HUSNA

Chapter26

"Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think." —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

                                        ******

She had turned the whole room upside down drawers open, scarves on the bed, pillow on the floor  all because of a missing hair band.

Outside, Hameed had been waiting for almost thirty minutes, leaning against the car with his phone in hand. He finally dialed her number.

Her phone shrilled. She pressed it to her ear.
"Asma, please get ready. I've been waiting for the past thirty minutes," he said, voice tired but trying to stay calm. "You don't have to dress to impress me."

She rolled her eyes even though he couldn't see her. "I'm coming. Just give me a few minutes, I'm searching for my bands, okay?"

He ended the call and rubbed his temple.
"Wallahi I'm trying to sign myself up for lifetime wahala..." he muttered.

A few minutes later she came out of the house, finally. She opened the car door and slid in, flashing a bright, fake calm smile.

"Good afternoon," she greeted.

He looked up at her, eyes locking briefly with hers before he looked away.

"Are you always in hijabs?" he asked suddenly.

She shot him a glare. "You want me to go out without veils?"

"No, no...that's not what I meant," he rushed to explain. "It's just... I was wondering why it took you so long to get ready. You didn't even put on powder or makeup."

She turned to him sharply. "Why are you questioning me? I can get out of this car right now. And by the way, I greeted you and you didn't answer. Last time I checked, I didn't beg you to take me out
you are the one that pleaded. And to be very honest, I don't even want to go anywhere with you."

Her eyes were blazing now. "And what do you even mean by 'I'm always with hijabs'? You want me to remove them so you can look at my body or something?"

He turned to her, stunned. She was pushing him too far.

"Why would I think of that, Husna? You think so little of me? You think I want something from you? You think I can stoop that low?"

"So you just asked innocently and it doesn't mean anything?" she shot back through gritted teeth.

"I JUST asked," he exhaled, frustration finally showing. "Husna what is your problem? Please stop this, wallahi. I felt hurt by your words. I just always see you in hijabs and once I saw you with veil so I asked. If you feel hurt, I'm sorry."

She looked away through the window, her tone softening slightly.
"Are you mad at me?"

He let out a small laugh ...not happy, just tired. "I don't even know what kind of person you are,
Husna. But I can't even be angry with you."

"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I didn't mean my words."

"Don't worry, I understand," he cut in, shutting her apology down before it could settle.

The air inside the car turned heavy. Neither of them spoke.

Finally she broke the silence.
"So... where are you taking me?"

He gave a dry smile. "Relax. I'm not going to kill you. I wanted to take you somewhere, but I changed my mind already."

"You planned to take me to your girlfriend's place?" she asked bitterly, fiddling with her fingers. "And I ruined everything, right? I made you upset?"