Farzana looked at the paperwork in front of her,reading through the paragraphs and signing where her signature was needed.Her secretary opened the door to her office and she looked up when she heard Ridwaan's voice.He stepped through and she closed the file in front of her,standing up.
"As salaam mu alaykum,Ridwaan."
The door was closed behind him as he came towards her,a smile on his face,"Wa alaykum mu salaam,Zana.Do you have time for me?"
Farzana chuckled as she moved to take a seat on the other side of the table so she could sit next to him,"You made an appointment with me,sayid so I do have time for you."
"Well,since our schedules have been so full this is the only time we really have for one another." He sat down next to her,"So did you get the paperwork for our trip to South Africa on request from President Ramaphosa?"
Farzana nodded her head,"Yes,I did get the paperwork.It seems like a trip that will be really fruitful to us."
"I agree.I also believe that after South Africa we can make a visit to surrounding countries."
"Which would be?"
"Botswana,Egypt and Morocco."
Farzana nodded her head as she tried to remember what relationships they held with each of the countries,"Okay.We can't take the kids with us because Ahmed has school and I refuse to leave him and take the twins."
Ridwaan nodded his head,"Nam,you are right but before we leave I think we should visit Faizal and Razia."
Farzana smiled at him,"Bhai already extended an invite for this coming weekend.He wants to take Ahmed,the twins and Aasma to the zoo so he asked if we would like to accompany him."
"Okay,then that's a plan for the weekend." He stretched his arms,"I'm so tired."
"You should have let me help you with those files,no wonder you are tired." Farzana scolded gently and Ridwaan smiled at her.
"I know but you've also been working continuously as well.It wouldn't be fair to you."
Farzana clicked her tongue as she reached for the phone on the table,"Don't be ridicules,amar.Let me order you a coffee."
"Wait,wait,wait." Ridwaan said as he reached forward,taking the phone out of her hand and she looked at him with a confused expression,"What did you just call me?"
Farzana thought about what she had said to him and she spoke,"I called you amar.Why has that got you so shocked?"
Ridwaan reached forward to hold her hand as he gave her a big smile,"This is the first time you've called me anything except Ridwaan and you just called me moon."
Farzana shook her head as she smiled at him,"If it makes you happy,I'll only call you amar from now on."
"I don't mind,I won't respond to anything else but amar from now." He let out a yawn and Farzana shook her head.
"You don't have any meetings after this,why don't you lay down?"
Ridwaan smiled at her as he stood up,"Take your laptop and phone." She did as he said and holding her hand he pulled her towards the couch,"You can sit here and do you work while I lay down."
"I could have just done my work at the table,why did you bring me here?" Farzana asked as she sat down only for her question to be answered by Ridwaan laying down on the couch with his head resting on her lap,"Ridwaan."
"Hush." He closed his eyes,"I'm resting."
Farzana shook her head as she picked up her phone,she messaged both her assistant and Ridwaan's assistant to not disturb them until it was time to go home.She begun to look through her emails after she placed her laptop on the table next to the couch which was a tad bit uncomfortable,yet she did not move because of her husband who needed to rest.
She was halfway through replying to her emails,informing her assistant of changes to her schedule and doing a couple other things.About two and a half hours passed,when there was a knock at the door and she looked down at Ridwaan,"Two minutes." But it seemed as if the person at the door misheard her and the door opened.Farzana bit her lip when she saw Ali,Nabeela,Zainub and Nadir walk through the door,her face growing warm.
The four family members came to a stop in front of her,their faces split into huge smiles as they saw the sight of Ridwaan laying on the couch with his head on Farzana's lap.Her hand was on his head,her fingers combing through his hair.They looked at Farzana's whose face had begun to flush red,her eyes lowering just before she met their eyes.Nabeela who had her phone in her hand took a quick picture of the couple,she made a mental note to ask Farzana and Ridwaan for permission to post it on her Instagram.Farzana moved her hand away from his hair as she realized what she was doing before raising her eyes once more.
"Hi?"
"Are we interrupting something?" Nabeela asked in a teasing tone and Farzana shook her head.
"La,Ridwaan is asleep.Did you'll need anything?"
"Ughti,if you have forgotten let me just remind you that we are going out for supper tonight." Nadir said causing Ali to jab him with a teasing smile.
"How can ughti remember when ughi is so close to her."
Farzana reached for the pillow beside her which she threw at Ali who caught it with a giggle,"I remember.Let me just wake your brother up."
"Ohhh,maybe we should close our eyes for this." Ali said as he covered his eyes playfully and the others chuckled.
"Ridwaan,wake up." Farzana said as she put her hand on his arm,"Ridwaan,wake up.We need to go."
Please do not do anything which will make me even more embarrassed.Farzana pleaded in her head but of course,her luck had already run out as she called a third time.Whatever happened to third times a charm.
"Ridwaan,wake up."
Ridwaan groaned out,"Five minutes." Before turning his body so that his back faced their family members and his face was buried against her abdomen.Farzana closed her eyes,as she heard Nabeela and Zainub awe at Ridwaan's action.
Farzana slapped his arm this time,"Ridwaan,get up.Nadir,Ali,Nabeela and Zainub are here."
Ridwaan twisted his body again as he rubbed his eyes before lifting his head to look at his siblings and their wives,only to lay his head on Farzana's lap again,"I'm up."
"Hmm,you are up,ughi but ughti's lap must be really comfortable for you to get up." Nadir teased causing Ridwaan to smile as he turned to look at them after he heard Farzana groan.
"Stop embarrassing my wife."
"Oh,we are embarrassing ughti but you are the one attached to her like leech." Ali said with a smirk.
"Ridwaan,get up." Farzana said,trying to push him up only for Ridwaan to say something that made her want the ground to open up and swallow her,or on second thought she wanted to murder her dearest husband.
"I thought that you'll only call me amar from now on."
"Ohhhh,amar.Ughti,isn't ughi too ugly to be called your moon." Ali teased causing Farzana to slap Ridwaan's chest.
"Ouch." He complained as Farzana covered her face with her hands and groaned out something that sounded closest to I hate you.Ridwaan chuckled as he sat up,"Well then,let me just go to the bathroom and wash my face then we can go."
He got up and walked away only for Zainub to speak,"Ughti,ughi is gone."
Farzana moved her hands only to reach for her laptop and phone as she stood up,"Why don't you'll wait for us in your cars.I just need to switch off everything and sort out some last things with my assistant then we'll join you'll."
"Okay ughti.I hope that is all you need to do and not just get busy with ughi."
"Zainubbbb." Farzana squealed as her family members laughed on their way out.She shook her head as her cheeks were warm but a smile on her lips.Her family members were a gift from Allah,one that may tease her until she looked like a tomato but she would not swap them for anyone else.
***
Ridwaan stood at the balcony,looking down at Fatima's garden.Today was Friday,in less than two hours his mother and father would be on their way to Sultan.His heart felt as if it were being twisted as his stomach cramped from the stress that he was feeling.He loved his parents,he loved them both equally but aybe he loved his mother a tad bit more.
When Fatima had passed on,Rayhanna had become his pillar of strength.She had held his crying body and comforted him.She had taken over the duties that had once been Fatima's and she had done so with ease.She had cried for her grandson when he had ended up in hospital and she had made dua endlessly for him to become his old self.
Yet,here they were.His mother had become so blinded by the fact that he had decided to marry a non-Arab,her ego had bruised so badly that she would now stop at nothing to pull his little family apart.He knew people would say that he should not choose his wife over his mother because Jannah is under his mother's feet,but was it fair to Farzana if he let his mother stay and destroy their relationship?
No.
Ridwaan felt a presence besides him,he turned his head to find Farzana looking at him with a concerned gaze,"Zana."
Farzana put her hand out to hold his hand,"Ridwaan,you can stop abi and ummi from leaving.Just say the word."
Ridwaan swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat as he shook his head,"La,la.I know I may be wrong but if I don't do this today only Allah knows what shaytaan may fill my mother's mind with and the harm that may come with it.By doing this the least I can do is hope that her heart changes.I hope it changes."
"In Sha Allah,her heart will change,Ridwaan." Farzana could not understand the dilemma that filled Ridwaan's heart but the only thing that she could do was step forward,wrapping her arms around him and he buried his head in her neck as his arms wrapped around her tightly.She made dua in her heart to the Almighty that he would soften Rayhana's heart and open her eyes so that the family could once again live under one roof peacefully.
Ridwaan and Farzana made their way to their room from which they took Ahmed and the twins.They walked downstairs,towards the door where they found Ali,Nabeela,Nadir,Zainub and Abdul Rahman.Hafsa held Ridwaan's hands as she walked,only to let go of his hand and waddle towards Ali who picked her up.Farzana lowered Ayesha as well who immediately latched onto Ahmed's arm.
Abdul Rahman stepped forward,a smile on his face as he saw the conflicting emotions in Ridwaan's eyes,"Ya ibn,there are some decisions that you may take as King which may be difficult then there may be others that you take as a son,a husband,a brother or a father which are equally different.Don't blame yourself for situations that you cannot control.You have to be fair to all.Put your trust in Allah that the decision that you are making is for everyone's benefit and He will make sure that everything falls into place."
Ridwaan nodded his head,his restless heart finding some peace at his father's words,"Nam abi."
Farzana's eyes met Abdul Rahman's eyes as he stepped forward,"Binti,don't guilt yourself over the consequences of my wife's actions.You have never done anything to wrong anyone,you brought our grandson's smile back and you've filled Ridwaan's life with happiness.Ayesha and Hafsa have filled our hearts with contentment as they become one with our family." He put a hand on her head,"In Sha Allah,this storm will pass too."
"In Sha Allah."
Abdul Rahman bent down to kiss Ahmed's forehead followed by Ayesha's forehead,"Ahmed,be a good boy for your mama,always protect your sisters and trouble your daddy on my behalf."
The last part of Abdul Rahman's words caused a round of chuckles to go through the family,"Nam jadun."
"Promise?" Abdul Rahman held out his hand and Ahmed put his hand in the outstretched hand.
"I promise."
Abdul Rahman made his way to Ali who held Hafsa and he kissed Hafsa's forehead as well.He gave Ali and Nadir words of encouragement just as he had done to Ridwaan and Farzana.They nodded their heads before he spoke to their wives.
They all looked at the door through which Rayhana stepped,her eyes were downcast as she stopped aand then she lifted them.Ridwaan closed his eyes as he saw his mother's red eyes,he felt Farzana's hand slip into his and he squeezed her hand,gathering strength from the warmth of her hand.He opened his eyes,taking a step forward he embraced his mother.
"I'm sorry,ya ummi."
Rayhana wrapped her arms around Ridwaan before pulling back.She looked him in the eye,"I have wronged you,I have wronged Farzana but my heart is still not overturned.Maybe there is good in your decision." She looked at Farzana who had bent down to talk to Ahmed who made his way towards Rayhana.
"Jadati,I love you." Ahmed said as he hugged Rayhana who kneeled to press a kiss to his forehead and hug him.
"I love you too,ibn.Take care of yourself and your parents."
"Nam,jadati."
Rayhana made to hug her other children as Ridwaan went to stand next to Farzana as Rayhana made her way towards them,"Farzana,I have wronged you and your twins.I apologize but my apology does not mean that I have seen the wrongs of my way.Perhaps this time away will do just that."
Farzana nodded her head.She wanted to forgive her mother-in-law but the last words that Rayhana had said about the twins were a fresh,bleeding wound that still needed to heal.
"Ummi,abi we have an announcement to make." Nabeela said causing her in-law's too look at her,"I'm three months pregnant."
"I'm two months pregnant." Zainub announced as well causing her in-law's to hug them tightly and wish well upon them.
"In Sha Allah,we will return for our grandchildren's birth.May Allah bless you'll with healthy children."
"Ameen." They said to Abdul Rahman's words as he proceeded to hug his son's followed by Rayhana.
"May Allah your children be the noor of your life." Her face set in an expression of sadness,her actions would lead her to miss some of the most important moments in her son and daughter-in-law's lives.
Soon they were in the car,Rayhana looked through the window as regret filled her heart and she knew if she wanted a chance to right her wrongs she would have to change,her perspective would have to change or else she would never get her family back.
***
Farzana walked with Razia,smiles on their faces as they watched their husbands.Ridwaan held Ayesha in his arms,with one hand holding Hafsa's hand.Next to Hafsa was Ahmed who held her hand within his hand while Faizal held his hand with Aasma in his other arm.Razia and Farzana were pushing the prams as the father's had decided they wanted to spend time with the kids.
"We should take a picture of them." Razia said,Farzana nodded as she took out her phone and clicked a couple pictures,"Pictures remind me,I saw the picture Nabeela posted the other day.MashaAllah,I see you'll are becoming closer."
Farzana's face flushed red as she thought of the picture Razia was talking about.That night as they sat in the restaurant for supper,Nabeela mentioned the picture she had taken and had requested permission from Farzana to post it on her Instagram.Farzana had been reluctant and she knew that she was close enough with Nabeela to share her fear.Her fear being the fact that people would compare this picture to those of Fatima and Ridwaan,that people would say that this was just a show because Fatima and Ridwaan perhaps never did it.
Nabeela had assured her that she had posted such pictures of Fatima and Ridwaan before as well,she had taken them down when Fatima had passed away thus it was nowhere to be seen.In fact,after Fatima had passed away they all had taken down the picture of Fatima from their accounts so Farzana had nothing to fear.
So Farzana had given her yes and Nabeela had posted it to her own Instagram account with the caption When his Queen's lap is his throne.
Farzana had refused to look through the comments but Ridwaan had,he had told her all the comments were positive and they all gushed about how cute they were.
"Well,our relationship is moving forward."
Razia put a hand on her arm,"I'm glad that it is all working out for you'll.I can see how happy you are.By the way,what happened to working in an office?" She teased and Farzana nudged her.
"He was tired."
"You were going home in a couple hours."
"He needed a nap.Wait,why am I even explaining myself?" Farzana asked as she became confused as they entered one of the enclosures.
"I love troubling you." Razia said with a smile as they stepped forward to stand next to their husbands.
"See mama,there's a baboon." Ahmed pointed out and Farzana nodded.
"Hmm,I can see.I wonder what's his name."
"George.It says on the board."
"Mama,juice."
Farzana looked down at Hafsa who was pulling on her pants and she nodded,"Nam,Hafsa." Farzana opened the basket that had transferred from Ridwaan's hands and into the pram.Farzana took out a juice box which she poked the straw through before handing it to Hafsa who took it.
"Thank you."
"Welcome,sweetheart." Farzana rook out another juice box which she handed to Ahmed who took it from her with a smile.
"Jazakallah mama."
Farzana took a third juice box out which she handed to Ayesha after poking the straw through.
"Bhai,do you want water?"
"No,I'm fine."
"Bhabi?"
"Jee,please give me a bottle."
Farzana handed her the bottle as she went to stand besides Ahmed as they looked at the baboons in the enclosure.Ahmed leaned against her causing Farzana to put her hand on his head and run her fingers through his hair as he held Hafsa's hand,pointing at the baboon.Ridwaan placed his hand on her shoulder as she kneeled down to talk to Ahmed as he whispered to Hafsa.
Somewhere someone took a picture that would make waves within the country,one that would fill everyone with joy.
______________________________________
As salaam mu alaykum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu everyone
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter 😊
I'd like to thank everyone for bringing this book to 97.5K reads in just 37 chapters.Jazakallah so much ❤️ this really means a lot to me.
Sooooo I'm just gonna put something below this
**Last night she was in my dua
Today He brought her to my door
Not for what I expected though**
P.S.Next chapter you get to see something related to the above something
I hope you all are well 🥰 ohhh if you are a Stay how amazing is Back Door and Ex 😍😍 I'm in love with these two songs
Take care.Stay safe.
Fi amanilah