12/08/2025

On the phone to Robert Lynda confesses her shame over Akram, castigating herself for her thoughtlessness. He still hasn’t replied to her message. Robert suggests going to see Akram to clear things up. Meanwhile at the Maliks it’s Zainab who’s more worked up, while Akram claims he didn’t feel hurt in the first place. Nevertheless Akram hides when Lynda arrives, while Zainab gives Lynda a mouthful. When Akram emerges he assures Lynda he’s put the issue behind him. When Lynda explains how stressed she’s been Akram apologises for not responding to her message; he was so busy yesterday. He was only hiding because he hasn’t counted all the fete money yet. Relieved Lynda offers to do it for him. When she speaks to Robert later she’s distracted and not really listening. It’s his turn to feel put out, and he leaves mystified Lynda hanging.

Running the shop at the village hall is proving more chaotic than Susan had hoped, as she tells Zainab. When Alan comes in and reminisces about how the church used to be the centre of the community it gives Zainab an idea. Why not relocate the shop to the church? Susan puts the idea to Alan, who’s not against it in principle, but various permissions will need to be obtained. Later he tells her the signs are looking good and he’ll call a meeting of the parochial church council to seek their approval. Delighted Susan tells him St Stephen’s might just be the saviour of the village shop.