THE NARCISSIST'S WIFE

Chapter Six - Beginning of the End

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Dearies!

How's the fasting going? Please, remember to include me in your duas. 🥰

....She was liking him faster than she expected. She hugged herself tight, grinning like a fool.

***

Zahra turned restlessly on the bed, heaving a deep sigh. She tried to block out the memory, but it was difficult. It was one of those days when old memories held her in their shackles...

Chapter Six - Beginning of the End

November 2008.

It was a Friday, Zahra hurriedly got herself ready for their outing. Going out with him had made her already favorite day even more thrilling and heady, and the weekend ahead of course. He told her that he had left his office some minutes ago and not long afterwards she heard him pack his car and almost joggled up the stairs to the second floor where their flat was located. The compound was silent enough, so she could hear his foot-steps on the stairs as he claimed. She was at the door already; she inserted her key and was holding a glass of water as usual.  She twisted the key and opened the door, while he walked in smiling cheerfully.

"A Jabbama!" She welcomed him, as his tall figure walked in. She stretched the glass of water to him, smiling as well. He squatted and poured down all the water in one gulp, then handed her back the glass. He had done that more times that she could count. He always ate and drank from all that she served him. It was her ritual, he had said. A simple routine yet so special; he ate and drank everything, even if he was not hungry or thirsty. He believed that it was not appropriate to remain what was given to one with love.

"Thank you Habibty." Sharif said and gave her a warm but loose hug. "Let's leave, it's 5pm already. We will be late." He sounded as though they were going to attend some invitation for two. He walked past her, picked up and rolled the small-sized rug that was spread in the center of their sitting room cold tiles.

"It is a windy evening. It's going to be like picnic today, we should take full advantage of the fresh air". He gifted her a dashing smile. "So, where do we go today?" He bounded down the stairs ahead of her. "Think! Think!!" He added without looking back at her.

He made it his habit to go first when they descended the stairs while she went first when they ascended, so that if she should fall, he would be there not to let it happen bi-ithniLlah. As if that was not enough, he made it his duty to caution her to hold on to the rails tightly. He was simply an earthly protector sent by Allah.

"So, madam, have you decided on where we should go?" He probed, as he drove out of through the gate.

But she didn't know where anymore; they had gone everywhere!

"Wherever you want." She shrugged. Truth was she never really cared. She could go anywhere as long as he was with her. She loved him that much.

Besides, she had given him the permission to choose where they would go, and he seemed to enjoy it quite a lot. He had played this trick on her times and again. Even when he had something or somewhere in mind, he would tease her first. Yet, one thing she appreciated was that they thought alike. Whenever he asked of her opinion, it always seemed to match his intention as well. They were always astonished at how their minds matched. They always thought alike. Alhamdulillah.

"Well then, how about 'Sunset Beach?" He questioned, tilting his head sideways as though in reflection.

"Yes! I like 'Sunset Beach'; it is one of Abuja's finest."