Juhanah

chapter thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The gentle sound of crashing waves welcomed Teo and Juhanah as they arrived at the beautiful beach resort for the long awaited vacation.It was the perfect escape from their busy lives.

Juhanah's face lit up with excitement as Teo reached for her hand.

"Ready to make unforgettable memories?" he asked with a warm smile.

She laughed softly. "With you? Always."

They spent the morning walking barefoot along the shoreline, allowing the cool water to wash over their feet. They built sandcastles like carefree children, chased each other across the beach, and burst into laughter whenever the waves caught them by surprise. Tourists smiled as they watched the happy couple enjoying every moment together.

As evening approached, the sky transformed into breathtaking shades of orange, pink, and purple. Teo spread a picnic blanket on the sand, where they shared fresh fruit, grilled seafood, and chilled drinks while watching the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon.

"I never imagined love could feel this peaceful," Juhanah whispered.

Teo gently held her hand.

"And I never imagined I'd find someone who makes every place feel like home."

Juhanah rested her head on his shoulder as the sea breeze wrapped around them. The moment felt perfect.

The next morning, they rented a small boat and sailed across the calm blue waters. They took countless photographs, laughed endlessly, and danced to soft music playing from a portable speaker. Later, they visited a beachfront café, where they enjoyed delicious meals while teasing each other and sharing stories about their dreams for the future.

Unable to hide her happiness, Juhanah selected her favorite photos that evening and uploaded them to her social media page. One picture showed Teo holding her hand as they walked along the beach. Another captured them laughing together beneath the setting sun.Another, when Teo planted a kiss on her forehead.

Within minutes, congratulatory comments and heart emojis filled the post.

But among the viewers was Rita.

Rita's eyes narrowed the moment she saw the pictures.

Her smile faded, replaced by bitterness. She had never liked seeing Juhanah happy, especially now that she looked so deeply in love.

"So this is where you've been," Rita muttered to herself.

She scrolled through every photograph, her jealousy growing stronger with each swipe.

A slow, cold smile spread across her face.

She stared at the final picture before locking her phone, she typed angrily.

"Smile while you still can," she said quietly. I'll have my revenge."

With those chilling words, Rita put her phone away, her mind already working on a plan, while miles away, Juhanah remained unaware of the storm that was waiting for her.

While, Juhanah was alone.

She went through the comments, on seeing Rita's comment, fear creeped her.

“Babe?......”

“Do you need some kisses?” He asked seductively, then wrapped his hand around her waist.

“Noooo, not now please, look at this…. She said as she handed the phone to him.

On seeing it, he didn't utter a word, he gave her a wry smile.

“Babe, I'm scared….”

“Why? Because of your jealous friend? Oh come on, you have to learn, of course you have to learn my love, you don't have to be scared, I'm here…..”

“I know, see, I don't want her to do anything silly….”

“What will she do? Absolutely nothing!! So why are you scared? Just because of Rita?”

He held her hands.

“One thing is sure, she'll not do anything to you…to us as well, she just wants you to be scared, that's all, what you need to do now…..” He paused.

Juhanah's eyes pricked with tears.

“Don't tell me you want to cry….”

“Right now, I don't know what to do, she no longer talks to me, she doesn't call or text me babe, apart from that, I don't want to have issues with her because of you…..”

“Really?Juhanah, why are you sounding like a child?”

She frowned.

“Sorry, but what I'm trying to say is….. please cheer up, don't let it dull your mood, okay?

Slowly, she nodded..

*************

Days later.

A gentle breeze danced through the trees, carrying with it a peaceful silence that made the moment feel special. Juhanah and Teo spent hours talking about their future, and the beautiful memories they created together.

During the conversation Teo looked at Juhanah with a warm smile, gently held her hands, and said, "There's something I've wanted to tell you. He took a deep breath before continuing. "You've brought so much peace, and love into my life. I'll be coming to seek your hand in marriage soon.”

For a few seconds, Juhanah was speechless. Her eyes widened with surprise, and before she knew it, tears of happiness rolled down her cheeks.

He went on to tell her about the plans he had already begun making. He wanted to meet her mother respectfully, ask for her blessing, and make everything official.

He spoke with so much confidence and sincerity that every word filled gave her hope.

Happily, Juhanah told him how she prayed for a man like him when she was young, a man who would value, respect, and cherish her, and that prayer had been answered.

As the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon, the excitement in her heart only grew stronger. That evening became one of the most unforgettable moments of their life.

*************

One beautiful Sunday afternoon when Teo finally agreed to meet Juhannah's Mother. Juhanah was both excited and nervous. Hoping they would get along well.

As soon as they arrived, Teo greeted juhanah's mother politely with a warm smile and respectfully introduced himself. He handed her a small gift as a token of appreciation for welcoming him into their home.

Gradually, they got along, she asked questions. He answered her questions honestly and respectfully, speaking about his family, his work, and his hopes for the future. His calm manner and good sense of humor was indeed appreciative. Before long, the living room was filled with laughter as they shared stories and joked together.

Juhanah noticed the smile on her mother's face growing wider. She admired how kind, humble, and respectful he was.

Later that evening, Juhanah and her mother had a conversation. "My daughter, you have chosen a good man. He is polite, respectful, and speaks with sincerity. I like him very much, and I pray that your relationship continues to grow in love and understanding."

“Hope, you're not saying this to make me happy?”

“Not at all sweetheart, don't lose him darling…..”

“Thank you mummy, I'm happy you like him……”

“To be honest, I'm happy he wants to spend the rest of his life with you…. that's what makes me happy.”

“I'm happy too….”