To Sahla ;)
---
Commitment. Results require commitment and devotion. If you want to see the fruits of your efforts, you need to strive toward it.
---
Breathe. Oh my Allah, I can't breathe. I need to breathe. Bela get your act together it really isn't that bad. No No! Oh no! Bela feels overwhelmed as she readjusts her scarf for the fiftieth time. Her family had driven to Kareem's house in excitement while she underwent a complete meltdown. As they arrived, Suzanne, Kareem's mother had served them tea and rich biscuits. His entire household portrayed originality and Bela was amazed by it. That is until she realized her purpose for visiting. To make things official.
'Oh boy.'
'What?' Bela whispers harshly. The twins are currently lounging in the guest room with their elder sister is trying to "get ready." Of course she's been doing this for the past half hour but she needs to look presentable.
'Bel no one can hear you.' Sara rolls her eyes.
'I know but still-'
'Look, you're just overreacting! I mean Kareem is practically in LOVE with you and-' Sara slaps a hand around her twin's mouth and glares at her.
'Are you insane?'
'You just said that they can't hear us.' Sumayya pushes her hand off.
'You they can hear.'
'Girls come on! This isn't why I called you here.' Bela pins her scarf and begins pacing the room in an attempt to calm her adrenaline driven heart.
'As I was saying.' Sumayya clears her throat like a professor and looks her sister in the eye. 'Kareem is totally in love with you and there's no way he's going to change his mind after he sees you.'
'Do you really believe that or are you just saying it to make me feel better?' The bubbly twin smacks her forehead in frustration.
'Bela of course I believe it, ask Sara!' All eyes are on the more sensible one. She straightens her position on the lilac colored bed set.
'I have to admit Bels, he does seem pretty into you. I mean he's a pilot for God's sake, he's literally surrounded by women everywhere he goes but then he's over the moon about you. That has to mean something.' Bela's heart is much tamer at the words she hears. That does make a lot of sense. Why didn't think of it before. Oh well, AlhamdhuliAllah. At least I know of it now.
'Yeah I mean the man sees half naked women everywhere but he wants you. All I can say is you're pretty fortunate.'
'Thanks a lot Sumi.' Bela gives her a flat look. A knock on the door startles the three of them. They glance at each other and Sara is the first to make her way toward the caller.
'Yes Aunty?'
'Oh Sara love, tell Bela that Kareem's home.' Bela is rooted to her spot as she hears the somewhat alarming news.
'Will do.'
'Please tell her to hurry. He's waiting.' With that she leaves and the three girls are plunged into silence.
'Okay well, that's your cue Bel.' Sara holds her sister by her slim shoulders and smiles softly. She can see the fear in her elder sister's eyes. Sumayya joins in with a side hug.
'You're going to kill it.' Sumayya pats her back in encouragement.
'In Sha Allah.' Bela manages.
'In Sha Allah.' They nod in unison and make their way towards the living room.
---
Bela clutches her stomach in an attempt to control herself. She's failing miserably. She shakes her head and covers her mouth in excitement. The girl is losing it and the man before her is grinning from ear to ear at the fact that he incited her reaction. Kareem leans in his seat with his dark eyes on her. He can't believe he's in front of this woman. On his flight back, all he could think about was, her. Even the caramel custard he was served couldn't distract him.
'I can't believe this.' Kareem nods in agreement. Why is she so beautiful?
'I can.'
'What did you do after?'
'I ran for my life.' Bela squeezes her eyes shut. This story is beyond hilarious. In fact hilarious doesn't cover it. Kareem just narrated to Bela how he he'd been late for his flight. He had such a terrible morning because he'd spilled his tea on his shirt, he lost his room key and was made to wait in the lounge for an extra hour so they could sort it out, after he gets a spare key he rushes to his room and changes. Once he checked out of his hotel he dragged his suit case over the tail of a German shepherd and raced to the car that awaited him.
'What an adventure.' Bela comments with a shy smile.
'Indeed it was.' He stares at her fondly, the man has some piety in him but his feelings get the better of him. 'You could be a part of it you know.' He hints at the engagement.
'I've already agreed to it.' The words she utters not only shocks Kareem but herself as well. Did I just say that? Kareem recovers and rubs his chin as if in deep thought. The man has been on edge every time his mother sent him updates on her response. Before she was either unsure or shy. Now she seems downright confident.
'Then you wouldn't mind being an engaged woman over the weekend?' A daring question, what do you take me for Mr. Pilot?
'Is it a challenge?' Bela is enjoying this. She cannot believe she's being so forthcoming about this. Wasn't she crying just yesterday about doing this for no one but her parents? Now here she is practically confessing to this man that she's into this more than anyone.
'Will you accept if it is?'
'I'll accept regardless.' Okay Bela stop. I think you're overdoing it. Kareem's heart soars at the sound of those words. He's so taken up that he doesn't realize her parents' standing at the doorway waiting to leave.
'Well well, Bela it's time to go.' Maria calls out and Bela responds with a nod in her direction. Kareem forces himself to sober up from her blatant response. 'I'm sure you can talk more on Saturday In Sha Allah.'
'Yes! At the engagement.' Suzanne throws in and hugs Bela before she leaves. I'm getting engaged in a few days... Is this real?
'It's official then?' Kareem questions whilst looking at Bela.
'Of course! Our Bela has made up her mind.' Maria adds.
'Good to know.' He mutters loud enough that only Bela could hear. She almost laughs at his reaction. 'I'll see you then Bela.' He says louder this time.
'Yes.' She offers a small smile and shuffles towards her family. The reality of the matter descends upon her as she steps outside. She's going to be a married woman and she's not even sure if she's cut out for this anymore.
The face of someone she hadn't thought of the whole evening, appears before her. Him. Why her mind has to wander off like that is beyond her. She glances through her car window and waves at her future mother in law. Kareem is leaning against the door frame with a meaningful look on his face. Why am I so doubtful when this man is nothing but good for me? He's everything, okay well almost everything I've ever wanted for in a man. I can't possibly want anything more that this. But then... What? But what? Why are you making this a huge deal? Bela presses a finger against her left temple. Calm. Be calm.
---
Bela! Where are you??? Nicole? For Gods sake what now? I just got home. I want to sleep! Bela stares at her phone in frustration. She's lying in bed with a troubled heart and the last thing she wants to do is explain her whereabouts to a curios co-worker.
At home? A plain reply. I'm not in the mood. She squints at her phone in the darkness and wishes for sleep to consume her.
Lol. I'm bored. Are you kidding me?
It's 11 o'clock at night!
I know BUT I wanted to talk to u XD
Go away. Bela shoves her phone under her pillow with a huff. 'SubhanAllah. SubhanAllah. Give me patience to deal with people with no common sense whatsoever...' She mutters a Dua. Her phone vibrates again.
Alright! Sorry. I was told to inform you that Mr. Jabir won't be coming in tmrw and that he's got 3 meetings you have to do by yourself. As she reads the following words, her heart picks up speed. Not because she'll be in a room with complete strangers but because He won't be there.
What do u mean? She hits reply. Her eyes are now wide open as she awaits a response.
No idea. Norman told me to tell u. I think his dad is really sick :( Bela feels a tiny ache, how could this happen to such a good man? Poor uncle Jabir.
Thats horrible! I hope he's okay.
Yeah.. Me too. Anyway Mr. Jabir said that he'd try to drop by or else ur on ur own <3 Bela wants to care less about whether Talha will show up or not but her heart betrays her. The man is volatile.
Thanks a lot Nics.
No problem honey! All the best for tmrw :)
You'll be there right?? As much as you get on my nerves, I don't think I can get through tomorrow without you. Bela sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose, the thought of tomorrow scares her.
Well duh :P I can't get a day off anytime soon. Plus u need me ;)
Sadly you're right.
Haha -.- see ya tmrw! Nighty night xxx Bela types in a quick reply and puts away her phone. 'What will I do tomorrow?' She asks herself. Her room is pitch dark. Everyone's asleep except for her. The woman is torn between her career and marital affairs. One outweighs the other in some way. She sighs and decides to think over it in the morning.
---
AlhamdhuliAllah! There :) I hope you like it. Gaahh can't wait for you guys to read the next chapter ;) please vote, comment and share! Peace- Zai x