warrior's heart

chapter 13 (pt2)

A shocked Marwan returned quickly back to his assigned chambers, locking the door behind him. He had not meant to eavesdrop or disturb the beautiful bonding moment. He was about to leave when he heard Nawfal's aunt asking if Safwanah ' s question had to do with a certain young man with curly hair and grey eyes.

His hear beat had increased as he realised it was him they were talking about. His feet had automatically become glued to the floor with bated breaths, awaiting her reply as his heart beat vigorously.

Her reply and the whole conversation had left him surprised and strangely happy, relieved even. These strange feelings now had a name. The reason why he could not get her out of his mind no matter how hard he tried was because he was falling in love with her.

Ya Allah!! He was falling in love!. If he picked anything at all from ammati ' s advice, it was that he would do things the right way, the halal way.

He made up his mind to perform istikharah as well and then take steps from there.

*******

Safwanah woke up with a feeling of finality. She woke up feeling the need to meet her aunt and brother and tell them what was in her heart. Could this be a sign? She wondered.

She got up and went to her hamam to freshen up and after dressing up in a grey flowing and loose abaya, went in search of Nawfal only to find him in a serious conversation with his aunt, the sultan and queen of Aswaan and the one who oh so made her hear start to beat rapidly... Marwan.

Suddenly developing cold feet, she was about to turn and flee when Nawfal called her.

"Habibti, Safwanah, please come here. I was just about to send for you. Do take a seat beside ammati."

Their aunt helped her to seat beside her before squeezing her hand reassuringly.

" I am sure you must be up on your toes wondering why we are all gathered here. You know I am tell not a man to beat around the bush.

My friend here came to meet me this morning. Would you like to know why?"

Safwanah, whose head was bowed, nodded with her palms sweating.

"He came to me with a proposal. He wants your hand in marriage."

Safwanah ' s head snapped up to her brother's direction and to Marwan's before she lowered her gaze when their eyes met. Oh Allah, does it mean he feels the same way too? Is this really happening? Alhamdullilah! Alhamdullilah Alhamdullilah.

With a shy but happy smile, Safwanah rose her head to meet her brother's steady gaze and said " I accept".

Ammati let out a gasp before clapping her hands today saying Alhamdullilah with that cheerful smile of hers that reached her eyes.

Marwan's mother, Aysha, stood up immediately to hug Safwanah and then Aliyah, while Nawfal went to do the same with the sultan and then Marwan, all praising Allah and congratulating each other.