CHAPTER - Two
On the other side—
the one briefly mentioned earlier—
Salambek was the only son of his house.
Excessively pampered… and hopelessly spoiled.
The tension between father and son was nothing new.
It was a war that had stretched across years—
a battle that reopened itself every single day with a fresh wound.
Where Hashim believed in discipline, responsibility, and order,
Salambek lived for freedom, rebellion, and stubborn pride.
That was the story of this house.
The story of Hashim and Salambek.
Salambek finally came downstairs, fully dressed—
perfectly styled, playful confidence,
and that familiar mischievous smile dancing on his lips.
Hashim was busy on a phone call,
but the moment he saw his son, he disconnected and smiled faintly.
“Wife,” he said,
“your son is finally awake.”
Unbothered, Salambek covered his ears dramatically and sprawled across the sofa,
as if waiting for his coffee to magically appear in front of him.
Standing nearby, Rima teased,
“I remember you said ten minutes.
Looks like even men need extra time to get ready now!”
Salambek raised an eyebrow, suppressing a grin—
but his careless attitude only poured oil on the fire burning inside Hashim.
Hashim’s tone hardened.
“You crossed all limits last night.
What was the need to go that far?”
Salambek shot back instantly,
“And what did you do?
You sent guards after me.
And you know what—I noticed them…
but I didn’t stop.
When I decide to do something, I do it.”
Just then, Zehra entered with a tray of coffee.
As she placed the cup in front of her son,
Salambek’s anger softened—
spreading like smoke rather than flames.
Hashim spoke with restrained irritation,
“Son… you’ve grown up.
Learn to be responsible.
At your age, I was already a father of two.”
Salambek smirked.
“So should I become a father without getting married too?
If that’s what you want, just say the word—
there’s no shortage of girls lining up for me.”
Clenching his jaw, Hashim replied,
“I won’t argue with you today.
Today, there will only be a decision.
A final decision.”
Salambek scoffed.
“Why? Are you a judge now?”
Hashim’s voice turned firm.
“I’m your father—consider that enough.
Wife, do you see how he speaks?”
Zehra tried to intervene gently,
“Can’t you both talk calmly for once?”
Salambek shrugged indifferently.
“The truth is, Ammi…
peace just isn’t my thing.”
Hashim straightened.
“I’m giving you two options.
First—join my university, take responsibility.
Second—leave this country.
Salambek laughed bitterly.
“You could’ve just said you want to throw me out of the house.
You’re tired of me, aren’t you?”
Hashim replied coldly,
“When sons cross all limits,
a father is forced to take such steps.”
Zehra protested,
“Hashim, you can’t do this—”
But he cut her off.
“Like every other time,
you won’t be able to soften us today.”
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Meanwhile — Aram’s House
With affection, Ifrah said,
“You must be hungry, my child.
Come, eat something.”
Aram replied calmly,
“It’s time for Zuhr prayer.
Please get things ready…
I’ll return after presenting myself before Allah.”
A voice echoed from behind,
“Can we eat outside today?”
Aram turned around.
“May I know the reason?”
Marwaan smiled.
“The reason is beautiful—
you secured first position in your graduation.
Consider it a small gift.”
After a moment of thought, Aram said,
“One condition.
We’ll go where I decide.
And I’ll drive the car myself.”
“Agreed. When shall we go?” Marwaan softly asked.
“Not today… tomorrow.
That will be better.”
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Salambek — The Decision
“My decision is clear,” Salambek said firmly.
“I choose your second option.
I’m leaving this place.
Hashim nodded.
“That’s fine.
There will be goodness in this too, if Allah wills.
I’ll make the arrangements.”
Salambek walked out.
Zehra held her head helplessly.
Rima tried to console her.
“Don’t worry…
there will be a solution somehow.”
“Why don’t we talk about his marriage?”
Zehra whispered.
“Perhaps responsibility will find its way in.”
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
Aram’s Room
Aram performed ablution, laid down her prayer mat,
and offered two units of thanksgiving prayer.
In prostration, she whispered,
“O Allah…
You have always protected my honor and my faith.
Keep my life within Your mercy.
Ameen.”
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧
The Gym
The gym had been cleared completely.
Salambek was punching the boxing bag relentlessly—
no gloves, no restraint.
At the door stood Zaki and Faris.
“I see why we were called,” Zaki muttered.
“Stay quiet,” Faris warned.
“Or he’ll beat you instead today.”
They stepped in—
Zaki held the bag steady,
Faris grabbed Salambek.
“What’s wrong this time?”
“Father saw me at the club last night.
After that… the lecture began.”
Salambek exhaled sharply.
“I’m leaving this country.”
Zaki stared.
“Seriously? That’s hard to believe.”
Faris asked,
“Why so angry?”
Salambek shook his head.
“I’m not angry anymore.
I’m just exhausted.
When you keep smiling through everything,
people don’t call it strength—
they start calling it weakness.”
End of Chapter Two!
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