Strengthening Ties

Chapter Three

WARNING!
Not Edited.
First draft ⚠️

Chapter Three

The Ameens' house is a T-shaped mansion that was built in a way to accommodate the Ameens children and their kids without any one getting onto each other's space. Ameerah's father, her uncle; Sameerah's dad, her aunty Jamila and their spouses each have a suite of two rooms connected to each other through an ensuite, a closet, living room and kitchenette. These are on the left wing. Ameerah and Sameerah share a similar suite on the right wing of the house alongside those of their grandma and grandpa. Ameen's suite is in an enclave leading off the landing at the top of the spiral stairs that took off from a secluded corner in the living room downstairs.

Ameerah could hear Sameerah's hurried footsteps as soon as she got to the landing even before she heard her,"Ya Ukhti."

As soon as she entered the room, she dropped the packages in her hand on the console by the door and crossed the room to Ameerah who was seated on a stool by the dressing mirror absently looking through her Ipad. She put her hands around her and gave her a sisterly hug. " Mon Amie," pulling back, she took Ameerah' face in her hands and stared into her eyes. "We must always submit to the will of Allah and if Allah wills, this union will come to be and you shall reap infinite blessings from it. Let's keep praying for the will of Allah. "It may be that what our heart desires isn't the best for us and what is the best for us is what is making us sad now because we do not know what is best now. I started praying for Allah's guidance as soon as mummy told me yesterday and we will keep at it until everything unfolds according to His will. Have you informed Fahad? 

At  Ameerah's shaking of her head, Sameerah continued. "Good, don't say anything to him yet. But Nadeem seems to be a nice person. I met him at a walimat I attended with mum. He brought his mum. Let's put our faith in Allah and go along with what the parents want" she concluded, looking thoughtful. Then visibly shaking off the pensive mood, she tilted her head up and with a gleam in her eyes, she said, " Dearest habibty, give me a smile and let my heart be happy," trying to cheer her Cousin up.

Ameerah smiled and hugging her in  return, she said "Thank you Ya Ukhti, I know that nothing happens without the will of Allah and He does not burden a soul more than it can bear. I have also started praying and Grandma has assured me that he is a good person and that the family will always support my decision if it doesn't work out."

 "Pulling Ameerah to the bed and gesturing for her to sit, Semeerah informed her that their Grandma gave her Grandpa's credit card so they can shop for all Ameerah wants and needs. "So, cheer up and let's go shopping virtually. I brought your favourite fruity yoghurt." She went to the console and brought back the bowl of yoghurt and spoons and the two girls got on the bed and started surfing through the internet on Sameerah's Ipad, placing orders for items of their fancy, in online shopping malls across the nation and internationally.

By the time it was time for zuhr, the girls had bought Abayas, hijabs, veils, designer shoes and bags, jewellery like wristwatches, English gold earrings, chains,rings and bracelets. They also ordered toiletries, Body Creams and lotion, cosmetic sets and various perfume oils especially the Arabian ones, spray and roll-ons. They decided to leave Ankara wax prints,Khumras and Burners for their Grandma to sort out with her sisters. Just as they were concluding their prayers they heard the salam of the AbdulMaliks.

Sameerah noticed that Ameerah had become very nervous as she started wringing her hands and when Sameerah took hold of her hands they were very cold and sweaty at the same time.  So to calm her down she told her to breathe in and out and told her to join her in reciting, Lahaullah walah quwata ila billahi aliyul azeem. When Ameerah became calm, Sameerah brought out a simple ashe colored Abaya decorated in rhinestones from the closet and gave it to Ameerah to wear then she helped her apply powder to her face and lip gloss to her lips. After that, she folded the veil that came with the abaya and wrapped it around Ameerah's head using a brooch to hold it in place.  

That done, they left the room and went to their grandpa's living room where they met everyone  seated including the AbdulMaliqs.

"Assalamu alaikum," they said in Unison.

“Walaikum Salam" came the chorused reply from all within the living room. And then cocking her head to the side while studying the two girls carefully, the very elderly Hajia from the AbdulMaliqs side asked, “Ameerah?” Hajia Najaatu, extended her hands forward indicating that she wanted Ameerah to step forward. Sameerah gave Ameerah a slight push and Ameerah moved further into the room towards the old woman. “Come sit with me Habibty, Hajia Najaatu said, patting the space beside her. Masha Allah she is so pretty . My Grandson is so lucky," she continued. "I know you will be good for each other and you two shall make us all happy and proud. May Allah bless your union."

Ameerah tucked her head down to avoid making eye contact with anybody. Ameerah was totally embarrassed by the old woman's bracing talk and wished she was not seated beside her. 

Noticing how red the poor girl had become under her mother in law's scrutiny, Hajia Laila joined them on the three seater and took Ameerah's hand in hers. "Nadeem is almost here and then you can get to know each other, '' she said. 

And Ameerah immediately concluded that she must be Nadeem's mother. So she summoned courage and looked into the woman's eyes. She has always been able to rely on her instinct to read human characters by looking into their eyes. 

Looking up into Hajia Laila's eyes, Ameerah felt drawn into a warm welcoming and homely aura. She knew she could trust the woman like her mother. Also she was very pretty and had similar traits like her Mother, who looks like one with an Arab ancestry. 

Hajia Laila smiled at her and breaking eye contact  jokingly informed Ameerah that she should watch out for Hajia Najaatu because she is her rival.

"Ameerah, let me tell you a secret.  See Hajia is here busy accessing you for Nadeem because this old woman here, she laughingly pointed at Hajia Najaatu, claims to be Nadeem's first wife and she must personally choose any other wife for him. So don't let her intimidate you. I am on your side and we shall always team up against them jare."

Everybody burst out laughing and  Ameerah's Grandma,  Hajia Fatima said, "Toh Hajia Najaa you are bursted today. My Granddaughter will not tolerate any old woman as co-wife ooo."

Hajia Najaa looked at her daughter in law pretending to be shocked and outraged, "O my, you this woman you succeeded in exposing me, abi? Toh, if she does not accept me, you are stuck with this old woman ooo, she mockingly lamented wading her hands at Hajia Laila.

Ameerah visibly relaxed, enjoying the two women's banters. She was grateful that Hajia Laila shifted the attention on her so that she could relax. She watched as her mother also visibly relaxed when she noticed that Ameerah  was no longer nervously twisting hands together. She totally forgot her predicament until she heard a male voice saying. " Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullaah Wabarakatuhu! "