Only Her

AVOIDING HIM

Allah never delays anything unless it is for the greater good. Be joyful because everything is prearranged by the Almighty; every stage will pass; remain strong and maintain your faith.

AHLAM.

Silently, I observed the close bond between siblings. Although I knew that a single word could easily result in something I would prefer to avoid, I chose not to speak out of fear of criticism. I was raised, you see, to strictly avoid the other s*x. Although my brother was always there to help and protect me while I studied, I lowered my gaze because I knew I had to look after myself now that I was on my own and would try my best to follow the guidelines my parents had set for me.

After an awkward and short silence, Hania led her brother downstairs to join the others. "It is nothing Aahil, she is just a little nervous because she will be facing our family and friends whom she has never met before, she will attend Insha'Allah," she said as they were leaving the room, and I could not help but hear it.

As Hania had promised, I went to the party. Though she always kept a close eye on me to make sure I was okay, Aunt Faiza occasionally left me alone to take care of guests. May she be blessed.

I watched people interacting and heard them talk about business or current affairs happening around the world. Unfortunately, some were joking, while others were even backbiting. Since I had no friends, I must admit that I felt a little left out despite all the gossip I heard. The women were dressed so exquisitely, and the men were dressed handsomely.

I was experiencing what it is like to feel like someone was watching you. The man who had been staring at me earlier caught my attention as I looked around curiously. Why was he staring at me? Before the party began, I was able to avoid speaking to Hania's brother, and I was even relieved that he did not inquire about my name or the reason I was staying at their house. Since we were so different from one another, I reasoned that we should stay away from one another. He seemed to be staring at me from everywhere, but I quickly looked away. Did he not feel ashamed? I was getting a little self-conscious. I quickly spun around and turned my back on him. Ha! let him stare at my back.

"What is wrong, sweetheart? You seem to be completely lost. "Come on, my husband is going to make an announcement," she said with a smile. She grabbed my right hand and led me into the crowd, and I nodded. Being away from that person's direct gaze is a relief.

Firoz Uncle greeted everyone courteously using his microphone. They all responded, "As-Salamu-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah-Wa-Barakatuh (May the Peace, Mercy & Blessings of Allah be upon you), ladies and gentlemen." "Wa-Alaikum-Asalaam Wa-Rahmatu-Allah-Wa-Barakatuh" (and mercy and blessings from Allah as well as peace be upon you).

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to everyone for attending this welcome party on behalf of my son Aahil, who graduated with honors in engineering, Insha'Allah.(God willing) "He has finally returned home to us after six long years of studying abroad in Dubai. Aahil? Would you mind accompanying me here, please?

At that very moment, I looked up very stealthily and wished I hadn't. Uncle Firoz, beaming with pride and love, was giving his son a rib-crushing hug when Aahil managed to turn his head and give me a stern look.

I let out a loud grasp as I realized that I was also staring at him intently. Then, with a quick look of shame, I looked down, my heart trembling. Where are my wondering thoughts heading, and why?

He had very attractive features, and I did not realize until they were very close that he looked a lot like Uncle Firoz. He was confident, he stood tall and good-looking like a model, and he had an authoritative manner.

"Why does he keep staring at me, Allah? Or is there something else on his mind? Is he simply trying to figure out who I am? I thought to myself.

Auntie Faiza grinned and said, "You are free to gaze, my dear." My face was as red as a tomato as I glanced at her and then down in embarrassment. What on earth am I experiencing? Why am I behaving in this manner so quickly?

"Someone is blushing," Hania teased, leaning behind her mother and gently grabbing her shoulders.

From where had she appeared out of nowhere? I noticed her smiling genuinely and playfully when I looked up. I was astonished, embarrassed, and unsure of how to react. She had to show up so abruptly, but why? Why did she need to tease me in front of her mother? Didn’t her mother mind?

She turned to her daughter and smiled, saying, "Do not tease her, Hania, but I must admit, there is no denying the two of them suit each other, dont you think?" When her mother said it, I was left stunned and dumbfounded. What on earth were they even discussing? Did they discuss me or some other girl?

They must mean someone else, because I am not nearly as attractive as some of the girls in this room.

In any case, I heard Uncle Firoz say, "After discussing it with my wonderful wife Faiza, we both strongly feel that it is the right time to hand over sole ownership of the family business to our son Aahil." Without thinking about the repercussions, I glanced up and saw Aahil's expression of gratitude and utter surprise at his father.

Since my wife has contributed to the success of my business, I believe it is only fitting that we now spend quality time together. I will be coming and going from the office tomorrow to oversee the transition as my son takes over the company's management.

Come along with me as we expand the opportunity for my generation to be involved in the company's decision-making process. They all applauded loudly, which was surprising and likely heard from the other side of the room.

I could not help but think of my late father and brother and their working relationship as I applauded Uncle Firoz's relationship with his son.

Until I gathered myself and caught Aahil in the act, I was unaware that he was staring at me once more. But he was smiling in a different way this time, which warmed me up and surprised me. I could not explain the impression it left on me. Why was he staring and grinning? Maybe he was looking at his sister and mother.

*****

Much later, while we were all eating dinner together, Uncle Firoz said, "The party was very successful, Aahil, do not you think? "Okay, let us talk about the company's transition in the study after dinner." Then, since he always avoided talking about work-related matters over dinner, he brushed the topic aside.

I felt uncomfortable in situations like these; I was merely a stranger, and they were a family that kindly took me in when I had nowhere else to go.

"Mom, who is she?" I was fiddling with my coffee mug when I heard someone ask how I was.

What if you asked her directly, brother? I merely stared at his sister inquisitively as she responded, but she merely shrugged her shoulders.

Yes, exactly! From the moment I arrived, she has been ignoring me like the plague itself. What do you think will happen if I start a conversation with her? His eyes were on me as he asked angrily. After glaring back at him for a few seconds, I turned away.

For what reason are they chatting among themselves as though I am not present? Why are they talking openly about this in front of their parents? I have been talking to everyone but him, but he has been attempting to approach me ever since he entered the house. His ego must be hurting because of me.

"Her name is Ahlam, my son. And by the way Ahlam? Aunty Faiza, who was looking at Aahil and me with interest, said, "Someone asked about you at the party and would like to set up a time and place to meet you in person." When I realized that everyone was staring at me—aside from Aahil, who was glaring down at me—I froze and felt my face flush.

"I told them how you have become like a daughter to me and how much you mean to our family." I also told them that this is where you live and that they should come talk to me directly if they wanted to discuss you further." She stopped, worried about my reaction to the news, and looked for any signs of emotion on my face. I just looked down, nodding.

"What did they want from her mom?" Aahil asked in a protective tone, but he was already aware of the response in private.

Uncle Firoz watched without comment as Hania, with a Cheshire cat-wide smile, peered suspiciously at Aahil and me.

"It is a proposal for Ahlam , son," she said in a flat tone.

She turned back to face me and said, "Darling, it is just a proposal. We still have a lot to work out, and your viewpoint is obviously important. Her husband nodded in agreement.

Without upsetting them, how can I let them know that I have changed and that I am not ready for a relationship just yet? Why has this bit of news bothered me so much? I looked at everyone's faces, and my gaze lingered on Aahil's for longer than necessary, as if he was about to say something but held back.

As I looked out the window, my inner thoughts told me that I did not want anyone approaching me because I was afraid of being hurt. What if he refuses me after seeing me completely? I bet he has not even seen me, but his family is pressuring him to get married. Ya Allah, why am I thinking too much?

"Like hell! He will not approach or enter this house to see her!" and stormed away without looking back. I turned around and stared at him, trying to figure out what was wrong. I looked around the table, where everyone was staring at each other, and then at me, stunned by Aahil's outburst.

Do your absolute best in every situation, work hard, and pray as much as possible; if it is meant for you, Allah will make a way for you.

***

Do you have any idea what is wrong with Ahil?

Some feedback and votes would be appreciated.