Chapter 71 : ' Don't Fall for Ibrahim '

The hotel staff entered the room with a parade of dishes, turning the tea table into a mosaic of Malaysian delights. The fragrances of Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice Ball, Laksa, Satay, Cendol, and other local delicacies mingled in the air, creating an inviting aroma. 

The room was now brightly lit and the window provided a view of rain pouring outside, creating a cozy ambiance.

Seated beside Ibrahim on the sofa, Ava marveled at the feast before her, "Who will eat all this?"

Pouring water into a glass, Ibrahim responded with a confidence, "Of course, we will eat."

When the staff left, Ava attempted to lift the glass with her right hand, only to wince in pain due to the wound near her elbow. Adjusting quickly, she opted for her left hand.

Ibrahim observed her struggle and asked softly, "Can I feed you, Ava?"

Ava looked at him with a pout, "I'm is not a kid." But she was looking like a kid with that pout.

Ibrahim smiled, "The more you struggle with your wounded hand, the more it'll hurt. We have plans to go outside, and today is your only day to rest."

Ava nodded as she realised Ibrahim's word. Their visit to Malacca was meant for exploration, not spending time inside the hotel. With a return to Kuala Lumpur in two days, time was precious. And she really felt pain whenever she moved her elbow.

"Okay, feed me." Ava agreed.

Ibrahim smiled and picked up a chicken rice ball with a fork. He brought it close to Ava's mouth and gently fed her. She opened her mouth, and he gently placed it in. 

Ava looked into Ibrahim's eyes, found a sense of tenderness. He was behaving so well nowadays, making her falling in love with him even more. 

Ibrahim continued to feed her, offering different dishes while exchanging occasional smiles. Between bites, Ava found herself saying, "These dishes are really good."

"I'm glad you like them. I'm enjoying doing this." Ibrahim responded while feeding her. 

Ava asked, "Why?" 

Ibrahim paused, his fingers delicately moving to the side of Ava's mouth to wipe away a stray piece of food, "It's the first time I'm feeding you. And in Rahman Mansion, you didn't really eat well. You lost weight. I was worried for you. Now, it feels good to see you enjoying food." 

"I just ate to survive at that time." Ava replied.

Ibrahim's gaze intensified as he asked, "And what about now? Do you still want to survive, or do you want to live?"

Ava was silent, unable to provide an immediate answer. She was looking at him. Internally, she said to herself - now she is trying to live, and she wants to live with him, with this man. She yearns for his love, wanting to build a life together. Her heart desires the warmth he provides. These thoughts overwhelmed her, and a mix of emotions flooded her soul - longing, hope, and a spark of love she hadn't known before.

On the other hand Ibrahim was waiting for her answer asked, "Won't you answer...." His phone started to ring. He murmured, "Who on earth is calling me now?"

He retrieved his phone from his pocket, revealing Elara's name on the screen. Turning to Ava, he mentioned, "Looks like your brother's in the mood for a chat."

"Elara, my man, always the concerned brother, huh?" Ibrahim asked after receiving.

Ibrahim faced Elara's agitated voice, "Where are you two?"

Smirking, Ibrahim coolly responded, "Oh, just soaking up the scenic delights of Malacca, you know, quality time stuff."

Elara, audibly frustrated, shot back, "How could you waltz off with Ava without a heads-up? And why would she even go with you?"

Ibrahim injected a dash of humor, "Well, my dear brother-in-law, it's called being married. No permission slip needed for a romantic getaway with my wife."

Ava, sitting beside Ibrahim, was clueless about Elara's exact words, but she could sense the tension in Ibrahim's tone.

"Marriage? You forced her into this mess! How can she enjoy any romantic getaway with you?" Elara retorted.

With a sly grin, Ibrahim retorted, "Well, she's here, and we're having a grand time. You should join us sometime. We could use your excellent third-wheel skills."

Elara's voice escalated, "Ibrahim, this is not a joke. You can't just take my sister wherever you want!"

Ibrahim chuckled, "Relax, Elara. We're fine. In fact, we're having a feast right now. Chicken rice balls, laksa." 

"You better bring her back soon, and we need to talk about all this." Elara warned. 

Ibrahim was mockingly serious, "Sure thing, Brother. Looking forward to our heart-to-heart conversation."

Elara's irritation escalated, "Give the phone to Ava. I need to talk to her."

Ibrahim arched an eyebrow but handed the phone to Ava, saying, "Your brother wants a word."

Ava looked at the phone then Ibrahim. She took the phone, "Hello! Elara." 

Elara's voice conveyed genuine concern, "Ava, are you alright? Why didn't you charge your phone?"

Ava hesitated, sensing her brother's worry through the phone. "I'm fine, Elara. Just forgot to charge it, and we're in Malacca for a short break.

"You need to be more careful, Ava. I worry about you. And why are you with Ibrahim? Did he force you to go?" Elara asked. 

She told, "No, Elara, he didn't force me. I wanted a change of scenery before my exams, that's all."

"At least inform me when you're going somewhere. One day, you'll give me a heart attack." Elara's voice came through the phone. 

"I promise I'll inform you from now on," Ava assured him. 

Elara sighed in relief, "Alright, just keep me informed. I can't stand not knowing if you're safe. Promise me, Ava."

"I promise, Elara. I'll keep you updated." Ava replied.

"Don't put yourself in a position you can't escape from, Ava. Don't fall for Ibrahim," Elara's words were laced with a protective urgency. "The way things are going between you two, I won't be able to rescue you if you get too involved. I can fight with everyone, but not with the man you love."

Ava continued to Looking at Ibrahim who seemed oblivious to the conversation. 

Elara persisted, "Ava, don't let his charm cloud your judgment. You know he married you forcefully. You can't trust him. Promise me, don't fall for him."

Ava's thoughts raced inside her mind and Elara's words echoed, 'Don't fall for Ibrahim'. A warning against falling for the man who had forcefully wedded her. Ava knew there was truth in Elara's concerns, but she couldn't deny the growing connection she felt with Ibrahim. His gestures, the way he cared for her, even feeding her now – all these stirred emotions she hadn't expected. Her internal conflict intensified. 

"I can't bear to see you hurt, Ava," Elara's voice softened through the phone. "I know he's your husband now, but please, be cautious. Promise me you won't let yourself be consumed by whatever is happening between you two."

Ava leaned her back on the sofa. Elara's warnings were like a sharp blade, cutting through Ava's heart. She wanted to believe that her connection with Ibrahim was genuine, that he had changed, but Elara's words stirred a seed of doubt. 

On the other hand, Ibrahim noticed her thoughtful expression, and he gently asked, "Everything okay, baby girl?"

Ava forced a smile, "Yeah just talking." 

She heard Elara's voice, "Are you listening Ava?" 

"Yeah, I'm listening. We will be back soon. Don't worry." Ava replied. 

Elara softened, "Good. I just want you safe, Ava. Take care of yourself. I can't lose my sister to someone like him. Bye"

Ava whispered, "I will, Elara. Take care of you too." 

Ibrahim saw Ava's sad face as she gazed out the window, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. He halted his meal and inquired, "Why the sadness, Ava?"

But Ava didn't want to disclose the conversation with her brother, replied, "Nothing, Elara was just talking about Dad."

Ibrahim sensed there was more to it but chose not to press. He respected their privacy but didn't want Ava to linger in disappointment. Still, he knew precisely how to lift her spirits. With a warm smile, he suggested, "Let's go outside."

 "Outside? Didn't we plan to stay in today?" Ava questioned.

Ibrahim nodded, "Yes, but what about a long drive? The weather is perfect for it. A long drive on a rainy day, what do you think?"

Ava considered the proposal. It would be good idea to escape from her thoughts. It might be the distraction she needed. She agreed, "Okay, let's go."