Chapter Seven
Sin is whatever the heart is not comfortable with- Ibn Al- Qayyim
'Fasayakfeekahum Allah.' His mouth twists into a warm smile. Bela stares in awe.
'What does it mean?' Her tone is airy.
'And Allah will suffice you against them.'
'Wow, SubhanAllah.' Kareem leans into his chair, the moment he laid eyes on her he knew that this woman decides for herself. His respect and admiration for her only grew when they agreed to meet at a coffee shop. For her peace of mind, her father sits near the opposite table. Today he put on a black shirt and jeans; he noticed the way her eyes did a quick evaluation of him yesterday, he craved for that silent approval and he grinned like a Cheshire cat when she blushed at him. She's precious. They are playing "Guess the companion," Bela had never heard of it before but seeing as Kareem was so keen on it, she couldn't say no.
'Which companion had his first drop of blood spill on this verse?' The young woman thinks hard, Kareem smiles, not the mocking kind but more of a supportive one. Bela bites her cheek, he's too nice. We need more men like him.
'Ali?' Kareem shakes his head slowly, his smile widening. He leans forward, when Talha does that I- whoa what?! 'I have no idea.' She blurts, partially because she honestly doesn't know the answer and because it serves as a distraction. Why did you think of him? He has nothing to do with this conversation or topic Bela. AstaghfirAllah. It was so unintentional.
'Uthman Ibn Affan.' Bela smacks her forehead and Kareem chuckles.
'Good try though.'
'How do you know all this?'
'Research and books.'
'Impressive.' They smile at each other for a moment; Kareem calms the eagerness within him to finally claim this woman and make her his. Bela conceals the guilt -from thinking of someone she should never have- that's dying to make an appearance.
'Not as much as you.' Bela shakes her head modestly. 'Looks like you need to get going.' He informs her whilst checking his watch. It reads nine thirty, Bela knows she's going to be late yet again but it really can't be helped.
'You have a flight to catch too right?' They stand and gather their things. Mr. Thabith folds his newspaper and covers up a yawn with his chubby hand. Listening to his daughter can be interesting but right now he'd much rather watch a football match.
'You remember?'
'Kinda.' She feels embarrassed now.
'Well good. I'll be leaving at three.' His presence is comforting but it's not heart rattling like...
'Have a safe flight In Sha Allah.' She stands awkwardly between her father and Kareem.
'I will and uncle, thank you for accompanying us.' He hugs the bear like man. Both men chuckle and let each other go.
'No problem, son.' Bela winces at the term, it screams decisiveness! Something I'm far from. Oh Allah. 'You take care now. I want a phone call as soon as you've reached. May Allah be with you.' After a few more words Kareem takes his leave but not before turning around and daring to wink at her. She looks away in shock. Her father is too busy wiping at the coffee stain on his shirt to even notice. She stares at the floor, what am I doing? Why am I doing this? Clearly I have issues! I'm not ready for this... but papa really likes him. Even mama does. Aw nuts, everybody likes him. It's hard not to with all his politeness. Ugh! Why do I keep thinking of that forsaken Man! He's a manipulative jerk who has the arrogance of ten Pharaohs. I hate him! It's not fair to Kareem. Bela truly realizes the impact of her thoughts' now; she can't make up her mind when there are still so many hurdles to jump over. I'm going to fix this. I'm going to get over it. I will. I will.
