Ilaria's POV:
I slept for about four and a half hours last night—by the time I finally fell asleep, it was probably around 5:30 in the morning, and it's now 9am —but I can't miss breakfast with Amina, Abdullah, and Fayez. If I don't show, it will get me in trouble with my baba and I guess I should try to get onto Abdullah's good side since he's going to be my father-in-law. But does it really matter? He seems to have created an opinion of me based on the fact that I was running late for dinner and wanted to interrogate me.
I got out of bed, showered, brushed my teeth, got dressed, and mentally prepared myself to face Fayez after yesterday as well as his baba. But Amina was really sweet.
It was 10am by the time I finished getting ready, I wore a cream-colored two-piece linen set with a black bodysuit and black chiffon hijab.
When I got to the table only my baba was there and he was drinking a cup of chai. "Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu baba." "Walaikum salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu Ilaria, how was your sleep." "Short but good," I answered on a yawn. "Oh, why is that?" he asked. "I couldn't fall asleep," I said as Amina, Abdullah, and Fayez came into the dining room.
"Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu," my baba said once he set his eyes on the people walking into the room. "Assalamualaykum," I said after him. They all replied in unison as they took their seats at the table.
Fayez was sitting right in front of me and we made eye contact which we held for a couple of seconds before he shifted his gaze to my baba. I knew he was thinking about last night but tried to ignore the thought.
"How was your night?" I asked as I shifted my gaze to Amina and Abdullah. Only Amina replied with "Lovely you have a beautiful home." Abdullah stayed quiet which was not surprising in the least. I gave her a tight-lipped smile before she asked how my night was. I glanced at Fayez before answering and he was trying to tell me no by shaking his head, but I continued to answer anyway. "I couldn't sleep much and was feeling hungry, but MashaAllah your son is an amazing cook, I've never come across a man who could cook before, you've raised him well." Before I could even finish my sentence Abduallah's head snapped to Fayez and there was rage in his eyes. Fayez kept his head low while his baba had a disgusted glare on his face.
Amina gave me a slight nod but was distracted by her husband and son. "You cooked for her?" Abdullah said in a tone that did not match his facial expression at all. It was so calm compared to his face which was filled with anger, I could see Amina tense when he spoke but didn't pay much attention to it. "Cooking is a woman's job, Fayez. I have told you this countless times, you're a man, the prince of Giza, you don't belong in the kitchen!" Abdullah said as his voice grew louder. A smile made its way onto my face and I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. I found it kind of funny he thinks this way, it's not surprising in the least. All heads turned to me as the laugh escaped my throat. "What's so funny?" Abdullah asked me. I scoffed "I just find it funny how you believe a woman's place is in the kitchen when food is a necessity and most men can't even prepare it, I mean, you need food to survive and you just don't know how to cook it, so that's embarrassing," I stated with a smile. I was positive I could see steam coming out of his ears and nostrils from how mad he was but honestly, I was done with the conversation so I got up and excused myself.
I went to my room to grab my purse, phone, and book, when I was about to leave my room, my baba popped up and asked if we could talk. I knew he wanted to talk about what just happened but said yes anyway. "I know Abdullah was in the wrong about a woman's place being the kitchen and I am so proud of you for standing up for yourself, but he is going to be your father-in-law I want the both of you to get along, so please for my sake try to ignore his comments," he said as he hugged me. "I'm sorry, I'll try my best to ignore him, but if he ever disrespects me or says anything like that again then I will put him in his place." "Ok Asante," he said as he laid a kiss on my forehead. "I'm going to get coffee and probably stay there and read for a while, I should be back in a couple of hours." "Ok, but don't be too late because we're going out for dinner just us and Fayez," he said as we made our way down the stairs. I paused and turned to my baba and asked, "wait what? We're having dinner with just Fayez?" "Yes, we thought it would be good for the two of you to get to know each other a little bit before the Nikkah," he answered. I continued walking down the stairs and said "oh, okay," a little distracted. "Is that okay? We don't have to do it if you don't want to," he said. To be completely honest I didn't want to do it but I couldn't tell him that, he really wants this alliance and marriage to work so I plastered a smile onto my face and said "No, you guys were right we should go out." Once we got to the end of the stairs he said "ok, be safe we're leaving at 8, I love you." "Ok, I love you too."
I got to the garage and was slightly panicked but tried to push the dinner to the back of my head. I stood there for a couple minutes trying to decide what car I wanted to take. I have ten cars and two of them are project cars, one is my BMW E30 and the second one is my Nissan 240sx. I just decided to take my all-black Nissan Skyline r34 because it's honestly my favorite.
After getting into the car, I put my playlist on shuffle and opened the garage with my remote then drove to the coffee shop.
Fayez's POV:
My hooyo asked Ilaria how her night was and I snapped my head up to Ilaria who was sitting in front of me, she glanced at me and I tried to tell her to not mention me cooking but she didn't listen. When my baba heard her, he turned his head to me so fast and I knew he was giving me a nasty glare, but I've gotten used to it. I just kept my head down and avoided his stare. When he spoke, I was so tempted to punch him in the face but stayed seated with my head down but then Ilaria let out a laugh and I was caught off guard and looked at her with furrowed brows. No one had ever really had the guts to talk back, so I was surprised when she put him in his place, and I could tell he was too. She should have just fucking listened to me, now I'm going to have to deal with him.
After Ilaria left the table Malik told us we could begin eating and that he would be right back. I'm guessing he went to talk to Ilaria. I started to eat what was called mkate wa maji which was like a crepe, with eggs and chai. My baba mumbled under his breath "Malik needs to put a leash on his daughter," I abruptly stopped chewing and turned my head towards my baba. "Excuse me?" I questioned him with furrowed brows, he narrowed his gaze and stated, "I said, Malik should put his daughter in her place." "You're just mad someone put you in your place," the words left my mouth before I got the chance to think about it. "Are you talking back to your father?" baba asked with a shocked expression. I didn't have the energy to argue with him "no, never baba" I said with a fake smile I forced on my face. "And what's this I'm hearing about you cooking? We don't have cooks and servants for no reason." His voice getting increasingly louder. I just stared at my food tired of his misogynistic comments. "This is the last time I will hear about any son of mine in the kitchen, are we clear?" He asks in a firm and strict tone. I let out a sigh and replied "Clear." Knowing damn well I was lying. "And you will be going out with Ilaria and Malik tonight at 8 for dinner, so wear something nice," my baba stated and I stopped and turned to him and asked, "what are you talking about?" "We decided that it would be best for you and Ilaria to get to know each other, whatever that means." I just hummed in response and continued eating.
After a while, Malik came back alone, apologized for leaving, and started to eat. We finished our food in silence and then I excused myself to go to the Mosque.
I went up to my room and put on one of my white thobes with gold embroidery, the same Yeezy slides from yesterday, grabbed my Quran, and left the house.
Once I reached the Masjid, I placed my shoes in the shelf and found a spot against the wall. I pulled out my Quran, opened up Surah Rahman and began reciting.
After I was done, I looked up and saw a guy around my age sitting against the same wall. He turned to me and said "I've never seen you here, you just moved?" "Nah I'm just visiting," I replied. "Aight cool, I'm Farid by the way, Nice to meet you," he said while putting his hand out for me to shake. "I'm Fayez," I replied shaking his hand. I closed my Quran and put it on the mini table beside me. "Oh, where you stayin, this neighborhood is full of rich people," he asked. "I'm staying in the gated community about five minutes from here." "No way, you visiting family there?" "Nah, my dad arranged for me to get married to one of the girls there," I replied vaguely. "Really? congratulations brother," he said while nudging me playfully "Thanks," I replied bluntly. "You don't seem excited for someone that's about to get married, what's up with that?" Farid asks "I don't know, it's just I don't really know her and it's all happening too fast." "We're also not on good terms right now," I said shrugging. "Ahh, I see," he said. "I hope things start looking up for you Inshallah." "Thanks man, it's nice talking to someone, I know no one here." "Well consider me your new friend, although you won't be seeing much of me outside of this masjid, I live 30 minutes from here and just come here to pray and read Quran." "So, you walk 30 minutes every day to pray here?" "Yeah, I try coming here whenever I can, mostly for Duhr and Jummah but when I can't I just go to the masjid near my house," he said. "Why come all the way here?" I asked. "Well, my neighborhood isn't as rich and fancy as this one so the masjid is pretty small and not as beautiful and big as this one." "Plus, the more I walk the more rewards I get so It's a win-win, isn't it?" He chuckled.
We talked a little more before people started making their way into the masjid and we started to get ready for Salah.
Ilaria's POV:
After I left the house, I picked up Zaynab, my best friend who lives a couple houses down from mine.
As soon as Zaynab got into the car she knew something was off about my mood. "What's going on? You okay?" she asked as she turned her body towards me. We've been friends for 17 years and I still can't hide my bad moods or anything from her, It's a little annoying but whatever.
"There's a lot," I said as I kept my eyes on the road and drove away from her house, towards the coffee shop. I haven't talked to her in a while so she doesn't know anything about me being engaged to 'the prince of Giza.' "Well, we have time so come on, what's wrong?" I took a deep breath before I let everything out.
We had gotten to the coffee shop five minutes ago but stayed in the car so I could finish filling her in.
She moved her gaze to the front of the car and I was getting anxious just watching her, I needed to know what she was thinking. "He cooked for you?" was the first thing she asked, her eyebrows furrowed with a confused look on her face. "Yeah," I said a little hesitant while itching the back of my neck. She was silent for a few seconds before she turned to me and yelled "he fucking cooked for you!" while shoving my shoulder. She had this huge smile on her face and I couldn't help but let out my own. "It's not a big deal," I said knowing damn well it was a big deal. "Oh, don't even try that. You know it's a big deal," she said giving me that stern look she always did. I just rolled my eyes and said, "let's just go inside."
When we got inside, we got in line to order our drinks and she seemed to have processed everything I just told her and said, "Abdullah is an ass." "You're telling me," I said shaking my head.
We were happy to see that Safiyah was taking orders today. "Hey girls," she said with a bright smile. "Hi Safiyah," we said in unison. She has owned this coffee shop since we were little, she basically raised us with how much we would come here. "You guys want your usuals?" "Of course, Safiyah, you don't have to keep asking us that, we always get the same thing," I said as I gave her a small smile. "Oh yeah, you girls always want that sugar with a dash of coffee," she said returning a smile. "Well, in our defense the sugar with a dash of coffee is on your menu," Zaynab added. Safiyah's smile grew bigger as she shook her head and said, "go sit down, I'll bring the drinks to you guys." "Well, let us pay at least," I said getting my money out of my purse. She stopped me with her hand and said "It's on the house today, go sit down." "bu-," I tried to argue but she cut me off, "go sit down." I just decided to put money in the tip jar before we leave because she always says it's on the house.
We took our usual seats at the back of the shop with the most privacy. We talked until Safiyah brought us our drinks "enjoy your drinks girls, I'm heading out to my son's house, he wants me to cook for my grandkids, but we all know he wants me to cook for him too," she said as she shook her head. Zaynab and I let out a laugh at her comment. "Alright, it was nice seeing you," I said as I hugged her and slipped 5000 shillings into her pocket. Zaynab caught me and smiled as she shook her head. When Safiyah turned to Zaynab and hugged her, Zaynab shoved money into her hand and said, "You're going to be late Safiya, you better get going," with a smile. She just shook her head and said, "I'll see you girls later," as she walked away.
We finished our drinks and talked before we decided we should go to the Masjid to pray Dhur.
I dropped Zaynab off to her house and told her to be ready in a half hour then went home to get ready.
I made wudhu and chose a simple white abaya with gold embroidery with a matching hijab. After I dressed up, I went to the kitchen to grab something small to eat and saw that Alisha was frying mandazi. I tried to sneak one but she caught me and gave me an annoyed look, I just smiled and ran out the kitchen laughing.
I didn't park my car in the garage because I knew I wasn't going to be home for long before I had to leave again.
I finished eating my mandazi and texted Zaynab to come outside. When I reached her house, she was already outside sitting on her porch.
She made her way down the steps and got into the car and immediately said "can you stop texting me saying come out when you're not even here." I rolled my eyes, started driving and said "oh, relax I don't want to be waiting years for your ass to come out."
"So... did you see your fiancé when you went home?" Zaynab asked with a mischievous smile. "Oh, shut the fuck up," I said as I shook my head. "But did you?" she pushed again. "No, I didn't, can we not talk about him right now," I questioned as I met her gaze. She rolled her eyes before agreeing.
When we reached the Masjid near our house, I parked the car and we went into the sister's side of the Mosque, took our shoes off and set them in the shelf and got ready for Salah.
After we finished Salah and making Dua we went back to the car. There was always a little bit of traffic after Salah because everyone was leaving at once. We were sitting in the car waiting for cars to start moving again when I spotted a tall man walking in a white thobe with long curly hair. I squinted my eyes trying to get a better look and said "is that Fayez?" Zaynab quickly turned to me with her eyes wide and said "where?" "Over there, he's tall with the white thobe and walking with some other guy that's around the same height." "SubhanAllah, why didn't you mention him being like 6 foot something, and who is that he's walking with," she asked. "I don't know," I replied while shrugging, I was kind of surprised to see that he had already made a friend but didn't think much of it. "I guess he walked here," I said in a thoughtful voice. As soon as the words left my mouth Zaynab ripped her gaze from Fayez and turned to me, "ask if he wants a ride." "What- no, I'm not asking him that," I said meeting her gaze. "Oh, come on just do it," she paused for a second then added, "if you ask him, I'll help you work on your E30." I thought about it for a second and decided to ask if he wanted a ride.
The cars started moving so I pulled up beside him and his friend, I rolled down the window and said, "Fayez, you want a ride." He looked around and when his gaze finally met mine, we held eye contact for a few short seconds then he looked at my car and furrowed his brows. His friend started to whisper something in his ear but he didn't say anything. "Do you want a ride?" I repeated. He then met my gaze, shook his head and said "nah, it's alright, I'll walk." I looked over at Zaynab and she told to keep going, I rolled my eyes at her. "Get in the car," I said and he just stared at me blankly. "Get in the car, Fayez," I said with more of an edge to my voice. His friend whispered something to him, Fayez then said bye and finally agreed to get into the car. Zaynab moved the seat so he could get in then she got back into the car and I started driving out of the parking lot.
Before I had the chance to introduce them, Zaynab turned around in her seat, gave him a sweet smile and said "hi, I'm Zaynab, Ilaria's best friend."
Fayez's POV:
Once we finished praying and making Dua I got Farid's number and we started to walk out but I suddenly heard my name being called out, so I looked around but then I found Ilaria in a Nissan Skyline r34 and furrowed my brows. Is that her car? I wanted to ask her but refrained. "Who is that?" Farid asked me. I quickly said with a straight face "my fiancé." "Do you want a ride," she asked me, I was still mad that she told my dad I cooked for her so I looked at her and said "nah, it's alright, I'll walk." "Get in the car" she said firmly. I gave her a blank expression before she repeated "Get in the car, Fayez." "Yo, just get in the car man," Farid says in a loud whisper "But-" I started to argue "I gotta rush home anyways my ma's making pilau alright bye" he said with a smile not even giving me a chance to reply before he started to walk away leaving me there in front of Ilaria's car. I stood there debating if I should walk the five minutes or just man up and get in the car, I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh and just agreed to get in.
The girl Ilaria was with got out of the car and moved the seat for me to get in. I squeezed inside the back of the car but it was so small I felt uncomfortable. I couldn't even sit up straight but I stayed quiet.
After Ilaria drove off, the other girl turned in her seat with a big smile on her face and said, "hi, I'm Zaynab, Ilaria's best friend." I forced a smile and introduced myself, "I'm Fayez." "Oh, I know, I've heard quite a bit about you," she said eyeing Ilaria. Ilaria just rolled her eyes. I gave Zaynab a slight nod and said "ah, I see."
When we reached a house a few houses down from Ilaria's, Zaynab got out, told Ilaria, "I'll text you," and moved the seat for me. She then added, "It was nice meeting you," and I replied, "Yeah, you too," while I also got out of the car to move to the front seat.
Once I closed the door, Ilaria started driving towards her house. We drove in awkward silence for a few seconds before she said "I didn't want to say this in front of Zaynab but what's your problem" avoiding eye contact. "nothing" I replied looking out the window. "Mhm sure," she said while rolling her eyes. "You told my baba I cooked for you when I gave you a sign not to, now I have to deal with his shit" I said finally looking towards her. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked focused on her driving, it looked like nothing could ever bother her and nothing else mattered. She looked at me and I looked away before she replied "ohhh, that's what that was" "Well you suck at giving signs" "don't act stupid, you knew what you were doing" "I didn't know your dad would react that way okay" she said as we reached the garage, she opened the garage door revealing what looked like about 9 cars. I was taken aback by the number of cars this woman has. She has very good taste, but I was never going to admit that to her. We both got out the car and I took some time to scan each car she had; an mk4, mk5, r33, s2000, s14, s15, and a rx7. Damn she got some nice cars. Although I was doubtful that all these were hers so I asked "These all your cars?" "No, I stole them" she replied sarcastically. "So, all these are yours?" I asked shocked "Hard to believe?" she asked making intense eye contact, "Nah, I was just wondering."
She started to walk towards the door that leads into the house so I followed after her. Right when she opened the door and stepped inside, she paused awkwardly looking ahead before she completely went inside, giving me room to enter the house, I looked down at her confused to why she stopped walking. I looked ahead and then realized why Ilaria was staring blankly. Our parents were sat on the couches in the living room, staring at us with confused expressions as they looked both of us up and down. "Where are you two coming from? Did you go out together?" my baba asks. We both look at my baba in confusion and say "huh?" "you guys are wearing matching outfits and coming in at the same time" he states. We both looked each other up and down, realizing that we are in fact both wearing white with gold embroidery. "Perfect timing, we were just in the middle of discussing the date of your nikkah" "We were thinking this Friday, so September 9th," Malik said. I didn't expect it to be this early, but alright, whatever. "When will the reception be?" Ilaria asked from beside me. "Probably around the 20th," my hooyo responded. I hummed in response, excused myself, went up to my room and Ilaria went to hers.
Ilaria's POV:
When I reached my room, I quickly took out my phone to message Zaynab.
Me: Bro me and Fayez walked into the house and our parents were just sitting there😭
I dropped my phone on my bed, took off my hijab and changed into a black tank top and basketball shorts. As soon as I put the shorts on Zaynab texted me back so I grabbed my phone.
Zay❥: Damn, did they notice y'all were matching🤭
Me: Yeah, his dad started interrogating us like we did something wrong that man needs to chill
Me: And why didn't you tell me, you had me lookin like an idiot smh
Zay❥: Oh, relax you guys looked cute. Exactly like a happy married couple.
Zay❥: You're telling me you both wore white and gold and didn't plan that shit? 😏
Me: Stfu🖕🏾
Me: Wallah we didn't ig it was just a coincidence.
Zay❥: Well, anyways, who was that guy Fayez was with? He was kinda hot😅
Me: Why? Lookin for a husband Zay? 🫣
Zay❥: Umm... yes before all the good ones are taken
Zay❥: Can you ask Fayez who his friend was
Me: Hell no
Me: Are you crazy
Zay❥: Please just do it
Me: No
Zay❥: Fine, I'm not gonna help you with your E30
Me: What? You already said you would😒
Zay❥: And?... if you don't ask, I'm not going to
Me: Ok fine whatever but you're helping with the 240sx too
Zay❥: Deal but go do it right now
Me: Are you fucking kidding me I'll just do it later tonight
Zay❥: Nope go now🤭
She can be so annoying some times. Now I have to go and put on pants, a sweater and a hijab just to go talk to Fayez about his friend.
I walked to his room across the hall from mine and knocked on his door. I instantly regretted agreeing to this.
As soon as he opened the door, I internally cursed myself. He had a towel in his hand and his hair was wet and it seemed like he had just taken a shower. He was wearing a white wifebeater with navy blue basketball shorts that went passed his knees.
I didn't want to beat around the bush and stay here longer than I had to, so I got right to it and asked, "I have a question, is this a good time?" "What's the question?" he asked looking down at me. "You know my friend from earlier, Zaynab?" I asked. "Mhm," he hummed as he nodded. God help me, why was that attractive. I ignored that thought and said slightly nervously, "So, she wanted to know who that guy you were walking with at the Masjid was and if he was married." "Ahh," he said as he let out a small laugh, leaned against the door frame and scratched his jaw. I quickly looked away trying to lower my gaze because the way he laughed lightly, was leaning against the doorframe and was scratching his jaw was tempting. And don't get me started on his biceps- "Well his name is Farid; he's 21, lives 30 minutes away from the Masjid by walking, prefers this masjid because it's bigger and more beautiful, usually comes to pray Dhur and read Quran and no he isn't married." "And while you're here what should I tell Farid, he also asked about Zaynab," he asked. "Well look at that, looks like we're playing matchmakers," I said with a smile as I looked up at him with immediate regret. He let out another laugh and smile, my smile dropped before I quickly looked down, shifted my feet and waited a second before I cleared my throat, "she's 19, lives a few houses down from this one, she loves cars, religious, always goes to the Masjid to pray and read Quran and she is 5'7." "That enough?" I asked. He nodded his head and said, "for now." I kept my gaze anywhere but him, "alright, I'll see you later then," I said as I started walking towards my room. He hummed in response which I've noticed he does a lot but I was halfway to my room before I heard his door close but didn't want to think about that much.
When I reached my room, I immediately started texting Zaynab about Farid.
Me: So... the friends name is Farid, he's 21, usually goes to our Masjid for Dhur and to read Quran, lives 30 minutes from the Masjid by foot
Me: Oh, and he's not married😏
I changed back into the basketball shorts and tank top while I waited for Zaynab to text me back.
Zay❥: Could have just started with that honestly🤭
Me: Oh, and guess what
Zay❥: What?
Me: He asked Fayez about you so Fayez asked me what he should tell Farid👀
Zay❥: Please tell me you gave Fayez my baba's number for him to tell Farid😩
Me: Umm... no I said that you're 19, love cars, religious and that you're 5'7
Me: Just basic stuff about you
Zay❥: Mhmm ok thank you😘
Me: Yeah whatever
Me: You're helping me with the E30 tomorrow
Zay❥: Alright
Me: What should I wear to the dinner tonight?
Zay❥: Why don't you go find out what Fayez is wearing and match him🫣
Me: So funny Zay🙄
Zay❥: Always rolling your eyes🤦🏾♀️
Me: Just answer the question
Zay❥: Okok umm... wear the velvet olive green abaya with the diamond flowers and the matching hijab
Zay❥: Oh! With those silver flats you have that would match the flowers
Me: Oh, yesss that's perfect thank you🫶🏾
Me: I'm gonna go eat then take a nap rn but I'll update you about the dinner love you
Zay❥: Love you too but I swear if you don't
Me: Yeah, yeah, I know, you won't help with my E30 or 240sx🙄
Zay❥: Aww you know me so well🥰
Me: Stfu
I got out the Abaya along with the matching hijab and set it aside before I prayed Asr and made Dua. I went down to the kitchen and saw that Alisha made dhal and rice for lunch so I made myself a plate and sat at the dining table to eat.
My baba came in when I was halfway done my food and sat down across from me. "Assalamualaykum," I said once I swallowed the bite I had in my mouth. "Walaikum salaam, I was wondering how you felt about the Nikkah being so close," he asked me. "Oh," I said wanting to be honest with him but also not wanting him to feel guilty because I'm only doing this for him. "I'm a little nervous but the sooner the better so I'm happy with the date," it wasn't a complete lie, I mean I am nervous and it is better that the nikkah happen fast, along with the whole wedding. "Okay, that's good to hear, and thank you again for doing this Ilaria, I really appreciate it, but I don't want to be pushing you into anything, I know this is not what you had envisioned for yourself at 19 but I really am grateful," he said which made me feel better about the whole thing. "Of course, baba, I'd do anything to make you happy and I'm sure Fayez and I will get along great," I said with a fake smile towards the end. "Okay," he said while nodding and standing up. "I have something to do right now but be ready by 8," he said as he left the room. I just nodded and went back to eating.
After I finished my dhal and rice, I washed my plate, got water from the fridge and went to my room to take a nap. I set an alarm for 6, threw myself onto my bed and immediately fell asleep on my bed.
Fayez's POV:
Once I got to my room, I got a message from Farid asking about Zaynab, Ilaria's best friend.
Farid: Who was that girl with the princess?
I rolled my eyes at his use of 'princess' but ignored it
Me: Her name is Zaynab, she's Ilaria's best friend
Me: That's all I know about her but I can ask Ilaria about her if you want
Farid: Actually do that
Me: Alright I'll ask her tonight while we're out for dinner
Farid: Aight, thanks man
Me: Np
I threw my phone onto my bed and went into the bathroom to take a quick shower.
Once I got out I threw on a white wifebeater and some navy-blue basketball shorts that go just passed my knees.
I still had my towel in my hand when someone knocked on my door. I opened my door and was surprised to see Ilaria at my door. I stood there looking down at her, she was wearing grey sweatpants with a matching zip up sweater and a black hijab.
She finally spoke and asked "I have a question, is this a good time?" I was kind of curious what question she had but just replied with "what question." "You know my friend from earlier, Zaynab?" she asked. I hummed and nodded down at her. She seemed nervous to ask but did anyway, she said ""So, she wanted to know who that guy you were walking with at the Masjid was and if he was married." I laughed as I thought about Zaynab and Farid asking Ilaria and I to find out stuff about them for each other. "Ahh," I said as I leaned against the doorframe and scratched my jaw. She averted her gaze after I scratched my jaw which made my brows furrow but I quickly masked my expression and listed the few things I knew about Farid, "Well his name is Farid; he's 21, lives 30 minutes away from the Masjid by walking, prefers this masjid because it's bigger and more beautiful, usually comes to pray Dhur and read Quran and no he isn't married." "And while you're here what should I tell Farid, he also asked about Zaynab," I asked because I might as well get it out of the way. "Well look at that, looks like we're playing matchmakers," she said and that caught me off guard and a laugh made its way out of my throat along with a smile. As she said that she looked up at me with the most beautiful smile but it was gone in the blink of an eye. She quickly looked down and shifted on her feet. It was silent for a second before she cleared her throat and said, "she's 19, lives a few houses down from this one, she loves cars, religious, always goes to the Masjid to pray and read Quran and she is 5'7." "That enough?" she asked. She wouldn't look at me but maybe that was for the best I nodded my head and said "for now," knowing Farid would want Zaynab's baba's number. "Alright, I'll see you later then," she said as she started walking towards her room. I just stared at the back of her head, missing her smile for a minute before I finally closed the door.
I messaged Farid right away so that I wouldn't forget anything about Zaynab that he might want to know.
Me: Ilaria came to room asking me about you for Zaynab
Farid: Oh damn, what did you say?
Me: The only shit I know about you tf
Farid: Yeah, yeah, just tell me what you said
Me: I told her you're 21, live 30 minutes from the masjid by walking, why you go to that Masjid, and that you weren't married
Farid: Okok
Farid: So, what about Zaynab?
Me: She's 19, 5'7, lives in the gated area close to Ilaria, she loves cars, is religious, and she always goes to the Masjid to pray and read Quran
Farid: I should ask for her baba's number, right?
Me: For sure she seems solid
Farid: Can you ask princess for it tonight then?
Me: Alright but stop calling her princess just say Ilaria
Farid: Nah man, you're getting married to the princess, gotta remind you
Me: just stfu
Farid: 🖕🏿
By the time I was done texting Farid it was time for Asr so I prayed, made Dua and was about to take a nap but heard another knock on my door.
Instead of getting in my bed for a nap I went to see who was at the door, I opened it and was met with my hooyo who had an expression of both happiness and excitement on her face. "what's up, Hooyo," I said with a smile. I often feel like the only time I can truly be myself is only when I'm around my hooyo, no one else is able to give me the same non-judgmental and welcoming feeling that she emanates, well not yet of course.
"Come in," I say as I move allowing her to come in the room. She sat herself on the black velvet armchair and got comfy before speaking, "soo, how was your date with Ilaria?" she says with a mischievous smirk. "Date? The date is at 8, no?" I asked in confusion as I made my way, sitting on the end of my bed. "No silly, your one-on-one date you had earlier, when you both came back in those cute matching outfits, I hope you two kept everything halal, oh you guys looked straight out of a picture when you came through the doors Mashallah." "What- no no hooyo that wasn't a date," I said clearing up the confusion, fighting the unwanted smile on my face. "It's okay Fayez your baba isn't here so you don't have to lie anymore, it's just me." "I know hooyo, but trust me it was nothing like that, Ilaria saw me at the masjid and just gave me a ride, no date, I promise." "Hmm so explain the matching outfits," she said crossing her arms. "Honestly, I can't even explain that, it was just pure coincidence, wallah," I said reassuringly. "Okay, I believe you, that just proves that you two are a match made in heaven, my son," she teased while smiling cheek to cheek.
As the words, "match made in heaven" left my hooyo's mouth I couldn't stop the warm feeling in my stomach. The thought of being someone's soulmate is just so unreal to me, especially being Ilaria's. Granted we did just dress up in very similar outfits unknowingly, I just don't know if that's enough proof for me.
"You're blushing and smiling." "Helloo" My mom says teasing me as I come out of my trance. I realized that I was in fact smiling. As soon as I realized I wiped the smile off my face and replaced it with a blank expression. "What smile?" I asked innocently, managing to keep the blank expression. "Okay don't try acting smart with me young man" she taunted wagging her finger in front of her.
I don't even know why I was smiling in all honesty. I really need to gather myself. I've been all off-guard ever since I came to this place.
"Ok well it looks like you're about to take a nap, so I'll leave you to it," she said as she made her way to the door. "Yes, I'm exhausted," I replied sighing heavily. Hooyo was one foot out the door before she said, "Dream of Ilaria," as she quickly shut the door. I shook my head and laughed silently at the comment she made then jumped into bed and fell right asleep.
Ilaria's POV:
I groaned at the sound of the alarm and quickly hit snooze before I fell asleep again.
By the time I actually got up it was 6:15 and there was less then 10 minutes before Maghrib. After I made wudhu, I put my prayer dress on and started my Salah. After I was done, I prayed two rakats sunnah and finished off with a Dua.
By the time I was finished praying and making Dua it was 6:45 so I went to my bathroom to take a shower.
While I was in the shower, I was trying to think about what would happen at the dinner tonight but I don't know what to expect. Every time I'm around him I get lost in him, I forget everything and he's the center of my attention. I haven't even touched him but last night in the kitchen was weird. I'm so attracted to him and I've never been attracted to anyone, but I can't let my heart get in the way of this. It's a business deal that our parents set up to better their kingdoms and what not. Love wasn't even discussed when my baba asked me to marry Fayez. All that talk about wanting to know me in the kitchen was bullshit, we're both just doing this for our kingdoms, I know it, he knows it, so I can't let my heart love someone who wouldn't love me back.
Once I finished washing the soap off my body, I got out of the shower and grabbed my towel, slowly starting to dread the night ahead.
I moisturized my body then put on my robe and sat at my vanity trying to decide between light makeup or a full face. I stared at my abaya and thought about what would look better and then decided on light makeup because a full face would take the attention away from the abaya.
After I tied my curls back, I started on my makeup and once I was finished it was already time to pray Isha.
I finished praying by 7:40 so I quickly picked out two gold necklaces to, a few gold bracelets and gold rings to wear with the abaya.
I got the abaya on and tied my hijab in a tight style which took me a while since I was wearing it without an under cap so I used hijab magnets and pins to make sure the chiffon was secure on my head. I looked myself over in my mirror and was pleased with the outfit Zay chose for me so I took a quick picture and sent it to her.
Me: *photo*
Zay❥: DAMN ARIA!!!
Zay❥: MASHALLAH YOU LOOK SO HOT😩
Me: you're gonna make me blush stop it
Zay❥: yeah, yeah, Fayez is gonna go crazy when he sees you
Me: I don't even know how to reply to that
Zay❥: maybe a "Thank you Zay so much I don't know what I would do without you" 🫣
Me: 🙄
Zay❥: Just have fun and keep it halal
Zay❥: no holding hands under the table or anything like that🤭
Me: 🖕🏾
^Ilaria's abaya^
I put on my silver flats and stuffed my phone into my brown clutch as I opened my door and stepped out closing it behind me. I walked to the stairs and saw my baba standing at the end of the stairs waiting for me. I held onto the railing and started descending the stairs and as I got lower, the bottom of a navy-blue thobe with black embroidery was being revealed.
^Fayez's thobe is the one in the middle^
I sucked in a breath at the sight of Fayez but kept my eyes on my baba who was wearing a simple black thobe.
"Ahh Ilaria, you're all ready?" my baba asked me as soon as he laid his eyes on me. I could feel Fayez's eyes burning a whole into the side of my face but ignored him and smiled at my baba as I said, "yeah, I'm ready." "Ok then we should get going then," he said as he started towards the door.
I followed after him and could feel Fayez's presence directly behind me...
***
sorry for the long wait... again but enjoy this 7,657 word part 🫶🏾
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