Affairs Of The Hearts |✅

36| The Luncheon..

Abuja, Nigeria.

It was three days to the wedding event, and ever since the incident that transpired between them, Jalilah had been avoiding Jalal at all costs.

Due to the wedding hassles, the family no longer had meals together as they used to, resulting in even fewer chances for the two of them to meet.

On the other hand, Jalal was longing to see his wife. He still didn't know why she was playing hide-and-seek with him. What did he do wrong?

An idea popped into his head. He took his phone and dialed her number. She picked up on the second ring, but didn't say a word. Jalal cleared his throat and spoke.

"Assalamu Alaikum, Jalilah," he breathed out. Jalilah could hear him exhale through the phone.

She steadied herself before replying. 
"Wa Alaikumussalam,Good afternoon."

"How are you doing? Could you please make a cup of coffee for me?" he asked in his usual calm voice. Jalilah often wondered how he managed to stay cool, no matter the situation. She often wished she could be like him. But as for making the coffee, she couldn't face him—at least not anytime soon.

"Um...actually, I'm having my spa session now. I'll ask Banina to do it if you don't mind."

Jalal felt a twinge of disappointment. That wasn't what he wanted. He knew she was just making excuses to avoid seeing him. He sighed and nodded, as if she could see him.

"That will do, thanks," he said, and she replied with a polite, "You're welcome," before ending the call. Jalal sighed, putting down the phone. Wait, what was wrong with him? Why was he acting like some lovesick guy? No way! That wasn't happening. He was just being caring, nothing else.

"Why did you lie to him?" Banina questioned Jalilah, who shrugged in response.

"Speak up, Jay!"

"It's obvious I don't want to see him."

"And why's that? I've noticed you for quite a while now, Jay—you don't want anything that might lead to an encounter with Ya Jalal. Did something happen? You'll be conveyed in two days, Jay! You two should sort out whatever happened between you before then," Banina said.

"Nothing happened, Ninah. I'm just not in the mood to see him these days."

"You're lying, Jay! Tell that to a stranger, not me. I know you too well to believe this made-up story. I remember how you used to sneak off to his chamber, so no one would see and tease you. You're literally obsessed with him! Tell me the truth."

Jalilah laughed and playfully pinched Banina's nose. 
"You know me too well, Ninah!"

"Silly! You're my sister! How could I not know you well? We've spent seventeen years of our lives together—we're practically twins. How could I not be able to read you, Jay?"

"You're right...but the truth is, I'm really shy around him now."

Banina laughed. "Shy? Why? As far as I know, you and the word 'shy' are worlds apart, Jay."

Jalilah playfully glared at her. "You'd be shy too if you were in my shoes, Ninah. Oh my gosh!"

"Care to tell me already? I'm running out of patience!" Banina whined.

"He kissed me, Ninah! We had our first kiss two days ago! A deep French kiss, even!" Jalilah blushed, covering her face while Banina's mouth dropped open, her eyes wide with shock.

"You don't mean it?!" she squealed, clapping her hands like a little girl who'd just been given candy.

"Uh-huh."