16. LETS BE FRIENDS
1589 Words
Chapter 16: Let's Be Friends.
Hafsat's POV
"Perform ablution so that we can pray now."
My heart almost stopped when I heard his husky voice. I turned to look at him and he was already looking at me. He flashed me a small smile and my heart stopped for real this time.
What?!
"I will use the bathroom in the parlour. Hurry up so that we can perform the two raka'at and make du'a" he said and left the room, leaving me in shock.
And for the first time since we got married, Ammar and I prayed together. He led us in the salat and made du'a at the end. He turned to face me and placed his hand on my head as he said the dua the prophet (PBUH) taught us. After he was done,he stood up and sat down on the chair I sat on earlier.
"Let's do that"
"Uhmm..." I asked confused as my eyes widened.
What does he mean by that?
" You said we should get to know each other. It's not a bad idea so lets do that" he smiled.
"Good. Okay." I nodded and smiled back.
He began to pack the papers that were on the bed.
"I have some things to finish before tomorrow. So I will work in the parlour. Goodnight" With that he left the room.
I think he's going to sleep there today again but anyways it's a good start now that he is actually talking to me. Plus he agreed to understand each other.
My heart kept jumping in my chest .....it took me an hour to sleep.
-
"oooh someone looks happy today. "
Zainab smirked
"I'm always happy" I protested.
"Yes, that I agree but these days you look different. You're shinning" she said thoughtfully.
I couldn't argue with that. Seven days ago when Ammar agreed to 'get to know me' I've been exceptionally happy. Even though our progress is very slow but nonetheless I'm glad he doesn't act like I am invisible now. He tells me when he's going out and talks to me when he needs anything instead of asking his mum or Zainab.
"Hey! Earth to" Zainab exclaimed bringing me back to present.
"Sorry did you say something? "
" What are you thinking about, perhaps Ammar?" she teased.
"No. Its just that I will be shifting to another hospital in a week."
I suddenly remembered that in a week, I would start working in the same hospital as Ammar. So I used that as an excuse.
Zainab nodded
"Oh " was her only reply.
We were in the kitchen making dinner. It was weekend, Ahmad and Ammar had gone to the sport field. While mummy was in her room.
I carried the tray of cups and cutlery I was setting.
" I will keep this on the table and be right back. " I said before stepping out of the kitchen.
I finished arranging them in the dinning wardrobe and return to the kitchen.
" Zainab, I think we should bake some cakes....... Maybe tomorrow? What do you think?" I started blabbing the moment I walked back into the kitchen but she didn't respond so I continued anyways.
"I wanted to make moin-moin tonight but I remembered it makes people fart alot. So I decided against it. I will make it next Saturday for breakfast or lunch insha Allah. I can't be farting tomorrow at work..... It would be so embarrassing." I laughed at the thought of it.
She turned to her head and gave me a very weird look. She looked embarrassed and started pointing at her phone that was placed on her ears indicating she was on the phone with someone.
"Ops, sorry" I whispered and she face palmed herself.
How should I have known, she didn't even make a sound. I find it hard to understand how some people can talk on the phone and the person next to them won't even be able to hear them but the person on the other end of the line can.
Truly it amazes me. I shout like an angry mum on the phone and still the person on the other end might not hear me.
I raised an eyebrow at her and smirked.
'We will talk about this' I mouthed.
-
Ammar's POV
"Dr. Ammar, the medical director has signed and approved. So your wife can start working on Monday"
"Thank you very much"
"No problem. Its my job. But she has to meet the HOD of pediatrics herself before she joins them. You said she's going to start with pediatric department right?" The MD's secretary, Malam Labaran gave me the papers that were signed as he explained.
I nodded and collected the papers. I thanked him and shook his hand before leaving the office.
Abba suggested that my wife and I work in the same hospital. He asked her to move to our hospital and she agreed. I honestly don't mind that. I think it would be good for our relationship as long as she doesn't try to invade my hospital life.
I've been trying to communicate with her but its really difficult. Our relationship is really awkward but she keeps smiling at me or finding a reason to talk.
She loves to talk and smile. That's really disturbing.
I noticed she's not free around the house. She's shy around my mum and rarely talks to Ahmad even though they seem friendly to each other. She's really close to Zainab though, they are always gossiping and laughing together.
I bet she's feeling very lonely. She went to see her parents three times since the wedding. The first one was with me. Apparently its basic tradition to go around with your wife so she can meet all your close relatives and you meet her's.
It's friday and I wasn't on duty so I decided to go home early. Normally I would have stayed till late but I promised her I would work with her to make our relationship work.
As I entered the house and made my way upstairs, I heard music and voices coming from Zainab's room so I went to check.
The door was half way open.
Zainab and a girl who I almost didn't recognize were dressed in a top and skinny jeans dancing to a random Nigerian song. I knew Zainab was a dancing maniac, seems like she has found her partner. She knows her limit, she never dance in public. But I'm not sure about the other person, last time I saw her she said it was a misunderstanding. It's still hard to trust her.
I watched them dance to three songs, the last one was indian. I have to admit, they are both really good dancers.
She curves and twist and dances like a pro. She looks really good in her skinny jeans. I always knew she looked really good in her traditional attires and Abayas but now that she's in a jeans and top she got all the curves in the right place. Her eyes are really big too and she got a tiny pointy nose. She's....
Oh my Allah.. She's looking at me. Yes, I've been caught staring.
"Ammar?!" She exclaimed a little embarrassed.
"Ammar, what are you doing here. Have you been watching us dance? " Zainab quirked the corner of her mouth.
" You are the worse dancers ever" I sneered and walked away.
"Just say that you were admiring your wife's dance moves. " Zainab shouted after me and I smiled to myself.
-
" My friends gifted me a pulse oximeter and sphygmomanometer and other things."
"Jazakallahu khair, that's nice of them"
She brought out the gift bag she came back with earlier and showed me the items her colleagues gave her.
I don't know why she's showing me but..
"You came back crying so much then ended up dancing - " I paused and scrutinize at her. She was smiling. Why is she always smiling?
" Do you just dance anywhere and anyhow? With anyone?" It came out of my mouth without thinking. And her smile faded. She looked hurt.
She knew I was referring to the incidents at the bridal shower.
I closed my eyes, regretting what I had already said. She really has been a decent person since we got married. The last time I saw her in trousers was the bridal shower. I've never heard her talking on the phone with any guy other than her family. She's talked to only a few of her girl friends since the wedding. I don't know about the people she chats with but she doesn't seem to be hiding anything. Plus she tells me what she's doing sometimes.
Seeing that I've hurt her feelings made me feel guilty so I thought of changing the topic.
"You can start work at the pediatric department on Monday insha Allah. I got the papers signed for you and all you have to do now is to get an approval from the HOD of pediatrics"
She sighed and shifted on the couch she was sitting. We were sitting in the attic parlor watching some weird indian movie. I didn't even bother watching the news today even though it's time for night news because she screamed in excitement when she switched on the TV and saw what was playing on bollywood. ' I love this movie. I can't remember when last I watched it' she said.
"Will you be my friend? "
- Writer
