Life is full of ups and downs.
☆
Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple
_ Dr.suess
BADIA'S P.O.V.
"Am sorry, your daughter has a dilated cardiomyopathy " said the doctor acting professional now.
"What !," I almost yell.
The only thing I understood from what the doctor said, is heart. I had learn back in college that cardio refers to the heart , I could feel my cardiac beat increase.
"Please speak English" I said in between tears.
"As a result, the heart can't pump blood all over the body" he continues .
"Does this means she's going to die? " I asked a bit scared.
"No, she just need medical attention" he said
"She has a weak heart".
"How did she got it ?" asked Abid .
"You see it could be due to coronary heart disease, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis or even inherited" the doctor highlighted.
Again with the medical drama.
I kept staring at the doctor like a zombie as he calls his weird foreign names.
"Does anyone in the family has a similar case" asked the doctor.
"Not that we know about" answered Abid.
"No, your dad has it " said Ammi facing Abid.
"Mr. Ahmed farouqi also had it, he died due to a heart failure eventually ".
"Indeed she has inherited it from him" said Ammi crying on her sudden reminiscences.
"Perhaps she might have inherited it from her grandfather " the doctor chirped in.
"How do we treat it now?" asked Abid.
"We will put her on some drugs, and her lifestyle will be monitored. If it continues on a long term then we can change the treatment " said the doctor.
"My child fainted, is she ok, will she be ok" I cried.
"Ma'am, fainting is just one of the symptoms by Allah, she will be" The Doctor answered the call that came through on his line. Dropping the call, he looked my way and spoke;
"She's now conscious " I smiled for the first time, finally a glint of hope.
"You can now go see her in children's award room1221 " said the doctor dismissing us.
Abid stayed back as I raced to room 1221.
Lost time.....
It's been nine month since faree was ill, she's now one happy healthy and strong little baby.
I and ruba have settled our little differences. Ruba has finally learn that it isn't her fault and have forgiven herself.
"Sister-in-law hurry up now with the cake" yelled Ruba.
Today marks the second birth anniversary to farida.
The house was decorated in lavender and pitch.
The water fountain was doing wonders and I was looking dashing in my dusty purple grown and nude colour hijab which i rolled over my head.
Abid wore a deep purple suit,Ruba was looking charming as always in her velvet floppy gown.
The theme of the birthday was purple, everyone was dressed in purple, even Ammi wore a light purple half Cape. Not to talk about the celebrant, my little angel faree was dress in lavender fulla mini gown with white embroidery., my angel today indeed looks like a princess with her little silver crown worn around her head.
I came running right in time with the extra cake in my hands while my little faree blew her birthday cake.
She's finally two years old today.
Everyone was singing and praising her , the atmosphere was cheerful and colourful,
najwa was dancing in her pure purple skimpy dress admist her age mate as we were all having the time of our life.
The day rolled like it would last for ever.
17years later,
I sat down at the dresser fixing my left ear ring as I saw Abid through the mirror, standing tall,
He was obviously staring at me " having deep thoughts?" I smiled at the alluring view of my dearth
"Abid " I called but he didn't answer.
Perhaps lost in his thoughts.
"Abid" I yelled once more.
"Yes" , he answered.
"What's on your mind" I asked curious to why he delayed answering me.
"Nothing just admiring how cute you are".
I blushed "c'mmon" I said acting cool
He moved closer, now touching my shoulders "I am really lucky to have you, you know "said Abid,
I smiled shyly as he kisses my cheeks.
My cheeks lighten up into a deep red colour , I was flushing.
I could feel his eyes over me which made me melt for him.
Abid gaze deepens , even I was lost in his eyes, in his world full of fulfilled promises.
Abid bends down a little , making his way to my lips, even I was anxious to feel his lips on mine.
Even at this age, Abid's touch does wonders to me.
"Mum, mum" yelled farida running into the room making Abid abort his desired mission, my poor husband.
Both I and Abid's attention now landed on farida.
"What's wrong?" I rolled my eyes.
"Why did you came here running in without your salam?" I scolded farida.
"Mum, aunt Maria just arrived, she's here for najwa's wedding" beamed farida.
The look Abid had is priceless.
"Ok"
"Common let's go welcome her" Said faree dragging me off my chair.
With that, both I and farida existed the room leaving Abid behind.
"Maria , welcome it's been ages " I squirmed.
"It's been quite a while" she answered
" And where's firdaws? " I asked.
"She just left with amra. . ., she didn't even wait to say hy to her aunt" Said maria
"Of course she did " I smiled.
Firdaws is Maria's only daughter, age mate to my twins Amra and Amar.
:Uhmm, badia hows farida's health.....When she came to let us in, she was panting like someone whom has just gotten off, from a horse race track " said Maria.
"She's doing okay, she does pants for air , sometimes when she does little to no excise like climbing the stairs fast.
her issue is somewhat critical" I explain.
"How about the operation you told me about a couple of years back ?" asked Maria.
"Yes the doctor , suggested that she gets operated because her condition keeps on getting worse, we honestly do our best to make sure she's comfortable and happy, Abid and I gave her the tender care and love even more than we can offer, but am now less terrified because I put all my trust in Allah and I trust his judgement".
"Alhmdlh, may Allah bring her ease"
"Thank Allah, that amongst all your children only farida suffers from such illness" she taps my shoulders and continued talking .
"You see najwa, Amar, Amra ,and lairab are all ok and healthy " said Maria.
" Yes" I agreed.
"And your unborn child would be free from any illness in sha Allah", said Maria placing her hands on my baby bump.
I got shy , and gentle removed her hands.
"In sha Allah".
"We will take the operation, but you know since farida grew older she's afraid to take the operation and the doctor said we should try not to upset her at any cost, we'll have to wait till she overcomes her phobia" , I said warmly.
"I wished you didn't listen to Mum when she said to wait till farida gets older , but what is done is done".
"Now where is the bride to be" asked Maria.
"She's having her henna done" I replied cheerfully.
"And where's Ruba " asked Maria.
"She hasn't arrived , you know Ruba lives overseas now, she promise to be here as early as she could by tomorrow" I explained.
"No wonder the house isn't as cheerful as it use to be " Maria mocks .
"You go now and freshen up , you can find Abida, at the patio performing the henna function for najwa" I suggest.
All the guest where at the other part of the house, the wedding festivals has already started,
Even mum and Ammi are in the part of the house which is now noisy and crowded with guest.
I surely will miss my najwa., tears started to run down my cheeks on remembering farida, and how she would miss her only daughters wedding. Every mothers dream, is to see her daughter get married into a responsible home.
Today would have been complete if farida was here to share this blissful moments with her daughter, my daughter.
The thought of been in her shoes and missing my faree's wedding breaks my heart into pieces.
Alhmdlh I am here for najwa.
"Badia!!, Badia" yelled Maria knocking me out of my thoughts.
"What's wrong ?" asked Maria wiping off my tears.
"Nothing" I lied.
I don't believe you, know tell me what's going on, frown Maria.
"It's just that I will miss najwa" I said .
"Of course you will, every mother feels the same way letting her daughter go but it's part of life,
Your daughter will be just fine" Said Maria.
I stood mute, watching Maria.
What would I ever do without a sister like her?.
"Ok now, let me go freshen up, I will see you all later at the patio " Said Maria getting up.
Then we suddenly heard a distant noise,
What could it possible be I wondered .....
Teaser
The heart i Cherished (sequel 2 mending a broken heart ).
NOOR'S P.O.V
I kept staring at the vibrant smile Rumaysa had on, her big eye balls sparks my soul, its whiteness, spread over , complementing her brighten teeth which stuck out with her vibrant smile,
Oh Allah there is just one to many reasons that draws me to this beautiful living creature of Allah.
I was seating with the love of my life in one of the most reserved restaurant of doha.
Months of reservation has pay off finally to have her here beside me in this exotic building.
We were sitted at the middle of the restaurant but to the side near the window to give of a view of the beautiful ocean outside. If only I could then this is the best scene to propose my undying love but I knew better.
"NOOR! ! NOOR !!." Rumaysa called out.
That's when I realised that I had been staring at her for quite a while ,perhaps creeping her out.
She seems uncomfortable by the way I stare.
Rumaysa is a gem a rare one to come around.
She has the most adoring smile ever.
A define cheekbone , oval face and the perfect Arabian skin. Staring at her is my favorite thing to do . Yes i sound like a weirdo but am just a boy whose deep in her charm, lost in love,
"Bad manners!!" She scowls.
I adjusted myself by removing my elbow from the diner table which I kept there supporting my chin unconsciously and complimented her so dreamingly .
"You look good rumaysa" .
"Are you just noticing me now, After staring or was I invincible "scolds Rumaysa trying hard to keep herself from flushing.
I thought twice before finally answering her; knowing how quite historical Rumaysa can be.
"I was just noticing how creeping those big eyes of yours are "I said teasingly.
She glares at me but saves her comment .
Interesting.
"Here's the order sir ", says a waiter dropping off the order we made earlier on the restaurant table.
Ok,
"eat up now, before that brows of
Yours falls off " i said teasingly to Rumaysa because she still has a frowning face from my earlier joke.
Women!, i mentally rolled my eyes .
I smirk getting amazed of how cute Rumaysa looks angry, I enjoy it.
"You're such a jokester" she said smiling for the very first time today since we came out here.
Rumaysa started digging into the bowl of celeries which the waiter had dropped earlier.
"Uhmm, you must taste this, it taste delightful "said Rumaysa with a mouthful of macaroni salad.
"Ok, Now it's a bad manner to talk with your mouth full " I scolded her .
-Comeback -
Just try it , and stop being so controlling" she said giving me a wink.
Grouchy much.
What !, my eyes widen to those words which Rumaysa had just uttered , but knowing Rumaysa as much as I do, and knowing how childish she can be, I let her be.
No I have say something, anything.
"You blue looks awful on you " I uttered not realising where that came from.
She looked at her baby blue veil she paired black Abaya and frowned.
Why !,
Noor why?.
I should know better than to tease a lady about her dressing sense.
" awfully cute on you" I said nervously hoping she forgives me and thinks it was just a slip of word.
She rolls her eyes and continued eating.
The rest of the diner went smoothly.
Afterwards I dropped Rumaysa home
Rumaysa is the only daughter to Mr. And Mrs. Amar, and being trusted with Rumaysa by her parents is just a dream come through. i am just lucky and happy that they trusted me this much to let us go out together.
Normally Muslim girls are allowed to see their boyfriend in the presence of a third party, but Rumaysa having no siblings, her parents are always there to guard her.
Each day I reminisce about the day Mr. Amar accepted me as his to be son-in-law law, I felt like a man to whom jannah has been granted to.
With her I always dream of reaching out for the stars.
With smiles all over my face I drove back home.
Entering the parlour, i dropped the car keys on the island table right when I spot Jalila watching jeem tv as usual.
Jalila is younger sister who is actually in college now she's the only family I have apart my mom.
Even though am five years older than her , she doesn't allow me to boss her around and our relationship is more like that of friends. She treats me more like an agemate than an elder.
I felt jalila on my chest and her arms aroud me.
Drawing her back , I gave her a deadpan.
It's so unlike jalila to be so touchy, she's anything but a hugger.
"Welcome back Akhi(brother )" , beamed Jalila.
"Why are you super happy, any good news?" I inquired as I saunter in.
She said nothing but kept staring at me as if holding some thoughts back.
I smiled, and found my way up, right when she stopped me.
"Mum said to tell you, that she needs to speak to you once you're back".
"Ok" answered her.
After taking a shower and having some rest with a calm mind to face mum,
I headed straight to mum's room , where I waited for her to finish observing her nafil prayer (involuntary prayer).
I stare at mum as she prostrate to her beloved creator.
Gone are those days when mum will insist Dad leads us in prayers every once in a while.
It was lovely having the family pray together or drive to the mosque as a family.
I miss those days. Even though mum pretends to be happy and not miss that I know she does alot.
She's only pretending and is strong for us.
I do listen to her silent whispers at night seeking for dad's forgiveness and praying to me and I also join her to prayer for my hero.
Mum always avoids talking about Dad because it reminds her that he's no more.
"You are here?" Mum's voice knocking me out of my thoughts.
"Mum, Jalila said you wanted to see me" I said as soon as she was done.
"Yes son , it's about your future. .." she stops to see my growing anxiety " with Rumaysa".
My heart raced miles the minute I heard mum say future, my mind began to ponder.
"Tomorrow insha Allah we will be taking Rumaysa's bride price and the wedding date will be finalize" she said in her reserved voice.
I was so happy of the news but that doesn't stop me from noticing the silent sorrow in her voice.
I know talking about my marriage reminds her of him- Dad. So I choose to ignore it.
"Thank you, thank you mum", I yelled given mum a big hug, things couldn't get any better for me.
You couldn't begin to imagine the state of happiness I am.
In sha Allah, the Rumaysa I know and love will be mine sooner than later.
FARIDA'S P.O.V ;
"Mum , mum" I yelled weakly.
"My chest pains alot", I cried out right when I saw my mother.
I held my chest , screaming in anguish.
"What's wrong " my child, be strong.
Mum kept saying soothing words as she called out for Dad.
"Abid get faree's medicine from the medicine cupboard" she cries.
In no time mum administered my drugs.
My pain began to reduce, little by little.
*******
"Sweetheart tell me, who made you angry yesterday" I hear mum's voice.
I looked at mum sadly.
"Sweetheart, tell me" her voice calm but her eyes begging.
"Mum, it's it's .... "I began to stutter.
"Faree, its ok ..."Tell your mum.
She said running her hands through my hair as she tries to make it curls with her hands.
"Mum, it's sister najwa whom was yelling over the phone" I lied.
Why did i lie, well it's better to tell her this and her hear the truth.
It will make her worry the more.
I love najwa my sister alot but only her could go along with her lies.
"Oh dear, worry not I will call her right away" she said.
"But what did you do to hit a nerve ? "Asked mum knowing quite well najwa is a very understanding woman.
"Mum, let it be" I begged.
"No, I can't ,I don't want to talk about it" I huff.
"She knows quite well about your condition, then why sadden you" Mum tries to reason.
"Mum, please. If you love me then let it be" I countered.
"I do, my dear " said mum giving me a peck.
I held her hands and cuddled the more on to her.
"Mum , will faree be ok "amra asked quite concern.
"Yes dear she will " I heard my mammy answer her.
Amra is my younger sister.
She's twins with Amar. They both are 15 and currently in middle school .
Lairab my brother is just the adorable little thing ever.
He's 7.
My Dad Abid farouqi is a well known business man in kwajur (does not exist ) while my mum is a famous lawyer here.
Even though with their busy life's, they always find a way to be there for us and keep us safe.
Yeah I know what you are thinking.
I might not be the last child but am definitely the most pampered.
I am their second child.
My elder sister najwa is currently married and lives far away in Dc.
Since my parents found out I have heart problem, they had being extra careful when it comes to me.
I did miss out alot as a child. I miss out all the fun and I stayed mostly in doors.
When my mum had a still birth, I could swear she cared more about me than herself that causes her to lose her child from constantly forgetting to take care about herself.
She was always in my case, though I catch her sometimes crying about her lost and my condition but when ever I reminder her of Allah's beautiful bounties on her, Amar , Amra and lairab she cheers up knowing how lucky she is to have us all. Alhamdulillah.
Mum monitors my friends. I guess I envied the life the twins are living. They get to have ice cream anytime while i take in summer , little in spring and autumn and non in winter due to qatar's weather and my health condition.
They could even visit their friends anytime.
"Badia , it's hard to always go to the capital each time for badia's treatment. I will just get my work shifted there and by then the big day will be here " I heard Dad say knocking me out of the thought.
"Faree !, faree" I heard Dad's voice again this time more cheerful.
"Na'am (Yes )? " I answered.
"What do you think about moving to Doha ?" He asked sitting at the edge of the couch and keeping my legs on his labs as my head is on mum's labs as well from the other end of the couch.
"Sure Dad, let's just move. let's just live for faree, isn't it all we do ? Huffed amra and left banging the door behind.
She took us all by surprise. I wondered where that attitude was coming from,
"Don't you dare talk to your Abi, like that " Mum scolded aloud pretty sure Amra heard her.
"She's right they can't just live their lives my terms " I said
A part of me is glad that I will soon be 18 and less a burden to everyone.
I stood up and trailed behind amra.