The Adventure of Myrr and The Nightingales

Prologue

She walked through the forest and it was dark. No sound was heard except her own footsteps. The ground crunched as she stepped on the dried leaves and sticks. Her feet didn’t seem to be hurt as she was barefooted. She stopped as she heard something from her right. Another footstep. And it became closer and closer.

She clutched her light blue pyjama; she always did that when she’s scared. Her feet became numb as she saw a shadow approaching. A big monster was shrouding inside her mind. She was sweating hard. She wanted to call for help but her voice won’t come out. She’s now in a grave danger!

The shadow crept slowly towards her like an evil lurked in the shadow. She tried to close her eyes when suddenly the shadow called her name. She gasped and looked up to that shadow. It wasn’t a monster, instead it was a man. A tall man with scarlet hair. He was half naked with weird marks on both of his arms. He wore red necklace; the necklace had three fangs on the front.

He squatted with one knee and slightly bowed to her. She was utterly shocked. That man gave out his hand for her to hold it. She held his hand hesitatingly but alas she felt calm as the man smiled and squeezed her hand a little.

“From now on, I shall be your guardian.”

On Hiatus

Hello everyone....

First of all, I'm sorry for not updating my blog for ages. I've been busy lately and I have problems with the Internet connection.

Second, I don't think I can continue writing Broken Wings since I'm totally out of ideas. But...I have written a new story and I'm going to post it as soon as possible. Please wait (>.<)

Third, I really miss my blog pals!

Broken Wings: 11

Chapter 11

Aunt Nazatul sobbed harder as she finished telling the hurtful truth. I couldn’t bear watching her sad so shifted near her and hugged her tight. I could feel what she felt after all he went through. She really loves my mom so much.

As I was hugging her, my tears couldn’t stop flowing. Now that I learn the truth, I think what I need to do know is praying for my mom’s health. I need to get healthy fast since I am not feeling well since this evening.

Aunt Nazatul wiped her tears, saying sorry for disturbing me. I console her by saying it is okay to cry. I can be her shoulder to cry on. She excused herself after that for it was nearly midnight. I watched her leaving my room and I sighed heavily. When I’m completely healed, I need to do something important. I need to find my biological uncle, Uncle Azlan.

***

1981

Kalsom opened her bedroom window and feel the cool breeze of air. She could see the glimmering sea from her window. She smiled as the sun shining magnificently above her. Then she woke Merdu who was still having her wonderful dream.

“Wake up, Merdu. It’s nearly noon,” Kalsom shook her twin’s arm gently.

Merdu stirred and rubbed her sleepy eyes. “What time is it?” her voice croaked.

“10.15. A maiden shouldn’t wake up late, you know,” Kalsom giggled as she loved teasing Merdu.

Merdu slowly get up from bed and she threw her blanket playfully to Kalsom. Both of them laughed and Merdu grabbed her towel and went to the bathroom. Kalsom made Merdu’s bed and waited for her in the living room.

Both of them furthered their study in MARA Institute of Technology in Terengganu. It was located near the beach and both Kalsom and Merdu loved being here. They stayed in a wooden-like-house hostel which consisted of 15 students. Her housemates hailed from other states and all of them were very friendly and some were close to Kalsom and Merdu.

Merdu and Kalsom went to the library since it was weekend. They loved going to the library especially Kalsom for she loved reading very much. She could finish more than three novels in one week and she managed her time well – studying and enjoying herself with books.

They needed to finish their assignment and of course, library was the best place for them to search the information. There were only few people in the library during this hour and it was the perfect time for Kalsom to focus on her study. She needed a quiet place so she could concentrate. Unlike Merdu, she could study anywhere she liked but she always stick around with Kalsom during the weekend. She loved being in the library too but not as often as Kalsom.

Then Kalsom spotted a group of boys entering the library and sat not far from her table. She couldn’t care less about them but there’s one boy made her mood spoiled. He was in her lecture class and loved cracking jokes with his three friends. Kalsom didn’t like him because he’s a noisy person and talked big. And that made her feel annoyed.

“Merdu, I think I want to go back to the hostel,” said Kalsom, out of the blue.

“Why? Aren’t you feeling well? You look kind of sick,” asked Merdu worriedly.

“My stomach...it doesn’t feel so good,” Kalsom made her face looked like she got stomach-ache.

“Okay. Let’s go back,” said Merdu and both of them left the library. Merdu didn’t know that Kalsom was ‘allergic’ to that particular boy.

As both of them left, that boy took a glance at Kalsom coincidently. Then he spotted something fell down from Kalsom’s book. She wanted to call for her but she disappeared very fast. He picked up that thing and quickly put it in his pocket.

Dear diary,

Today is my rotten luck day! I saw Firdaus at the library this morning with his bunch of friends when Merdu and I were doing our assignment. I nearly finished the last part and those muttering idiots came and spoiled my study mood. It’s not like I hate them but I don’t like them that much, especially Firdaus because he’s lousy, noisy and annoying.

I never talked to him though but I don’t want to. Never. Except for some cases, perhaps. Thank God Merdu doesn’t know about this. She knows I’m not having a love-fest with any boys in this institute. Unlike some of our housemates who fall in love with other boys from other courses. They even went out for a date in the weekend, just like today!

Dating is not my style of life and I promised Mak and Ayah, and Kak Naz to study hard and get a flying colour result. That’s why Merdu and I are here. We’re not going to let any opportunity slips from out hand!

I need to finish my assignment by tonight even though Mr. Hakim wants us to submit the assignment in two weeks. When I have done my assignment, I can continue reading new books at the library. I saw some of new books on the shelves. I can’t wait to read all of them!

There’ll be a night market tomorrow evening and Merdu and I are planning to go there. It’s quite far and we need to get the van early. We love going to the night market for it has a variety of delicacies. I have few Ringgit left so I think I should sometimes spend them on food. My scholarship money is enough for this month since I don’t go out much. Abang Shah sometimes sends some extra money to us if he came visiting us here. Oh, I missed my family so much. Abang Shah is getting married soon and Merdu and I are glad to hear that. We can’t wait to know who our sister-in-law is!

It’s nearly midnight and I have to pen-off. Merdu is snoring soundly. She’s kind of tired because she played netball with our friends this evening. I’m not into netball so I just watched. I’ll write again tomorrow, my dearest diary.

Broken Wings: 10

Chapter 10

I closed the diary and sighed heavily. My eyes were strained because I hadn’t stopped reading for 3 hours. I’m going to get a headache after this. I looked at the clock on the wall. It was half past 8. I put the book on the small table beside my bed and ready for the Isya’ prayer. But I was stopped by the phone ring. I searched for my mobile phone on the bed. It was accidentally slipped under the pillow. The mobile phone was shrieking louder and louder. I looked the name on the screen before I picked the call. It was from my sister, Humaira.

“Hello,” I greeted after giving a salaam.

“Abang, are you home?” asked Humaira.

“Yes. Why?” I answered shortly.

“Aunt Naz wanted to spend her night at our house. Kak Yani will pick her up tomorrow,” said Humaira.

“Okay. You got the key with you, right? I’m going to perform Isya’ prayer and prepare dinner. What about Aswad?” I asked.

“He’s going to stay with Aunt Merdu. Mom is getting stable than last night,” I could hear a voice of relief from Humaira.

Praise to Allah that mother is going to be alright.

I hung up the call and quickly went to the bathroom. After performing Isya’ prayer, I went downstairs. I could hear voices in the kitchen. Humaira and Aunt Nazatul were here. We ate dinner together and Humaira couldn’t stop talking about mother’s health. I, on the other hand, was thinking about mother’s past.

What actually happened to her? Why her mother threw her away from her family? What is the dark secret that Aunt Nazatul knew?

“Abyadh,” called Aunt Nazatul while patting my arms gently. “What’s wrong?” she asked with a concern look on her face.

I cleared my throat two, three times. “I’m thinking about mom,” I replied.

“I know, dear. Everyone is worrying about her condition right now. But we have to continue praying for her,” she patted my arms.

I slowly nodded and continue eating. I really wanted to ask her about the secret but it’s not the right time. Humaira didn’t know about the diary. Maybe Aunt Nazatul knew and I needed to ask her after dinner. I have to wait for Humaira to go to bed first.

“Abang, you look pale. Are you alright?” asked Humaira and gently touched my hand. Then she put the back of her hand on my brow.

“I’m okay, Humaira. Don’t worry,” I forced a smile.

“No, you’re not. You body is a little bit warmer than usual. You need to rest, Abang,” she said, picking up her empty plate and asked me to finish my meal.

I gently pushed the plate aside. I couldn’t eat anymore. And she’s right. I didn’t feel so good. After dinner, Humaira urged me to go to bed early. She brought the medicine to my room. Lucky me, she didn’t notice the light blue diary on the small table.

“Don’t forget to eat this medicine, Abang,” she advised me. “Get well soon,” she kissed me on my left cheek and left the room.

I watched her leave and sighed. Few minutes later, Aunt Nazatul came in. I was leaning to the bed post, flipping the diary randomly. I greeted her and she sat on the bed next to me.

“You need to have a good rest, Abyadh. Your mother will be worried if she knew that you’re having a fever,” said Aunt Nazatul.

“I know,” I chuckled.

“What’s that book?” asked Nazatul with a frown on her face.

“This,” I showed her, “is mom’s diary.”

She was a little bit shocked seeing the diary which I was holding it.

“Where did you find it?” she gasped.

“In her room. I opened the little drawer beside her bed few days ago,” I replied and waited for Aunt Nazatul to speak.

“It’s her precious thing, Abyadh. She won’t let anyone to read it,” Aunt Nazatul looked me in the eyes.

Suddenly, I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. She told me once, a long time ago, that I shouldn’t open the drawer no matter what. And I broke that promise. But I needed to know about my mother’s life which had been a big mystery to me. I didn’t know whether Humaira and Aswad realized this but mother never once told her about her past.

“Aunt Naz,” I broke the silence, “can you tell me one thing?” I asked.

Aunt Naz stared at me.

“Can you please tell me the truth? What had happened to mom? Why your mother hated her so much?” I have to know the truth. This is the right time that I think I should know.

Aunt Naz put her trembling hand on mine. Then she squeezed them gently. I could saw her, trying to hold back the tears. The tears of guilt.

***

Nazatul tried to search for Karamah’s address for so many times but she failed to do so. She couldn’t remember the way to her aunt’s house. She wanted to take Kalsom back to her house. She wanted to tell her the truth. The truth that she heard in that horrible night.

Nazatul just received her MCE result that morning. She got 7A’s and she wanted to further her study in one of the local universities. She was happy and her parents gave her a special present for her; a pearl necklace. It was pretty and she thanked her parents gratefully. Azlan didn’t give her anything and she didn’t mind. She knew Azlan didn’t like to spend his money to buy things for his siblings.

Rohaya threw a great party for Nazatul and invited her rich friends, whose husband got the Datuk title. She bragged on how Nazatul passed her examination with flying colours. Nazatul didn’t like how her mother bragged upon her. She received some presents from her mother’s friends and they congratulated her. Some of her father’s business partners asked her which university she wanted to further her study. One of them even offered her to study at the overseas and he will sponsor her education fee for free.

She politely refused for her father’s friend offer because she wanted to further at the local university. After the party was over, she helped the maids to clear the food and dirty plates and glasses. Rohaya forbade her to do the work but she ignored her. She said that she wanted to help rather than sitting around doing nothing.

Rohaya agreed with her daughter’s decision and let her helped the maids. She went inside the house and joined her husband and her son, Azlan in the dining room where there were some leftovers from the party. Nazatul excused herself after washing the plates because she’s getting sleepy.

As she wanted to go to her room, she heard someone was laughing in the dining room. She slowly took a peep and saw her mother and Azlan were talking while eating the leftovers. No wonder Azlan is getting bigger and fatter, said Nazatul in her little heart.

“Ma, can I ask you something?” asked Azlan while munching the cake.

“Sure, dear. What is it?” smiled Rohaya.

“This question surely going to make you mad. But I really wanted to know.”

Rohaya nodded.

“Is it true that Kalsom not your daughter?”

Rohaya’s face changed a little and Azlan said that she didn’t need to answer the question.

“She’s my daughter, Azlan. My real daughter.”

Nazatul gasped in horror. Her mother was lying all this time.

“Really? Oh, this is frustrating! I hate her, you know! She’s such a spoiled brat and stubborn. And ugly too!” snorted Azlan.

“I hate her too. She used to be as smart as both of you but then as she befriended with that filthy farmer’s daughter, she’s getting dumber and dumber. And that girl was getting smarter. I heard that she was offered to further her secondary education in boarding school.”

“I think that filthy girl sucked her brain or something,” Azlan laughed. Rohaya joined her too.

“But that’s not the main reason. You should know, Azlan, that your sister was a murderer.”

Nazatul couldn’t believe what she’d heard. She nearly cried when she heard those words from her mother.

“A murderer? Seriously?” Azlan was taken aback by the news.

“Yes. She killed your paternal grandmother. Your late grandmother loved her very much and every time we took her there, she was the happiest person in the world. One day, she took Kalsom for a walk near the paddy-field. She took her favourite doll with her. She’s 7 at that time and loved that doll. She played around the paddy-field and slipped as the ground was wet. She dropped her doll as your grandmother pulled her back to the higher ground. She cried, wanting her doll back. Your grandmother then took the doll but the ground was slippery. Suddenly, a cobra appeared and bit your grandmother’s leg. She screamed in pain and she couldn’t be saved because the poison was spreading fast into her body. She died.

Your father and I blamed Kalsom for this. Because of her, your grandmother died. If she didn’t bring her doll, this thing won’t happen. But your grandfather and your aunt didn’t blame her. They said that Kalsom was still small and it was an accident. Your father didn’t talk to her much since then because he loved her late mother dearly. Kalsom didn’t say anything at that time, not even apologizing. And that’s why we hated her.”

Nazatul couldn’t stop crying after hearing the truth. She ran to her room quickly. She prayed to Allah that she wanted to meet Kalsom as soon as possible. She needed to tell Kalsom the truth. And she hated for what her mother did to Kalsom just because of her grandmother’s death. 

Broken Wings: 9

Chapter 9

Kalsom sat beside Subhi when they boarded the bus while Nazatul was sitting behind them. Kalsom didn’t utter a word as they go along the journey. Nazatul was hoping that Kalsom will forgive her. And she was hoping that Kalsom will meet Tok Wan again. She was glad that Kalsom was having a good life. She has grown up to a beautiful lady even though she kept her hair short. Nazatul was grateful to the Almighty seeing Kalsom was happy living with her maternal aunt’s family.

But Kalsom didn’t feel that way. She was annoyed as Nazatul was glancing at her. She never wanted to see Nazatul again after what had happened 5 years ago. Although Nazatul’s presence angered her but deep inside her heart, she felt a little bit glad to meet her sister again. 

Two hours passed. Kalsom fell asleep on Subhi’s shoulder. She had a dream where she met Tok Wan and Tok Wan told her something but she couldn’t hear it. She suddenly woke up as the bus accidentally hit the bumps on the road. She startled as she realized she was leaning to Subhi’s shoulder. Subhi was falling asleep too.

They arrived at Tok Wan’s house in the evening and Kalsom missed this place so much. It didn’t change much and she could see the old bicycle which she used to ride with her Tok Wan was still under the house. She also could hear many people talking up there and Nazatul gestured to her that she wanted her to go up in the house with her. Kalsom turned to Subhi and he nodded. He told Kalsom that he wanted to wait for her outside.

Kalsom followed Nazatul step by step as they climbed the small stairs. Her throat dried out seeing her Tok Wan lying on the mattress weakly. She slowly approached him and held his old, wrinkly hand. Her Tok Wan slowly opened his eyes and turned to her.

“Kalsom? Is that really you?” his voice croaked.

Kalsom nodded. “Yes, it’s me, Tok Wan.”

Tok Wan’s face lit up a little as he smiled. “Oh, Kalsom, my precious granddaughter! You’re alive!”

Kalsom took his hand and kissed it. She really missed her Tok Wan so much. And she knew that her Tok Wan missed her too. She was very closed to him and for her, he was her whole life.

“Where have you been all this time, sweetheart?” asked Tok Wan. “You father said that you ran away from home. But I never believed it. You didn’t run away, did you?”

Kalsom nodded and tried to hold back her tears. “Actually-,”

Before she could finish her words, she was aggressively pushed aside by someone. She looked up and scowl at the person who pushed her. Anger started to overwhelm her.

“How dare you come here, you little brat! I told you, you’re not part of the family anymore!” shouted Rohaya. Behind her stood her husband and her son, Azlan.

“Mama, please. I’m the one who bring her here. Tok Wan wanted to see her badly,” pleaded Nazatul.

“You brought her here! How many times do I have to tell you to forget about her? She brings bad luck to our family!”

The people around them was very shocked. Johari’s younger sister, Aida, helped Kalsom to get up. Kalsom took her hands and kissed them respectfully. Aida hugged her and gently stroking her back, telling her how much she missed her.

“Don’t think that you’ll get any of my father’s inheritance,” said Johari expressionless.

Both Aida and Kalsom turned to Johari.

“I don’t want the money,” Kalsom stared at her biological father. “I just want to see Tok Wan.”

“Don’t talk back to me!” Johari slapped her face and she nearly fell for the second time. “Get out of here!”

“Johari! How dare you!” Tok Wan was trying to get up but he’s too weak to do so.

Kalsom stood up again. She didn’t feel any pain but stared ferociously at Johari.

“You heard him, brat! Get out!” Azlan grabbed her hand and pulled her roughly to the main door.

“Let go off me, you big fat jerk!” Kalsom struggled to break free.

Nazatul tried to help but Azlan pushed her aside. Nazatul couldn’t fight Azlan for he was tall and fat. Azlan forced her to leave but Kalsom stubbornly refused. Azlan roughly grabbed her right arm and pushed her hard to the stairs. She nearly fell down from the stairs when suddenly someone punched Azlan in his face, hard. Azlan shouted in pain as he fell on the floor.

“Don’t you dare do that to my sister,” warned Subhi. Kalsom was shocked seeing Subhi appeared beside her.

“Hey! How dare you punch my son, you dirty street rat!” shouted Johari angrily. Rohaya went to her son and helped him to get up. Azlan groaned in pain.

Subhi ignored them and looked at Kalsom. She was rubbing her right arm as it was hurt.

“Let’s go back, Som,” he took her hand and left.

Dear Diary,

Today is the worst day ever!

But I’m still glad to be able to meet Tok Wan and Mak Su again, even though I didn’t get a chance to talk to them long. There are a lot of things that I wanted to tell them. They should know what had happened to me. Papa lied to them, telling them that I ran away from home! That old man! I hate them!

And I hate Mama too! She never changed. Always being angry at me. No wonder she’s not pretty as she used to be. I could see ugly wrinkles on her face. Abang Lan is getting fatter. That big fat jerk hurt my right arm! If he wasn’t fat, I could punch his stupid, stupid face!

Luckily Abang Subhi saved me. He never did that since I lived here. After we left Tok Wan’s house, he didn’t let go of my hand and asked me repeatedly whether I need to go to the doctor or not. I told him that I’ll be fine. I feel it’s kind of weird seeing him concern about me. But there’s one thing that makes me feel strange.

Why Kak Naz followed us back home? Mama and Papa was shouting at her not to follow me and yet here she is, in this wooden house, sharing her room with Kak Yah. She ruined our plan. Merdu and I are supposed to joined Kak Yah in her room, asking her about her new experience in the university as well as the ghost stories. Both of us love sharing ghost stories with Kak Yah.

But tonight is not the merry making mood night because Kak Naz is here. Merdu and I went to Kak Yah’s room but the atmosphere is slightly different. I hate it! I hate when someone ruined my plan. Everything will be fine if Kak Naz didn’t come here.

I know that she was sorry and she told me the truth. But I can’t forgive her just like that. I can’t.

It had been two days since Nazatul stayed with Karamah and Malik. Both of them were glad to have Nazatul staying with them. Nazatul said that she didn’t want to go back home. She wanted to spend her time with Kalsom.

Kalsom, on the other hand, still treated Nazatul coldly. Sometimes she avoid from meeting her except when they were having meals. Merdu tried to console her to forgive Nazatul but Kalsom didn’t give a good response. She knew that Nazatul still loved her like she used to be.

“You have to give her some times before she accepts your apology, Naz,” said Rugayah one evening as they were sitting at the veranda.

“I know, Yah,” she nodded. “But I’m not mad at her for ignoring and avoiding me. I betrayed her once. And I won’t betray on her again.”

“I can’t believe aunt Rohaya did that to her. I was shock myself when she dumped Som here and told her that Som wasn’t her child,” Rugayah looked at the mango trees in front of the house. “But there must be something that made her saying that. Do you know why, Naz?” she turned to Nazatul.

Nazatul sighed. Rugayah let her calm down before answering her question.

“Actually, I learn this painful truth 2 years ago,” Nazatul finally spoke after her long silence.

Broken Wings: 8

Chapter 8

Someone rang the doorbell as I was preparing the breakfast. I knew who it was. Aswad. He told me that he wanted to have breakfast at home. Still wearing the apron, I greeted him at the front door. He shook and kissed my hand – the way the Malays respect the elders when shaking hands. I told him I was making fried rice.

We trotted to the kitchen. I served the food on the expensive-looking dining table. It was our mom’s and dad’s favourite table. We always have our meals here. Aswad sat on the chair and I put the rice on the plate and handed to him.

“It smells nice,” smiled Aswad.

“And taste nice too,” I added. “This is the special fried rice.”

Aswad tasted the fried rice and lifted his eyebrows at me. “You’re right.”

“Hey, don’t talk when your mouth is full,” I chuckled.

Aswad is the apple of my mother’s eyes because he’s the youngest. He looks exactly like me but his eyes are like mom. Mom used to say that I look exactly like my late dad. I even kept my hair long, just like dad.

“Are you going to see mom today, abang?” asked Aswad.

“Yeah. Aunt Naz and Humaira were staying there last night,” I replied. “How’s your class?”

Aswad shrugged. “Nothing much. The examination will start next month.”

“Do your best, Aswad. For mom,” I said, looking at him with hope.

Aswad nodded. “Oh, by the way, Hydir called me last night. He said he’s going to visit mom with Aunt Merdu today.”

Aunt Merdu. The name reminded me of what I’ve read in the second diary. Aunt Merdu is the one of the people who was closed with mom besides Aunt Nazatul. I really wanted to know what happened between mom and Aunt Nazatul.

“Abang,” called Aswad.

I snapped back into reality. “Yes?”

“Are you okay?” Aswad frowned in concern.

“Yeah,” I nodded. “I’m just worried about mom.”

“I know. We are all worry about her. I hope she’ll wake up soon,” said Aswad in a sad tone.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. It’s nearly 10.

“Finish your meal, Aswad. We’re going to see mom in ten minutes,” I stood up.

Aswad licked his fingers quickly and washed his plates in the sink.

We’re hovering at the hospital lobby while waiting for Hydir and Aunt Merdu. They arrived few minutes later. Hydir shook hand with me and Aswad. I shook and kissed Aunt Merdu’s hand. I ushered them to where mom has been ward. Humaira and Aunt Nazatul were happy to see Aunt Merdu. They hugged and kissed cheek. Aunt Merdu went to mom’s bed and kissed her forehead.

Aunt Nazatul told Aunt Merdu about mom’s condition. My heart cringed as I heard that mom’s getting weaker. Aswad sat closer to mom’s bed and held her hand tight. I knew that he’s crying silently. Hydir patted Aswad’s shoulder, trying to console him. Hydir is a year younger than Aswad and they’re very close since they were kids.

I sat on the sofa next to Humaira. I watched Aunt Nazatul and Aunt Merdu talking near the window. I really wanted to ask Aunt Nazatul about mom’s diary but I didn’t think that it’s the right time.

***

It wasn’t the heart-fluttering moment for Kalsom meeting with Nazatul as they haven’t seen each other for four years. Karamah invited Nazatul to come inside. Kalsom didn’t say a word but scowl angrily to Nazatul. Nazatul, on the other hand, was making a tremendous effort to appear calm. She knew that Kalsom was mad at her.

Merdu and Rugayah served drinks and some kuihs. Merdu offered Nazatul to drink. Nazatul nodded and thanked her. Kalsom didn’t even look at her. Anger was overwhelming her heart.

“What do you want?” Kalsom broke the silent but she still scowl at Nazatul.

“I want to see you, Som,” replied Nazatul, trying to stay calm.

“You’re wasting your time. I don’t want to see you anymore,” she muttered with anger.

“Please, Som. Listen to what I’m going to tell you,” Nazatul pleaded.

Kalsom turned away.

“Som, please don’t act like this, dear. She’s your sister. She came all the way searching for you,” said Karamah gently.

Kalsom sighed heavily.

“Mama doesn’t know I come here to see you, Som. Neither do Papa and Abang Lan. I came here on my own,” said Nazatul in sad voice.

“If you want to beg me to return to that house anymore, I’m not going,” Kalsom crossed her arms to her chest.

“I’m coming here not to ask you to go back, Som. I come here to take you to Tok Wan’s house. He’s dying, Som. He really wanted to see you badly,” Nazatul held back her tears.

Kalsom felt her throat was dry. Her anger subsided.

“Is this true?” asked Kalsom in a trembling voice.

Nazatul nodded.

Kalsom turned to Karamah and Malik. She wanted to go to her Tok Wan’s house at this moment. Karamah and Malik looked at each other.

“You should go and see him, Som. After all, he’s your grandfather,” said Malik calmly. Inside his heart, he felt like something bad will happen if Kalsom goes there. But he wanted to push that bad feeling away.

“I’ll go with her,” said Subhi suddenly.

Everyone was surprised, especially Kalsom. Subhi was the quietest among his siblings and he rarely spoke to Kalsom. Kalsom, on the other hand, was quite scared to Subhi because of his serious attitude.

“Okay, then,” Malik nodded, giving his permission to Subhi to escort Kalsom to her Tok Wan’s house and come back safely.

Kalsom agreed to follow her sister, Nazatul, although half-heartedly. But she must go and meet her beloved grandfather was sick. Merdu and Rugayah helped her to pack her clothes while Karamah prepared some foods for the three of them.

Kalsom was ready to go to her Tok Wan’s house. She waved goodbye to her family and walked to the bus stand. But she never knew what will happen when she arrived there.

Broken Wings: 7

Chapter 7

Kalsom tried to run away. But those hands grabbed her and pushed her hard until she fell on the floor. She was surrounded by three black figures. One of them grabbed her arm and slapped her face few times. She tried to fight back but she didn’t have enough energy to move. She begged for mercy but one of the black figures laughed evilly. She knew that voice, she knew that evil laughter.

One of them was a woman. She yelled at her and insulted her, saying that she was useless and wished that she wasn’t born in this world. Kalsom knew who they were. Those figures continued hurting her even she cried on top of her lungs. They ignored her excruciating cry. They kept on hitting her until someone shook her shoulder. She was getting scared. There’s another person who tried to hurt her. She didn’t know what to do. Then she heard a voice calling her name.

Kalsom woke up and looked around. She was drenched in sweat. She panted hard and saw Merdu was sitting next to her, holding her trembling shoulders. She sighed in relief. It was just a nightmare. But still, she’s so scared to get back to sleep.

“You screamed in your sleep, Som,” said Merdu.

“They beat me again, Merdu. It’s hurt,” cried Kalsom in silent. She could feel the pain.

Merdu hugged her and caressed her back gently. “It’s okay, Som. I’m here. You don’t have to be afraid.”

Kalsom hugged Merdu tight. She wished that the nightmare was over. She didn’t want to have that unpleasant dream. Then someone knocked on the door. Both Merdu and Kalsom nearly jumped.

“Who’s there?” asked Merdu, still hugging Kalsom who was crying.

“It’s me,” answered the voice.

It was Shah. He’d heard Kalsom’ scream just now. He slowly approached them.

“She’s having a nightmare again?” asked Shah, sitting next to Merdu.

Merdu slowly nodded. Shah sighed and patted on Kalsom’s head.

“Don’t worry, Som. We’re here to protect you. And as your eldest brother, I will protect you, Som. So, don’t cry anymore. Get back to sleep. You have school tomorrow,” said Shah consolingly.

“I...I don’t want to,” sobbed Kalsom. “They will be beat me again. It hurts abang. It hurts,” Kalsom sobbed harder.

“Then I’ll accompany you here, Som, with Merdu,” Shah looked at Merdu. Merdu nodded and later, Kalsom fell asleep in Merdu’s arm.

Merdu carefully laid Kalsom on the bed while Shah sat on the floor, leaning to the bed. He always slept like that every time Kalsom had a nightmare.

The next day, Kalsom was down with fever. Her head felt heavy and everything seemed to be spinning around as she tried to wake up. Merdu touched her forehead she felt Kalsom’s forehead was slightly hot. She told her parents about Kalsom’s condition. Shah volunteered to send Kalsom to the nearest clinic.

Even Kalsom was having fever; she forced herself to get up as she wanted to go to school. She didn’t want to miss the lessons. She weakly walked to the door and told Merdu to wait for her. Malik forbade Kalsom to go to school for that day because her body was too weak. Merdu promised to tell the teacher about her condition.

Shah told Kalsom to rest but Kalsom refused. She still wanted to convince them that she wanted to go to school. She nearly fell on the floor as her head hurt. Karamah helped her to go to her room and put the damp towel on her forehead. She felt pity to Kalsom as she knew why Kalsom was down with fever. She consoled Kalsom that everything will be fine and she’ll regain her health soon.

Shah went to Pak Awang’s house after taking breakfast. Pak Awang was an infamous pawang (Malay for traditional doctor) in this village. People in this village will go and see him if one of the family members got sick. Shah told Pak Awang about Kalsom’s condition. Pak Awang agreed to go to Shah’s house this afternoon.

***

“Congratulation, Kalsom!” Merdu and her other three friends cheered. Merdu showed the Maths test paper to Kalsom. She got 81/100 and this made Kalsom speechless.

Kalsom was back to school after having a fever for 3 days. She really missed her lessons and also her classmates. Some of Kalsom’s friends congratulated her and welcomed her back to the class warmly. Kalsom didn’t know what to say as she stared at her test paper again and again.

She never got A in Maths but this has proven that her hard work was paid. She repeatedly thanked her friends who always helped and supported her. But few of her classmates were jealous of her because of her marks and also some teachers’ appraisal towards her.

Most of the teachers in this school liked Kalsom’s attitude. They always praised her for her effort and kindness towards the teachers. She always volunteered to help the teachers in need. But sometimes she got rebellious when teachers mentioned about her real family. Everyone knew that she lived with her aunt and uncle. But she always told them that they were her parents and Merdu was her twin sister because they were in the same age.

But those teachers never knew the truth on what had happened to Kalsom 4 years ago.

It was another mundane weekend and this time Kalsom and Merdu were waiting for another member of the family who studied far away from their home. This person was the apple of everyone’s eyes. This person’s name is Rugayah or her family called her Kak Yah. She studied in the local university located in Kuala Lumpur. She’s the one and only in this family who managed to further her study.

Karamah, Merdu and Kalsom cooked a special meal for Rugayah as she’s having a semester break. At the same time, they will celebrate Kalsom’s performance as well. Karamah was proud of Kalsom, and so the rest of the family, especially Shah. He, as the eldest in the family, always reminded his other siblings to study hard and not to be like him. Even though Shah dropped out from school but his younger siblings respected him very much.

Dear Diary.

Kak Yah is coming back! Oh, I’m so,so, so happy!! We’re going to have a celebration for her although it’s very simple. Mak cooks Gulai Ikan Haruan for Kak Yah and also me because I got a good result in my test. I’m very grateful to Allah.

My brothers and Ayah went to the paddy-field early this morning. They will be back at noon. Kak Yah also will arrive at noon. She sent the letter 3 days ago. Everyone is very excited to meet her! And I can’t wait to listen to her stories of her life in the university. I hope Merdu and I will be successful just like her.

Kalsom and Merdu kept on peering outside of the window in case their big sister arrived. They were so excited to see Rugayah. Then Malik and the boys came back home. They washed themselves as they were sweating all over. Then they helped Karamah to prepare the meal.

Rugayah arrived and everyone cheered for her. Karamah hugged her tight, kissing her cheeks few times. It showed that how much she missed her so much. Malik kissed her daughter’s head as she bowed to kiss her father’s hand. It was a wonderful day for Malik and his family. They had lunch together and all of them asking about Rugayah’s health and her life there.

After lunch, Kalsom and Merdu washed the plates and glasses. They were so happy that the smiles never faded from their faces. As Kalsom rinsed the plates, Raheem called her. She put the plate on the rack near the sink and patted her wet hands on her shirt.

“What is it, Abang Heem?” she asked.

“Someone wants to see you,” replied Raheem hesitatingly.

“Who?” Kalsom frowned as she looked at how Raheem reacted.

Raheem told her that someone was waiting for her at the lawn. Kalsom followed Raheem from behind, thinking of the person who wanted to meet her. If her friends came, Raheem will tell the names of her friends. But this time, Raheem just told her ‘someone’ and he acted that he was hiding something from her.

Kalsom went to the door. She was utterly shocked as she saw that person in her lawn. The person that she hated the most; Nazatul.