TRAPPED IN A JUNGLE

THREE

HUSNAH's POV.

I swallowed so hard, I tried crying, I tried shouting... but all to no avail. I looked from one corner of my room to another. Then I realized I was trapped in a jungle.

The words kept ringing through my head. I just found it hard to believe that I was getting married in two months... getting married to my worst nightmare.

I felt the othe side of my bed go down, I knew that someone just sat there but I couldn't bring myself to see who it was. My head was still buried in my hands, and tears kept gushing uncontrollably. Yaa Allah! He's gonna be the end of me.

"Adda husnah". Amal called out slowly, with her thumb clearing away my tears. Her hands felt so warm. When I managed to glance and her, I broke into more and more tears.

"Addah Husnah, this isn't the end of everything. We just need to pray. Allah is in control of everything. Keep your trust in Him".

I couldn't say a word, my heart ached so very much that I felt it'd burst any moment from now.

Amal rested my head on her shoulders, soothing my back. That very moment, I knew I was blessed with the best sister ever.

We stayed for almost thirty minutes in that position. And I felt my heart at peace a little.

Aunty Ladi's voice kept trailing my head, as I remembered every single word she uttered the very moment I and Amal set our foot into the living room when we came back from aunty Hajjo. "In two weeks time, you'll be a bride, Husnah". She said that happily.

I was confused at first when I heard that. I even thought she was just poking fun on me, but then she blinked me back to reality as she goes on to say, "They brought ten cartoons of na gani ina so (gifts taken to the bride's house as a sign that the boy is interested). The lefe (Cloths brought to the bride from her husband) will be brought a week to the wedding".

I almost loosed my balance. Aunty Ladi couldn't be serious.

"I thought it's just an engagement?" I puzzlingly uttered in what seemed like a whisper.

"Well, we thought it'll be better to finalize everything once and for all" She responded.

My eyes were watery. My heart beating fast. My balance... so lost as I fell to the ground. I didn't know how, but I felt tears running down my cheeks.

He's gonna be the end of me!

"I don't love him, wallahi bana sonshi" I shouted, shaking my head furiously. As if shaking it will stop the wedding.

"Husnah" Mom called softly, and I felt her warm arms wrapped around me. "Shhhhh, everything will be alright".

I quickly blinked back to reality... that was three days ago event. I felt my tummy rumbling. Yeah! Why not? I haven't eaten a solid food for the past three days, just black coffee. Yeah, I know I look like a ghost now.

"Adda Husnah, snap out of this and be yourself again please, for mom. You know how worried she is right?". Amal said again.

"Sure little sis, thank you for everything. You're the very best, I love you, infinity times ten".

"I love you more Adda".

I had a warm bath, allowing the hot water penetrate my soul, massaging my aching bones.

O Yaa Allah, I feel alive again.

I tied my fluffy white towel and tiptoed into my closet. What am I even gonna put on? Dunno, I just hate the idea of putting heavy cloths on just now.

While I was thinking... just then, my eyes rested on a red and black polka dots gown. Yeah, I think I'll settle on this. I put a little kohl in my eyes to hide how terrible I looked... worst still, as I looked into the square sized mirror in front of me, I puzzled. What have you done to yourself husnah? I wondered!

I came back into the bedroom and found it clean and tidy, with a very nice and flowery scent. Awww! Amal is the best sister so far. I went downstairs, a lot in my mind, I'm trying so hard to look real, to be myself. At least, for mom.

Yeah, for her!

Guess she knew I was coming downstairs, her eyes were focused at my direction and I could trace the lines of worried on her face.

"A wali jam (good morning)" I greeted.

"Jam koo dume" mom answered, looking at me with those eyes of hers. Well I think my mom has the biggest eyes in the whole universe. Uhhh! Don't mind my exaggeration.

"Husnah, what are you doing to yourself?" She queried.

I tried answering, but the words wouldn't come out. I was left with only a sigh.

"Don't you believe in QADR?" She asked further "Kefa mace ce, you're my favorite among all your siblings, Husnah. Do you think I'll give my blessings to something I didn't pray over? Where is that sweet and amazing little angel I gave birth to?" She asked, tears swelling up her eyes.

"I'm sorry mom, I'm so sorry" I said in tears, as we both wrapped our hands around each other.

"Don't disappoint me please. Be that bright and cheerful girl you once were, please".

"I promise mom. I promise. Do forgive my stupidity".

I felt mom's warmness deep inside, as I buried my head in her chest. A mom is the best creation on earth!

My tummy rumbled for the hundredth time since this morning. Mom broke the hug, giving me a funny look. Yeah, I knew what that look of hers meant.

"Okay, fine mom. Mi yiddi nyamugo (I want to eat" I said, a smile on my face.

"You silly girl" mom said, pinching me so hard on my cheeks "I'll make sure you eat two whole plates!".

"No mom, siddi please (a little, please)".

Have you ever felt the happiness of being feed by your mom? Well, that's the best feeling ever.

The day ended in a blur. I was super excited about tomorrow. Dammit! My best bro is coming back. I've missed his naggings and blabbering so far... Yaa Naseer!

NABEEL's POV.

I turned restlessly to the other side of the bed. Its morning already, I couldn't grasp why I was now still on bed.

Well... why shouldn't I understand the fact that the idea of getting married to Husnah was the reason why? Uhm!

Its been three days since dad broke the bad news to me. I just couldn't bring myself to tell Fareedah what happened. How will she take it? Yaa Allah!

I stood up lazily and walked to the bathroom, took a quick shower and dressed quickly before stepping out of the room.

I knew Fareedah would be in the kitchen preparing breakfast, so I walked straight to the kitchen Island. She was standing by the sink, busy washing the dishes. I hugged her from behind, giving her a very warm kiss on her earlobe.

She shrieked, responding to it.

"Good morning" I said slowly, as my arms kept going up and down on her abdomen.

"Morning. Zaka fara koh? Can't you see I'm busy?" She said.

"You left me on bed all alone, I missed your warmness".

"Aww! You silly boy" she said, turning her face towards me. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I felt her lips on mine. They were warm, so sweet. I nibbled her lower lips passionately and she moaned.

"I love you, baby" she whispered between breaths.

"I love you more, reedah" I answered.

I was about grabbing her lips again for another passionate kiss when my phone rang.

Anger!

That's what I felt.

I sighed deeply.

Someone just ruined my precious moment.

I looked at the phone to see who was calling.

What the f**k!

This can't be!

Husnah calling me?

Impossible!

I looked at reedah and saw her eyes on me. She smiled and said, "Come on! Pick it up"

I nodded and swallowed so hard before turning to leave the kitchen.

"What's it?" I asked through the phone angrily.

"I want to see you. I'm kinda missing you" she said sweetly.

I removed the phone from my ears and rechecked the caller.

Husnah!

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I want to see my future husband. I'm missing him". She said again.

What! Was this for real?