The Runaway Reporter (A Police Procedural Mystery Series of Crime and Suspense, Hyder Ali #3) by Thomas Fincham Read Free Book Online Page A

their own.
    As they were both busy with their careers, and Akbar was averse to mowing the lawn in the summer or shovelling snow in winter, the condo became their only option.
    “How are you, Bhabi ( sister-in-law )?” Hyder asked.
    “I’m good,” she said.  “What’s going on with you?”
    Ever since Aisha came into their family, she knew more about Hyder than even his own brother did.  Aisha watched over Hyder like he was her real brother.  Hyder never had a sister, so he enjoyed the attention he got.
    He shrugged.  “You know how it is, being good looking and famous can be a burden,” he joked.
    “I’m sure it can,” she said, rolling her eyes.
    Another woman came out of the kitchen.
    “ Assalamu alaikum ( Peace be upon you ),” Hyder said to her.
    “ Wa alaikum assalam ( And upon you be peace ),” Mrs. Ali replied.
    Mrs. Fatima Ali wore a traditional orange Pakistani dress, called a shalwar kameez , with a matching dupatta ( scarf ) over her head.
    Her hands were covered in dough.
    “ Beta ( son ) when did you get here?” she asked.
    Hyder went over and kissed her.  “I just got in.”
    “Go and say Salaam ( greeting ) to uncle and aunty,” she quickly said.
    Hyder didn’t realize until he reached the living room that Aisha’s mom and dad were there as well.
    Hyder hugged and shook hands with Mr. Ahmed and then lowered his head for Mrs. Ahmed, who patted him as if blessing him.
    Mr. Ahmed owned several restaurants in Indiana and Mrs. Ahmed was a homemaker.
    Next to them was a young man.
    “What’s up, Nasir?” Hyder said with a grin.  “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
    Nasir Ahmed laughed and gave Hyder a big bro-hug.  Nasir was Aisha’s younger brother and he was a student at Indiana University.  Hyder rarely saw him, but whenever he did, they always had a good time together.
    “I thought I’d surprise Baji ( older sister ),” Nasir said.
    Aisha came over and placed a bowl on the dining table.  “I was so shocked to see Nasir.  No one said a word about him coming over.”  She glared at Akbar, knowing full well that he was aware of it.
    He shrugged.  “Your brother said not to say a word, so give him the dirty eye, not me.”
    “It’s about to open,” Mrs. Ali said.
    As the clock ticked down to the final seconds before the end of the fast, they all recited the following verse from the Quran:
    Alla-humma inni laka soom-to. W' bika aa-manto. W'alaika ta-wak-kalto. W'ala rizki-ka af-tar-to ( O Allah! I have fasted for You. I believe and depend on You. And open the fast with what You have provided ).
    Hyder watched the clock and then said, “It's open!”
    They all grabbed a date and ate it.  For thousands of years, dates were a principal fruit in the Middle East and as such were the food that Prophet Muhammad ate when he broke his fast.
    Akbar quickly poured a glass of milk mixed with Rooh Afza (concentrated syrup made of herbs, fruits and vegetable extracts) for everyone.
    Hyder then placed sheets on the floor where they performed in congregation the evening Salat ( prayers ).
    Afterwards, they sat at the dining table and had a meal that consisted of traditional Pakistani and Indian dishes.
    Once done, no one had the energy to get up and clear the table.  After going an entire day on empty stomachs they were now completely spent.  Akbar finally took the lead and pulled Hyder in to help him put away the dishes.  Soon, Nasir joined in, and together they put everything away and even managed to fill the dishwasher.
    Meanwhile, the ladies quickly made chai ( tea ).
    With the hot cups in their hands, they sat in the living room discussing general topics, like politics, weather, and even what was happening in Pakistan.
    Soon the discussion turned to Hyder and Nasir’s marriage possibilities.  Hyder took this as his cue and quickly excused himself.
    After Akbar got married, Hyder was constantly reminded that it was now his turn to settle down.
    Marriage was the last thing