The weeks that followed were wonderful, I had time to relax and hang out with Sameer and Khalil. We were always riding horses, giving public lectures or hunting and fishing. During one of such days I went into the house to greet Umma when i bumped into someone
" I am sorry Yerima, I was in a hurry and I didn't notice you on time, please forgive me" the girl who was already on her knees said in a panic tone
"It's okay, get up. I am sorry too, I should have looked up myself." I saw relief wash through her face as she got up.
"Thank you your Highness" she said as she started walking away
"Wait, ehm... what's your name?"
"My name is Khairi"
"Khairi, MashaAllah, Ummulkhairi right?"
"Yes your Highness"
"Then you should start saying it in full, its more beautiful that way" she didnt reply but just kept on playing with her fingers and shifting her weight from one foot to the other
"For how long have you been working in this Palace?" I went further to ask
"Five years"
"Five years, I see. Where are you from?" I must be boring her with all my questions by now
"I..I grew up in the orpharnage, I was brought here to work when I was thirteen. So, I dont really know where I am from" she replied, tears welling in her eyes.
"Oh I am sorry, I didn't mean to upset you" I apologised "You may leave now"
"Thank you your Highness" and she hurriedly walked off.
***
The days that followed my discussion with Khairi was filled with thoughts of her. I always wanted to have a glimpse of her, she never left my mind for a second. Morning, afternoon and night, it was khairi. Could it be pity? Or was I slowly falling in love? Khairi possessed good characters, my kind of woman, a woman every man will do anything to have. She is beautiful, calm, hardworking and very religious. I have seen her on a couple of occasions reciting the Qur'an at her freetime, her hobby, I guess. And although Batuul was very bossy and commanding, Khairi was always patient and carried out her duties to the best of her ability.
As time went by, things started getting out of hand, I could hardly control my feeling for her, I scolded Batuul for commanding her around often of times and it was evident that I gave her preferential treatment than the other maids
I decided to observe the Istihara prayer for guidance and then seek some advice from my right hand man, Sameer. I observed the prayer and after that, I had a good feeling about what i was seeking. I was so happy. I decided to talk to Sameer as soon as possible, to seek his opinion on what he thinks should be my next line of action.
As yi lay down to sleep at night like all nights, my mind was occupied with thoughts of only one person... Ummulkhairi, mother of goodness!