"never let people take undue advantage of you. that's the way the world pulls you down for once and for all - derek."
Sulaaymaan had been very anxious right from the time he had come to see the next threat he had received .
Ooh la la ! I see you've found a new source of interest . She seems pretty quirky .
That managed to create more havoc than he had intented to suffer . It was fine as long as he was being concerned . But it was not something that was only focused on him now .
Previously , he had been threatened about his sisters . They were only six years old and to think that they were already the target of some serious issue was haunting him .
He still had not informed any one about this and he intended to keep it as a secret . But just for the sake of it , he had hired some security guards disguised as normal humans .
Queen Basmah , thankfully had not taken notice of the few changes . The security guards lingered within the proximity of the palace , lining against the high raised walls and large metallic gates .
Even with the several men on their feet , Sulaaymaan could not feel at ease . He just couldn't .
Because Afra was left unprotected . He realized that somehow she was in more need of protection . She was the easiest target .
And whoever knew of her existence , probably was aware of more than he knew himself .
The only thing he could do now was to fetch for her .
Before anything happens .
Afra had felt a slight throbbing in her head and politely refused to join everyone for a ride to the Riyadh Mall . They were very hesitant in leaving her home alone especially when she was pretty much sick . After a lot of reassuring , Afra had swung the door shut , falling over her couch and switching the TV on . Between mouthfuls of popcorn , she switched channels in a bored manner .
Riyadh Mall had been one of the many exciting tourist destinations . Somehow , Samantha and Sarah had been very persistent on visiting that mall. Afra did not really enjoy travelling and shopping anyway .
Besides , she was ill and did not think she'd be able to tolerate being in a mall .
To keep company , she had invited Mariam , Faaris and Mahreen to come over since she would probably have to stay alone for the whole night .
She had been looking forward to meet them all . Her real family .
Though she loved her parents wholeheartedly , she just could not come to accept the fact that they pretty negligent about her existence and often left her all alone . Maybe that was why over the years , their relationship as a child and parents stood nothing more than a necessity .
After meeting Inaya , she could not believe how welcoming her family was . Even Faaris . They were all very supportive and perceived her better than her own parents .
As the doorbell echoed through the house , she jumped her feet and walked towards the door .
She peeped through the eye hole to find a man with a red cap and shirt , observing the surroundings .
He seemed like a delivery man . Still unsure of being convinced , she tiptoed to the kitchen and grabbed the largest knife she could find . Making sure not to be clumsy and end up stabbing herself dead .
Just as she made her way to the door , the doorbell was rung again , this time more impatiently .
Gripping the knife tightly in her sweaty palm , she took in deep breaths to relax herself .
She swung the door slightly ajar , peering at the man who shot her a quick smile .
"Assalaamualaikum ma'am . I actually am here to deliver this package to Mr. Taimur Abdul Aziz . Is this his house ?" He asked , showing her a name slip .
She studied the name scribbled across a torn piece of paper , stepping back a little .
"No , I'm afraid I don't ." She shook her head , as the man nodded thoughtfully at her .
He smiled tugging at his cap , before thanking her and taking his leave .
She swung the door shut , a little confused about what had happened .
She sighed and trudged across the carpeted floors to her kitchen , finding herself an aspirin .
Just as she had set the empty glass of water over the dining table , the doorbell echoed , alarming her to an extent .
"Assalaamualaikum ." Mariam was standing at the doorstep , holding up a large parcel in her hands . "I got you some chicken soup ."
"You are the best Anna !" Afra cooed , engulfing Mariam in a hug .
"And me ?" Mahreen pouted , and Afra found her in Faaris' arms .
Afra took her in her arms , pulling her closer ."I just told that to Anna so she wouldn't feel bad . You're the most best gummy bear ." Afra whispered , pinching her cheeks . Mahreen's forest green eyes sparkled as her face lit up with happiness .
"Afra , you might want to consider stepping in at this moment ." Faaris nervously glanced at some of the people shooting them confused glances .
"Well it's my wish and I don't see why I can't greet my loved ones at the door ." She shot Faaris a look , locking her arms with Marian's and moving into the living room . Mahreen had slipped out of her arms and was standing by her side .
As they got settled at the dining table , ready to savour the hot chicken soup , Afra realized how she felt instantly energised the moment her eyes met with these wonderful people .
"Afra , go ahead and finish your soup . Did you have some medicine ? I think you have caught a flu ." Mariam asked worriedly , scooting closer to Afra .
"Anna , don't worry about me . Yes , I did have my medicine ." She stuffed herself with the bread bites and buns .
Mariam smiled at her and Mahreen who were fighting over a large bun . Eventually Afra gave in , smiling as Mahreen happily devoured it .
"You were home alone for how long Afra ?" Mariam questioned and Afra found herself stifling back a chuckle .
"Maybe three hours ." She paused to bring her hands up in an attempt to emphasize her point . "Anna , but I promise , Nothing happened to me . I'm perfectly alright . Except for that strange delivery man who sort of creeped me out ."
Mariam had opened her mouth to present a very known speech , when Faaris frowned at Afra , toppling his game controller to a side and jumping over the couch to sit across from Afra at the table .
"Why was he strange ?" Faaris stated really slowly ,creeping Afra slightly . The look on his face clearly stated that he was ready to beat up any delivery man he'd come across .
"Woah ! Calm down Faaris . He didn't do anything at all . But I don't know , he just seemed really strange ." She frowned thoughtfully , remembering the man's actions .
"Why was he strange Afra ?" Faaris pressed , popping a bread bite into his mouth .
Afra shrugged , her brows knitting together gingerly . "He said he had to deliver some parcel to somebody , but had nothing in his hands . Except for a torn piece of paper ."