2024-12-24 22:06:18It was the afternoon, and Akashi returned home with his siblings, Amira and Khadija, their footsteps echoing through the quiet house.
"Phew, the sun is quite hot . I got dehydrated fifteen times today." He said grabbing the bottle of water on the stool.
"True, the summer sun is at its hottest now. I might need a cold shower " Dija said peeling off her socks.
"Not the place to undress Dija. Akashi frowned lightly. Amira, take your sister upstairs, you both should freshen up, while I make dinner." He instructed them to go upstairs and change, while he wandered into the dining room. His gaze fell on his father's breakfast, untouched, stale, and sour. A frown crossed his face as he realized the time-almost three in the afternoon-and his father had not even come down for breakfast.
Akashi's mind raced with questions. Why hadn't his father eaten? Why hadn't he shown up all day? Something wasn't right. His gut churned as he headed upstairs, deciding to check on his father. As he approached Hakimi's door, he knocked softly, but there was no response. His heart pounded harder. He knocked again, more forcefully this time, and when silence greeted him once more, he opened the door slightly, peeking inside.
The room's atmosphere had changed. The once warm, inviting space now felt cold, distant, even foreboding. His eyes swept the room and fell upon a black coat draped over a chair, boots neatly placed by its side, a face mask, and gloves discarded near them. His pulse quickened.
Without thinking, he began searching. His hands trembled as he checked the wardrobe, the laundry basket, and then the bedside table. As he opened the drawer, his breath caught in his throat. There it was-a large stack of cash neatly bundled, and next to it, a shotgun and a dagger. His heart hammered in his chest.
"What is this?" he whispered, a wave of dread washing over him. Was his father back to his old ways? The dangerous lifestyle Hakimi had sworn to leave behind? His mother had once joked about how a medical doctor ended up with a street gangster. He waved it off as a joke, but now reality is beginning to kick in.
Before he could process the discovery, a soft voice broke the silence."Daddy? Daddy?" Khadija's small figure appeared in the doorway, her face pale, eyes red and watery. She looked sickly, her tiny hands clutching her head.
Akashi quickly closed the drawer, trying to steady his voice. "Khadija? What's wrong?"
"I don't feel well. Everything's spinning," she said in a small, childish voice, her body swaying slightly.
Akashi's heart softened, but panic gripped him. "Okay, okay. I'll take you to the pharmacy. Just... let me change first."
At that moment, the sound of water stopping from the shower echoed through the room. Hakimi emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. He spotted his children and smiled weakly.
"Oh, you're back," he said, his voice casual but tired.
"Yeah, Akashi responded, eyeing his father with suspicion. Why haven't you had your breakfast yet?"
Hakimi looked momentarily caught off guard. "Ah... I fell asleep after you left. I guess I overslept. Just woke up now, thought I'd freshen up before heading down."
Akashi didn't entirely believe him but nodded slowly. "Alright... just seems odd you slept through the whole day."
Hakimi's eyes narrowed, sensing the interrogation. "What's with all the questions, Akashi? Am I on trial?"
Akashi held up his hands. "No, no. Just... making conversation."
At that moment, Khadija let out a small whimper. "Dad, I don't feel well. My head hurts so bad..."
Hakimi's expression softened as he looked down at his daughter. "Alright, let me get dressed, and I'll take you to the pharmacy. Don't worry."
Minutes later, Hakimi came downstairs, dressed casually, his long hair tied into a messy bun. He scooped Khadija into his arms, cradling her with a tenderness that belied the tough exterior Akashi had just seen.
"I've got an idea," Hakimi announced as he carried Khadija toward the door. Why don't we all go out for dinner after this? A nice meal out for a change."
Amira raised an eyebrow. "Eat out? We barely have enough money to cook at home, Dad."
"Don't worry, Hakimi said, smiling with a strange new confidence. I told you, I got a new job. Things are going to get better from now on. I promise you guys."
Akashi's suspicion deepened. "A job? What job?"
"I'll explain everything when things settle down. For now, trust me," Hakimi replied, his tone final.
Akashi kept quiet but couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong.
--------------The Dinner Out
Later that evening, they arrived at a small, cozy restaurant. The lights were warm, the atmosphere buzzing with chatter and the scent of delicious food. For a moment, the weight of suspicion and secrets lifted as Hakimi's children sat at the table, scanning the menu excitedly.
"Order anything you like, bill is on your sugar daddy" Hakimi said with a smile, his eyes twinkling as if relishing this rare moment of happiness with his family.
Amira looked up in surprise. "But this place is expensive."
"Don't worry about that. Hakimi replied. Tonight is very special."
They ordered their favorite dishes-spiced lamb, rice, and an array of appetizers. As they began eating, the table was filled with laughter and chatter. For a brief moment, it felt like old times-before the struggles, before Ravishia's absence. Hakimi smiled, watching his children enjoy the meal, but in the back of his mind, the weight of what he'd done the previous night lingered.
Just as they were finishing their meal, a woman sitting at the bar glanced over at Hakimi, her gaze lingering a little too long. She smiled, sending a flirty wave. Akashi noticed, but it was Khadija who acted first.
With a stern expression far beyond her years, Khadija stood up, her small frame full of determination, and shot the woman a glare.
"What are you looking at lady?!". She pouted cutelyThe woman quickly turned away, embarrassed.
Hakimi chuckled softly, pulling Khadija back into her seat. "That's my girl," he said, ruffling her hair.
"You're married to me now Daddy." She said and grabbed his arm
"Of course my lady." He grinned and placed a kiss on her arm
-------------
Later that night, as they walked back home, Akashi couldn't shake the unease. The cash, the weapons, the mysterious job-it didn't add up. His father was hiding something, and Akashi intended to find out what.
As they approached the house, Hakimi's phone buzzed. He checked it quickly, his expression darkening as he glanced at the message.
Akashi watched him carefully, but Hakimi shoved the phone into his pocket, forcing a smile. "Alright, kids, time for bed."
As they settled in, Akashi lay awake, replaying the day's events in his mind. His father was slipping into something dangerous, and soon, Akashi knew he had have to confront him. Whatever Hakimi was hiding, it was only a matter of time before the truth surfaced.
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The house still buzzed with faint laughter and the warm hum of a family moment. Akashi leaned against the kitchen counter, his arms folded as he watched Irah, he could not help but grin at the kids nervousness. He nervously sip from his glass. Khadija was busy teasing him mercilessly."So, Irah, Khadija grinned, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Was this your first time seeing a princess turn into a prom queen?"Irah laughed nervously, his gaze darting to Amira, who was busy brushing cookie crumbs off Khadija's sweater "I guess you could say that. Your sister looks breath taking""Guess? Khadija teased, leaning forward dramatically. Admit it! You were totally mesmerized. I saw you staring at her like she was a shooting star! You almost drolled"Alright, Dija, that's enough," Amira interjected, her cheeks blooming red."She's just saying what we're all thinking, Akashi chimed in, his usual protective demeanor softening for a moment. You looked great tonight, Amira." he complimented her
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The soft morning light filtered through the curtains as Akashi gently knocked on his father's bedroom door. Peeking in, he saw Hakimi lying on his side, with Khadija snuggled close to him, her small frame wrapped in a blanket. Her thumb was tucked in her mouth, and her soft breathing filled the room. Akashi couldn't help but smile. The sight of his father and baby sister at peace warmed his heart.Shutting the door quietly, he descended the stairs, his footsteps light on the wooden floor. In the kitchen, he set to work, pulling out ingredients for breakfast. The scent of eggs, freshly sliced bread, and vegetables filled the air. As he cracked an egg into a bowl, memories of the past few months flooded his mind-their struggles, the risky decisions, and the triumph of seeing Amira healthy again."Good morning, Chef Akashi," Amira's cheerful voice broke through his thoughts.Turning around, he saw her standing in the doorway, her waist-length hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a
