Assalamu alaikum my madam M, how are you? It's been a while since we met. I missed you ( ouch I can't help but say this I hope I didn't commit any crime.) I have been looking forward to see you before I move back to London but we didn't meet, even accidentally. *

*I am somehow afraid of writing this to you. I don't know your expression by the time you receive this. Although there's a thickline between us in so many ways, love is so cruel to attack me. Before you tear this paper, please read it all.*

*I don't know how bizarre this may sound but I found you to be fascinating. I mean I've been attracted overnight. I want to say I'm in love with you madam M.*

*You must be screaming now, as in how could a physically challenged person be in love with you right? I'm sorry it is not my fault Madam. How could a man born in penury love a classy lady like you right? That's the irony of life.*

*If my love is not appreciated, it's okay I understand. Love happens naturally so I won't blame you.*

*But if it's reciprocated, I will be the most happiest man alive.*

*Either ways, if it's rejected then don't worry we shall continue to be friends or nothing.*

*If it's appreciated then I will say congratulations to myself and;*

*'Future Mrs Sadiqu, kindly nurture this love till my return. That's four years from now.'*

*My regards to everyone at home.*
*Take care of yourself perhaps for me or just for someone else.*

*eww he's not lovely and romantic huh? I'm just nervous... You know. I don't know what's going on in your mind so I can't be cheesy. * *laughs*

~With regard, Sadiqu Isma'il.

Mimi grinned from ear to ear before she put the paper back to a file keeper. She would ever love that writeup and would wait for Sadiqu even it meant waiting forever. Her life changed since the day she received that paper.

She picked her phone and called her father to remind him of her request. Truth was, although she loved Sadiqu, she won't bear the locality of his area. The bad roads, lack of water and so on. All those needed to be repaired before she finally becomes a Mrs Sadiqu.

She loves him but love herself more.

****

"Mother please allow me to visit Inna Bareerah after school hour. Their area is just ten minutes away from the university." Maleekah's mother looked at her, trying to study her. She knew her strictness would not make Leek a good lady, at least since Leek asked her, she would grant her the permission for the fear that Leek will sneak out of school someday and visit Bareerah.

"When are you closing for today's lecture?" Maleekah grinned and thoughts of adding an hour to the actual time so that she would get to spend more time with Inna.

"2 pm."

"Be back by 3pm." Her mother spoke sternly.

"But..."

"If you talk, I will cancel this too."

"Thank you very much mother." She muffled her veil properly and headed out.

"I will close by 2, but I will be visiting Rimin Gata village today so you will pick me there at 3." Maleekah informed her chauffeur.

"Should I come and take you there?"

"No. I will use the public transport." She smiled eagerly waiting for time to fly. She can't wait to see Sadiqu's mother and his brother. Although she has forgotten about his love since its over six months now, she still love his mother whom they shared business with. Bareerah's tofu and spices mix, had became one of the best selling in their eatery. She would love to advice Bareerah to start packaging the spices and start taking them to the city's supermarket.

****

"Inna what's wrong with you. It's not you." Leek asked her, after they finished eating *dambun masara*

"My son was jailed. Sadiqu warned me not to take any of them but I didn't listen. I'm now regretting." Inna sobbed.

"Where? He will be back to you by God's grace. Have faith Inna." Leek patted her back.

"I pray so. I have brought back the other brother. Maimuna doesn't heed to my words now, as I talk to you now, she's out."

"What about the other one?" Leek knew Sadiqu's siblings were five.

"Oh Fatimah? She's coming towards the end of this month. She, Sadiqu and my last born are the only ones I have hope on." Bareerah wasn't crying now, she was just shaking her head.

Leek was dumbfounded. She didn't know how to make Inna less worried.

"All shall be well Inna. Jameel will be back to you, I promise."

"I hope so. Thank you." The rest of their conversation was on Sadiqu and his life.

****

"I do." Fatimah said shyly and turned away.

"You do what? Now tell me let me hear."

"Nothing."

"Forget to tell you or did you know? I am leaving next week." She rolled her eyes to see his expression. She didn't wanted to leave but she has missed home like craze. She craved to see her family.

"Topic changer. I knew it and I have talked with Inna. You're not leaving until you finish your school." Dr Muhseen folded his arms in a teasing way.

"Please, you're joking." She frowned.

"I'm not."

"Please."

"Please." He imitated her.

"Fine!" She stood up angrily.

"Fine!" He did the same thing.

"You're a serious joker." She eyed him.

"And you love me like that." Fatimah's eyes grew bigger.

"You said love? You're ma..."

"I am mad! Oh lord, who calls her boyfriend mad?" Muhseen exclaimed trying to hold his laughter. Fatimah looked helpless.

"I give up. Nothing like love, boyfriend or so." She twisted her lips while deep down, the word love savored her soul. If Dr Muhseen was to say he love her, there's no way she's rejecting him. Months ago, she had tried avoiding speaking to him, but since they boarded on the friendship boat things have changed. She forgot about the thickline between them. All she was seeing was a Muhseen with a clean and kind heart then a helpless Fatimah not Dr Muhseen from one rich family or Fati the maid.

"I'm going to work now. See you later." Muhseen smiled at her. He also, in contrast, had seen the change in her. He had seen her grow, seen her starting to have feelings for him although she always deny it. All his eyes were seeing was Fatimah his potential wife not a maid. All he wished was to give her a life Fatimah will always cherish even if he's gone. His heart skipped a beat double, when the memory of yesternight flew to his mind.

His father has told him to go and see his friend's daughter and he knew what that meant. He had seen his sister's marriage being arranged but never thought his also, would be arranged. He wished his father will understand that his sisters were not living in peace in their homes but he knew he will never. All his father sees was a fortune coming his way.

****