Jannah. [SEQUEL TO DAWUD]

Chapter 1 - Only Us

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

If the time of prayer has been called and you haven't prayed before reading this, please do so.

***

Jannah's P.O.V

I brought my knees upwards to my chest, sitting on the cushioned windowsill in our living room. There I could see the entire city in front of me, rolled out like a carpet. There was the apartment parking lot, the lush plants Dawud cared for spread across the main lawn and the long pathway that lead down to the bike trail. The town was cloaked with darkness, shifting its gears to take on the night. Gleaming brightly in the sky, as if going unnoticed was its nightmare, the moon sparkled radiantly alongside the stars. I leaned my head against the glass, melting as I made contact with the cold frame. The soft and distant sound of cars, traffic and life could be heard even from the loftiness of the fifth floor.

Another night without Dawud. His father's business was recently passed down to him now that Muhammad and Qamara finalized their divorce. Muhammad rushed to his new and younger wife like the wind, leaving Qamara the house, their wealth, and the inevitable feeling of loneliness. Dawud worked crazy hours, causing me to feel as though I lived alone. I knew that he didn't mean to. I knew that making me feel lonely and hurting me was the last thing he'd want. And so I pushed myself to see the benefit in his new position as the CEO of his company. It wasn't all that hard, to be honest. Dawud's bookstore was a setting oozing with scholarly resources and Islamic history. He could pray on time without difficulty, recite Quran when he liked and be in the company of pious and inspiring Muslims every day. These were things other people struggled with and could only dream about. Going some days without seeing him at all made the situation hard to analyze rationally but I pray that Allah the Most-Merciful and Most-Kind bestows upon me the light of patience and understanding.

I decided to go to bed earlier than usual. I successfully managed to pray all five prayers today, on time and with complete attention. I wanted to be able to do that tomorrow as well and so I brushed my teeth, freshened up, made ablution once more and slipped under the covers. Sleep overtook me slowly but surely.

Dawud's P.O.V

I was sure to watch my steps as I walked into the apartment. Slowly locking the front door, I set my keys down on the desk next to the shoe rack. The house was quiet, dark and filled with unsaid tension. I removed my shoes and walked into the kitchen. There I found a steaming pot of chicken noodle soup, lightly simmering before me. Jannah always did this. Every weeknight I'd dedicate to the bookstore, she'd always slightly heat up the dinner she made that night, so when I return back home, it would be as if she had just made it. And I can't forget to mention how her cooking skills improved miraculously. It's not a stretch to say that, Masha'allah, I'm no longer the main chef of the house. Using a ladle, I poured the steaming meal into a bowl from the dish rack. I was sure to take note of the way Jannah cleaned the entire kitchen and living room before going to sleep. I'd have to gift her with something, somehow. After finishing my meal and rinsing my dishes, I freshened up before heading to our bedroom.

There, I saw Jannah snoring faintly. Her curly hair poured over both of our pillows as she cradled her knees close to her middle. The blanket refused to wrap her completely, compelling me to fix it. I covered every inch of her body with blanket except for her face, leaving that susceptible to my kisses. I pecked her on the lips, being granted a huff of minty air from an unconscious exhale. I missed her more than what I knew was physically possible. It killed me that I couldn't be home with her as much as before. It was then that I texted Akhlaaq, telling him that I wouldn't be coming to work tomorrow. I couldn't neglect my duties as a husband. Jannah had a larger right to my attention and care than the bookstore did. Akhlaaq replied immediately, letting me know it wasn't a problem. I changed into my pajamas and before returning to our bed. Jannah began to stir in her sleep, mumbling nonsense. She caught the hem of my shirt as I slipped in next to her and opened her eyes slowly. Oh boy, those almond eyes. There they were. The brown specks nearly churned my stomach. 'Jannah...' I whispered.

She smiled and pulled me closer. 'How was work?' She croaked, letting her head sit in the space between my chin and chest. I caressed her hair, inhaling the beautiful scent of tropical fruit.

'Alhamdullilah, it was great.' I said. 'But hey, tomorrow, it's me and you. Only.' I told her, tracing patterns down her spine. She squeezed me tighter than before, letting me know that she was happy.

'Only us, huh?' She repeated.

'Only us.' I confirmed.

'Do you have anything planned?' Jannah asked me.

'That is none of your business, Miss Jannah.' I scolded playfully. 'All that I need from you is your presence and energy.'

Jannah chuckled. 'Well, don't you know that you've got that right now?' She questioned. I could hear the smirk on her face through her words.

I pulled away from her in surprise. She sat up and winked at me. I couldn't help but cover my face. 'You're killing me.' I groaned.

She made a gun with her hand, shot an imaginary bullet at me and blew the smoke from her index finger. 'I was getting tired of you, anyways.' She joked, rolling her eyes. The idea came to mind and my fingers attacked her sides, provoking a chorus of screams. She kicked the blanket frantically as I ticked her. 'Dawud! Dawud! Stop it, please!' She begged through giggles. I rose and sat on her, tickling her abdomen.

'Take it back.' I demanded, biting back a smile.

'I'm sorry! I take it back! I said I take it back!' She shouted. I removed my hands from her body but continued to sit on her legs.

'I guess it's okay.' I sighed, looking around to waste time. Jannah squirmed under me. 'Oh! Did you want me to get up?' I asked innocently. Jannah smirked before pushing me off. I landed on my back, stretching my long limbs over Jannah and the bed sheets. 'Goodnight, Habibti.' I said, kissing her temple.

She laughed into her pillow. 'Goodnight.'

*

Author's Note: Alhamdullilah, chapter one is finally out! I hope you guys had as much fun reading this as I did writing it! The journey starts here :)

- Your muslimah,

Sumaya x