BEST FRIENDS

Chapter13

Ammar..
"Ugh, work sucks, life sucks, everything sucks. And now, my dad's calling me to his office, making me feel like I'd be better off dead - maybe then they'd leave me alone. I groaned, scanning my closet for something to wear. He specifically told me not to wear anything casual, but I hate wearing kaftans - I have a bunch, but I'm just not a fan.

" Wear this," I heard my brother Farouk say behind me. I rolled my eyes, seeing the gezna in his hands. "Mami told me to bring this for you." I hope they're not planning on selling me off again. It's like they think I'm a commodity, not a person with feelings. I have no say in who I love or my own life choices. It's all so suffocating."

"Another thing that's frustrating me is that my older brother Farouk isn't being pressured to get married, while I'm constantly being hounded about it. It's always about me, me, me - 'Muhammad, Muhammad, Muhammad.' My mind is racing with thoughts, and I feel like it's about to burst.

Yussy approached me with some surprising news. "Miss Bumper is actually Yesmeen," I was skeptical at first, but then I learned that her father's name is Umar Dikko, and she bears a striking resemblance to Yesmeen. It's as if fate is confirming her identity.

But what does this mean? I'm not planning to marry her; she's just a close friend. My brain is overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions.

My brother Farouk teased me, "Thinking too much isn't good for your health, you know that, right?"

I retorted, "When are you planning to tie the knot?" He chuckled and revealed that Abbi hascalled him, asking if he has someone special in his life, as he want our marriages to happen simultaneously."

"Don't even think about marrying that ill-mannered girl," I said, changing my clothes. My brother sat on the edge of the bed, a curious expression on his face.

"Why don't you like her?" he asked. "Is it because you dated her sister or are still dating her? Besides, it was you who complained about Ameera, so who asked you to date her in the first place? You guys started this player game, and now it's backfiring on you."

He shook his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I don't know when you suddenly became a devout Muslim, abandoning your player ways. Did someone give you a lecture that struck a chord? Or did you meet someone who changed you?"

He's my brother, but he knows me inside out. We share our secrets, and sometimes our banter is like a friendly conversation. You wouldn't believe we're siblings if you see how we behave sometimes.

"My brother started teasing me, 'Tell me, has the shaytan in you finally fled?'

I laughed, 'Oh my Allah, if people hear this, they'll think I'm a terrible person!' But he continued, 'No, no, I'm serious. You've changed, and it's amazing. You're growing older and wiser, and I never thought you'd become such a good person!'

I chuckled, 'Stop it, or I'll tell Abbi about this!' He laughed, 'Go ahead, I'll run away from this house and leave all my problems behind!'

I changed my clothes and headed to my father's office. He was telling me to go greet my in-laws, but then he called me back and told me to postpone it until next week. So, I went straight to my office instead. After finishing with some patients, I returned to my office, and the door slid open. My dear friend Faisal walked in, and I was happy to see him."

"How far, man?" he greeted, as we did our bro handshake.

I let out a sigh, feeling everything was far from good. It was all just a big mess, completely messed up. I didn't even know where to place myself.

"What's the problem?" Faisal asked, concern evident in his voice.

I leaned back in my chair and narrated everything to him. "You mean that girl is your Yesmeen?"

I nodded, feeling stupid for not recognizing her in the first place. "Well, that's what she said. I guess I'm just really dumb or maybe it's because she's grown into a beautiful young woman now."

Faisal raised an eyebrow. "And what are you planning to do now?"

I sighed again. "Well, I just want to meet her and clear everything up because she's really mad at me."

Faisal shook his head. "Both of you are stupid. How can you both tell each other your stories and not recognize each other?"

I can't help but smile. "Yeah, that's what I think too. Let's get going. I'm off for today," I mumbled, standing up as we walked out, discussing work and some personal issues.

**************

When I finally arrived home, I headed straight to the mosque, sensing a change in the weather. After spending some time there, I returned and laid in bed, closing my eyes. Before I knew it, sleep took over me.

Upon waking up, I groaned as my phone rang, signaling another lecture-filled day. I got up, freshened up, and made my way out of the room. As I reached my mother's part of the house, the sound of rainfall filled the air. She motioned for me to sit beside her.

"Muhammad," she called.

"Mami..."

"About the marriage," she started.

"Mami, please. We've already talked about it. I just can't say no to Abbi, you know him," I replied, trying to express my feelings.

Mami  was just telling me that marrying two wives is not a good idea and suggested that I talk to Abbi about it. She's concerned about her friend's daughter becoming a rival. I'm feeling a bit lost and unsure about what to do with my life.

"Are you sure you can handle this, Muhammad?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice.

I replied, "Mami, I can't go against my father's will. We all want to live peacefully with them, so we have to obey and do what you guys say."

"May God bless you, Muhammad," she said, as she made her way to her room. I knew my words didn't reach her heart. All she wants is her friend's daughter's happiness, right?

The room was quiet, with only the sound of the AC and the television. I changed the channel to watch a UFC fight, as the heavy rain outside filled the house with its sound. Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door.

I stood up and made my way towards the door. As I slid it open, we almost bumped into each other. She was shivering and about to fall, but I quickly hold her.

My heart started beating rapidly as I stared at the girl I called my best friend for five years. She's grown up now, 16 years old. Yesmeen. I felt stupid for not recognizing her at first.

We stared at each other for a while before breaking the contact. "Yesmeen," I mumbled. She shook her head and stepped back.

Ummeetarh05