THE REVERT 14

 Rocky's body started hurting after being pinned on the ground for past half hour. He tried to move himself once again but didn't help a bit. Brian got him good! Lying down on the floor, he is wondering why Brian is reacting this way. If it would be Gilman, then he could tell himself that he is doing this out of compassion for his fiance's family. But Brian! He is literally threatening to kill him. How could an unknown person show such compassion toward Ruby, unless they are closer than anyone realizes. As soon as that thought came in Rocky's head, he pushed it away. Nah! Ruby is not like that. She is never going to fall for a guy in 3 days, they were never seen together even for a minute. Then again, the picture being deleted from the phone doesn't make sense. Rocky gave up his thoughts. His hands are really hurting!

-"Parker! Get Steve and come to Gilman's place ASAP." Brian said while holding  rocky down.

-" Still partying?"

-" Yeah, hard! Couldn't enjoy without you bastards! Get something vegetarian on the way." Brian hanged up. He looked around the room, Gilman is still in a shock mode. His brain still can't process all these at the same time. Ruby's parents and Saba's parents are maintaining safe distance from him. Brian grinned. He is used to this behavior from people. He kinda enjoys it. Then he looked toward Ruby, still looking away. Most women try to grab Brian's attention but Ruby is opposite. She is looking away. The time he spent with Muslim people overseas, behaved the same. Hijab didn't change their behavior. Hijab or not all women are the same. But there is something different about Ruby. ' Why am I thinking about her?' Brian asked himself. ' She isn't the first woman he has met. Then why?' he couldn't answer himself. Sudden bell ring got him out if his thoughts.

"Gilman! Get the door." Brian yelled.

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Ruby sighed a relief after Brian moved. This guy was literally staring at her without blinking! Ruby could feel that his eyes were scanning her. But why? She is covered from head to toe. Is it because he saw her picture? Not possible, Ruby thought. She is not even as beautiful as most girls are. Then why? Whatever the reason is, Brian was making her feel really uncomfortable. She stayed quiet because this man just helped her. " Alhamdulillah" Ruby murmured.

Ruby got startled by the shiny take out container in front of her. 

-" Please eat! It's all vegetarian. You haven't eaten anything except fruits in past 3 days. " Brian put the container down on the floor with fork and napkins and left.

Ruby could feel her eyes started welling up with tear again. "Food" , this is what her family has been using past months to manipulate her. So many nights passed when she craved for a plate full of food. But couldn't. If she wanted, she could've got halal food from outside but she didn't. She didn't want to show her weakness to her family. So many nights, she cried in sajdah so Allah increases her patience and makes everything easy for her. Now the almighty has helped her, now she has halal food right in front of her.  Ruby prostrated with gratitude.

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-" Is it really necessary to tie him up like that?" Gilman asked. Hesitation is evident in his voice. " His parents are crying. They can't see their son like that."

-" Of course not. I'll untie him and give him back his crow bar so he can swing at his sister again. I bet his parents will be really happy that time." Brian replied sarcastically. 

Gilman left. He doesn't know this Brian, he thought. He is behaving like a human now. How can a monster become a human overnight? Who is the beauty behind this beast?

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The next day, people got busy with Saba's burial, except Brian. He stuck around Ruby with Parker and Steve. Brian didn't need them to be with him but he didn't want to make Ruby uncomfortable. At least he learned that much from his special-op. He still can't forget the prostration yesterday. Right after he left Ruby with the food, she prostrated. What does it mean? Is she showing the gratitude to God for the food? Was she really struggling that much in her own house? May be! Whoever has parents and sibling like that, doesn't need any enemy. Brian sighed!

-"What's up, boss! You look worried." Parker said.

-" Do I?" Brian smiled.

-" You haven't talked in past half hour. You are just sitting there and thinking something really deep. You behave like that when you plan for a critical mission." Parker said. Still looking at Brian.

Brain smiled and pat on his shoulder. " I wish I knew." Brian left toward the kitchen.

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In the evening, Mahad Nasr and his family got ready to leave. Ruby also got her backpack from the guestroom and came to the living room.

-"Where are you going?" Rocky asked.

- Ruby looked up. " Home"

-" We don't want you there. We are happy just four of us. Me, Rose and mom,dad. You can stay with your boyfriend."

-"Excuse me! Where did you see my boyfriend?" Ruby was surprised.

- Rocky got closer, " Do you think no one can see the relationship between you and Brian? I was wondering why he behaved like that with me. Now it's all clear! By the way, you didn't feel ashamed sleeping with Brian on Saba's burial day?"

- " Mind your language. You are my brother, so behave like one. Brian isn't my boyfriend and I never had any. You know that very well." 

-" Then explain his behavior." Mahad Nasr joined.

Ruby laughed herself.' Yesterday I was a murderer and today I am a hooker who sleeps with a man for her own benefit.' Ruby kept quiet. She knows that no answer will satisfy them. It's just an excuse for them to shake her off from their life.

- " You should've asked me for that explanation, Mr. Nasr. I would have gladly explained that to you." Brian said from the back.

Rocky and Mahad Nasr both swallowed hard!

To be continued......

(All the characters, stories depicted here are fictitious)