Newfound Destination

~ 22 ~

First thing in the morning, I made breakfast for the house. I had some before packaging a sufficient amount in a lunchbox for Taheer.

Amir and I set off to the hospital in order to visit Taheer. We met with Salma at the parking lot just as we arrived.

Together, we walked to his hospital room and to our greatest shock, Khalil was there along with...Taheer's parents.

Well, I supposed they were Taheer's parents.

I was still in a state of shock, I guess it's because they were informed earlier than I expected.

Apparently earlier than everyone else in the room, including the now awake Taheer. Khalil and Taheer's parents were excepted in this list though.

I then noticed that his Mother was actually crying. She probably didn't even know he was doing drugs.

"Taheer! Ba kaji! Ba kajin magana!" She scolded him before storming out of the room.

Taheer's father was still standing there, his fists clenched at his sides then his shoulders slouched and he simply turned to us.

He smiled, "I so appreciate your help and support to my son. I can't think of the best way to express my gratitude but thank you so much for being there for my son."

We all nodded.

He faced Khalil, "Thank you Khalil for informing me about this. I will take it from here and try to fix things."

"The pleasure is all mine, sir. Taheer is my close friend, I owe it to him." Khalil said humbly.

"We would excuse you to be with your son." Amir then said.

"That would be much appreciated, thank you." He replied.

I dropped the lunchbox I had brought on a coffee table. I looked at Taheer who looked back at me in return as I sent him a friendly smile.

He smiled back sadly and I waved at him before leaving.

We all walked out of the hospital room and out of the hospital entirely.

"I pray he makes it through the surgery." I sighed as we got outside.

"Same but I also pray he'll stop once it's over." Khalil said.

"Taheer is very stubborn, I just hope he doesn't keep it up." Amir added.

"He'll stop if he is wise." Salma said.

We all hoped for the best.

However, I had plans for him after this whole thing. I knew I needed to tell them about it first.

"How about we hook him up with someone?" I suggested.

Amir is the first to respond, "That sounds like a good idea but we can't just get any girl. Who do you have in mind?"

I laughed at how fast Amir got the message.

"Actually, I have two people in mind. They are actually twins-"

"Halimah and Habibah!" Salma chirped.

Wow, they're both fast.

I turned to Khalil who looked absolutely dumbfounded and just laughed at him.

I cleared my throat, "So guys, Halimah or Habibah?"

"Halimah." Salma was quick to say.

"Okay but-"

"Halimah." Amir interjected.

I opened my mouth to speak again...

Then Khalil cut me off, "Halimah."

I slapped his chest, "Do you even know them?"

He shrugged.

"Okay guys, why do you think Halimah is the best choice?" I questioned them.

Amir answered first, "Well, she's...calm, reserved and intelligent. Habibah is too playful and annoying."

"Ah, I didn't send you to judge Habibah oh." I justified for myself.

He rolled his eyes as Salma spoke next, "Halimah because I think she's a better influence on him. She's really thoughtful with her actions and understands people."

Ah, she no get disadvantage?

"Plus, Habibah already has a boyfriend." Salma added.

Well...

"I was thinking Habibah at first but you guys' opinions have changed my mind. Halimah is okay but..."

"She's not very social." Salma completed.

"Exactly, so how are we going to do this?" I asked them.

"Easy. We hook them up." Khalil said.

I facepalmed with a heavy sigh, "Seriously. Why are you acting like this?"

"What?" He asked with a knowing smirk.

I hissed, "Anyway guys, how do we hook them up."

"Let's decide when Taheer is better, maybe after that...You guys could tell Halimah about him, just for starters." Amir suggested.

"That could work." Salma agreed.

Khalil and I looked at each other before nodding.

Just then, I heard my phone make it's usual pinging sound when I have a message.

Before I could even open my purse, it started ringing.

I took it out at once and glanced at the screen to see Mustapha's name on it.

I slipped away from them and went off to somewhere farther away from them, just to be safe.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey Karimah. How was your night?" He asked.

Here we go...

"Fine."

Wait for it...

"Yes, It's a weekend so you're not coming to work today but I just wanted to remind you that we're going out for dinner tonight." He said.

Oh.

"Oh yeah, I nearly forgot. Thanks for reminding me, I actually wanted you to send me the address of-"

He interrupted, "Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out first then have dinner. I could come pick you up right now if you're free at the moment."

"Okay..."

"Is that a yes?"

"Uh...no! I mean, yeah but..."

"Where can I pick you up?" He asked.

"I'm at a hospital right now..."

"What hospital?"

"I mean, I'm at my house. Sorry, I don't know why I said hospital. I'll send you my home address." I told him frantically before hanging up.

I then sent him my home address without thinking.

And again, without thinking, I called an Uber and headed home.