Jannah. [SEQUEL TO DAWUD]

Chapter 50: A Clipboard Altercation

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

If the time of prayer has been called and you haven't prayed before reading this, please do so.

Jannah's P.O.V

My heart swelled up at the news. I had just ended a video call with Warsan, who radiated with an unbelievable degree of happiness that made me emotional. She was stunned by her feelings, saying that it had been so hard to get over Uthman. But she finally saw Laith as a person, and not a living and breathing menace. I made sure to tell her how happy I was and that I would stick by her side through the journey of Muslim courting; an event so exciting, it brought butterflies to my stomach. I dressed up in warm clothes and headed for the shoe rack to slip on my boots. I was visiting my sister today who spent over a month off the grid. She called it Mariam's Babymoon, which meant that she took the last six weeks to focus on herself, to strengthen her relationship with Allah and the Quran. I admired her strength. Pregnancy was a beautiful gift from Allah. Although my first experience of pregnancy was an incredibly traumatic one, I had hope in Allah's mercy that I could have another chance, when Dawud and I were ready at being pregnant again. Life is given and taken solely by Allah. Just like Allah says in Surah Al-Jathiyah "Say, "Allah causes you to live, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt, but most of the people do not know." [45:26]. He is the Most-Merciful, so I prayed that my sister could experience the joy of childbirth and I could taste the sweetness of pregnancy one day.

I twisted the doorknob and jumped at the tall frame standing inches from me. It was Dawud. I sighed a happy sigh and wrapped my arms tightly around his neck. He dropped his briefcase and embraced me tightly. 'My Jannah in this dunya.' He whispered against me. He carried me back into the apartment and closed the door behind him with his foot. My boots dangled above the tiles before he placed me back down. I laughed. 'I thought you left already.' He noted. I shook my head as he adjusted my thick scarf. It was wrapped tightly around my neck, tucked firmly under the hood of my jacket.

'No, I was speaking to Warsan for a bit. She and Laith are getting to know one another for marriage!' I exclaimed. Dawud grinned charmingly before telling me he already knew. Apparently, Laith couldn't sit still - he was so ecstatic. I chuckled as Dawud explained how delighted his friend was. After some time, I gave him one last hug before putting on my mittens. 'I love you, and I'll see you at basketball practice.' I said. He leaned forward and kissed me tenderly. I bit my lip sheepishly as his eyes observed me.

'Bye, cutie.' He smirked, shutting the front door. I sighed again. He was dangerously attractive. Leaving him took every ounce of my self-restraint.

*

Maghrib was approaching so I grabbed my jacket and attempted to hug my sister. 'Hugs are a bit awkward when you've got what feels like a beachball taped to your stomach.' She joked. I threw my head back laughing as the two of us stood in her hallway.

'I'm glad your Babymoon is over. I've missed you so much.' I said, squeezing her arm. She matched my grin with her wide smile - a replication of my father's. 'I'm always here, Mariam. I'm so thrilled to experience the beauty of life right by your side.' I informed her. Her eyes grew wet with tears. Mine did too.

'I just hope that I'll be a good Mom. I really don't want to treat my child like Mom treated us, you know?' She admitted. I nodded understandingly. 'I've been making so much duah to Allah and it's put so many things into perspective for me.' She went on. 'This baby,' she rubbed her swollen belly, 'This baby belongs to Allah. Just like you and I do. Just like everyone else. This baby is a slave of Allah. It's my child but before any of that - it's a slave of Allah.' She closed her eyes. 'If anything was to happen, or Allah was to test me with its health, I have to remember this important fact. The baby is Allah's slave. And with that mentality, I can give the child its rights, raise it lovingly and teach it about its creator.' She finished.

I pulled her into another hug, this one a bit tighter. 'I believe in you, Mariam. You nourished me with such love and care. I can't imagine the tsunami of love this baby will receive.' I comforted her. We both cried against one another noiselessly. 'I'll see you at Dad's house for the gender reveal party.'

We said our salam's and parted ways. I rushed to catch the bus. I really didn't want to be late! Today would be the first basketball practice where Warsan and Laith were... engaged? Okay, maybe I was getting ahead of myself, but I just wanted them married already!

I got to the entrance doors right on time. Warsan and Muna were chatting outside, waiting for me. They were wrapped in layers of clothes, smoke emanating from their mouths as they spoke in the cold. I called out for them and they grinned.

And then we heard shouting.

Once I reached my best friends, we held one another in fright. 'Is Dawud inside already?' I asked them. Muna nodded, telling me they put the boys in the gym with Akhlaaq and had some type of meeting outside in the lobby.

I rushed to the door and the girls followed right behind me. We all gasped.

Dawud's P.O.V

I called a meeting to discuss the evening's schedule. Akhlaaq began the exercising drills as Laith, Uthman, Junaid and myself shuffled into the community centre's lobby. I knew that things would probably be slightly awkward for Laith and Uthman, but then again, it didn't seem like Uthman was genuinely serious about Warsan anyways. I was hoping they would be adults about it. I knew Laith had been recovering in therapy from a lot of trauma from his youth and didn't want him to be in a similar situation again. But it turns out Laith handled himself better than the other two.

We formed a stretched-out circle. Laith and Junaid laughed against one another, as Uthman stood solemnly by my side. I wish they hadn't been so showy about their new familial ties. Uthman looked unbelievably upset. But in all honesty, his deportment took me by surprise - it seemed out of character. I held my clipboard upwards and called for their attention. 'Alright, boys. Let's get serious. Today we'll be surrounding the drills and exercises around the importance of teamwork and brotherhood. It'll also be nice for the young boys to see an example from us, so let us keep the personal problems at bay for today.' I said. Uthman scoffed, causing Junaid to raise his eyebrows. I cleared my throat, hoping to gain their attention again. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. I guess Uthman wasn't as mature as I thought. 'Anyways, Junaid and I are going to warm the kids up with Dribble limbo to help them practice their skills. If one person loses, the team tries again. And the only words they can utter are encouraging and uplifting cheers to their mates.' I explained. Junaid nodded. ' Uthman and Laith, the two of you are going to handle the HORSE game, but in teams. Just like you guys did last month. Does everyone understand?' I asked, putting my clipboard away. Uthman scoffed and mumbled something under his breath. I asked him if I said anything that offended him. He looked me up and down with an expression I had never seen on his face before.

'You kidding me? You're partnering me up with him?' He shouted at me. I blinked a few times, stunned. I never saw this side of him before.

'Akhi, the program schedule was made in advance. This one was written a month ago.' I attempted to calm him down.

Junaid laughed. All three of us looked in his direction. 'Bro, relax. Nobody wants to fight you.'

Uthman told him to shut his mouth. 'I wasn't talking to you.' He then added. I blinked, stunned.

Laith took a deep breath. I knew he was trying to control his temper. But I really had no clue what do to...