{Unedited}

#Chapter Eighteen#

“I’m going to kill your brother!” Sarah angrily stomped over to where I was lying down in the lounge room, a deep frown on her face and an upset Abir squealing and trying to fling herself out of her mother’s arms.

“Ooh, should I get the popcorn ready?” I joked, popping a strawberry into my mouth. 

“I think men have a limited capacity where they just malfunction at a certain point in the day!” She continued to ramble as she laid out the changing mat on the floor, beginning to peel off Abir’s dirty nappy as she spoke. “He just doesn’t think!”

I laughed at Sarah’s comment. When she was angry she actually had a tendency to spurt out the funniest and most random things. I bent over in a sitting position to stare at Abir, squishing her nose. “You’re smelly aren’t you?” I cooed, tickling her stomach. She laughed and clapped her hands over her chest. 

“Are you listening to me Sameena Ahmad?” 

“Oops yes, sorry. I was just distracted by the cute creature that you call your daughter.” She sighed dramatically and I popped another strawberry in my mouth. “OK, so what did he do wrong this time?”

“What didn’t he do,” she shot out and I restrained another bout of laughter. “Last night, he went fishing with his friends and I specifically told him not to forget to clean and freeze the fish before he came inside. Do you want to know what he did?” 

“I’m gonna take a lucky guess and assume he didn’t freeze nor clean them?” 

“He left them in the bucket, out on the porch! And now the whole front of the house smells like rotting fish!” she exclaimed, her arms flying around her in outrage. 

“Please don’t fling that nappy at my head,” I said, crouching into foetal position, just incase she decided that my face would be her next target instead of my brother.

“Sameena!” 

“I’m listening…that was an extremely idiotic move of him and I demand he clears the smell up himself by personally drinking perfume and then farting it out!”

“And then, he tells me after Fajr that tonight he promised his colleagues that we would attend a work dinner but he didn’t even ask me if I was free!” She roughly pulled on Abir’s fresh nappy after wiping her clean and putting some baby powder on. 

“Well, what do you have on tonight?” 

“Nothing!” 

I blinked at her. “Then why are you upset?” 

“Because I don’t want to go!” she huffed, as if I wasn’t getting the point.

“Why not?!”

“I have cramps!” 

“Ooh. That explains everything,” I mumbled more to myself.

“What did you say?” she demanded, putting her hands on her hips and quirking an eyebrow.

“I said, that my brother is an imbecile and should never, ever plan an outing without the consent of his wife,” I joked, beaming at her.

She let her arms fall by her side defeatedly. “Can you be serious please Sameena? I’m actually really upset right now.” 

I moved to sit next to her on the floor, putting one arm around her shoulder. “What’s really upsetting you?” 

She sat down properly and crossed her legs. “He always does this. He always organises things and doesn’t ask me about it or even bothers to inform me! It’s not about whether I want to go or not, it’s the basic concept of talking with your wife about plans beforehand. He knows I don’t like it when things are sprung up on me like that, yet he still does it.” 

“Have you told him this?” 

She shook her head, eyeing Abir who was crawling towards the nappy bag. “No.” 

“Why?” 

“I don’t know…I don’t want to be one of those whiney wives who complain all day long about something or other. I know he puts extreme dedication into his job and by the time he comes home everyday, I know he’s tired and the last thing he’d want is me blowing his ear off. Well I can’t help my annoyed behaviour around him.” 

“Sarah, there’s a difference between a woman who complains all day long and a wife wanting to express a concern to her husband,” I started softly. “Communication is so important in any relationship and believe me, silent treatment isn’t going to help either of you. It’ll only cause more problems. Talk to Ziad as soon as he gets home, OK?” 

She nodded her head before letting out a long breath. “Yeah, you’re right. I will insha’Allah. Thanks Meena.” She gave me a small smile and I hugged her in return. 

“You don’t have to thank me.” Sarah didn’t have any sisters, only four brothers, so it’s always been the natural thing between us to open up to each other, especially as I didn’t have a sister…nor a mother. There was Mira of course, but it didn’t hurt to have another reliable and trusty person in the picture. 

Now that Abir was all cleaned up, she was in a happy mood. Sarah sat down with me and we continued to chat for the next hour or so, occasionally stopping to play with Abir who insisted no our attention.

“Salam, beautiful ladies.” We both looked up as Ziad strode into the room. He peeled off his suit jacket and threw it to the side carelessly, before bending over with a large smile and picking up a screeching Abir off the floor. He pried the furry rabbit toy out of her hand and like he always did, threw her into the air before catching her again. 

“Must you do that?” I asked, trying not to cringe when he did it again.

“Yes, I must,” he answered swiftly. He ruffled my hair as he walked past me before bending down and pecking Sarah on the cheek. He took a seat next to her and perched Abir onto his lap. “So what’re you ladies up to?”

“Just chit-chatting,” I answered. 

“How was work?” Sarah asked him, gifting him a smile. Despite that, I couldn’t help but note how her back had stiffened slightly. 

He shrugged his shoulders. “Work is work. Long and stressful but alhamdulillah,” he added with a light tone. “Oh, which reminds me, we should probably begin to get ready for the dinner tonight,” he said as he checked his wristwatch.

“Um, I just remembered I had a phone call to make,” I said, slowly arising from my seat. I gave Sarah the ‘talk to him look’ and glanced at Ziad. “I’ll take Abir so you guys can get ready and Ziad once you guys get back home, can you come up to my room? I need to talk to you about something.” 

“What is it?” 

“We’ll talk later.”

“OK…” he trailed off, eyeing me curiously. I swiftly walked out of the room, leaving the couple together to discuss their problem. 

####

The rest of the night was spent with babysitting Abir. After feeding her, showering her and changing her nappy again, I had finally managed to put her to sleep. For a now seven month old baby, she was extremely active and I realised it actually took a lot out of me to watch her constantly. 

I wondered what kind of chaos it would be when she began walking!

I kissed her forehead as she snored softly, making sure to pull the blanket over her chest and checking to make sure there were two pillows on the side of her. I dimmed the light and walked out quietly, closing the door only slightly. 

I made my way to my room and even though I really had no energy, I knew I had a lot of uni work to catch up on. I had done close to nothing this weekend, what with Tariq, Isaac and even Faysal, the latter of whom had gone home thankfully. I found it weird that he had just come down for the weekend but I didn’t ponder on it for too long as any thoughts on him that exceeded more than a minute could trigger a migraine. 

Not literally, but you know…

After praying Isha, I opened my laptop and brought up the document that had the essay question - that I had been trying to work on since last week - on it. I pulled out my sociology textbook with a reluctant sigh. Because it was my last semester, the university made every student alike, do an elective that was totally non-related to their course. Why? Apparently it, ‘endorses diversity and a breadth of knowledge, through interaction with both people and theory’. 

I was pretty sure I would just pass this essay, as I had no idea what I was currently writing about. I put down anything that sounded profound, as I knew my tutor for this course liked deep thought. 

I was surprised that I managed to finish the essay with the hour and before I knew it, time had flown and Sarah and Ziad were back home. I could hear them both coming up the staircase and when I opened the door, I was met with Sarah’s giggling face as Ziad descended with the intention to kiss her. 

Well it looks like they sorted it out.

“Ehem.” 

I laughed at their horrified expressions, as their heads abruptly looked up my way. 

“Well, don’t you have perfect timing,” Ziad grimaced, tugging on Sarah’s hand and pulling her towards their room. 

“I do actually,” I beamed, following after them. “Abir is asleep, so don’t make too much noise.” 

“Thanks babysitter, now can you go away?” 

“Babe!” Sarah scolded. 

“What, she’s annoying,” he said with innocent eyes. Pfft.

“Don’t forget I need to talk to you,” I reminded him, crossing my arms over my chest. 

“Oh right.” He sighed and let go of Sarah’s hand. “I won’t be too long hopefully,” he said to her, kissing her cheek and gesturing for me to follow him into my room.

“Goodnight Sameena!” she called as I made my way behind Ziad.

“Goodnight!” He pushed open my room door and turned to me quickly, not even bothering to sit down before he asked me what was wrong. “Wow, someone’s eager to get this over and done with.” 

He exhaled tiredly. “It’s been a long day Sameena, I’m exhausted and sleepy.”

“You didn’t look sleepy two minute ago,” I said with a smirk. 

“Shut up,” he grumbled, obviously embarrassed. 

“Anywayy,” I sang, plopping down on the edge of my bed and facing him. “What I wanted to talk to you about, or actually, who I wanted to talk to you about is Salem.” 

He furrowed his eyebrows. “Salem? Why?” 

“Well, I’m trying not to get ahead of myself but I’m positive that he likes Mira.” 

“Really?” he asked surprisedly, scratching his beard. “So what, do you think he’s interested in her?” 

“He’s definitely interested in her, but we know what Salem’s like…he won’t be making a move any time soon.” 

He chuckled and nodded his head in agreement. “Yeah, he’s like a machine that guy.” 

“Not around Mira, he’s not. I’m telling you, he actually smiles a lot when he’s around her, every comment she makes I know he’s listening and yesterday, he took it upon himself to give her some familial advice!” 

“Wow, so this is pretty serious then,” Ziad said, coming to sit by my side.

“Yes, which is why I wanted your help. If we both combine forces, I’m sure we can squeeze a confession out of him and eventually we can convince him to ask for her hand!” I clapped my hands together in excitement. “She will bring him out of his shell!” 

“I don’t know Meena…we shouldn’t push the guy.”

“We have to push him! If we don’t he might never admit his feelings for her!” I exclaimed.

“Well if he really does like her as much as you say he does, then I’m sure he will,” he reasoned. 

I scoffed, “what in ten years time?” 

He glared at me. “Fine, we’ll have a talk with him.”

“Yay!” I cheered, jumping up to pull on a hooded jumper and skirt; my usual ‘I can’t be bothered for life’ attire. “Let’s go then.”

“What now?!” Ziad cried, getting to his feet.

“Yeah, his shift finishes in five minutes, so let’s go find him.” 

Ziad groaned. “I have never met a more determined human in my life.” 

“Hey, match-making is fun!” 

“Whatever,” he grumbled. I wrapped a scarf around my head and we hurriedly went out in search of him. Like I expected, he was manning the front section of the house and as I stepped outside, I realised that the front did still smell a title fishy.

Eeek.

To my astonishment, we found Salem in conversation with Isaac.

“What are you doing here?” I seethed, not bothering with formalities.

“Sameena!” Ziad whispered, startled at my tone of voice. 

“If you must know, I left my house keys in your father’s office and I had to come back to pick them up. I was just on my way out,” he replied, keeping his voice polite, probably because Ziad was here.

“Excuse her, I think she’s just a little sleepy,” Ziad said, eyeing me pointedly. He reached out and shook his hand. “How are you Isaac?” 

“Very good alhamdulilah and yourself?” 

“Well, let me put it this way Isaac. Do you have sisters?” 

“Yes, one sister actually,” he said with a genuine smile. 

“Right, well then I’m sure I don’t have to go any further,” Ziad quipped and I elbowed him. 

“Yes I know what sisters can be like. Annoying, clingy and stubborn,” Isaac responded, although I could tell his words were directed at me. His eyes bore into mine and I stared right back unrelentingly. 

“Well brothers are equally as frustrating, oblivious and arrogant!” 

Ziad gave a short laugh. “If that’s what makes you sleep at night,” he said, patting my head. 

See! Completely oblivious!

“Anyway, I should head off. I’ll see you all tomorrow insha’Allah. Asalamu alaikum!” Isaac shook Ziad and Salem’s hands and strode off without even a nod of acknowledgement in my direction and although it shouldn’t, it angered me more than I thought.

“Insha’Allah I’ll never see you again,” I whispered bitterly. 

“Salem, if you don’t mind, Sameena and I would like to have a quick chat with you before you go home,” Ziad spoke up and I directed my attention back to the boys.

“Of course,” Salem nodded curtly. 

“Let’s go inside, it’s a little cold out here.”

Once we were seated in the living room, Ziad and I on one couch and Salem on the one opposite us, there was an awkward silence as Salem waited for us to begin. 

He cleared his throat. “So, how can I help you?” he began, his deep voice coming out louder than usual in the quietness of the night. 

“Actually Salem, we’re here to help you,” Ziad voiced and Salem’s face was immediately twisted into one of curiosity and confusion. 

“How so?” 

“Mira,” I blurted out, jumping in my seat. “You like her and we’re going to get you married!” I exclaimed, a large grin on my face. 

Ziad ran a hand down his face. “You Sameena, are the bane of my existence.” 

“Shut up.” I dismissed him with a wave of my hand and turned to face a stunned Salem. “Well?!” 

“Sameena, I do not want to get married,” Salem said, staring at me like he knew where I was going with this.

“Huh, see!” I turned to Ziad. “He said he doesn’t want to get married but he didn’t deny his feelings for her!” 

Salem groaned and fell back against the couch. “I would appreciate it if you could focus on your own love life and leave yourself out of my business.” 

I gasped and jumped to my feet. “You love her?!” I squealed. 

“Oh, for the love of God,” Ziad uttered in defeat, pushing me back down. “Can you shut up now and let me do the talking?” 

“Fine.” 

“Salem, I want you to be honest with me. Do you like Mira?” Ziad asked in a serious tone. 

He stared at us intensely for a few seconds, his eyes jumping between my squirming form and Ziad’s excessively still own, before he let out a deep breath and clenched his jaw. “Yes.” 

I actually had to stop myself from getting up to do a mini-dance in victory. Mira would be elated!

“OK good. Do you think this can transform into something more? Would you, for example express your interest in her?” 

“No.” 

I deflated against the couch. “What do you mean no?!” 

“Why not?” Ziad asked at the same time. 

Salem leaned forward and intertwined his hands together, staring at them for a minute before he spoke up. “Firstly, I am almost eight years older than her. Most woman these days prefer a much smaller gap in years. Secondly; she’s young and has still got a lot ahead of her. She’s still studying and I know she works as well. She might see marriage as an interruption to her life.” As Salem spoke, I was vigorously shaking my head in response. Although it was sweet that everything he had mentioned was a concern from her point of view, as if he was only worried about her well-being, he really had no idea that Mira didn’t care for any of those things. “And thirdly, I hardly believe she’d find any interest in me.” 

“Are you crazy?! The girl has had a major crush on you for years!” I blurted out for the second time this evening.

Woops.

My hand slid towards my mouth and I mentally reprimanded myself. Mira would kill me if she knew I told him!

“What?” he whispered, staring at me like a flower had just grown out of my mouth.

I sighed. “It’s true Salem. She told me herself.”

Salem was an expert at masking his emotions and remaining neutral in any situation but even he couldn’t hide the happiness that washed over his face at my words. 

He coughed awkwardly once he realised that both Ziad and I were grinning at him madly. “Are you sure?” 

I rolled my eyes. “Of course I’m sure! She’s my best friend! And for your information, she doesn’t care that you’re eight years older nor is she worried about getting married. In fact, she’s pretty damn eager if you ask me,” I laughed, almost missing the glimmer in Salem’s eyes.

“I’m going to say this to you as your brother,” Ziad began. “You’re thirty years old Salem and you’ve done a lot with your life. Accomplishments and experiences that could rival anyone. But it’s time for you to settle down. Have a family of your own. And what’s better than finding out that the girl you like is just as equally interested? You’re a man of religion, of respect and honour and she’d be crazy to reject you.” 

Salem smiled humbly, looking at the ground as he contemplated his next words. “So, what should I do now?” he asked, looking up at us with a hopeful expression.

Ziad and I grinned. “I think you know the answer to that.”

####

Definitions:

Isha: night prayer

Insha’Allah: if God wills

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