The window cleaner

A lurking suitor

 The suburbs didn't seem to have changed much from from what it used to be. It was characterised by old houses that were mostly occupied by peasant farmers and some refugees who had worked hard enough to afford the rents of the apartments. For Ramlahs parents, the neighborhood of the surburbs seemed like heaven to them as living under the bridge had been nothing short of hell for them. Now they had enough rooms to afford every gender it's privacy . There was constant flow of electricity and pipeborn water was available. Ramlah had further bought chairs and furnitures to provide comfort for her parents and siblings. She had made their joy complete when she bought them a small television so they could keep up with the happenings around the world and watch some movies when ever their muse were down. The moving car soon came to a halt at the front the gate of Ramlahs parents house who were indoors , watching the local news on the television.

" Knock knock here. Peace be on to dwellers of this house. Said Ramlah with as she knocked the door with one hand , while she held Mahir in the other hand.

" Oh my darling daughter is here." Said a male voice from inside the parlour and it was the voice of her father who quickly rushed to the door and unbolted it.

" Dad how good morning to you. How have you been." Said Ramlah as got eloped in her father's hug.

" We are all fine my child. How is Mahir doing. Please come and sit down here" he said pointing to sofa Chair.

"your siblings are in the kitchen. " Your mother is in the kitchen, your siblings are out to school said her father as he took hold of Mahir in his hands.

Ramlah was about to speak ,when her excited mother stormed out of the kitchen in euphoria . She headed straight for her daughter who was headed to see her in the kitchen and the duo were locked in each other's embrace for a moment.

" Oh mom.How have you been. It' been almost a week since I was here, yet I feel like I haven't been here for a lifetime." Said Ramlah still holding on to her mother.

" We are all doing well. We know how busy you are these days.We all have missed you alot . How are you doing and how is little Mahir." Said Ramlahs mother as she finally let go of her daughter from her embrace.

" We all are doing good.may the Lord be praised. I heard that Thaniya and Rawan have all went to school." Said Ramlah as she sat down on the sofa which her dad opined she sat on.

" Yes those two have gone to school. Most times it's just me and your dad at home and it brings back memories when we were still newly wedded couples. You all must have been souls in heaven by then. " Said Ramlahs mother with and giggled in excitement.

" Hahaha, Mom you such a riot." Said Ramlah as she laughed to.

" Your mom is right. Those days it was just me then I married your mom and we became two. Then you came by so did Thaniya and lastly was Rawan. Now we five. The family keeps on growing. Soon you will get married and start having kids of your own and the numbers would keep on increasing and increasing." Said her Dad as he made funny faces that made Mahir laugh.

" Wells. That's why it's called family tree for a reason. New branches keep sprouting out. " Said Ramlah as she smiled innocently not knowing where the discussion was swaying to.

" Oh Batuta, that reminds me on a matter that has been on my mind for a while. And there is no better time to talk about it than now that the younger ones are not around." Said Ramlahs mum as she looked from her daughter to her husband in a continuos series of eye contact.

" Well , Jumaira . Let's hear it then. I believe it's important thats why you brought it up." Said Ramlahs Dad who addressed his wife by her first name which was Jumaira.She was also fond of calling him Batuta which was his first name.

" Yes it is. Talking about expansion. I was thinking it would be great if this family expands a little more." Said Jumaira and giggled lightly.

" But mom , I think you may be too old to bear Kids again." Said Ramlah with a carefree smile.

" Oh don't be silly my dearest child. Now who said anything about an old woman having kids. Oh that's so tasteless." Said Jumaira as she laughed quite loud.

" Soo ...? Mom I don't understand where this is going ." Said Ramlah who now got a drift of where her mothers discussion had been heading.

" Oh my dear daughter. What your mother is trying to say is that you have a beautiful career and a supportive family hehehe. What is lacking in your beautiful life is a partner. Oh Ramlah it's about time you brought fought a suitor. " Said Her dad and focused all his attention on Mahir so as not to face Ramlahs reaction.

" Exactly . Batutu has said it all. You need a good man in your life. Only then shall your life be complete. I'm very sure there are dozens of suitors lining up to take your hand in marriage.Afteral how many young girls in Salda Kalif are more beautiful than you." Said Jumaira amidst Ramlahs silence that was birthed from shiness rather than surprise.

" Exactly. You see Ramlah, when I was young . Your mother was not even half as beautiful as your were. But I had to overcome a dozen competitors to win her hand in marriage. This is Asia my love. You are not getting any younger. All we want is for you to be happy as you have brought enomous happiness to our lives." Said Batuta in a Emotional tone.

" I understand you dad. I will put your advice into consideration. I pray the good lord sends me a good man soon." Said Ramlah as she smiled uncomfortably due to the negativity the topic dawned on her.