HUSNA (EDITING)

Chapter18

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. _Melody Beattie
                    

                  
*****************

"For the umpteenth time, her phone rang, and her mother glanced at her expectantly. "Pick up the call, Husna, it might be important,"

"No, it's just MTN Adda ," she replied, forcing a smile onto her face. The truth is, nothing significant had happened since the school's semester break began.

Hameed had been frequenting her home, visiting her mother and siblings almost three times a week. Despite her resistance, he persisted in calling her every day. Sometimes she would answer and shout at him, while other times she would ignore his calls altogether."

"She confided in Faiza about Hameed's persistent calls, but Faiza simply advised her to accept his friendship. She reluctantly picked up the call, noticing the disapproving look her mother was giving her.

"Aslama alaikum," she answered, her tone somewhat curt.

Wa'alaikumu salam," he replied, his voice softening. "Is that you, Asma?" he asked, his tone gentle.

She rolled her eyes and glared at the phone, standing up and motioning towards her room as she tried to escape the prying gaze of her mother. Yes, it's me. Who else?"

"Nobody,I'm surprised you pick up, considering how many times you've ignored my calls.

You exactly know that I won't pick up,then why did you keep calling?

He chuckled. "I know, I know. But somehow, I just can't help myself. I find myself dialing your number repeatedly, even though I know you won't answer."

"Now that you've finally gotten me to pick up, what do you want?"

"Nothing, really. I just wanted to say hello and see how you're doing.

I'm doing great, by the way." She raised an eyebrow,"Save it, What do you really want?"

"Asma, can you please talk to me nicely just once?"I've been constantly hurt by the way you treat me. Can't you see that I'm trying to be nice to you? Why can't you just be nice back, just for once?" I just want to be friends if you don't want then please take me as your brother.

She raised an eyebrow,"And nothing apart from that? You're not hiding any ulterior motives?"

He sighed. "I promise, nothing apart from that. I just want to be friends, or at least, be considered as your brother."

She rolled her eyes, her expression unenthused. "Fine, but don't expect me to start liking you or anything."

"Thank you, Asma! I promise, I won't give up on us. You've given me a lot of headaches, but I couldn't bring myself to stop calling you.so how are we going to make this work?"I'm leaving tomorrow, insha Allah. Would you mind if I come over to visit? I'd love to take you out somewhere."

She snorted, her tone dismissive. "You can come over to my house, but I'm not going anywhere with you."

He chuckled. "Okay, okay, no need to freak out. Thanks for that. I'll come over tomorrow to see our mom."