Chapter 101 : "Threatening Ibrahim isn't that easy."

Elara stepped into the elevator, his body heavy with fatigue after spending three grueling days on a rescue mission in one of the lower, flood-ravaged areas of Kuala Lumpur. His navy blue uniform hung heavy on his frame, damp at the shoulders from the relentless drizzle. As a dedicated police officer, he had faced the challenges head-on, working tirelessly to help those affected by the devastating floods. Now, finally returning to his apartment, he yearned for a moment of respite.

The elevator ascended to the second floor, and Elara emerged, each step a testament to the fatigue that gripped his body. Elara unlocked his apartment, but as he pushed the door open, he was greeted by the faint clatter of utensils emanating from the kitchen. His apartment had a unique dual-sided lock, accessible from both inside and out. Who could be there?

As he entered the kitchen, Elara's eyes widened in surprise. There stood Farah, his beloved girlfriend, fully engrossed in her culinary endeavors.

"Oh, Farah," Elara breathed, "You're here?"

Farah spun around, "Yes, my dearest boyfriend, I came this morning. " a joyous smile blooming on her face, "And look how many dishes I made for you!"

She gestured playfully to the countertop. Elara walked closer, eyes widening at the feast laid out on the counter. Fluffy roti canai sat next to a vibrant red sambal, cucumber raita cooling beside golden-brown popiah pastries, fragrant biryani simmered in a clay pot, a bowl of golden daal shimmered with ghee. 

"Fa... Farah" Elara stammered, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten, "We could have just ordered takeout. You didn't have to work this hard. How long did it take you to make all these dishes?"

Farah wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his uniform, "Take-out? Who needs take-out when you have a woman? And who counts time when it's for you? You know what? I missed you..... I missed you so much. Elara."

Elara held her close. The past three days had been a blur of rain, exhaustion, and the gnawing worry of not having her by his side. Now, nestled in her embrace, the world outside ceased to exist.

"I missed you too, sweetheart, You have no idea how much," he murmured, tracing circles on her back. "But all this... you must have spent hours to make these."

She pulled away, "Time is an illusion, my love. Especially when the reward is a hungry hero."

Elara laughed, "Alright, Ms. Master Chef. I plead guilty. Starving, exhausted, and utterly smitten."

Farah's eyes sparkled. "Then go get fresh, knight. The queen herself will serve."

"Yeah, if I don't take a shower now, this exhaustion won't go away soon," Elara replied and headed towards the bathroom to freshen up.

Farah stayed in the kitchen, she let out a sigh. She had been wanting to talk to Elara about Ava and Ibrahim. Although Ava had asked her not to say anything, Farah felt the need to give Elara some hints. It was hard for Farah to see Ava in so much pain. 

She vividly remembered the day when Ava had come to her apartment and confessed her love for Ibrahim. While serving the aromatic biryani onto plates, Farah whispered to herself, "Oh Ava, how can I help you?"

While Elara took his shower, Farah busied herself setting the table. She meticulously arranged the plates and the dishes. The table was adorned with a simple, yet elegant charm.

With the raita served in little bowls, Farah pulled out a chair and sat down. Just as she did, Elara emerged from the bathroom, his hair damp, a towel slung around his neck. The fatigue seemed to have vanished, replaced by a soft glow. 

"Ava messaged me earlier," he announced, pulling out a chair. "You semester's been postponed."

"Yeah" Farah confirmed. 

He nodded, digging into the biryani with enthusiasm. "Means you'll be back on campus soon, right?"

"Yup, from this Monday." Farah replied. 

Elara sighed. "Good for Ava. The more distance she keeps from Ibrahim, the better. Atleast she will be busy in campus nowadays."

Farah paused midway through her meal, gathering her courage. She spoke up, "Elara, what if... what if Ava's feelings change for Ibrahim?"

Elara looked at Farah, his eyes searching for understanding. "What are you trying to say?"

Clearing her throat, Farah hesitated before continuing, "What if... Ava falls in love..."

Before Farah could complete her sentence, Elara interrupted, his voice firm yet tinged with a hint of doubt. "I know what you're trying to say. I spoke to Ava recently, and she assured me that there's nothing between her and Ibrahim. Recently I doubted Ava a lot since they've been spending a lot of time together, but Ava insisted that things are under control."

Elara's words silenced Farah. His unwavering belief in Ava was a knife in Farah's heart. She already knew that Ava had lied to Elara, but it was Elara's confidence that made Farah hesitate. What would happen when Elara discovered that Ava truly loved Ibrahim?

Elara spoke again, his determination evident. "I recently conducted an investigation into Ibrahim's illegal business, but he's cunning. He covers his tracks before taking any action. I've never seen such a manipulative man in my life. If I can find just one piece of evidence, I'll put Ibrahim behind bars."

"Ibrahim may be a bad person," Farah said softly, "but he treats Ava well."

Elara scoffed. "Sympathy, Farah, that's all he's giving her. He manipulates, he controls, he destroys. You think I'll stand by and watch my sister's life get ruined?"

"I never said that," she replied, "I just want Ava to be happy." Farah didn't say more. She wanted to tell if Ava found happiness with Ibrahim then let her.

"Maybe..." Farah started again, "Maybe she sees something we don't. Maybe there's another side to him..."

"Don't be naive, Farah. Ibrahim is a monster. And Ava deserves better." Elara's hand reached across the table, engulfing hers, "Now don't talk about this. Eat now."

The sunlight boldly entered Ibrahim's room. It didn't hesitate or sneak through the drawn blinds; instead, it burst in with determination, filling the room with brightness. The sunlight painted Ibrahim's face in stripes of gold and shadow. He slumbered like a lion, muscles coiled beneath the thin cotton shirt, his chest rising and falling with a rhythm. 

But the persistent buzzing of his phone beneath his pillow, like an angry wasp trapped in a silk cocoon, shattered the illusion of peace. The phone didn't ring for once or twice but five times. Ibrahim blinked, eyes cracking open like shutters thrown wide. His hand darted under the pillow, plucking the offending device from its place. 

A glance at the screen revealed the caller – Yusuf. Why? Just Why Yusuf was calling at this hour? 

"Bloody hell," Ibrahim muttered, his voice thick with grogginess and annoyance. The ringing had finally stopped after persisting for what felt like eternity.

With a groan Ibrahim sat up and glanced at Ava's bed. She wasn't there in bed or in the room. Though Ibrahim felt relieved as he didn't want Ava to hear his conversation with Yusuf. The phone buzzed again. And Ibrahim answered. 

"Are you dead?" Yusuf's voice was sharp, "More than five times I've called you, Ibrahim. Five times!"

"And five times I cursed your existence. Speak quickly now," Ibrahim growled, "Before I feed you to the pigeons."

"Rafi, he's gone mad.The court announced the divorce." Yusuf told.

Ibrahim smirked, "Yes, I'm well aware of Rafi's meltdown. It's all over the news." 

Yusuf warned, "Don't get cocky. Rafi is coming for you, Ibrahim."

Ibrahim's smirk widened. "Hmmmm. Let him try. I've dealt with rabid dogs before. Now, if that's all, I have an empire to run."

"Not quite," Yusuf drawled. "Send the usual payment. My services don't come free, you know."

Ibrahim cursed under his breath again, "How much?"

Yusuf cackled, "100000 Ringgit."

Ibrahim gritted his teeth, "You'll get it, "but you'll regret crossing me."

"Oh, I doubt it," Yusuf chuckled. "Speaking of regrets, remember when you kidnapped my son, Aidan? How many chocolates did you stuff him with? Now the kid won't shut up about 'Uncle Ibi's chocolates.' Says they were the best he ever tasted. I think you should visit us." 

"Take care of your damn kid," Ibrahim snarled. "I'm not a walking candy dispenser."

Yusuf countered, "Easy for you to say. You created the problem now you fixed it. Either you bring those chocolates to my doorstep by sundown, or I come knocking on your mansion gates. See how your precious Ava reacts to that little visit."

Ibrahim's eyes narrowed. Yusuf was threatening him. Ibrahim hissed, "Come here if you dare. I'll give you Aidan's damn chocolates, but I promise, you won't be walking back to your house on two legs."

Yusuf voice trembled slightly. "Aidan's crying, Ibrahim. I gotta go. We'll talk later."

The call ended abruptly. And Ibrahim slammed the phone onto the bed, a smirk dancing on his lips. Threats held no sway over him, least of all from a craven coward like Yusuf. He stared at the his phone and murmured, "Threatening Ibrahim isn't that easy."