FORTUITOUS TENDERNESS.

Eleven

  "I'll be back before Asr prayer, I promise." Aisha took her handbag together with her lab coat. "Okay!" Ameenah sighed, wondering what she'll do when Aisha is gone. "You can cook anything you want. Bye, love you." She rushed out of the house not wanting to get late for class. 

 She wore her fluffy white slippers and sauntered upstairs to her room. She jumped in the bed huffing. She picked up her phone to call Aunty. "Salamu Alaykum, Aunty." She greeted. "Wa'alaikumus Salam. Ameenah how are you?" Aunty asked. "Mama I'm fine Alhamdulillah. How's baba?" 

 "He's fine. He's at the market now. How's Aisha and everyone over there?" She asked. "Mama they're all fine Alhamdulillah. I'll be going to Zaria next week for my registration. So hopefully I'll be back in kaduna in two weeks In sha Allah." 

  "Masha Allah. I'm glad you're okay now. I can tell by the way you're talking, you are doing great Alhamdulillah. Allah miki albarka."

Ameenah smiled. "Ameen Aunty. Thank you so much." They chit-chatted a bit before ending the call. She placed the phone on the side drawer and sauntered into the en-suite to take her bath. She stayed in and thoroughly cleaned up herself. She wrapped a clean white towel around her body before sauntering out. 

 She dried her body and applied her body lotion before dressing up for the day. Her phone vibrated indicating a new message. 

“Salamu Alaykum, Ameenah. I really need your help. I need you to help me cook lunch. I didn't know Adam was coming back early. He'll be at home by 2PM. He's coming along with Bashir and some of his colleagues. Please cook something for them. I trust you when it comes to cooking. Xx”

She rolled her eyes keeping the phone back on the side drawer. She wasn't ready to see him. Not after what happened between them 4 days ago. She's still ashamed of how she treated him not knowing he was hurting.

 Bashir. He had tousled dark brown hair, which was thick and lustrous. His eyes were a mesmerizing deep ocean blue, flecks of silvery light performed ballets throughout. His face was strong and defined, his features molded from granite. He had dark eyebrows, which sloped downwards in a serious expression. His usually playful smile had drawn into a hard line across his face. She couldn't help but blush. His smile etched it's way back into his face, She thought. 

  A smile plastered on her face as she thought of him. She snapped out of her reverie. Why does she always smile when she thinks of him? She doesn't like him. Not one bit. She doesn't like the idea of falling in love with a rich guy. She can't afford to get hurt again. Not again. She's slowly moving on with her life. He can't take her back to square one; promising her marriage and end up breaking her heart in the name of his parents don't like poor people. 

 She glanced at the wristwatch. It read 12:15PM. She thought of what to cook. She wore her slippers and sauntered downstairs. She looked around the quiet house. She imagined herself being married. Living in that type of house or less. She sometimes gets scared of the idea of being married but when she looks at her best friend and her husband, her heart melts making her wish she was the one that has found her forever. Who will treat her right, treat her like she's the only girl in the world? 

The thought of marriage reminded her of her Aamir. Oh Aamir; the love of her life. She still loved him. He was her everything. He made her happy. She loved him. No doubts, she had never loved any guy like she loved Aamir. She still does. But sometimes The hottest love has the coldest end.

 She opened the pantry, thinking of what to cook for them. It took her almost 10 minutes before deciding on what to cook. She cooked while thinking of how her life would be at the university. She feared that place. She thought she'd be with her best friend. Aisha is the carefree type. She always had her back and now she's married and living happily with her husband here in Abuja. She never expected that. Though Aisha always dreamt of getting married and Alhamdulillah she's happily married to The one she loves. 

 She was done Cooking the famous Traditional Dish; Tuwan shinkafa and Miyan Taushe with some pomó and dried fish. She was almost done making the Strawberry Stuffed Donuts for dessert when she heard familiar voices coming from the living room. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard Bashir's husky voice.

 She was at the last donut when Adam came into the kitchen. She greeted him. "Sorry we had to make you do all of this work. I've seen the dish and Masha Allah we can't wait to try it." He apologized and thanked her for the food. "Oh it's okay. I'll bring the desserts now." She answered. 

 She arranged the donuts in a tray and covered it. She took a deep breath before marching out of the kitchen to the dining. She kept the tray, her heart beating fast. She exchanged pleasantries with two of Adam's friends she hasn't met before. She glanced at Bashir. His attention was on his phone. That's unlike him to pretend as if she wasn't there. Adam thanked her before she left.

 She walked upstairs to her room thinking why Bashir acted that way. Perhaps he didn't see her; she thought. That's not possible. He knew she was the one. He heard her voice greeting their friends. He can't say he didn't recognize her. He might not be in the mood may be. But she doesn't like that part of Bashir. She preferred the funny, jovial Bashir. She doesn't like this cold, straight face part of him. Scary. 

Xx

  "Who is that girl that just went upstairs? I like her. So cute and short. Just my type." Mahdi admired. Bashir almost choked on his food. Adam threw his head back, laughing. "Okay okay if you want her number I'd gladly help you get it. Someone was interested in her but I guess he has given up." 

 Bashir sent him a hot glare. "What's your problem? You like her too or what?" Mahdi asked. Bashir ignored him and continued eating his delicious lunch. No doubts Ameenah can cook. She had everything he had been looking for in a wife.

 She had a kind of understated beauty, perhaps it was because she was so disarmingly unaware of her prettiness. Her black skin was completely flawless. He doubts if she used face masks or expensive products, that really wasn't her m.o. She was all about simplicity, making things easy, helping those around her to relax and be happy with what they have. Perhaps that is why her skin glowed so, it was her inner beauty that lit her eyes and softened her features. When she smiled and laughed you couldn't help but smile along too, even if it was just on the inside. To be in her company was to feel that you too were someone, that you had been warmed in summer rays regardless of the season.

 He knew she wasn't interested in him. That's why he decided to leave her. He just wanted to be friends with her. Have someone to talk to, that's all. He wanted to back out, but seeing his friend interested in her, he's going for her again. This time, she must accept him. She has to. 

After they were done eating, they all moved to the living room. Bashir sat close to Adam, "I want to speak with Ameenah." He whispered. Adam looked at him, "Aisha will be back soon, just wait." 

Right on cue, Aisha came in with a Salam. She came back before Asr just like she promised. Her husband welcomed her with a kiss on the cheek and hug. She exchanged pleasantries with his friends before heading upstairs to freshen up. 

After taking a warm bath and wearing something comfortable, she headed to Ameenah's room. She knocked before going in. "Ameenah," she called out closing the door behind her. Her best friend was lost in her thoughts, staring at the blank space. "Ameenah." She tapped her on the shoulder. She jolted back. "Oh, you're back." She sighed. "How were lectures?" 

 "What were you thinking of that you didn't hear me come in?" She asked ignoring her question. "It's nothing." She shrugged. She rolled her eyes before plumping down next to her best friend. "Have you talked with Bashir," she winked earning herself a glare from Ameenah. "No, we didn't. And I don't know why. He was acting weird. He didn't even glance at my way and you don't expect me to start talking. Not possible." 

A knock on the door interrupted Aisha from replying. "Come in," Ameenah answered. "Umm Bashir wants to speak with you." He looked at Ameenah. She exchanged look with Aisha. "She'll be down in a sec." Aisha flashed him a smile. He nodded before closing the door. 

  "I didn't tell you I want to speak with him. What if he ends up saying something that'll make me furious?" She whispers yelled. "Just go and hear what he has to say." Aisha sighed getting up from the bed. "I hope you left some food for me because I'm so hungry." 

 "Your food is on the kitchen island." She squealed hugging her, "you're the second mom I always wanted." 

Xx

 She took slow steps to him. He was sitting at the gazebo, waiting patiently for the girl he enjoys staring at. When finally she arrives her gait is halting like there's something wrong, she's almost walking right but there's something out of sync. Perhaps one leg is stopping a little short or maybe going long, it's so hard to tell. But when she turns and smiles all thoughts of inquiry flee, she isn't conventionally beautiful. Did she smile at him? That's a first. 

  "Salamu Alaykum." She smiled again. He smiled back. "Wa'alaikumus Salam, Ameenah." The way he uttered her name, just so right. "How are you?" He asked. "Where are my manners, please sit down." She plumped down opposite him. "I am fine Alhamdulillah. You?" He smiled and replied. 

  "Umm, Adam said you wanted to talk about something." She spoke looking at him before lowering her gaze. She's the shy type. He finds that attractive. She's just his type. He stared at her beautiful face for brief seconds before talking, "I asked you to be my friend and you haven't given me an answer." 

 "I told you...." his gaze cuts her off. She looked into his eyes. They held a lot of emotions. He needed someone. To comfort him. He needed her. She can't reject him again. She can't hurt him more. "I'm sorry, I know I stare a lot." He interrupted. She looked down at her fingers. "Ameenah you're so beautiful." 

Ameenah's cheeks are suddenly kissed pink as a spring rose, the blooming color so cute against her glowing skin. She looks away and finds a distraction at the planted red roses, beautifully planted everywhere in the garden. Bashir leaned back, allowing her time to compose herself, fighting back the smile that wants to break out. What happens next he's going to want to remember for a long time, so while his gaze is soft he doesn't drop his eyes for a moment. 

"So what does it take to get your number?" He broke the silence. "Do I have to sign a contract or buy a ticket," he joked. She chuckled and said, "just give me your phone." She stretched her hand out. He bought out his phone from his pocket and gave it to her. She typed in her number and returned the phone. "Great, what should I save the number with?" He asked typing away from his phone. "Ameenah of course,"

 "Precious Gem," He typed. "I said Ameenah." She chuckled. "And I saved it as Precious Gem cause you're precious that I can't afford to lose you as a friend and you're a Gem." She could feel her cheeks warming up. She smiled feeling her heart swelling up with joy.

 "Okay precious gem I have to get going." He rose up. "I'll see you maybe, tomorrow or the next In sha Allah." He assured. "And your cooking was so delicious Masha Allah. I'd like to try it again." He winked. She smiled sheepishly. "Thank you. I would gladly cook for you again some other time." She stood up and they walked back into the house together. 

  She waved at him before heading up the stairs. Smiling. 

Mahdi sent daggers his way. He was furious. He knew Mahdi wanted her but he overtook him. "What? She's just my friend. You can go try your luck," he couldn't contain his happiness. Mahdi hissed and stood up. "Adam, I'll be leaving now." He announced. "Don't blame me, they already knew each other a long time ago." He defended. "Yes but I told you I like her why will you allow Bashir go after her."

 "You're unbelievable Mahdi." Bashir shook his head. "I don't fight over things like this but Ameenah is different. And if you think you can get her then fine. Let's see you get it. Lemme see the wedding invitation card in a month." That really made him furious. He knew there's no way he can compete with Bashir. He had it all. He can't compete with him. He hissed and stormed out of the house. 

 The three men exchanged looks with each other. "You said you just wanted to be friends with her." Adam reminded him. "Yes I know but, from Strangers to friends to besties to lovers. I just met this girl in less than a week but I think I love her and I want to make her my wife."