Only Her

AVOIDING HIM

Allah does not delay a matter except for good, do not be sad every matter has been planned by almighty, every phase shall pass, your strong, have faith.

AHLAM.

I stood there silently witnessing the close bond between siblings. Not one word was uttered by me in case I was judged, as that one word alone could easily lead into something I’d rather evade. You see, I was strictly raised to avoid the opposite s*x. Even when I was studying, I had my brother close by as a shadow supporting and protecting me throughout but here…. I knew I had to handle myself and I’ll try my best to follow the guidelines my parents bestowed upon me, so kept my gaze lowered.

After an uncomfortable and short spell of silence, Hania led her brother out to join the others downstairs but while exiting the room, I couldn’t help overhearing Hania saying “it’s nothing Aahil, she’s only a little apprehensive because she’ll be facing our family and friends whom she has never met before, she will attend Insha’Allah”

True to Hania’s word, I did attend the party and when at times I was left alone because of aunt Faiza having to attend to guests, she continually kept a sharp eye on me as promised; always ensuring I was okay; bless her.

I looked around at everyone socialising, listening to their conversations about business or what’s happening in the world today. Some were joking and sadly some were even backbiting. So much gossiping I thought to myself but if the truth be told, I felt a little left out in not having friends. The women were dressed so elegantly whilst the men handsomely.

You know when you get that feeling someone is watching you; well I was experiencing it. I looked around curiously, searching only to notice the man from earlier glancing my way? why was he staring at me? Before the party began, I avoided speaking to Hania's brother successfully and was even glad he didn't ask for my name or why I was living under the same roof as them. It’s best we stay away from each other I thought, we were two polar opposites. I looked away immediately but wherever I seem to look, his constant fixed stare was on me. I was beginning to feel very self-conscious; didn't he have any shame? I sprung around and turned my back on him…. Ha! let him stare at my back.

"What's wrong my dear? you seem so lost? come, as my husband is about to make an announcement," she said with a smile and I nodded while she took hold of my right hand and bought me forward into the crowd… glad to get away from that someone's stare burning into me.

"As-Salamu-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah-Wa-Barakatuh (May the Peace, Mercy & Blessings of Allah be upon you) ladies and gentlemen," Firoz uncle politely greeted everyone with his microphone and they all responded with “Wa-Alaikum-Asalaam Wa-Rahmatu-Allah-Wa-Barakatuh“ (and peace be upon you and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings too).

“Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for attending this welcoming party on behalf of my son Aahil, who has graduated with honours in Engineering Masha’Allah” (God has willed it) “He has at long last returned home to us, after spending six very long years studying aboard in Dubai…. Aahil? Would you mind joining me here please”

It was at that precise moment, I sneakily looked up and wish I hadn’t. Uncle Firoz was giving his son a rib crushing hug; full of love and proudness when Aahil managed to turn his head to glance over at me penetratingly.

I grasped out aloud when I became aware that I was also staring back at him earnestly and immediately lowered my gaze in shame, whilst skipping a beat in the process with my pondering heart. Where are my wondering thoughts leading to and why?

It was only when they were up close and personal did I realise how attractive his features were; an exact resemblance to uncle Firoz without a doubt. He stood there confident, tall and handsome like a model, with an air of authority about him….

“Ya Allah, why does he keep staring at me? Is he just intrigued in who I am or does he have other intentions on his mind? I thought to myself.

"You are allowed to look my dear," auntie Faiza said smiling, I looked at her then down in shame; my face must have been as red as a tomato. What's happening to me? Why am I behaving this way within such a short time?

"Someone is blushing” Hania's teasing voice said, gently grabbing onto her mother’s shoulders from behind.

Where did she suddenly appear from? I stared up at her who was displaying a genuine playful smile. Wide-eyed and ashamed, I truly didn’t know how to react. Why did she have to suddenly appear? Why did she have to tease me in front of her mother? Didn’t her mother mind?

"Don't tease her Hania” she smiled, looking back at her daughter “but I must admit, there definitely is no denying the two of them suit each other, don’t you think?” her mother said and I just stood there speechless and in shock, what were they even talking about? Were they talking about me or another girl?

I am not even pretty compared to some of the girls present in this room, they must surely be talking about someone else.

“… 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 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 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 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 will not approach or enter this house to see her!” and stormed off without a backward glance. I sprung around and stared after him; what’s wrong with him? I stared at everyone else at the table who were staring at each other and then at me shocked with Aahil’s outburst.

Do your absolute best in every situation you can, work hard, and pray as much as you can, if it's meant for you, Allah will make a way for you.

***

Any idea what's wrong with Aahil?

Some comments and votes will appreciate.