Umaima had been crying for almost an hour she felt so restless. it looks like the tears were even tired of pouring out as her eyes were now swollen and red. she kept a straight gaze at the file all this while as if waiting for it to just perform a magic trick. Maybe it could disappear or something. Her mind went back to the dream she had the other night. What if it was real? What if the Man in her dreams was really the kind of person she was getting married to. Many Questions kept flooding in her head that instant, Or..... Could this be a test from Allah.
"Ohhh Yah Allah help me "she cried in agony. But...., What would become of her family if she refuses? Maybe this is the only way she can thank them. Even if this would affect her negatively. She was still a bit confident she would overcome it. I mean she wasn't called Nur for nothing.
She could do anything just to make her family happy. She has to and their is no going back. If getting married to this man would save her family then she would have to accept this proposal. One thing she was sure of was that Allah doesn't put one in a situation more than he can overcome. These positive thoughts kept running through her head.
That instant it looks like the crying girl had turned into a worrior in a battle field. Her mind drifted back to the dream she had the other night but she was quick to get over it. She opened the file and without reading what was written on it afraid that the confidence she just built will crumble like broken rock. Her pen had just touched where she was suppose to sign when... her phone rang.
She gave a weak and painful Cry before directing her eyes towards her phone. Who could this be. Why has this person decided to call now. Whoever this is I will...
Hello! please to whom am i into. She said from her voice one would detect that she was not pleased with the caller.
The caller on the other end whom hadn't know the offense he just committed, upon hearing her voice let out a sigh of relief.
Assalamualaikum umaima
wa alaikum salam please may i know who this is. She asked impatiently.
umaima it me Uthman don't tell me you don't recognize my voice.
Uth.....
Uthman had been Umaima's childhood friend back then. she was just four then and Uthman was a year older than her. They had spent every day doing things together not minding the opposite gender. they never fought but sometimes they argue on whom was right or wrong whenever a situation calls for such. They were separated due to the fact that Uthman father was posted to another part of the country to work . The two friends had cried when they heard about the sudden news even though it was a good news. they just can't imagine a life without one another. Their parents were sorry for them but they had no other option. Before leaving that day Uthman had promise he would come back to see her when she comes of age. and she would forever be his closest friend even as they depart.
Not only his parents but also Umaima's parent whom had come to wish them farewell were surprised by the little boy sudden promise. They knew the meaning behind the statement Uthman just made. They wouldn't deny the fact that even though he was just a kid he still behaves matured. He was one of the most intelligent and smartest amongst his peers.
He had been separated from umaima for sixteen years and now he has called. It took umaima all her self respect not to scream out his name. Uthman was the last person she was expecting to call her at this critical situation she has landed.
Uth... man is this really you or am I hallucinating. The man on the other end let out a soft chuckle before replying "of course it me umaima i got your number from Maya.
Maya was also one of Umaima's close friend. they didn't care about their difference in religion and just built their friendship due to interest. Back then maya had been bullied by her friends in school all because she couldn't steal her mother's lip stick which was needed to complete their makeover. Before the sudden situation the friends had promise one another to bring one item from their mothers makeup kit since they would be scolded if they applied it at home they decided to do it secretly at least this craziness they felt would probably last for few hours before they get home. They could at least endure the scolding for being late from school anyway. That day, They had beaten her to a pulp for spoiling their plan. Umaima and Uthman had been her life saver. her friend had ran away when they had footstep approaching their way not knowing it was just two kids of their age returning home from school. Maya was a bit afraid she had been told by her friends to avoid the muslims for they were dangerous people who kill other people that don't practice the same religion as theirs, and since then she had considered them as such. Due to fear she fainted.
Allahu Akbar! (Allah is Great)
Allahu Akbar! (Allah is Great)
The call to prayer woke the sleeping girl.
Ummu she's awake. umaima shouted.
Maya out of fear screamed gaining the attention of everyone in the house the little girl was so scared and she kept lamenting. "please don't kill me". "Am just a child". That statement took everyone aback but they couldn't blame her anyway. After so much explanation the little girl became less scared. she got home that day filling happy she had never experienced so much care and attention from anyone apart from her parent. After that incident she became a regular visitor in Umaima's house her parent also came to show their gratitude and that was how these three families became really close.
"Umaima are you still there" The man on the other end asked.
ohhh yes... sorry i just don't know what to say it been so long since i heard from you. How are you doing over there.
"Am good" sorry for not calling all this while. i was just waiting for the right time to make the move.
So you think now is the right time, Umaima let out a soft sigh upon remembering what she was passing through.
Yes i hope it is. The two friends talk for almost thirty minutes each telling the other their experience so far while they were separated. Umaima didn't bother to tell Uthman about the marriage part well she would tell him eventually but not now.
"Umaima Guess what". Uthman suddenly blurted out.
what is it again uthman you know i don't like guessing.
Well i won't tell it gonna be a surprise then.
what!! like seriously you are still into this child game
yes Umaima i am.
Well, well, well, here i am thinking that you are now matured how wrong i was. Uthman you are still a boy i mean it a boy. And that was how they continued plastering each other Till the call ended.
Uthman, Uthman, very naughty boy you didn't change a bit. Umaima lay on her bed as her mind went flew back to the time when they were still young. He should have at least told me the surprise. she blurted out felling a bit disappointed. She didn't had much time to savour the old memories as her mind reminded her of her present situation.
Umaima" are you ok pls can i come in.
letting out a weak sigh
"yes the door is open."
Ummu stood by the door watching her daughter as if waiting for her permission to move any further but to be more sincere she was.
Umaima won't you join us for dinner today? you've been in your room all day. i know you are in a tough situation right now but remember we are still family. if this situation was within my strength you know i would have done anything to stop this. I really missed My Nur.
It didn't take Umaima two second to rush to the door to hug her mother. ''Ummu am sorry for keeping you worried". She cried out.
shuu!!! there is nothing to be sorry about you've done nothing wrong.
Mother and daughter stood in that position for almost three minutes each pouring out what they felt that moment. They both left the room to join the kids in the sitting room later on.
...................
buhhhhhhhhhhhh. Hatib shouted behind the chair he had hidden earlier.
ha!! you scared me. "what was that for".
well it for a big sister who had locked herself up all day long.
"Is that so". Umaima said putting up a surprise look. she wouldn't want to make her siblings feel downcast and let their little effort to make her smile go to waste and it looks like it worked.
Yes you didn't even attend the Quranic session with us today a teacher missing her own lesson. They both started laughing at their own jock not minding the lady's expression.
You two come over am gonna teach you both a lesson.
Well, catch us if you can and they were at it again laughter filling the once quiet house. Umaima trying to catch her siblings.
'And what going on here" All face turned to the source of noise. Why are you all playing around. You know that this not the right time to play right. Abu Dahud looked at his kids a bit disappointed they knew about the rules in the house why have they decided to go against it today of all days.
"Umaima" Abu suddenly called out. "you are getting married soon i think it high time you start behaving a little matured and leave every child play in you. Ummu should be a better help there". Abu said before going back to his bedroom.
Not only the kids even Ummu whom had been watching the kid a while ago was shocked. What suddenly happened. Well he scolded them but today the words he uttered..... hurt.
"Sister Umaima" we are sorry for what just happened. Because of us you were scolded. Hafsah Apologized
Ohh!!! Hafsah there is nothing to be sorry about you've done nothing wrong. Alright why don't we go help our mother in preparing the meal.
No you guys can go relax in your room I will manage. Ummu was quick to reject their offer
"No Ummu we insist to help you out". Umaima said stubbornly.
Well, who was she to complain.
Ummu what are we having tonight Hatib asked his mother on their way to the kitchen. Why are you always like this Hatib always asking questions. Hafsah complained.
Ohh Miss it non of your business by the way I was talking to mother. Umaima and ummu let out a soft chuckle as they watched the drama being displayed by the kids.
After dinner They all observed their solat and just like yesterday They went to bed. Thankfully enough Abu didn't say anything about the marriage stuff neither about the documents he gave her a while ago. Well, at least they had a little fun today so it was not that bad.
Umaima sat on her bed afraid of falling asleep. She kept thinking about the dream she had the other night. She prayed silently hoping the sun will rise already. But it just 10pm.
" I will just pray and sleep it just a dream after all.
Not like it real.
pull yourself together Umaima''. She kept encouraging herself till she fell asleep.
................
The knock from the door got everyone's attention.
Well they weren't expecting anybody so who could it be.
"Hatib go check who is at the door". Ummu said from the sitting room.
Assalamualaikum sir. Hatib greeted the person at the door.
Wa alaikum Salam. How are you.
Am fine. Please sir who do you seek. Hatib asked one thing for sure was that he has never seen this man before. He looked closely at the man before him. he wore a causal white top and black pant. His hair were a bit long and he wore a friendly look. He was really handsome that he wouldn't deny.
I seek the presence of your Father.
Ohh ok come in Hatib said opening the door widely for him to enter
Uthman was directed to sit on a couch in the living room. It had really been a long time.
Uthman is that you. Ummu asked with a surprise look.
Yes Ummu, it me The Man said rising up to greet her showing his white prefect teeth in the process.
Ohh my. You've grown soo big. How are your parents dear. Don't tell me they didn't come.
They are fine Ummu. And they sincerely apologize for not coming.
Hatib just stood there a little bit confuse "Uthman" where did he know that name. He reasoned tilting his head in the process.
After few minutes, Abu finally came to join them along side Umaima. Even though she was a bit down she was super excited to see her friend. It had really been long since she saw him he looked so different. They talked about random stuff before having a delicious meal from Ummu.
Umaima how have you been doing Umar asked as they walk to the Garden.
Am Good. Why didn't you tell me you were coming today.
Well, I wanted it to be a surprise.
"I wanted it to be a Surprise" Umaima said, mimicking the way he spoke.
Umaima it been long since we've been separated is this how you welcome your long lost friend.
What did I do this time uthman?
Can't you just try to be a little bit nice instead of finding fault in whatever I say. Uthman complained
Aside her father uthman was the only one who successfully scolded her. Maybe because she saw him as her senior brother.
Ohhh look who says am finding fault In whatever he says. Where you not the one who came into my house without telling me.
Wait, is that what making you angry.
Yes of course is that not enough to get one angry a bit. Umaima asked.
The truth was that she wasn't angry at him at all. Well, she felt a little bit disappointed that he came at the wrong time when things were out of hands tomorrow will be the last day and she was yet to sign the documents.
Abu isn't saying anything or could it be that he was rest assured that she wouldn't do anything that would cause them pain.
Umaima is something wrong. Uthman asked he noticed the sadness on her face earlier, Even though she tried to cover it up with a smile. And suddenly the talkative has suddenly became quiet.
No! no! no! am okay as you can see. and you don't worry yourself am no longer angry.
I was never worried ok. Umar said trying to piss her but the girl didn't show any reaction this time.
Umaima I know you are hiding something. What is it. What is making you so sad.
Aahhhh Aahhh Umaima laughed trying her best to push back the tears that were finding room to bust out. "Uthman I said am okay".
They didn't talk much before they were interrupted by Umaima's siblings.
"Are you guys going to have fun without us' Hatib asked. He overheard their conversation and he wouldn't like it if uthman knew that his sister was getting married soon. The Young Man has just came to visit them after a very long time. The worst part of this whole situation was that his sister doesn't even know her husband to be.
He had noticed the way Uthman had looked at his sister earlier in the house. Could it be that he was interested in her?
Hearing Hatib voice Umaima quickly let out a sigh of relief. This will at least distract Uthman from asking more questions.
"And who said we are having fun in the first place" Umaima asked her brother.
"Ohh I thought you were'.
Brother Uthman why don't we go play ball and leave the girls to do whatever they want to. One thing Umaima Admire about her brother was that he behave so matured if not for the fact she was a bit taller one would think he was the oldest. He always had this matured Aura surrounding him sometimes.
Later that day Uthman left the house feeling both angry and disappointed at himself he had wanted to tell Umaima how he felt about her. That why he had sign the contract to work on a project here in the first place. They hadn't talk much about their personal life so he wasn't sure if she was seeing anybody. Maybe some other time. He just hope he wasn't late.
Umaima sat on her bed holding the document. She had decided to sign it that way she would save her lovely family. Putting the fearful dream she had the other night behind her. Well, she wouldn't deny. But she had hoped Uthman had a soft spot for her that way she would have a reason to stay back.
" Am doing this for the sake of Allah and to protect my family". she said before signing the papers and that it; The deed has been done.