Do not be depressed; everything has been planned by Allah. Every stage will pass; remain strong and have faith. Allah does not postpone anything unless it is for the greater good.

AHLAM.

I stood there silently witnessing the close bond between siblings.  I said nothing at all for fear of being judged because even one word could have led to something I would have preferred to avoid. You see, I was strictly raised to avoid the opposite gender. Even while studying, I had my brother nearby to support and protect me. However, here, I knew I needed to handle myself and follow my parents' guidelines, so I kept my gaze low.

After an uncomfortable and brief silence, Hania led her brother out to join the others downstairs, but as I exited the room, I could not help but overhear Hania saying "it is nothing Aahil, she is only a little apprehensive because she will be facing our family and friends whom she has never met before, she will attend Insha'Allah."

As promised by Hania, I went to the party, and even though aunt Faiza had to tend to the guests at times, she constantly kept a watchful eye on me, making sure I was alright. God bless her.

  I turned to face everyone and observed them mingling while listening to their discussions about business or current events. A few were mocking, and regrettably, a few were even scheming. I felt a little left out because I did not have any friends, but I was also thinking, "So much gossiping." The men were handsomely dressed, and the women were very elegantly dressed.

I was experiencing the sensation that someone was observing me, you know? I cast a curious glance around, and as I was searching, I noticed the man who had earlier been staring at me. What made him stare at me? I managed to avoid talking to Hania's brother before the party started, and I was even relieved that he did not ask for my name or the reason I was sharing their house. We were complete opposites, so I reasoned that it would be best if we avoided each other. I quickly averted my gaze, but he seemed to be staring at me from everywhere. I was starting to feel so self-conscious—did he really not feel ashamed? I abruptly turned around and faced away from him. Ha! let him stare at my back.

"What's wrong my dear? you seem so lost? She smiled and said, "Come on, my husband is about to make an announcement. I nodded as she took hold of my right hand and escorted me forward into the crowd. I am relieved to be out of that person's direct stare.

Firoz uncle used his microphone to greet everyone politely. "As-Salamu-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah-Wa-Barakatuh (May the Peace, Mercy & Blessings of Allah be upon you) ladies and gentlemen," they all replied. "Wa-Alaikum-Asalaam Wa-Rahmatu-Allah-Wa-Barakatuh" (and peace be upon you and Allah's Mercy and Blessings too).

First of all, on behalf of my son Aahil, who graduated with honors in engineering, I would like to thank everyone for coming to this welcome party, Masha'Allah.(God willed it) "He is finally come home to us after studying abroad in Dubai for six arduous years. Aahil? Would you mind joining me here?

At that exact moment, I sneakily looked up and wished I had not. Uncle Firoz was giving his son a rib-crushing hug, full of love and pride, when Aahil turned his head and cast a penetrating glance at me.

When I realized that I was staring at him intently too, I let out a loud grasp and quickly lowered my gaze in embarrassment, my heart quivering slightly as I did so. What and where are my wondering thoughts taking me?

Only when they were face to face did I realize how handsome his features were; he unquestionably bore an identical resemblance to uncle Firoz. He exuded confidence and had an air of authority as he stood there, tall and attractive like a model.

"Oh Allah, why is he staring at me so much? Does he have any other plans in mind, or is he just curious about me? I thought to myself.

Auntie Faiza smiled and said, "You are allowed to look, my dear." I must have looked at her with a tomato-red face in embarrassment. What is going on with me? Why am I acting in this manner after only a short while?

Hania's playful voice teased, "Someone is blushing," as she softly grabbed her mother's shoulders from behind.

From where did she suddenly emerge? She was grinning a real, playful smile, and I was staring up at her. Shocked and wide-eyed, I was genuinely unsure of how to respond. Why did she have to suddenly appear? Why did she feel the need to make fun of me in front of her mom? Didn’t her mother mind?

She grinned and turned to face her daughter, saying, "Do not tease her, Hania, but I must admit, there is no denying the two of them suit each other, do not you think?" When her mother said it, I was left stunned and dumbfounded. What on earth were they even discussing? Did they discuss me or some other girl?

They must be talking about someone else because I do not even look as good as some of the girls in this room.

“… anyway” I overheard uncle Firoz continue “ Having had a discussion about this with my wonderful wife Faiza, we both feel strongly that it's the right time to hand over sole ownership of the family business to our son Aahil” Without thinking of the consequence, I immediately looked up to catch Aahil’s reaction at his father, which was mixed with pure shock and gratitude.

“My wife has supported me throughout in growing the business as it stands today and I feel it is only right we now spend quality time together.  So, as of tomorrow, I will be in and out of the office handling the transition before pasting over the reins of the business to my son. 

Please let’s put our hands together in allowing my next generation the opportunity to be involved in the company’s decision making” Suddenly, there was a loud round of applause from everyone in the room that I’m sure could’ve been heard door’s away.

Watching with admiration at uncle Firoz and son relationship, I couldn’t help remembering my late father and brother and the relationship they shared working together. 

I didn’t even realise Aahil was staring at me again until I gathered myself together and caught him in the act but there was a different kind of smile playing on his lips that was genuinely so sweet that warmed me unexpectedly.  It touched me in a way I can’t explain.  Why was he staring and grinning? Maybe he was staring at his mother and sister?

*****

Much later, while we were all having an evening meal together, uncle Firoz said "The party was very successful Aahil, don’t you think? after dinner we’ll discuss the transition over the company in the study ok?” and then dismissed the topic, as he made it a point never to discuss work isues over dinner. 

It was at times like this I felt uneasy; I was just a stranger and they were a family who kindly took me in when I had no other place to go.

"Mom, who is she?" I heard a voice enquire about me and I shivered while playing with my mug of coffee.

"Dear brother, why don’t you ask her yourself?" his sister replied and I just stared at her with a quizzed look but she just shrugged her shoulders innocently.

"Yeah right! the whole time since I’ve arrived, she has been ignoring me like the plague itself.  What makes you think that when I start a conversation she will reply?" he asked angrily, watching me.  I glowered back at him for a split second then turned away.

Why are they speaking among themselves like I’m not here in the same room? And why are they having this topic freely in front of their parents? he has been trying to approach me ever since the moment he entered the house but all I’ve been doing is talking to everyone else except him.  I must be hurting his ego.

"Her name is Ahlam my son.  And by the way Ahlam? someone was asking about you during the party and would like to arrange a time and place to meet you in person” aunty Faiza said whilst staring interestingly at Aahil and at me.  I froze and felt myself turn the shade of crimson when I noticed all eyes were on me, except Aahil who was looking down annoyingly.

"I told them how much you mean to us as a family and how much you’ve become like a daughter to me.  I also informed them that this is your place of residence and if they’d like to talk about you further, to contact me here personally” she stopped speaking and searched my face for any reaction, scared of how I was taking in the news.  I just nodded and looked down.

"What did they want from her mom?" Aahil asked protectively but he already secretly knew the answer to his own question.

Uncle Firoz sat there silently, observing, while Hania kept a suspicious eye on Aahil and me with a board Cheshire cat grin plastered on her face.

"It’s a proposal for Ahlam son," she said in a flat tone.

"It's just proposal dear” she said looking back at me “there’s still a lot we have to figure out and of course your opinion counts," she said worryingly and her husband nodded in agreement.

How can I tell them that everything has changed within me and that I’m not ready to be in a relationship yet without hurting their feelings?  Why has this bit of news disturbed me so?  I looked at everyone’s faces and my eyes stopped and lingered on Aahil’s longer than necessary and it felt like he was contemplating on saying something but stopped himself. 

I gazed out towards the window and my inner thoughts were telling me; I don't want anyone to approach me, what if he hurts me? what if he refuses me after seeing me fully? I bet he probably hasn’t even seen me but his family are forcing him to marry. Ya Allah, why am I thinking too much?

"Like hell! He is not coming nearer or coming inside this house to visit her! and left without turning around. What is wrong with him, I thought to myself as I snapped to attention. I looked from Aahil's outburst to everyone else at the table who was staring at each other, and then back to me in shock.

***
Any idea what's wrong with Aahil?
Some comments and votes will really appreciate.