All for what

chapter five

Humaira

It was a month to the wedding, everything was getting too serious. I was going to get married to someone I barely knew. Sure I've met and I got to know somethings about him,but that doesn't change the fact that he's a stranger to me.

The house had been busy lately. I was always the center of attention. I had also been receiving body treatment, my skin was soft and my reflection had improved. I smiled as I saw the glow in my body.

I was getting ready to leave the house because my In laws would bring my kayan lefe today. Ummi specifically reminded me to get lost. If only she knew that I was dying to get the hell out of the house.

After getting ready, I called a friend of mine, Fatima. She showed up an hour later. Typical Fatima.

"Sorry I'm late." She said grinning. I wasn't in the mood to play around so I just nodded. We decided to go to silver bird cinema to watch a movie. After the movie, we ate lunch at wakkis. Then we headed to millennium park. We had ice cream and popcorn.

"Thank you so much for today Tima." I said when she dropped me off at home.

"Anything for our amarya. I had fun." She said grinning. Well that's Fatima Hassan, the girl that is always grinning.

Immediately I went to my room, I collapsed on my bed. I was very tired. I had to forcefully dragged myself out of bed to pray. I prayed and took a hot bath then drifted to sleep peacefully.

•

I slept for more than an hour. When I woke up it was almost time for Isha. I prayed Magrib and Isha, afterwards I had a quick bath and changed into my pajamas. I jogged downstairs to get food. I was unbelievably starving and I could eat a horse.

"Omg!!!" I paused looking at the boxes in the parlor.

They were 12set of light blue boxes, their sizes in descending other. They were so beautiful that for a moment I almost forgot I was starving. Ummi and daddy were seated in the three seated couch.

"Come on." Ummi called with a smile. I sat down on the couch opposite theirs.

"Come and see your kayan lefe. Sunyi kyau." Ummi said and I forced a smile.

I was still hungry. Nevertheless, I pushed myself towards the boxes.

The first box container shoes and bags. I brought them out and I admired them. They were so much. The second box contained jeweleries. My eyes were in shock, the jewelries I saw were amazing and I couldn't believe they were all mine. I looked at all the other boxes and they contained beautiful stuffs as well. So many expensive laces, atanfa, hijabs, veils, make up kits, and many others.

It was really beautiful and I really liked them. It was obvious because of the huge grin on my face. Ummi looked at me in awe.

Despite everything, I was still having second thoughts about the wedding. Call me an ingrate but I was really scared about the whole thing. It was a month to the wedding but it felt like a day to it.

Ummi and daddy were excited, I couldn't ruin it for them

Oh well, I just hoped that everything turn out good.

****

I sat down on my bed watching the first episode of Avatar the last air bender, while stuffing popcorn. I know I sound childish, but hey that's my favorite tv show. I watched it over and over again.

I was at the most interesting part when Ummi came in. "Humaira, Ashad is here to see you. Hurry up and get ready." She said and I felt my hand suddenly getting sweaty.

"Ummi I can't meet him right now. I feel nauseous and I think it might last a week." I said and Ummi chuckled.

"Ayyah sorry eh. But you're still meeting him. Get ready in 5minutes." Ummi ordered and left my room.

Now what? What I'm I going to wear sef?

I pulled myself together and started looking for what to wear. I ransacked my closet for a couple of minutes before choosing a gown. I put it on and draped my veil over my head, then rushed downstairs.

"Assalamu Alaykum." I said and sat down on the sofa opposite him.

"Wa Alaykum Salam." He answered and flashed me a killer smile.

"Uhm ehm how are you?" I asked nervously.

"Fine Alhamdullilah." He answered. We talked about work and how our day went.

When he stood up to go, he stopped and asked for my phone number. I was so excited but I control myself. I squealed inwardly before seeing him out. As soon as he was out of sight, I squealed.

I didn't really know why I was so excited about him asking for my number. Oh well, It's good I guess. Our wedding was in less than a month, it would be good for us to get to know each other.

I walked back to my room with a smile on my face.

****

Ashad

The more the wedding drew closer the more I wanted to run away from it. It's been more than a month since the last time I saw Humaira. I didn't know why but I couldn't get her out of my mind. All I could think of was her killer smile, her innocent face, and her melodious voice ringing in my ears.

The worst part was I didn't think of Fareedah as often as I thought of Humaira. I felt bad, like I was cheating on her. I didn't want to hurt Fareedah neither did I want to hurt my Humaira. I was really suffering from all this and it looks like I wasn't the only one suffering, Humaira as well.

"Ya Ashad." Abida's annoying voice echoed through my room. I just got back from work and this girl wants to bug my life.

"Ya Ashad." She called again and barged into my room.

"What?"

"Mummy said to call you." She said and majestically walked out of my room. I lazily followed her.

"Mommah you called for me." I said and she nodded. I sat down beside her.

"Yes. I want you to go and visit Humaira. And please be good to her." Mummy said. I felt like screaming my brains out. I didn't want to go see Humaira because I was afraid. I was afraid that If I see her innocent face once again I might start falling for her. I didn't want that at all. All my thoughts about making her life miserable vanished the moment I set my eyes on her.

"Ashad!" Mummy called bringing me out of my thoughts.

"huh oh mum. I'll just get ready now." I said and walked out before she could say a word.

•

I arrived at Humaira's at 7:25pm. For some odd reasons, I felt nervous. We sat there and talked about work and how our day went. I could see how nervous she was. She kept on playing with the hem of her dress.

After an hour and a half of chit chatting, I collected her number and headed home. I drove back home and headed to my room. Humaira crossed my mind and a smile formed on my face. I remembered telling her that we're bestfriends the first day we met. I wasn't really serious at that time, but now all I want is to be her friend, her best friend.

Maybe, just maybe this whole arrangements wouldn't be bad.