Newfound Destination

~ 7 ~

I was settling in well so far. I got along with everyone around me and I was getting used to my environment.

Though, I wondered what more there could be to this place. I mean, I needed to explore more.

I wasn't forgetting that I was here to study but still, I needed to live a little.

"Psst, Karimah." I heard someone say and my eyes snapped wide as I returned to reality.

I lifted my head from my book to see Salma staring at me.

A smile made its way to my lips, "Hey,"

She equally smiled back, "Where's your mind at? You seem to be zoning out."

I chuckled, "Nothing oh. I'm just thinking...I even forgot where I was."

"Oh okay. Well for your information, we're in the middle of a lecture." She joked.

I laughed, "You're not serious."

She shrugged and turned her attention back to the lecturer. I did the same.

I paid attention for the rest of the lecture, thankful that it was the last lecture for the day.

Honestly speaking, I was exhausted and I just wanted to get home and lay on my bed until I fell asleep.

Upon getting outside, I realized that Amir's car wasn't parked in its usual spot at the parking lot which meant he was gone.

"I'm guessing you need a ride?" Khalil's deep voice came from behind me, his footsteps coming after.

I faced him, "Yup."

"I'll give you a lift then. You don't have to worry, I already know the way to your house." He added.

I nodded, "Fine. But don't kidnap me oh."

He laughed at my silly joke, "Haba mana(Come on)."

I grinned sheepishly as we walked over to his car. We hopped inside and he started the engine before pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road.

We arrived at the house in no time and as I was about to go inside, I was met with Baba Tukur sitting on a chair while reading a newspaper at the porch.

I instinctually squatted down to greet him, "Baba Tukur, Ina wuni."

He smiled warmly as he replied, "Yawa, Sanu Karimah. How did you get home? I thought Amir came home earlier."

"Yes, he must have finished lectures earlier than me. Actually...Amir's friend, Khalil gave me a ride home." I told him.

"Oh..."

I looked back and noticed that Khalil hadn't left yet. In fact, he was approaching us.

I guess he noticed and decided to come greet Baba Tukur.

He squatted down just as I did, "Baba, Ina wuni."

"Khalil, Sanu ko. Thank you very much for bringing Karimah home. Please, come in and join us for dinner." Baba Tukur offered.

Khalil smiled and simply nodded, probably deciding it might be a little rude to decline his kind offer.

I liked the fact that I could so easily read his intentions and it was only enjoyable as they were all good.

He glanced at me for a moment before we got up and walked into the house along with Baba Tukur.

I first went into the kitchen and greeted Aunty Raliyah before helping her arrange the food on the dining table.

As we all got set for dinner, Khalil greeted her and we got seated.

"Kai yaron nan!(You this boy!) You left poor Karimah stranded at the University. What would she have done if Khalil wasn't there?!" Aunty Raliyah scolded Amir.

He frowned and mumbled, "There's something called Uber."

He thought no one heard him and I nearly burst into laughter as both Baba and Aunty glared at him.

Although they didn't say anything, the abrupt silence was enough to inform him that they heard him.

He gulped, "I-I mean, I'm sorry."

I smiled, "It's fine."

I looked over at Khalil and realized that he was also trying hard to stifle his laughter.

I however, just snickered a little.

Then a small chuckle escaped in the room before a hysterical fit of laughter from everyone in room erupted.

Guess who was behind that small chuckle...

Nope, not Khalil. Amir.

The laughter soon died down and we started eating again.

We soon finished eating and then the distant call to prayer is heard by all of us.

I went up to my room and performed ablution before going to pray.

It took me at least five minutes to finish up my prayer entirely and I folded my praying mat and hijab, keeping them away before going out of my room.

I went into the kitchen and started doing the dishes. By the time I was done, I could hear muffled voices probably coming from the living room.

They were back.

Knowingly, I walked out of the kitchen and went into the living room. Baba Tukur was the only person there.

I went out the front door and rushed towards Khalil who was about to go into his car.

"Thanks." I told him abruptly.

He flashed a grin at me, "Anytime, Karimah."

I watched as he finally went into his car and started it before speeding off.

I felt my cheeks heat up as I strolled back towards the house.

Amir was standing on the porch with his arms crossed as he narrowed his eyes at me in scrutiny.

"You're slightly light-skinned, it's not hard to see that you're blushing. Why?"

I was taken aback by his sudden statement but I decided to act confused as I couldn't think of anything better to do.

I furrowed my brows, "What do you mean?"

He didn't respond, just stared at me for five seconds before turning and going into the house.

What was that about?