a rivalry or an accident. If the Big Khan finds out, things will turn ugly. I suspect Israr used the third-floor entrance specifically to hide the disaster from his father; if he had entered through the main gates in that state, a "mini-judgment day" would have descended upon the palace.
The light and warmth of spring graced the basement. I woke up feeling sluggish and realized my parents had risen before me. I tidied my bed and headed to the washroom. After splashing water on my face, I walked toward the kitchen.
Before reaching the door, the sound of a child's laughter caressed my ears. From the noise, I could tell there were others besides Sophia. I rushed inside and lunged toward Tuba. Tuba is my five-year-old niece—my "miniature replica," according to my mother.
"Oh, my love! When did you grace us with your presence?"
The others in the kitchen—my mother, Sophia, and my sister Tahmina—watched my energetic entrance with amusement. I was still busy smothering Tuba's face with kisses when Tahmina spoke up.
"Lucky me, having a sister like you!"
I had completely forgotten Tahmina was there. Blushing, I set Tuba on the table and went to hug my sister. "Welcome, my dearest sister!"
I opened my arms, but she didn't move—a sign she was annoyed. I didn't wait; I pulled her into a hug anyway. "Don't be mad. Fine, I admit it, I love Tuba a little bit more!"
Sophia laughed mischievously. "See, Tahmina? Didn't I tell you Yas doesn't love you even a third as much as she loves Tuba?"
"Well, too bad for you, Sophia, because I don't love you even that much!" I joked. Tahmina gave me a playful swat on the back and smiled as she stepped out of the hug.
"Mother said you were coming next week. Why the early visit?"
"Osman had to go to Kandahar for shop supplies, so I came here. I'm leaving tomorrow morning."
"I see. Well, one night is a blessing."
"Yas," my mother interrupted, "drink your tea and get started on cleaning the salon."
"Yes, Mother."
I sat across from Tuba, playing with her rosy cheeks. I quickly finished my cheese and tea, and as I swallowed the last bite, I turned to my mother. "Mother, is Ryan awake?"
The room went still. Everyone—not just my mother—paled at my use of the name "Ryan" instead of "Sir." My mother gasped, a look of horror on her face.
"My God, girl, have you lost your mind? If they hear you calling him that, they'll make our lives a living hell! He isn't the Ryan of ten years ago. Why have you changed so suddenly? Until yesterday, 'Sir' was your mantra, and you avoided him as if he were your enemy!"
I took a sip of tea and answered boldly. "Mother, why are you making it so difficult? He is the same Ryan he was ten years ago. I've set aside our grudge. What's the point of running away?"
Tahmina, who had been quiet, spoke up thoughtfully. "Yas, do you realize what you're saying? If the Big Khan sees you treating Ryan like you used to, he will make you regret it. He could barely tolerate you being near him back then. And besides... I have a good suitor in mind for you. They might knock on our door any day now."
"Tahmina, what are you thinking? That I'm seeing Ryan with some ulterior motive? No. He is my friend. I don't accept this class system. He was my protector in childhood, and that's it! As for the suitor—they're wasting their time. I have no intention of marrying."
"Does he still love you the way he used to?" Tahmina pressed. "Why are you so optimistic? He is the future Khan, Yas!"
"So what? I'm not trying to control him. Why shouldn't I be optimistic? Eventually, I'll leave this palace and go far away—to a place where life is filled with more than just black and white. I will go to a city that belongs to me, not this beautiful graveyard!"
I finished the tea and headed to the salon. The noblemen seemed to be sleeping. I reminded myself to check on Israr.
I began cleaning, and soon Sophia joined me. She looked troubled. "Why the long face? Wasn't the party fun?"
Sophia stopped working, looking glum. "Yas, my aunt's family came over again last night to ask for my hand. My parents are in favor... but I don't want it. I don't know how to express my opposition."
I wiped the last table. "Why don't you want it? Your aunt is better off than you, and Ali is an educated boy. What else do you want?"
Sophia looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. "But... I love someone else."
I was shocked. "Are you joking? Who? Why don't I know about this?"
"I... Isa... Isar!"
My jaw dropped. I stared at her in total disbelief. "Have you lost your mind? Sophia, don't gamble with your luck. You know Isar is a nobleman, far above us! Don't you see how the high-society girls adore him at parties? You think he'll notice you? It's a bitter truth, but accepting it is for your own good."
Sophia's face crumpled. "I know. But my heart won't accept it. I wish this class divide didn't exist between us."
"But it does. You'd better get this out of your head and say yes to your aunt's family."
"Then why don't you say yes to your suitors?" she countered.
"Don't talk nonsense. I don't even know the suitor Tahmina mentioned. It's not that easy to just say 'yes.' This is a lifetime deal. If you lose, you don't get a second chance. It's your choice; I'm just giving my opinion."
"I wish Isar was friends with me, like Ryan is with you," she sighed.
"I wish..." I whispered.
I finished in the salon and went to the kitchen. Tuba was still on the table. "What's my love doing?"
"Playing!"
"Mother, I'm taking Tuba to the lawn. The Big Khan is out, so it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Fine, but don't be late, Yas."
I took Tuba to the grass. The weather was perfect. As I was talking to her, I spotted Ryan and Israr eating breakfast. I set Tuba down and we walked toward them. They were deep in conversation. I cleared my throat and offered an energetic greeting.
"Greetings to the honorable gentlemen!"
They both turned, greeting me with pleasant smiles. Israr spoke with his usual dignity. "Greetings to Lady Yas, the Savior."
I laughed softly and gave a polite bow. "It was my duty. Are you feeling better?"
"Thanks to you, yes. Much better."
I nodded and turned to Ryan, who cleared his throat. "Greetings to the beautiful and bold lady!"
Israr and I both laughed at his tone. Ryan narrowed his eyes. "Why are you laughing? Didn't Israr say the same thing?"
Israr gave a mock-cough. "Such words are rare from our 'fiery-tempered' Khan, aren't they, Yas?"
"I couldn't agree more!" I said with a wide grin.
Ryan laughed gently and pulled Tuba into his lap. "Well, well, look who's here. Hello, Lady Tuba!"
Tuba wrapped her arms around Ryan's neck. "Hello!"
"Is my lady well?"
"I am, but I'm mad at you!"
My eyes widened. Where did this little girl get all this charm?
"Haha! Oh, really? But why?"
Tuba pouted. "Because you don't love me. Aqdas's friend comes to see her all the time, but you never come for me."
Ryan kissed her cheek. "Oh, is that why? Fine. But what if I give you some delicious sweets? Will we be friends then?"
Tuba's hazel eyes lit up. Ryan reached into his pocket and pulled out a chocolate, holding it before her. She took it with a squeal of joy and kissed his cheek.
"Tuba, let the gentlemen finish their tea," I said gently, reaching for her hand. She pulled away and clung to Ryan. "No! I don't want to go!"
Ryan and Israr laughed. "Sit down, Yas," Ryan teased. "Let her stay. Now, Tuba, tell me... who do you love more? Me, or Aunt Yas?"
Tuba leaned into Ryan's ear. "If I say you, Aunt Yas will be mad."
Ryan whispered back, "I promise I won't tell her. Now tell me."
Tuba acted shy. "You!"
What a little traitor! Israr and Ryan burst into laughter as I sat across from them, feigning a huff. "Did Aunt hear that?"
"No, dear, carry on. I'm deaf today!"
"I feel sorry for you, Yas," Israr joked.
A devilish thought hit me. "Tuba, tell us... do you love Mr. Ryan or Mr. Israr more?"
Tuba covered her mouth and giggled. "Ryan!"
Now it was my turn to laugh. "I feel sorry for you, Israr!"
Tuba was obsessed with Ryan and always talked about how handsome he was. How does a child even know these things? Ryan was red from laughing, and Israr watched with his usual smile. Does that man even know how to be angry?
"I'm going to go rest a bit," Israr said, standing up. "Enjoy the company."
"Want some help?"
"No, Brother, I can manage!"
Israr left for his room. Tuba continued her sweet talk while Ryan laughed. "I wish your aunt loved me as much as you do. She's so cruel!"
"My aunt loves someone else," Tuba blurted out. "But he's not tall and handsome like you. I don't like him at all!"
My heart stopped. Who was Tuba talking about? Suddenly, Ryan's mood shifted. His smile vanished, replaced by a restless, dark look.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice tight. "Who does she love, Tuba?"...
End of Chapter 6