JAWAHIR

"Welcome." The chef said. "Today you'll be working in pairs." He informed us looking down at his clipboard. "I picked the pairs."

He read off the list. I pray he pairs me with either Fauzy or Samira. I never really made the attempt to get to know anybody apart from them. The person should at least be nice.

"Jawahir Malik and Hasina Garba." Ugh! Out of all this people he had to pair me up with her!

"Okay, now please move close to your partner." I looked at her and she motioned for me to come with her eyes. Sighing, I picked up my bag and moved to the cooking station she's seated at.

Hasina was surprisingly okay to work with. She does throw a snide remark here and there but apart from that she's very cooperative. Talented also, tho I have a hard time working with other people, I'll try to cope with this since she's willing to cooperate.

*********

At 2 o'clock dot we sauntered out of the class. Me and Samira are walking together to the gates. Fauziya called in sick today. I made a mental note to check on her later.

"Zawjatu akhi!!!" A voice yelled. Kausar? What's she doing here?

I saw her walking towards us. She's spotting a blue T-shirt and washed jeans with a kimono. She wrapped up the look with a blue hijab and nude heels.

"Hello." Kausar greeted when she reached to us with that prominent smile that is always on her face.

"Assalamu alaiki." She said to Samira, stretching her hand out for a shake.

"Waalaikis Salam." Samira replied, shaking Kausar's hand.

"Kausar this is Samira, a friend. Samira, this is Kausar my friend and also sister in law." I introduced them to each other.

They exchanged pleasantries. Saying our goodbyes to Samira, we left.

"What are you really doing here? And where's Audu?" I questioned her as we walked to her car.

"Audu, I gave him a day off and you'll see why I'm here."

"Kausar." I said in a warning tone.

"Just shut up and you'll see." She pushed me into the car, literally.

I dropped the matter knowing she wouldn't say anything. Music blared through the speakers as she drove.

Now payback is a bad bitch
And baby I'm the baddest
You're playing with a savage
Can't have this, can't have this (ah)
And it'd be nice for me to take it easy on ya, but nah

Baby I'm sorry (I'm not sorry)
Baby I'm sorry (I'm not sorry)
Being so bad got me feelin' so good
Showing you up like I knew that I would
Baby I'm sorry (I'm not sorry)
Baby I'm sorry (I'm not sorry)
Feeling inspired 'cause the tables have turned
Yeah I'm on fire and I know that it burns.

We sang Demi lovato's 'Sorry not sorry' on top of our voices. We received many weird looks from people but we didn't care one bit. People mind your business and let us enjoy ourselves.

We drove to a beautiful two story building. The asphalt drive through leading to the house, green leveled lawns at both side of the asphalt. Three cars parked at the parking lot. Bicycles, cars and some others toys scattered in the lawn beside the house. It sure is a family house.

I imagined Aayan and I sitting in the porch, smiling as we watch our children run around, playing with each other. My mind came to screeching halt. Woah! where did that come from?! I physically shake my head to get rid of this weird thoughts I'm having. You better get that bizarre thought out of your mind, he clearly told you in the beginning that you will not be like normal couples so just—stop. For some unknown reason that dampened my spirit, I was totally okay with that in the beginning, but now I'm not too sure.

Not wanting to ruin my mood, I shoved the thoughts away. "Hey you gonna come out or what?" Kausar voice brought me out of my reverie. I realized she has parked the car and alighted. I sighed softly, I picked my bag and also alight the car.

"Where are we?" I asked again.

"You'll see." I'm starting to hate that sentence. I rolled my eyes and ignored her.

She rang the doorbell and the door was pulled open by a lady. She seems to be in her mid 20's, she greeted us politely and ushered us in. The house radiates a homey and cozy feeling.

A comfy looking couch with lots of mismatched cushions, but it looks great. A huge Tv in one of the alcoves, facing the couch. Some bean bags and ottomans on the floor, Indian and Turkish rugs covered the dark wood floor there's also lot of natural light. The walls are painted in a warm almond white. In the other alcove a wall filled with family pictures from the top to the middle. Add to that, the floor dotted with odd toys, action figures, Barbies, etc. It sure is a family home.

I walked to the picture covered wall. I smiled at the pictures. A picture of a young looking Kulthum with Rayyan, her husband, together playing with snow. I noticed another one, it looks like they just got married in the picture. She's dressed in a beautiful bridal gown and him in a classic black tux. He was whispering something in her ear which made her blush, and hid her face in his chest. He was looking down at her with so much love and adoration, you can tell that they are really in love with each other. Pictures of Humaid and Yasmeen from the time they were born till date.

What caught my eyes the most is a big portrait of the beautiful family situated at the center of the wall. Kulthum and Rayyan are sitting down on the sofa here in this very living room, Yasmeen on her Dad's lap and Humaid on his Mom's. They were all beaming at the camera. What a beautiful family. I thought.

"Aren't they adorable?" Kausar whispered standing beside me. I didn't even notice her.

"Very." I agreed softly.

"Common, they are waiting for us upstairs." Kausar told me.

We walked into a different living room upstairs. Kulthum and Maheera were watching a soap opera, I don't know the name. Kulthum looked up. "You guys are here." She said in delight, rising from her seat. She gave me a hug when she reached me.

"So Jawjaw is here and you won't even acknowledge me." Kausar said in fake annoyance.

"Whatever." Kulthum kidded. She's so similar to Ya Nana.

"Marhaba Jawahir." Maheera said, half of her attention on the television and the other on her phone.

"Jawahir you've never been to my house." Kulthum accused and I smiled sheepishly.

"Actually it isn't my fault. Whenever I have the intention of visiting you I always meet you at Ammiey's." I defended myself.

"Fil waki'i;indeed. She's right, you're always at home." Maheera said shooting her a disapproving glance.

"You wouldn't understand Mahee. Wait until you are married." Kulthum shot. At the mention of marriage Maheera stiffened. But none of them noticed. Why though? I thought. I'll find out.

"Aunty Jawjaw!" Yasmeen screamed. She jumped into my opened arms, hugging me tightly.

"Hey Yashmeen." I said in a baby voice.

"Oh Aunty." She sighed, smacking her forehead. "It's Yasmeen not Yashmeen." She said like it's the most obvious thing in the world.

I laughed and pulled her cheeks. "Okay habibty. Where is your brother?" I asked.

"He's with Daddy outside."

Just then Humaid walked in, in his tracks with a ball in his hand. "Good Afternoon Auntie Jawahir and Khala."

"Hey! How are you?"

"I'm fine Alhamdulillah." The boy is so polite, it's remarkable. He left saying he'll take a shower because he's sweaty. Even though his mom told him to let the nanny do it, but no! 'He's a big boy now' his words exactly.

Yasmeen pulled my dress, I looked at her. "What is it?" I asked bending to her level.

"Can you please make something sweet for me, us?" She requested. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Kulthum glaring at her daughter. I completely ignored her. "Sure darl." I said making her squeal.

"Jawahir you don't have to...." Kulthum started to protest. "No it's absolutely fine." I cut her off.

"Fine." She sighed. "Ask Mairo If you can't find anything."

"Okay." I picked Yasmeen up and we went downstairs. We met their Dad Rayyan on the way, we exchanged pleasantries and he informed us that he is going out and we should enjoy.

"So what should we make?" I asked Yasmeen as I put on an apron.

"Anything." She squealed.

Hmm! To be very honest I'm a bit tired, but I don't have the heart to tell her no. So I'll make something easy that doesn't require much work.

"Alright. Are you ready?"

"Yupppp."

I decided to make a two ingredient Nutella cake. Yup! It has just two ingredients: Nutella and eggs.

I told my co-chef to go get Nutella. She nodded and left the kitchen. A few minutes later Kausar walked in holding a large jar of Nutella with Yasmeen beside her. "You asked her to bring this?" Kausar asked me holding the Nutella towards me.

"Yes, why?" I asked collecting the jar.

"I told you." Yasmeen said to her Aunt, pouting.

"No reason. I thought she was being her usual sneaky self, to go hide and finish everything." Kausar replied and I chuckled.

"Wacha doin'?"

"We are gonna make a Nutella cake." I announced.

"Ohh cake." Kausar squealed, clapping her hands.

I mixed the ingredients in a bowl, I transferred the dough into a rounded cake pan. I had to swat Kausar's hand multiple times because she kept dipping her fingers in the dough. I finally placed the pan in the oven and set the timer. It will take 40 minutes.

I removed the apron. I then handed the spatula I used to Yasmeen makings her squeal. "Aww not fair." Kausar whined. I just rolled my eyes and ignored her.

"Hey how's school?" Kausar asked when both sat down in the kitchen, waiting for the cake.

"Alhamdulillah........." I told her about the classes, chefs, the new friends I made, and I told her about Hasina, how Aayan handled her the other day.

"I cannot believe he did that." She said as she laughs. "He hates people like that, he always says that 'Life is not about being rich, being popular, being educated, or being perfect. It is about being real, being humble and being kind. Nothing lasts forever. We will leave all this behind, and you also have no idea what will happen tomorrow.'"

"Indeed." Life is not guaranteed at all but death is absolutely guaranteed. Upon all, yet we still prepare for life more than death. May Allah guide us on the right path.

The oven's timer went off. Ohh looks like our cake is done. Kausar quickly grabbed the mittens before I could. "I'll do it." She announced.

She brought it out and carefully placed it on a cake stand. I diced a strawberry and placed it on top.

"It looks yumm— oww what was that for?" She yelped cradling her hand.

"You were about to cut it." I said rolling my eyes. She mumbled a whatever and we ambulated back upstairs with the cake.

"Oh wow!" Kulthum exclaimed. "Kids the cake is ready." She yelled. "Jawahir it looks delicious and I know it'll taste delicious too." Kulthum complimented.

"Haba! Ba kwau san kai; it isn't good to be biased. I equally deserve to be appreciated." We all know that it's Kausar blabbering nonsense as always.

"First of all it's kyau not kwau. And you can't cook or bake to save your life." Kulthum taunted rolling her eyes. She cuts the cake into pieces placing each on a paper plate.

"Baas! I'm going to learn how to cook too. This taunting is getting too much." Kausar plopped down on the couch.

"Oh really?" I laughed.

"Yes. I'm gonna join your school's summer classes." She said with determination.

"Kausar you're crazy. You have Ammiey and Jawjaw which school do you need to join kuma?"

She quickly sat up. "Umm Humaid you're a genius." She exclaimed planting a sloppy kiss on her sister's cheek. Kulthum just shook her head and laughed it off.

Kausar took a seat beside me draping an arm around my shoulder. "You are going to teach me everything you know."

"Yes Ma'am." I saluted mockingly.

"It's yummy Aunty Jawjaw. Shukran ." The kids thanked before going out to continue watching cartoon.

"Jaw can you please call Maheera. She's in the balcony." Kulthum requested.

I nodded. I stood up and walked to the balcony. Opening the door, I saw Maheera seated with her phone on her ear. "You listen to me. This has been going on for a while. How long? You keep on saying the same thing." She sounded angry, but defeated also.

She kept quite to listen to the person. "No— yes. To be frank I'm getting tired." She disconnected the call not bothering to listen to what the other person has to say. She heaved a dejected sigh and groaned into her palms.

I decided to announce my presence. I quietly took a seat beside her. "Maheera, are you okay?" I cautiously asked.

She quickly wiped her tears and shot me a trembling smile. "If I say I'm okay you won't believe, will you?"

"No, I wouldn't." I admitted honestly. "You wanna talk about it?" I asked quietly.

She kept mum for a while. "Yes." She sighed. "Fahad and I have been having misunderstandings for a while. They're getting out of control and I don't know what to do."

"It's normal for couples to have a fight."

"Yes I know that. But this is getting out of hand." She admitted defeatedly.

"What is the problem then?" I asked her.

She turned to face me properly. "You might think this is stupid, but Jawahir I want to get married, to him. I'm eager. Most of my mates are married and some with children, I feel like I-I Ugh! I don't know, but he keeps saying I should give him time. Is it too much to ask for? Doesn't he love me? Doesn't he want me to be his wife? The mother of his kids?"

"No Maheera. You've been together for almost 5 years, I'm I right?" She nodded. "And you both love each, very much. He also has the mean to support you and start a family?" I questioned her. She sighed and nodded her head again.

"Then what is the problem?" I'm getting confused.

Maheera groaned. "His father has this dumb policy, he cannot get married before his older brother." What? I thought this happens only in Indian movies? I guess not anymore.

"We cannot put our lives on a hold because of him." She complained, annoyed.

"No it is not because of him." I stated. "Who knows maybe you're not as ready as you think you are for this commitment. It is a life long commitment. When Allah knows you're ready for the responsibility of a commitment, He'll reveal the right person under the right circumstances. Wait patiently. Grow and be ready because some things happen when you least expect them."

"Take me for example, if someone told me I'll be getting married immediately after I finished secondary school, I'll have laughed and asked from which mental asylum he/she escaped? I always pictured that after finishing secondary school, I'll get to fall in love all on my own, maybe experience a heartbreak, explore the things I don't know about and so much more, but none of that happened. So as much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with unexpected things, it'll either make you happier than you already planned or make you sadder than you've never expected. That's what you call God's will. Everything happen according to the way He plans it.

He also is Al-Mu'akhkhir; the delayer. Hausa people say 'wani jinkirin alkhairi ne.' So don't loose hope. And my advice to Fahad is, he should go meet an elder that he knows his father respects a lot and can't refuse him/her, so that he'll be persuaded "

Maheera stared and listened intently not blinking once, she then started crying. Huh? Did I say something wrong? She pulled me for a bone crushing hug. "Jakhallahu Khairan Zawjatu akhi. This is what I needed to hear." She mumbled, sniffing a bit.

I hugged her back and pulled away after some time. "Ameen uktul zawj. You're welcome." She shot me a smile of appreciation.

"Sometimes I forget that you and Kausar are of the same age. While she's still childish, you're matured, way more matured for your age. I'm pretty sure even Kulthum would not say something as deep as this. It's remarkable."

If only you knew the circumstances that made me grow beyond my age.

*~*~*~*

"Bye." I waved at Maheera and Kausar, they just dropped me at home. They refused to come in. I stood in front of the main door till their car left my line of view.

I unlocked the door with my keys and entered. The living room is dark, all the lights are off. Aayan should either be in his room or office. I walked in and sat down on the couch not bothering to turn on the lights. I was unpinning my hijab when a voice yelled BOO close to my ear making shriek in terror.

I turned around to see husband dearest laughing his ass off. I stared at him in admiration. I haven't ever seen him laugh like this. The sound of his laughter is soothing and calming, he should laugh more, he looks carefree and blithe.

"Aayan! You gave me a fright." I shot angrily, I'm not really angry though. My hands were on my bosom trying to calm my racing heart.

"Sorry." He doesn't seem one bit remorseful though. "I couldn't resist."

He switched on the lights before taking a seat beside me. "So— WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR HAIR?" He asked in horror as if I murdered someone.

"What?" I asked touching my newly braided hair. "I just braided it Aayan." I deadpanned.

"Yes I can see that, but why?"

"I tried something different, something new." I normally don't braid my hair. A: because I'm to lazy sit down for hours. B: the hairdressers get scared and say that my hair is too long and full. But today Kulthum's hairdresser did. She braided it into shuku although not all the way. She braided it up to the center then put Yasmeen's tiny bands to clip it so it wouldn't loose. Then the tail that wasn't braided was packed up in a doughnut updo in the middle of my head. It looks amazing and I love it.

"But it's so tiny and tight. I can never understand how you girls do this things."

"Yeah, it took 3 hours because she's fast." If she wasn't fast, It'll have taken 4-5 hours honestly.

"Ohh I see."

"What? You don't like it?" I asked feeling the braids again.

"Well, it looks nice on you Masha Allah. But I prefer it loose and free." Aayan said frankly.

I nodded. Ok I'll keep that in mind.

It'll let me run my fingers through it. I think I heard him say.

"Did you say something?" I asked him.

"No I didn't." He denied. But I thought I heard something.

"So had fun with my sisters?" He asked changing the topic.

"Yes! We had so much fun." I said excitedly.

After we went back inside with Maheera, we ate the cake first. We played board games like scrabble and monopoly. They shared their experiences growing up in a foreign country and I shared mine. We looked at some of the baby pictures Kulthum has of them. Aayan was a cute and adorable baby, but I'm not about to tell him that. Men think being called cute or adorable is a bruise to their ego. And lastly the hairdresser came, Kulthum and I were the only ones that braided our hair.

"Well I'm glad." Aayan said smiling softly. "Common." He said pulling me up by my hand.

"Why?"

"You'll see." Ugh not you too.

"Okay close your eyes." He instructed.

"What? no!" I'm not comfortable closing my eyes knowing I'm vulnerable to any kind of harm, not since... but Aayan would never hurt you . My inner voice said.

"Just do it please." I sighed and did as I was told.

"Are you sure you can't see?"

"Naam positive."

"Ok then." He placed his hands on both of my shoulders leading me through the stairs.

"Careful." He warned. I held his left hand tightly as he walked us to the destination he had in mind.

I heard a door being opened. Aayan left my side and I suddenly felt cold. He shuffled around a bit then he asked me to open my eyes.

"Okay open your eyes now." Aayan instructed, his voice closer than it was a few seconds ago.

I slowly opened my lids. I glanced round the room in disbelief. The room is big but not as big as ours. It's painted in a neutral tone. At the left alcove of the room is a Lighting McQueen bunk bed with a McQueen shaped bed at the lower bunk, a series of stairs, which are also drawers, leading to the top bunk which is a small terrace like place and a slide leading down. Affan will totally love this.

To the right alcove of the room is a pink and white bunk bed, also with drawers as stairs leading to the top bunk. The wall behind the bed is painted in light and dark purple. Stickers of trees, birds, clouds etc on the adjacent wall.

I turned around and look at Aayan, totally lost for words. When he told me he wanted to make them comfortable I did not expect this.

"So do you like it?" He asked, almost nervously.

I still didn't know what to say, so I bobbed my head. I surprised him and I both when I marched to him and wrap my arms around his torso. Aayan stiffened making almost regret my action. I attempted to pull away but he stopped me by wrapping his buff arms around me, pulling me to his chest.

"Thank you." I mumbled softly in his chest. "Even tho you didn't have to." He pulled away, but not realizing me completely, he looked down at me. Yes people I'm short or maybe he's just too tall but warrever.

"I know how much you love having the kids around you and this house gets quite lonely so you'll want to have them around. This shouldn't be a one time thing, you can fetch them whenever you feel like, or when they want to."

It made my heart flutter to know that he noticed such little things about me. While it is true I'm not that social, but being in this humongous house all alone, when you count out the staffs, makes me feel like a modern Rapunzel. So it'll be nice to have some company even though I'm more than twice their ages.

"Thank you so much."

He placed a warm kiss on my forehead. "We will go get them first thing tomorrow morning, how does that sound?"

"Great." I beamed at him brightly.

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Memzyb ✨🌹