The Power Of Calmness

Chapter 38

The next morning, Bukar ventured into Ayman's room to apologize for the other day's mishap. He was met with Ashraf who initially wanted ignoring him but instead, mumbled a good morning also on his way to his brother's room. Bukar walked in after him, shutting the door tightly. Ayman was seated on his bed, legs crossed under the duvet while Ashraf plunked on, joining him.

"I am glad to find you both here." He said settling into the couch. "I actually came to apologize to you both. I'm sorry for what I said to you Ayman, I was so confused and frustrated with myself. I shouldn't have taken it out on you the way I did." He apologized. "And Ashraf, my apologies for upsetting you also."

"Its okay dad, we do understand everything." Ashraf shrugged, smirking complacently.

"Have you spoken to Nana?" Ayman asked, his back turned to them as he shuffled through his wardrobe. How he got there, Bukar has no idea. He knew the boy wasn't upset with him but, would only forgive him if he has done the needful.

"Yes, I did and was it very helpful? Certainly!" He replied, grinning. "Thanks for the advice."

"No worries, you're now forgiven." Ayman chortled.

"Why not we go out today?" Bukar suggested, standing up. "Maybe pay Habeebah a surprise visit? You boys must have missed her."

"Or is it the other way around?" Ashraf teased, wiggling his brows.

Bukar rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Are you guys in or not?"

"It's a deal." Ayman answered.

"I am so in!" Ashraf yelled, jumping off the bed. "I'll go get ready!"

Habeebah relaxed into the recliner, sighing with contentment after taking a sip out of her drink. She was seated at the garden away from the noise inside the house, all by herself. The kids were too full of energy today that they decided playing and making a whole lot of noise, was the best way to spend the day. Baba and Umma weren't left out either, as they also joined and aided them in their little shenanigans. Shaking her head, she flipped open the book she has been reading for the past few days.

"Mami! Mami!" Hanan ran to her, giggling.

"Oh my!" She rolled her eyes, huffing. Why can't they just give her some peace? They always find a way to come disturb her whenever she's engrossed in her reading and having her 'me time'. "Be careful so you won't fall." She added grimacing.

"Your friend is here." She said, breathlessly placing her palms on her knees.

"Friend? Which of my friends are you talking to?" Habeebah asked confused.

"Your lawyer friend and two boys. They are in the sitting room." She added, running back to the house.

Bukar and the boys. His name brought a smile to her face. Oh, how she has missed them. He never informed her that he was coming over, probably Ashraf brought up the surprise visit idea. Standing up, she neatly put a pen between the pages she was currently on, placing the book on the recliner. Cladded in a green abaya with stones adorning it and its veil wrapped around her head, she marched to the house dusting invisible perks of dirt off her dress.

On reaching the threshold leading into the living room, all she felt the next minute was hands wrapped around her torso emitting a startled squeak from her. Frightened, she stilled not knowing what to do.

"I have missed you so much Aunt, it's nice to see you again." Ashraf smiled hugging her tightly.

"Oh! Ashraf! You scared the daylight out of me. How have you been?" She asked, reciprocating the gesture.