Ignore the typos🙃

JAWAHIR

I looked at myself in the mirror, what I saw made me smile. In place of the sorrow and anguish that hunted me is peace, joy, security and so much more, much more. Aayan's tender, raw and intense love has assuage the pain I feel, one step at a time.

My body is regaining the fat and glow it lost in the past few months, my body is as healthy as ever. Which is most definitely thanks to all the kayan gyaran jiki (skin care products) my mother ordered for me all the way from Sudan. She guided me on how to use them, I have to say some where very uncomfortable but totally worth it. Even I feel the change in my body.

I've grown chubbier, my body is well defined and my skin is soft, smooth and silky, likewise my hair or so Aayan says.

A pair of arms wrapped theirselves around my middle, our gaze met on the mirror we're standing in front of, a full length mirror in our closet. Aayan placed his chin on my left shoulder, then nuzzled his nose in my neck. "You look exquisite." He mumbled against my skin.

I sank further into his embrace. "Thank you," I smiled and looked at us in the mirror. "I wish I can seize this moment." I said. We looked like a piece of art. I dressed in a burgundy dress with colored hijab and my hubby is wearing a gray kaftan sewn to perfection, the front of the dress designed with handmade embroidery. A black zanna bukar cap is perched perfectly on his black shiny hair, his wrist adorned with a Rolex wristwatch.

I need this moment to be captured.

"I do too." Aayan responded. I raised my head up to look at him. "Can we snap before we go please."

He kissed my forehead. "As you wish Amira."

He left to get the camera, I also exited the closet. I met him downstairs where he has already set up the camera. Aayan looked up as I was climbing down the stairs, his gaze following my every move until I stood in front of him.

He guided us and we stood in front of the camera. We posed. The first one we were standing side by side. Then he pushed me forward, my back to his front, just like how we were standing minutes ago in the closet. We snapped a few more.

Aayan then insisted on snapping me alone, he even got a stool and made me sit down. He snapped, snapped and snapped.

"Lemme see, lemme see." I squealed excitedly. I stood beside him, I stood on my tiptoe to see. The shots came out beautifully.

I love the last one more, Aayan said something funny and as I was laughing, he clicked.

"Looks like I have a new wallpaper." Aayan murmured looking at me. He swooped in and placed a kiss on my cheek. "Let's go."

Today is the opening of Jawahir's Golden Kitchen. I'm so excited and anxious. Our family and friends are already there, we're the only ones missing. It feels surreal, I can't believe my dream is about to come true. This is something I've been wanting for myself since I was a small child. And it's about to be my reality. I still have all the kitchen sets Abu used to buy for me so many years ago stored somewhere safe, I promised to show my child, children.

My heart clench at the thought, not as painful as it used to. I have accepted it as a part of my qadr. A good Muslim, a mu'umin believes in Qadr, khayr wa sharr; the good and the bad. And I believe the Almighty has something better in store for me.

After a miscarriage when a fetus is returned to Allah SWT, Allah says 'that day will come which if the carrier (mother) is destined for the throws of hell, you will rescue her with your umbilical cord and pull her into Jannah.' [Sunan ibn Majah Vol.1, Book 6, Hadith 1608]

I can still remember the Hadith Mama told me when I woke up. And remembering that eases my heart.

But there will always be a part of me that I lost, a part I can never get back. It'll always be painful but I'm learning to live with it.

"Hey," Aayan called, breaking me out of my reverie. He entwined our fingers. "are you okay? You seem lost."

"I'm fine," I smiled. "everything is just so overwhelming."

"You deserve it Tesoro." He stated firmly. "You earned it okay?"

"Okay." I admitted softly.

Minutes later, we arrived in Maitama, Aguiyi Ironsi street. Aayan alighted the car, walked round and opened my door. He offered me his arm, which I gladly took and alighted the car.

My family, Aayan's family, my best friends, Uthman, Samira, Fadila, Mrs Nasir and the kids...etc, are all here. I saw few people with cameras around, they must be journalists.

My eyes took in the building. One thing you notice is that it's huge. It's a bungalow. The front of the building is decorated with outdoor tables and chairs made of wrought iron and aluminum with umbrellas. Definitely for customers who'd prefer eating outside.

Then there's the huge sign that reads Jawahir's Golden Kitchen, it's exactly like the one Aayan designed for me, written with LED lights.

"Let's go." Aayan urged. He led us to the front of the restaurant wherever everyone is standing. Kausar leaped in for a hug. "Congratulations sis!"

"Thank you," I smiled. I took turn hugging the ladies and respectfully nodding to the gents. All were congratulating me.

My parents, all five of them, said a few words. Mammie had me tearing up. She's so proud of me, they're all so proud and I couldn't be happier.

"It's time," Kulthum announced. My babies walked to me, holding a pillow with a scissors on top. I smiled and carefully picked the scissors up. This is it.

I said a prayer to the Almighty, asking him to guide me, bless me and put baraka on this new journey I'm about to begin.

WIn the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

I cut the tape. Cheered erupted. I used the key Baba gave to open the door, I stepped in, my right foot first. "Assalamu alaikum." I muttered softly.

My mouth dropped opened in awe when I saw the interior. A big banner says Congratulations Jawahir, we love you!

My hubby is talented, masha Allah. The restaurant is out of this world.

To the left extreme alcove of the wide open restaurant floor, is the counter where you can place your orders. The floor is made of dark wood. The color scheme is made up of light colors. These colors evoke a relaxing feeling, making the customers want to stay for a while. Two to four person table designed the middle of the open space, to the left alcove of the building are booths, which are intimate to provide a private dining experience for my guests. Tabletops are secured to the wall with a bench seat placed on either side to create a row of booths. Some booths are free standing in the center of the restaurant. A designate special area is designed with family dining tables that can accommodate eight to ten people. The tables are rectangular and round in shape. All in all, this is a casual dining restaurant.

"Common, let me show you." Aayan whispered in my ear. He lead me to a series of stairs. I asked where we're going but he didn't say anything.

We stopped in front of a huge double door made of fine wood. Aayan pushed it open, I behind him. I thought I've seen it all honestly but here I am speechless and flabbergasted again.

Up here is a whole new restaurant albeit smaller than the one downstairs. The color scheme here is dark, the lighting dim. This will classified under a fine dining restaurant. This is a high end establishment for special occasions like anniversaries, formal meetings etc.

Like you see in movies, the one upstairs is always more exquisite and expensive than the ground floor. Formal dress code and fine dining etiquette. High end decor and a formal atmosphere. The staff members up here are generally more attentive and follow certain etiquette for taking and serving meals. Even the menu is different.

Two to four persons table are also situated in the middle in here. Then to the extreme end are booths, they look so intimate. I envision a couple in love spending some quality time in here. There are a few family dining tables too.

There's a balcony, designed with two persons table. Perfect for a date.

I turned to look at Aayan. "Hey," he whispered softly. "don't cry."

I frantically fanned my face with my hands. "These are happy tears, I cannot believe all these. Everything is just so beautiful. This better than what I've been praying for. I don't know what to say—

"—then don't say anything my love." Aayan pulled me for a hug and a few tears dropped. I cannot begin to explain how I feel. Seeing your dream become a reality is so overwhelming.

Aayan pulled away, he used his thumbs to wipe away my tears. "No more, please." He said. "Shall we go back downstairs?" I nodded. He took a hold of my hand and together we walked.

This time he took me to the kitchen, located directly behind the counter. It's very big and spacious. Filled with every single equipment I'll need.

There's a huge display glass for the baked goodies in a corner of the restaurant, visible from anywhere, my bakery.

"Your bakery and restaurant in one place." Aayan said to me after we finished checking out the place.

"My bakery and restaurant in one place." I whispered.

***

This day will forever remain one of the most memorable day in my life. I couldn't get enough of the building, I still can't believe that all these belongs to me, Jawahir. It's hard to believe. I mean I've always dreamed of this but I never thought it'd happen this soon. I don't have the words to thank my father in law—who's like a second father to me, for giving me this opportunity. To my parents, for grooming me well, for always supporting, for believing in me. My siblings, my friends, my in laws, everyone. All I have to say is Alhamdulillah, I thank Allah SWT.

My husband......

We had refreshments courtesy of Ammiey, everything was mouthwatering. I offered jobs to Samira and Fadila some days ago, which they readily and happily accepted.

We've already hired staffs, some in the kitchen, waiters and cleaners. We're still open though. Aayan and I came to the conclusion that he'll temporarily be the manager before I get the hang of things because God knows I'm not ready to manage everything on my own yet, despite the classes I took.

I decided, the first week will be free of charge, as sadaqah, in honor of my baby.

Mami will always love you munchkin.

"Look up." A voice startled me. I lifted my head just in time as Kausar snap. "Perfect!" She made a sign with her index finger and thumb. "Akhi, can you shift closer to Jaw please." She said to her brother.

Aayan—who's sitting beside me on the couch— shifted closer and even draped an arm around me. Kausar snapped away, she made herself the official photographer of the day. She has snapping all day. I trust her, I'm sure I would love her work.

We're still in my restaurant— can you believe it? Mine!— the elders have left, which leaves only the youngsters.

I, Aayan, his sisters, my friends, his friends and a few close friends plus my guests' plus one(s).

Jahara brought her boyfriend with her, Muhammad. Her course mate's older brother, he saw her when he dropped off his sister one day, they are from Gombe. The guy has been courting her for a while now, she finally said yes yesterday. From what I can see, he's such a gentleman. I pray he always keep my best friend happy, because she deserves it. That girl has a heart of gold, a rare diamond, one in a million. May Allah SWT put baraka in their relationship and shield them evils of shaitan, their hearts and people in general.

Uthman brought the girl he's courting too, Aayan told me a wedding date will be fixed very soon. Her name is Hannah, a dark skinned beautiful young lady. Her Dad is Hausa whilst her momma is Yoruba. She's very nice but she's not loquacious like Uthman— that one can talk for Africa. She's a nurse.

Maheera's fiancé is in attendance too.

The setting was very lively as we chatted amongst ourselves about what's happening all over and life in general. It was around eleven o'clock that everyone departed. I continuously send my shukr to the Almighty, for making this day go on smoothly without a hitch.

"Tired?" Aayan asked, his gaze on the road. I stifled a yawn and nodded, adjusting my sitting position. I curled up on the seat and slowly drifted.

"Tesoro," a soft voice whispered. "wake up we are home." I muttered something incoherently which made the person laugh. Next thing I know, I got picked up. I snuggled deeper in the pair of arms, drifting back to sleep.

The next time I opened my eyes it was already morning. My side was empty and cold which told me that Aayan has already left for the office. I sighed, I was knackered. I didn't make breakfast for him, he should have woken me up. I said my prayers before dropping my legs from the bed. I slipped on my fluffy slippers and walked to the bathroom.

After my morning routine, I ambulated downstairs. It's already twelve, I better start working on lunch. In the kitchen, I went straight to work. I made rice and stew with meatballs and fried plantain. I packed my husband's own in a basket, kept it aside then served the staffs.

I went back upstairs and took a quick shower because I smell of curry. Today I decided to go with native clothes. I packed my hair that's braided in the middle of my head. I dressed myself up in a dark turquoise blue atampa that pops out my brown eyes. I left my face bare except for the deep kohl I applied. As for my head gear, I tied it in a way my veil will sit perfectly on my head.

Grabbing my Aldo handbag, I threw in everything I need. I slipped in my wedge before heading out. I branched in the kitchen to pick up the basket then zoomed off to AA CONSTRUCTION & CO

I parked my car beside Aayan's. I released a sigh before opening the door, I picked the basked and alighted. A security wanted to hold the basket for me but I refused. "It's okay, I can manage." I told him with a polite smile.

This time I know my way around so I went directly to the private elevator. As the elevator transported me through various floors, my mind wandered off. I hope I won't be interrupting or intruding.

Ping.

The doors slide open. As usual this floor is more calm and quiet than the ground floor. Welcome ma'am, good afternoon(s) where thrown my way which I all responded with a polite smile on my face.

I stopped in front of the personal assistant's table. "Good Afternoons Mrs Aayan," Bashar greeted as he stood. I met the young man several times when he came to drop some files for Aayan during the time he took a break. To nurse me back to health.

"Afternoon Bashar, is he in?"

He nodded. "Just came back from a meeting, you can go in."

"Thank you." I stood in front of the door for a little while before finally knocking. His husky voice told me to come in. I pushed the door open and walked in.

He's sitting down on top of his desk, at the edge as he flips through a file. His tie is loose, his sleeves rolled up and the blazer is nowhere to be found. He looks like a model ready for a shot with his messy locks that are highlighted by the light rays slipping in through the glass.

"Yes Bashar? What is it?" He asked without raising his head up. I didn't respond, just continued walking thankful that the lush carpet silence my steps.

"Basha—" he finally looked up. Our gazes collided, I have already placed the basket on the table. His midnight eyes widened before they brightened and a smile illuminated his face. I felt my chest tightening, he looks young, radiant and......beautiful.

"Tesoro?" He called in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

I decided to tease him. "I thought we could have lunch together bit since you're busy, I better leave." I said turning around, with the intention of walking out.

"No! Wait!" I smiled mischievously to myself. Aayan took a hold of one of my hand and spun me around. "That's not what I mean.....you're smiling." He deadpanned when he saw the smile adorning my lips.

"Were you teasing me Mrs Aayan?"

I smirked. "Maybe I was."

In a swift move, he wrapped his arms around my waist. "Really?" He whispered.

"Uh huh," I nodded. Aayan stole my next words with a ferocious kiss.

"Ouch," I yelped. "you bit my lips." Aayan smirked. "That's what you get for teasing me."

"Come," he led us to the mini sitting room in the office. We took our seats, side by side on the couch. I kept the basket on the table and started bringing everything out then kept the now empty basket on the floor.

"Hmmm, it smells delicious already." Aayan mumbled. I grinned. I served him first, I stood up to get cups, water and soft drink from the fridge.

"Eat." I said, pushing the plate to his side. "Have you eaten?" He asked.

I shook my head in response. "Not hungry."

"No way," Aayan scooped a spoonful and held it to my mouth. "Open," he softly commanded. The look in his eye told me he's not to be argued with. I softly wrapped my lips around the spoon.

That's how we had our lunch, he fed me then himself. After that, he again held a cup of cold water to my mouth then the one containing Fanta.

You did the cooking, I'll do the feeding, he said.

Uthman walked in as Aayan was clearing the plates. He stood by the door with his mouth open. "Amaryan mu abun san kai ne? Poor me, so a party is going on here while I'm there starving. Shikenan, I know my place." He turned around to leave.

Aayan shook his head. I chuckled. "I have yours packed here, I was about to send it to you."

He quickly turned around. "Really?" He beamed.

I showed him the warmers on the table. "Serve yourself." Uthman merrily took a seat, doing as he was told. "I know Aayan will never do this. Thank you, Mrs AA."

Aayan glared at him, playfully. "Do and get married please, so that my wife will stop feeding you." Uthman gasped, placing his hands on his chest. I mentally rolled my eyes at the exaggeration.

"Soon Aayan, soon. Za'a dena mun gori. And trust me, you won't eat my wife's food."

Aayan shrugged. "Why would I want to? When I have mi tesoro; the absolute best. Your wife's food," he air quoted the word, wife. "will never measure up to my wife's food. In fact, she'd need to take a course from us." Aayan concluded with a proud smirk on his lips.

I shook my head as the two friends pulled each others legs.

Later that day at night, Aayan and I are cuddled up on the sofa in the living room watching a slide show of the pictures Kausar sent. Everything is so perfect, Kausar did a marvelous job.

Aayan's phone dinged. The corner of his lips widened when he saw hat was sent to him. "Look." He said, showing me his phone screen.

It's a picture of me. I grinned. I remember Kausar pulled me aside, insisting on snapping me alone. She made sit on the stairs.

Aayan swiped, in this one I was facing the other way, with a grin.

"I love them, Kausar deserves a gift."

"Really?"

"Yup!" I chuckled and snuggled deeper into his chest.

****

In the next days, Aayan and I were very busy. We saw each other less, him going to his place of work, I too. We only see each on other in the morning and at night.

At work, everything is so Masha Allah. Samira, Fauziya and I drafted the menu with reasonable prices. It was decided that Fauziya will concentrate on the cooking, both continental and inter continental and Samira will be her sous since they all specialized in that aspect. I'm executive chef as well as the pastry chef.

I got my first cake order three days ago to be delivered today. Mrs Bello wants me to bake an extravagant birthday cake for her husband who's a builder. I sat down with her and she described how she wants the cake to be, now it's up to me to deliver.

We've hired a few more staffs, we did a five days training session since they are all experienced. With the help of five ladies, I made, rather we made an extravagant cake.

I released a heavy breath as I stood akimbo and inspect the work. I raised my hand and high five-d my assistants. "Good job girls."

"Wow." Samira exclaimed when she walked in. "Jaw, this is amazing."

When Mrs Bello came to collect the cake she shed a few tears, her reason being it's so beautiful. I couldn't help but chuckle, the lady is so sentimental.

I feel proud, especially when I remember the glowing smile on her face. I'm glad that I contributed a little bit of happiness in this special day of theirs.

Around 4pm, I took off my apron. Done for the day. I freshened up in the bathroom of my office before I hopped on my car. I'm not too worried about Aayan because I send his lunch from here every day. He comes back home around 6, which gives me time to cook dinner swiftly.

When I got home, I went straight to the kitchen. Today I'm going to make a teriyaki chicken meal prep bowls. I got my ingredients. Uncooked rice, broccoli which I cut into florets, chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces, cornstarch, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar (packed), grated ginger, mirin, soy sauce and finally water.

It took me thirty minutes to prepare. I set the table before going upstairs to finally take a shower. After that, I shrugged on a light plain gown, I switched on the TV to while away time before Aayan returns.

When Aayan walked in around 8pm I knew all isn't well. One look at him and you'd see that he's troubled, badly. I served him food, he took a few spoonfuls before pushing the plate away, saying he's done.

Ya Allah! What's going on? What do I do?

I decided to give him space but when he didn't turn in pass 1, I knew I had to interfere. I grabbed my bathrobe, I ambulated to his office barefooted.

I turned the doorknob and it was unlocked, Alhamdulillah. I quietly pushed the door open. The room is dark except for the lamp on the table.

I saw him sitting down holding what seems to be a photo frame. "Aayan?" I called softly but he didn't make any move to show that he heard me, I softly padded to where he's sitting down.

What I saw made me stop dead in my tracks. He's holding a picture, a picture of him and a lady. The same lady I saw all those months ago, they look happy. They were playing in the snow, she's holding a snowball aiming at him with a huge grin on her face and he was looking at her, with a soft, adoring smile.

I felt a bile raising up in my throat. Something hard and heavy was placed on my chest, I felt suffocated. My breathing became shallow, I was gasping for air.

What do I make of this?! Who is she?! What's her relationship with my husband?! Ya Allah.....does he..does he love her?!

I scrambled backward, in doing so I hit the pencil case and they went scattering on the floor. I froze.

This is when Aayan finally looked up and my eyes widened. I've never seen him this way, his eyes are scorching red filled to the brim with tears. The sorrow and anguish I saw in there made rush to the love of my life. Jealousy, anger, and confusion set aside I went to my hubby, I've never seen him this way and I don't wish to ever see him in this condition ever again. It's heart wrenching and all shades of heartbreaking.

"Aayan?" I called with a shaky voice. Aayan sucked in a huge breath and swiftly wrapped both of his arms around my waist, his face buried in my stomach.

The cry of anguish that escaped his mouth made my eyes water. Ya Rabbi what happened?

"It's all my fault, I couldn't safe her. I broke my promise, couldn't do anything. Now she's gone and she's never going to come back. I won't be able to ask for her forgiveness, I failed her. I'm a failure. It's all my fault! It's all my fault! I couldn't save her! I'm worthless, a failure, I don't deserve to be alive, I should die. I'm supposed to be dead, I should be dea—

I used my palms to cover his mouth. Both of our bodies were shaking. What's wrong? What broke my strong husband like this?

"Aayan," I sobbed. I attempted to pull away but he tightened the hold he has around me. "Don't leave me please, Jawahir! Don't leave me too. If you leave I'd die. You're the reason I pray to see the next day, you're the reason why I pray for a long life. For a long time I wanted the Almighty to take my life away, I was tired of living. I had no purpose and I thought maybe death is the only cure I can have. But when you came into my life, I rediscovered my purpose. I want to live a long life with you, with our kids, our children. A part of me and you. So don't Jawahir, don't leave me too. I love you please Tesoro."

I wailed, "I'm never leaving you Aayan, not now, not ever. I love you." I slowly knelt down and he did too. I used my fingers to wipe away the tears that keep streaming down his face but they were unstoppable. I used my lips yet still.

"Tell me what happened Aayan, please talk to me." I sobbed desperately. I never want to see him this way, ever again. My heart has never hurt this bad. Oh Allah! Give the strength to make everything okay again, please Allah.

"She's dead Jawahir and she's never coming back," he said in between sobs.

I held his head in my hands, looking into his eyes. His eyes, oh his eyes..... "Who's dead Aayan? The lady in the picture?"

He nodded. "Manal." He whispered brokenly.

"Who is she?"

"Manal, she's my wife. She was my wife."

🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

DUN! DUN! DUN!

WOW!

THAT WAS ONE HELL OF A REVELATION!

Who saw that coming?!

So Manal is Aayan's wife! Was Aayan's wife!

What happened?
How did she die?
When did she die?
What does he mean by it was all his fault?
WHAT HAPPENED?!

I'm going to let you pounder on these questions by yourselves for a while.

***
Hello beautiful people😍🌹

How are we? I hope we're all fine, in sha Allah✨🌹

How was the chapter? Do tell me in the comment section please 😊💕

Updates are coming in slow I know😭 and they'll even be slower I'm sorry😭🙈

I can't say when I'll be updating next but I will by the grace of God. So if you don't see an update know that I'm very busy with my test starting first week of next month (wish me luck!)

I'm not abandoning this book. I'd never, believe me I sleep and wake with it on my mind, with you guys on my mind.

I will see you when I see you!

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Yours truly
Memzyb✨🌹