Life Under the Hijab

A Day Full of Roses

Zaynub Khalid

I woke up on a soft pillow. I could hear heavy breathing underneath me. That must have been Zakir. Sighing, I relaxed myself against the warmth that radiated off the pillow.

Wait a minute. Underneath me? Oh my God!

I opened my eyes and looked up. My eyes landed on a handsome man's face. It was Zakir. Half of my body was on top of him. Our legs were tangled together and his strong muscular arm was wrapped around my waist, pulling me to him. I tried to wiggle out of his grasp. It wasn't because didn't enjoy this, it was an awkward position.

The more I struggled to get out, the tighter his grip on me was. Good grief, why wasn't he letting me go?

"Stop struggling and go back to sleep," he groaned.

"Why do you have a death grip on me?" I asked with my eyebrows raised.

He chuckled and then slowly opened his eyes. His dark brown eyes gazed at me with longing, butterflies erupted in my stomach at the thought. Zakir grabbed my hips and pinned me to the bed.

"Because you're my kitten and I like cuddling with you," he smirked.

"Nimrod," I muttered under my breath.

"That wasn't very nice," he taunted.

"That's kinda why I said it," I stated in a matter-of-factly.

"Oh, you're going to regret saying that, kitten."

"Oh yeah? How?" I teased.

"Like this," before I even had time to react I felt fingers pinching into my sides. I started squirming around while Zakir laughed. "Say you're sorry," he demanded, playfully.

"Never," I breathlessly said as I attempted to get away from his tormenting fingers.

Zakir started to pinched my sides harder until I finally gave up.

"Okay, I'm sorry," I laughed with tears in my eyes.

He froze and stared at me, intensely. It was almost as if he were soaking in my features. I stopped laughing and c****d my head to the side, trying to figure out what he was doing. As I stared at him I realized that he was staring at my lips.

Finally after several minutes, his lips met my own in a passionate kiss. Right then I felt heat go from my toe to my face. Our lips molded perfectly together like they were made for each other. Zakir gently caressed my cheek. The kiss only lasted for a few seconds, but it was everlasting on my lips. He then pulled away.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it," he breathed out.

I could only nod. I didn't trust my speaking abilities.

"Come on. Let's go pray now then we can do whatever you like," he said as he got up.

* * * *

After we prayed Zakir and I stayed in our room. Currently, Zakir was laying his head on my lap. We were just talking about funny moments, until Zakir changed it into something more.

"Zaynub, I'm really sorry that I caused you so much pain in the past," he said, solemnly.

"Zakir, I forgive you. Relax already," I sighed. He kept saying he was sorry, but that was in the past.

"No, Zaynub. You don't get it. I really care about you, and I feel like you don't know that," he said while looking me in the eye.

"Then show me so I will get it," I whispered.

He jolted up. "What?" he asked.

"Show me you care," I repeated.

He smiled.

Leaning up, he pecked me on the cheek. My heart started to beat faster by the minute. I felt heat rise up to my cheek. I hope he didn't realize the effect he had on me.

"You have a slight pink shade on your cheeks," he pointed out.

"No I don't," I denied.

"I just made you blush, didn't I?" he smirked.

"Ha, as if," I laughed off. Thank Allah that I could keep a steady voice right now because on the inside I was freaking out. It was just a kiss, chill, Zaynub, I mentally scolded myself.

"Liar, it's written all over your face," he said and he moved his head closer to mine.

Suddenly an idea came to me. Time to play the cards. I just needed him closer.

"Yeah, right," I scoffed.

Zakir then came closer until our foreheads were touching. This was such a sweet moment. Too bad that I have to ruin it. I put my hands on his chest and then pushed him away from me. Shock and confusion was written all over his face.

"No kisses until you say sorry for being a jerk," I demanded with my arms crossed over my chest.

"No way," he denied.

"Have it your way," I said as I stood up.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Outside," I replied.

"Do I have to say it?" he whined.

"Yes," I said while holding back a smile. He had no idea what was going to happen.

"Fine, I'm sorry," he said as he reached out for me.

He was about to wrap his arms around me before I slipped out and grabbed my scarf. Zakir had his cousins over and I had to cover my hair because they were non-Mahrams. I quickly wrapped my scarf around my head and ran out.

"Try to catch me," I called over my shoulder.

I heard Zakir mumble something under his breath. I ran into Deeliyah's room since she wasn't home. I hid behind the closet and waited. Zakir came in through the door.

"Zaynub, come out now," he sighed.

I stayed silent.

"Giving me the silent treatment I see. Wait till I get my hands on you," he shouted out.

For some odd reason, the idea appealed to me. Stop it, bad Zaynub!

"Found you," he whispered before grabbing my hand and pulling me back into our room. "Time for your punishment," he murmured, huskily.

Before Zakir could even do anything he's phone rang. He groaned and went to answer the call.

"What?" he asked, annoyed.

I could hear another person on the other line. I only heard a few mumble of jumbled words. Zakir's eyes went wide.

"Which hospital?" he asked.

While the other person was talking, Zakir was putting his coat on.

"Okay," he said and then hung up.

"Zakir, what's going on?" I asked.

"My mom is in the hospital because she got in a car accident and damaged her head real bad," he rushed.

I was about to go and get ready when Zakir pushed me back down.

"Stay here," he gritted out and then left.

Ya Allah, do I ever get a break from stuff like this?