HER CRUSH

Chapter64

Six months later
Abdullah..
"Bro, what do you think?" I asked, running a hand through my hair as I looked at Sufyan. "I'm scared to tell Ummi about this. Zarah's pregnant... and it might affect the baby." My voice cracked with worry.

Sufyan exhaled deeply, folding his arms. "See, bro, just tell her the truth. Share your plans with her. You never know....she might even help. I mean, telling Ummi can't hurt, right?"

I sighed, frustrated. "Sufyan, you won't understand. Zarah's pregnancy is changing her, man. I'm scared. What if something goes wrong?"

He placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "Just try, bro. I'm here for you. Always. I'll help and support you however I can."

Then, after a moment of silence, he added, "Let's go meet Ummi together. Come on, I'll go with you."

I looked at him, thanks, man."

The months passed in a blur. Everything seemed to settle....Ummi, Zarah, the family...everything except me.

Asma was looking for my parents again, and I was terrified to confide in either Ummi or Zarah about it.

This pregnancy had turned Zarah into someone new softer at times, but unpredictable. I feared her reaction. If she found out my secret, she might unleash a storm I wasn't ready for.

Ummi had already relocated to Abba's house ...a relief, honestly. The woman who once caused chaos in our home was finally exposed when Ya Sadeeq caught her red-handed. She confessed and begged for forgiveness. My mother and sister, with hearts too kind for their own good, forgave her.
But me? Never. She made my life a living hell. Forgiveness was not an option.

"Wait, I've got a solution!" Sufyan suddenly exclaimed.

I groaned. "Please, spare me the details."

"I swear I'll help you. Don't you trust me?" he asked, pretending to look hurt.

"Why the hell would I trust you?" I shot back.

He shrugged. "Okay, fine. Then go talk to Ya Sadeeq. Tell him everything. Maybe he'll help you convince Ummi."

I paused, thinking. Then a slow smile crept across my face. "Yeah. That's actually not a bad idea. Thanks, bro."

He punched my shoulder playfully. "Screw you!"

I laughed. "Idiot!"

And just like that, we were off to Ya Sadeeq's office.
"Ya Sadeeq, I have a problem," I began, rubbing my beard nervously as I sat across from him.

His brows rose, eyes curious. "And what's that?"
Before I could respond, Sufyan jumped in and explained everything in one breath.

Ya Sadeeq listened silently, then leaned back with a sigh. "You're both out of your minds," he said flatly. "This isn't a joke, Abdul. Marriage is no child's play."

I refused to leave until he finally relented. "Fine," he said. "I'll help."

Relief flooded me as we drove to Ummi's house. I didn't know if Zarah was back from school yet ...she was writing her final exams, and her baby bump was now obvious. I was proud. Nervous, but proud.

At Ummi's house, we found Abba too. Our relationship had grown better lately, and I greeted them both warmly before heading back home.
After dropping Sufyan off, I found Zarah asleep on the couch, her face soft, peaceful. My beautiful wife .... radiant even in slumber.

I smiled and lifted her gently, laying her on the bed before changing into something comfortable. I had just sat down when my phone buzzed. Asma.
I frowned, switched it off, and tossed it aside. Not today.

By 4 p.m., Zarah stirred awake, rubbing her eyes. "I'm hungry," she murmured sleepily.

"What would you like to eat?" I asked, smiling at her.

She yawned. "I want a pancake. But... made by you."

I blinked. "Me?"

"Yes, you," she said, eyes half-open.

"I don't know how to make pancakes!" I protested. "Look at me....I'm not even built for that! My hair's short, my beard's long, I'm clearly not a chef!"

She giggled at my dramatics. "Abdul, please! I'm too lazy to cook. You'll do it."

I gave her a glare. "Have you ever seen me in the kitchen? Ummi never made me cook!"

She laughed again. "Well, your Zarah will make you cook today."

She grabbed my hand, dragging me toward the kitchen.

"What now?" I asked, already defeated.

"Pancakes, of course."

I groaned. "Then we have to make a deal. I can't cook for free."

Her eyes sparkled. "Fine. What deal?"

"You'll agree to whatever I say later. No arguing."
She giggled. "Deal."

I smirked. "Good. You'll be my assistant while I, the great chef, take charge."

She raised a brow. "I'm tired. So you go ahead, Chef Abdul." Then she turned and walked out, laughing. "And don't make my kitchen a disaster zone!"

I stood there, hands on my hips. How hard could it be?

Twenty minutes later, the kitchen looked like a war zone. Flour everywhere, eggshells in the sink, and a frying pan that refused to cooperate. I mixed everything I could find and fried the "batter."
Shockingly, something that looked like pancakes appeared. I stacked them neatly, proud of my masterpiece.

"Babe! I'm done!" I announced proudly.

She  stared at me, suspicious, then burst out laughing. "Oh my God, look at your face!" she giggled, pointing at the mirror.

I groaned. "Whatever, just eat it."

She took a bite... and immediately spat it out. "What the hell, Abdul? What's this?!"

"Pancakes," I said defensively.

She blinked. "Where did you even get the recipe?"

"Google." I puffed my chest. "Followed every step."

She laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks. "Come taste it yourself."

I hesitated. Then I did. And instantly regretted it. "What have I done?" I muttered, coughing.

She headed back to the kitchen, shaking her head. "Abdul! My kitchen looks like a crime scene!"

"Don't blame me," I shouted back. "You're the one who said I should cook!" I'll call Ummi and tell her to send a maid!"

After some bickering and laughter, we finally sat down together, laughing over my pancake disaster.

"Oh, by the way," I said casually, "Sufyan's wedding is next month. Finally."

"Good for him," she murmured, smiling as she leaned on my shoulder.

The rest of the evening slipped by quietly. We played a silly card game, teased each other endlessly, and eventually drifted into a peaceful nap....her head resting on my chest, my hand tracing soft circles on her back.

For the first time in a while, everything felt calm..