DATES

"When will she be discharged?" Malik asks the doctor as he runs some drip into her veins. "It's been three days now."

The doctor didn't utter any word until he was done passing the drip himself. He faces Malik and replies. "I suggests she still remain here for the time being, at least three days more, nothing serious, just proper observation and check up."

"I actually have no problem with her staying here, it's just that she has been complaining a lot that she wants to return home." Malik looks at his daughter who is sleeping peacefully with smiles.

"You surely did something with your daughters."

"What is that?"

"Building a strong and cordial relationship between you both." The doctor sighs. "I sometimes envy the type of relationship you have with her. She feels very comfortable to tell you everything."

"Are you saying I am a good dad?" Malik asks with a serious face.

"Yes." The doctor says and laughs gently, Malik soon joins him.

"I owe you a lot sir, thanks for treating my daughter."

"Don't mention sir." The small vote of thanks ends with a hand shake and the doctor leaves the ward.

***********

After some days, Ella finally returns home still looking a bit pale. "It feels so good to be back home." She whispers to herself.

"You room, most especially, has missed you a lot." Shamim teases.

"Look at how happy everyone is, it's as if our lost joy is found." Malik comments with smiles as they all talk over their dinner.

"We will be having our family dinner in two days time." Lola says. "I hope you guys can wait till then so that we can prepare everything we need together." She says looking at her daughter's friends.

"I will be staying here for a while ma'am, I hope I won't be inconveniencing you in any ways?" Darifa asks politely.

"Inconvenience ?!" Lola asks a with great laughter. "I will be so happy if you can even start living here. It was so wonderful to have you around."

"Why don't you wish to go back to your apartment? Are you still scared of Jessica?" Asma teases loudly.

"Don't talk about Jessica at night." Darifa whispers with a bit of fear.

"So, you are really scared?" Abdullah asks and laughs loudly.

"Stop making fun of me young man." She cautions.

"Have you reminded Juvenal about the family dinner?" Ella asks her brother, changing the topic.

Shamim keeps mute for a while then whispers. "I totally forgot to do so."

"What were you thinking of? I promised to keep in touch with prior notice."

"I will send a message to her immediately after dinner."

"And don't forget you have to drive her down to the store." Ella reminds and her brother frowns. "You've got no choice."

"You know she is a shy type, I am not sure if she will want to come." Shamim whispers enjoying his meal.

"She looks pretty calm and cool, so I am sure she would honor my visit." Malik adds.

"Is there something we don't know?" Lola asks.

Asma drops her spoon and asks Shamim. "Are you seeing someone else now?"

"Of course not, she is just a colleague." He replies bluntly.

"That lady is such a wonderful soul, I like her."

"I will like to meet her." Abdullah says raising an eyebrow.

"Shamim, accept your fate." Darifa whispers. "You are getting married to that Juvenal lady."

"Why do you say so?" Lola asks again.

"Because your sister already likes her. I am very sure you know the kind of person your sister is, once she bites, she never let go."

Miss Smith clicks her cutlery on the plate. "Don't talk an bout me like that, you are making me feel like I am terrible person."

"They're telling you the fact darling." Abdullah cuts in.

"You shouldn't be saying that too." Ella nags.

"You find it very difficult to relate to people, which I think is very bad."

"I will improve." Miss Smith focuses on her food and keeps eating.

"What about Cassandra?" Abdullah asks.

Shamim drops his spoon in annoyance and scoffs, then faces Abdullah. "Really? Must you really talk about her now?"

"Hey!" Darifa calls at Shamim. "Forget totally about her, she is your past already. Just move on."

"And live a good life with Juvenal." Malik adds and raises his cup before drinking his juice.

"Juvenal is just a friend father." He replies bluntly and picks up his spoon again to eat but drops it and asks. "What about Cassandra?"

"She should be doing fine." Malik replies chewing on to his steak meat. "She was released yesterday."

"Released?" Everyone choruses.

"Sweetheart, you didn't even mention this to me." Lola nags.

"What made you change your mind?" Ella asks her father.

"I conversed with her and apparently, she did it because she needed to pay her mother's medical fees and take care of her younger siblings."

"She should have just asked for the help, why did she have to toy with my feelings and emotions?!" Shamim asks loudly.

"Do not try to blame or judge her, she was in a very tight space. Something about those type of jobs, you wouldn't be told the nature of job yet, just proposed with money, by the time you get to know the type of job, you won't be able to opt out because you have already taken the money." Malik explains further.

"I won't lie to you, she was of a great help that day, because she delayed my death."

"How did she do that?" Shamim asks.

"Emerens pressured Jessica to put an end to my life, but Cassandra suggests she held on a bit. If not for her, I could have died before uncle Eric came."

"Her name is Ayano." Whispers Shamim.

"Who is that?" Lola asks.

"Her name isn't Cassandra, it is Ayano. She changed her name because she was working for Jessica."

"It must have been hard for her." Asma murmurs.

Malik stands up and claps his hands. "Enough Ayano or Cassandra talk. The family dinner will hold in two days time, everyone of you, must have a date."

"A date?" They ask.

"Yes." He nods. "If you do not have a date, don't think of coming."

"Then I guess I won't be attending." Asma says sadly.

"You can be my date." Darifa suggests

"Your date must be the opposite sex, except Darifa." Malik says facing Asma. Malik is fully aware about Darifa's condition, she isn't romantically attached to the opposite sex.

"Thanks for understanding sir." Darifa appreciates with smiles.

"Dad, is it a family dinner or a match making ceremony?" Ella asks suspiciously.

Malik laughs hysterically and placed his hands on the table. "What can I do? Since you all refused to make the move, I have to force you to make you do it."

"You want all of us to get married now?" Asma asks.

"Yes." Malik sighs. "Starting from tomorrow, begin the preparation."