married at 16: Scars that bloomed into strength.

episode three(3) "Glances, calls and confessions"

Jamila's POV

Madam called for Zahra, and she looked terrified. We exchanged a glance, I blinked, then turned my face away, only to catch Khalid staring at Zahra in a very strange way.

I tried to signal him to lower his gaze. I hissed, whispered, and even made some weird faces but nothing worked. So, I stood up.

"Excuse me, Madam," I said politely and walked straight to Khalid's seat.

"Hey bro, lower it please. Gotcha?" I whispered firmly. He lowered his gaze and gave a guilty smile.

I went back to my seat and continued writing. Zahra answered the call Madam gave her, spoke for a while, took her bag, and left the class.

"I wonder what happened to my baby," I muttered to myself.

School was over, and I called my mom to come pick me up which she did.

I got home, greeted Dad, and went upstairs. It was already Asr and I realized it just as I was about to take a shower. I rushed to make wudu, prayed, sent blessings upon our beloved Prophet (S.A.W), and made some heartfelt duas.

"Mom, we're still going shopping tomorrow, right?" I asked.

"Yeah, but please call Zahra to come over," she said.

"Thanks, Mom." I replied.

Just then, Dad's phone started ringing. I ran to the corridor and picked it up. It was Uncle Musa Khalid's dad.

"Salam, Uncle Musa," I greeted.

"Wa alaikum salam, my dear. Where's your dad?"

"He went out," I replied.

"Alright. Please tell him that Raihanna gave birth on Monday. I'd love for him to attend the naming ceremony and tell your mom as well."

"Okay, Uncle. I'll let them know," I promised before ending the call.

Of course, I knew my dad would go and that meant we would go too. Not to sound extra, but we're not an extended family. It's just the three of us I'm the only child, the only heir lol.

Time passed quickly and it was Maghrib. I prayed, did my usual routine, and then jumped on the bed like I owned it. Just as I was about to sleep, I remembered Mom asked me to call Zahra.

I tried calling, but she didn't pick. So I texted her instead, then turned off my phone and went to bed.

Khalid's POV

She is as beautiful as the moon.
Her skin, like flowing water.
Ahh... how I dream of her every single day.
Beauty with brains.
I wish she were mine.
I'd show her love. Treat her like a queen.
I can't say how I feel yet because I want to do it the halal way.
Forever, you and I.
Till Jannah, in shaa Allah.
Even when you're sad, you're still beautiful.
Why can't I take my eyes off you?
Why can't I be the one to wipe your tears? Why?

I was lost in my thoughts literally floating on cloud nine until I jolted myself back to reality.

"Astaghfirullah," I muttered. I should have lowered my gaze sooner.

"Bro, please lower it. Gotcha," Jamila whispered to me earlier.

I smiled and obeyed her she was right, even if she didn't understand what I felt.

Salam, guys. My name is Khalid, and I'm Zahra's unknown crush.
Did I just say unknown? Hah. Yeah my Zahra. The girl I make dua for every day.
The girl I pray Allah will make my wife.
My love at first sight.
My crush.
My heartbeat.

I'm sixteen years old, with two amazing siblings a brother and a sister. My sister, Raihanna, got married last year to our cousin Yusuf, and she just gave birth to a baby girl on Monday!

"Knock knock."

Hasan knocked on my door.

"Bro! Open up! It's time for Maghrib. Aren't you gonna pray?" he shouted.

"Okayyyy, I'm cominggg!" I yelled back and opened the door.

"Bro, please tell me you weren't thinking about her again," he teased, chuckling.

I playfully smacked his back and pulled him into the room.

"Shhh, keep your voice down! What would we tell Dad if he hears you?" I whispered in panic.

"Oh mein! Bro, you take things too seriously. If Dad asks, just tell him the truth it's that simple," he said with a fake innocent face.

"Okay, get out. Since you can't keep secrets, I'm done telling you anything," I pointed to the door.

"I'm joking, bro! Chill, man," he grinned.

"Bye." I pushed him out and locked the door behind him.

After a few minutes, I performed ablution, prayed, and made sincere duas. Then I flopped onto my bed.

"Khalid, habibti! Time for dinner," Mom called.

"Coming, Mummy!" I shouted, grabbed my phone, and dashed to the dining room.

Dad, Hasan, and Mom were already eating. I joined them and wasted no time filling my plate and my stomach!

"Salima habibti," Dad said, turning to Mom.
"Mrs. Jafri called. She said they'll attend the naming ceremony, in shaa Allah."

"That's lovely! Are they coming with their daughter? I mean... my future daughter-in-law?" Mom asked slyly.

"Yes, she's coming too," Dad replied.

"Arh arh!" I wheezed and suddenly choked.

I knew exactly where this was heading.

I quickly downed a glass of water and tried to act normal—but you know what?

I WAS NOT OKAY!

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With love,
Haddy Nyang (Khaddija bint Uthman) ✍