Ever since Yusuf and I became so close to each other two years ago, people had been wondering if we were some kind of lovers or if we were dating. Well, if it is about love; I truly loved Yusuf, and he loved me as well but we were still just friends due to the issue of our families' rivalry which we hoped to end after we take control of our parents' companies in the future — In Shaa Allah. It might take long, but we still hoped in Allah...
Indeed a lot had happened in the past two years, which includes Yusuf and I confessing our feelings for each other. Technically, he was the one that did it first then I gave him my feedback in a month and some weeks later. I really had thought he wouldn't wait for my reply that long but... he patiently did and, that made me loved him more.
Qudrah, however, had totally changed after breaking up with Mahmud for a reason best known by them. Although she told me he was the one that asked for the breakup. But why would he do that? Well, I did not doubt her though since Mahmud refused to talk to me. I believed if he was innocent, he would have talked to me... or at least, told me what my friend wrongfully did to him.
Strolling...
"Take my hand" Yusuf said after many unsuccessful attempts to hold my hand as soon as we trekked out of the school gate together. "Don't tell me you're shy"
"Of course I am!" I said turning my face from him. His smile made me more shy.
"Shy of people or of me?" He asked.
"Both!" I chirped, and that made him to laugh out louder. "Hey, what is funny?"
"Nothing" He glanced at me and huffed. "You are more beautiful than the moon and the entire galaxy, baby. I love you"
"Hmm" I beamed covering my face with my palms. "You're really flattering me!"
"Ai dole!" He giggled and before I knew it he grabbed my arm and held it firmly. He literally didn't mind if the masses focus their gaze on us. And he wasn't afraid.
"What are you doing? Release my hand" I squealed, trying to extricate from his grip but to no avail. "Dan Allah, Yusuf!"
"The more you shout, the more people look at us. Just chill, baby" He uttered.
Thus, I glanced around and found out people were looking at us already. So I composed myself. If I should continue screaming, he might be manhandled. Yes, people will think he was trying to rape me or something of that nature.
"It's Haraam" I gulped while we walk.
"What is Haraam?" He asked but I did not reply him, I only shook our hands and that gave him the idea of what I was talking about. "Sorry" He uttered.
"Thank you, sir!" I said the moment he released my arm. "Lets go back, okey?"
"No" He uttered with his hands in his pockets. "We haven't reach the point"
Actually, he had complained about his lack of exercise to me and I suggested that we stroll to the old train situation which was few kilometres away from our school. "I can't go again" I uttered.
"Why?" He wrinkled a brow.
"Just" I gulped.
I had wanted telling him I was scared of him and what the devil might make him do to me if we reach the place but then I changed my mind. The place was deserted, you hardly see people around it except those that are so fond of taking pictures around the old trains or on top of the abandoned cargos. Being there with Yusuf could literally be catastrophic the fact that he had even started holding my hand. I believed he had changed but I was still afraid of him because of how he used to behave when we happened to be in a private place. He also loved making lustful remarks about my body. There was a time he said if we get married he would always touch my breasts. I had tried my best to change him, but I guess some people are meant to remain who they are. Yusuf needed a wife... yes, ME! But not now. We really had a lot to do first.
"You can go back" He said and I could sense the anger in him already. "Ki je"
"Yusuf..." I said as he cut in.
"Just go!" He began walking away.
His words hurts me that I could not even utter another word again. I only stood there speechless, watching as he kept walking away. I really thought he was joking and would return back but he refused. And when I was tired of waiting, I turned and returned back to school. We would deal with the issue when he comes back, I mulled over.
"Fatimah, har kun dawo ne?" Jasmine asked as soon as I was back. "So soon!"
"Forget it" I said focusing my attention on the paper she was holding. "What's that in your hand?" I wrinkled a brow.
"It's my I.T form o!" She said.
"Wait, has the H.O.D shared it already? I thought he said... tomorrow?" I uttered.
"Yes, I also don't know why he changed his mind. I was even in YOSA meeting when Kafayat summoned me" She said.
"Subhanallah!" I chirped.
"Don't panic, dear. Just go to his office kawai. After all, you guys are friendly" She said, wearing a smile on her face.
"Hmm thank you, Jasmine" I gulped.
"You're welcome" She winked and left.
Thus, I heaved a sigh and headed to the head of our department's office. Before I Salaamed in, I looked at the nameplate on his door and sighed again. Professor Marwan Musa was what was written on it. Yes, our one and only Dr Marwan was now a Professor. He earned it last year just before summer. Cool, right?
"AsSalama Alaykum" I said as soon as I entered his office. "Good afternoon sir"
"Wa'alaykumus Salam, afternoon!" He said working on his Pavilion 15 laptop.
"Sir..." I hesitated.
"Yes, Fatimah... How may I help you?" He asked still working on his system.
Thus, I cleared my throat. "I heard you shared I.T form recently, sir" I uttered.
"Yes, and yours is..." He said pointing at the cushion in the far end of the office. "Over there! Just pick yours only, okey?"
"Okey sir" I sighed in relief. And as soon as I picked the form, I thanked him and left to the venue of the last lecture I had for the day. And after the lecture I took my phone from my bag and then dialed Yusuf's number to tell him I was done but he didn't pick. I called again but to no avail. Maybe he still needs some time alone, I wondered. Thus, I drove back home. Don't ask me about Qudrah, she had been deliberately missing lectures.
When I reached home, I surprisingly met my parents and Munir's fiancee's parents, Khadijah Sidi Aliyu. They sat on the cushions while Munir and the girl were sitting on the rug. Nothing seemed right, since Khadijah was in tears. But what could be wrong? She quits or what? I thought as I humbly greeted everyone in the sitting room.
"Go upstairs!" My father said as soon as the greeting was over. I really had wanted staying but what could I do?
"Okey, dad" I muttered.
And while sluggishly heading upstairs, Khadijah's father cleared his throat and began talking. "Just like I said earlier, we are no longer waiting for Khadijah to finish her school talk more of doing her Service. What happened between Munir and her today is something that can happen again, or even worst. They should be married off to each other as soon as possible if not it won't stop at kissing next time..." The old man said.
Kiss? Munir was caught kissing Khadijah? Hmm, Subhanallah!
I was happy that they were caught if not, he would've ruined her life and leave her to bear the burden. I knew Munir and his lustfulness, he should becareful else he might one day land himself into a big trouble... I thought.
Talking about lustfulness, where did I left my own Yusuf? Though he was different. More sensible than Munir.
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AsSalama Alaykum, thank you all for your contribution. And to those that messaged me privately asking for an update, you made me updated this fast.