Everything I Could Ever Ask For

Chapter Eight.

Ikram's POV

Adnan's family were supposed to be here on Friday which is tomorrow but they probably won't make it. Zahra told me about Waleed's accident and I felt sorry for him. It has been two days and he was still in a coma. From what Zahra told me,Adnan was taking the accident really hard. He doesn't eat and he has been spending every single minute in the hospital. He hadn't left Waleed's side for a second. I really admire his loyalty to his friend. He must really mean a lot to him.

I get this crazy thoughts that I should be there for him. Wishing that I could share his pain. And whisper words of encouragement to him. But who am I kidding? I'm not even engaged to him yet. For all I know,he doesn't really care about me. Maybe I was just an easy target. It hurts me to have these thoughts wandering in my head. But I guess I should just look at the brighter side of it. Which is, I'll get a chance with someone I really like. I hope things will work out just fine.

My phone rang, bringing me out of my temporary reverie. It was Zahra. I picked up.

"Hey,how is Adnan doing?and how's Waleed?"

"Whoa whoa whoa, asking about the healthy person before the sick person and not even asking about me? Someone's whipped." I heard her chuckling.

My face turned a light shade of red."Uhm. .anyhow.How are you? And how's Waleed and Adnan?" I rephrased.

I could picture her smirking. "Well I'm fine since you asked."

She was clearly teasing me." Uh huh. That's good."

"If you insist,Waleed just regained consciousness and Adnan is as normal as he can get."

"I didn't insist and Ma sha Allah. How's he coping?"

"Who are you talking about,because I'm clearly confused." She said. Urgh this girl.

"You know exactly who I'm talking about." I said

"No I don't."

"Yes you do."

We continued bickering before I gave up. She never gives up.

"You never give up,do you?" I said rolling my eyes even though she couldn't see me.

"Girl,you know me. You shouldn't be asking that. Aha and back to the reason I called. Abba and Adnan are coming tomorrow."

"What?!" I didn't expect that. I thought they'll postpone it.

"You heard me.I'm so excited."

I'm far from excited.Don't get me wrong. I want this but who wouldn't be nervous when your future groom will come and you guys would be official.

"Oh okay." I said.

"Oh okay. Seriously? That's all you've got to say? You're unbelievable."

I laughed nervously. "What else do you want me say?"

"Nothing at all. Bye. See you tomorrow." She said and cut the call without bothering to hear my reply. She was pissed. She took things too seriously.

I went over to Mama's room to inform her of the latest progress. I found her sitting on her praying mat and reciting the Qur'an. I sat down close to her and waited for her to finish. When she was done she looked over to me and motioned for me to state what brought me.

" Mama dama Zahra just called me. She said they're coming tomorrow." I said with my head lowered.

"I thought you said they'll postpone the meeting because of Adnan's friend."

"She said he regained consciousness today so they'll be able to make it tomorrow in sha Allah."

"Ma sha Allah. I'll inform your father."

"Okay mama." I said and stood up to leave the room when mama's voice stopped me.

"Ikram,don't be nervous." She said simply. Was it written clearly on my face that I was nervous? Ya Allah.

I nodde and left. I went to our room and lay on the bed. Khadija and Najmin weren't back from school yet. And we were on midsemester break. We're supposed to resume by next week.

I was staring off into space when ya Ahmad came in. He looked distressed. I sat up immediately. He was like my second best friend. We never hid anything from each other.

"Ya Ahmad,is everything okay?"

He ran his hand on his soft black curly hair. I loved his hair. Back to business.

"Ya Ahmad. You're scaring me,talk to me mana!"

"Uhm. .well it's nothing serious."

I raised a brow looking at him. It had to be serious since he's withholding.

"You know you can trust me with anything right?"

"Yeah I know. Well it's about a girl.." He trailed off.

My heart sank thinking of how Zahra would react if he was into another girl.

"What about the girl?"

"I've been thinking about her lately and damn she's occupied every thought of mine. I can't get her off my mind no matter how hard I try. It's really frustrating." He said in a rushed tone.

"Wow. I'm speechless."

He looked at me clearly needing me to say something other than 'I'm speechless.'

"But first who's the girl? Anyone that I know?"

He became nervous again. Well this could either be good or equally bad.

"Don't freak out but it's Husna." He said.

What?What did I just hear him say? Husna? Husna of all people? My brother fell for my arch enemy?This must be a joke. Husna was my cousin. She was an arrogant stuck up girl. Because their family was wealthier than ours,she made sure to rub it on my face every single time they visit or vice versa.

"You didn't say anything." He said looking at me intently and gauging my reaction.

I laughed dryly. "You must be joking. You know my relationship with her isn't all rainbow and unicorns infact its storm and spears or whatever." I said fuming.

"Easy there tigress. I was just kidding. I wouldnt do that to my sweet little sis don't you think?" He said laughing,clearly amused by my reaction.

I shoved him in his side. "Don't ever do that again." I said sourly. "You aren't even in love I assume. Just pulling my legs."

At that he became nervous again. What else was he hiding?

"I'm very serious. The person is Zahra." He said

"Which Zahra?" I asked just to make sure.

"Which Zahra do you know? So please Ikky help me. Give me her number."

"Okay." I said simply.

"Just okay?" He asked suspiciously.

"Yep. What else?"

He looked genuinely confused.

"I thought you were about to give me a lecture on how I shouldn't break her heart and all. And also what you girls do. Telling me to wait till you ask her." He said

I burst out laughing. "Not every girl is like that. Beside I know you are genuine and you'll be the perfect guy for my best friend. You know what'll happen if you as much as hurt a finger of hers."

"But would she be fine with it?"

"That's for me to know and for you to find out." I smirked.

He rolled his eyes and brought out his phone and I gave him the number.

He thanked me and left me with my thoughts. Mission accomplished. I couldn't wait to see Zahra's reaction. I had no doubt that my brother would treat her right. Although I knew they weren't going to get married soon cause Zahra's father was strict on education. He told Zahra that she had to finish her University before thinking of marriage. Besides, ya Ahmad was surely not ready for that step even though I know he is really serious about with her.

I was about to go to la la land when those siblings of mine came back from school. Now I've got to cook. Urgh.

***

Adnan's POV

We were at my now 'officially fiancee's' home. Abba and Uncle Sadiq just left leaving me alone to talk with my 'fiancee'. Now everything was official. There was no turning back now. The marriage was in three months instead and I wasn't looking forward to it at all.

She sat there her head lowered not saying a word. I took my time to really look at her for the first time. She wore a purple abaya with colourful stones adorning it. Her make up was just simple. I didn't want to admit it but she was really beautiful. I don't deserve her. I don't even know what was in store for both of us in this marriage because I was really not interested.

She looked up and caught me staring. Instead of me to pull my gaze away I kept staring,trying to study her. Those brown eyes. I could get lost in them. What was I thinking? I quickly tore my gaze and she lowered her head again.

I wasn't going to say anything and she was not talking. I guess we would stay that way. This was awkward as hell.

"Why me?" She whispered. I barely caught it.

"What do you mean?" I asked

"I mean why did you choose me? What did you see in me?"

Because you intrigue me. Because I get lost in those eyes of yours. You fascinate me. There's just something about you. You remind me so much of her..

"You were just a suggestion." I said shrugging my shoulders. I could see the hurt in her face.

Tears threatened to spill and in that moment I didn't want to see her tears. Why didn't I say what was on my mind? The real reason I chose her. But I couldn't. My pride was at stake. And it doesn't really matter because I'll never fall for her. And I hope she doesn't too.

I watched as she muttered a quick bye and sauntered out of the living room. I removed my cap and face palmed. What was wrong with me? I wanted to even collect her number but I didn't get the chance. I might as well collect it from Zahra.

***

All these marriage talks distracted me from Waleed's condition. Alhamdullilah he regained consciousness yesterday. I was so relieved. I couldn't imagine anything happening to him. He was more than a best friend to me. He was like the brother I never had.

I spent two nights in the hospital without going home. I promised myself that I wouldn't leave his side. I never had courage to go into his ward but when he woke up I mustered enough courage to go in.

He looked so pale. Not the Waleed I knew. He was still in the hospital. The doctor hadn't discharged him yet saying he wasn't fit even though Waleed insisted that he was fine.

One of the greatest fear I had was for him to lose his memory. That'd be disastrous. I was so glad he was getting better.

I left Zahra's friend's house and made my way to the hospital to check on Waleed. He was disappointed that he couldn't be on my 'special day' as he called it. There was nothing special about going to ask for hand in marriage since it wasn't willingly. What a day!