HUSNA

Chapter27

Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.

                                      _Stephen Covey

                           
                               *********

Faiza almost choked on her chewing gum when Husna mentioned it casually.

"Wait...you mean Ya Hameed? As in, ya Hameed actually came to your house?" "Oh my Allah, Hussy! You're acting like you just said 'rain fell', not 'my brother drove from another Country to bring you a phone.' You're too nonchalant wallahi."

Husna lifted a brow, unfazed.
"Why are you dramatizing it like CNN breaking news?"

Faiza ignored the sarcasm and stretched her hand out. Give me the phone jare. At least we should thank him properly. Expensive phone fa? Who does that? Wallahi he's too sweet."

"Wallahi I forgot to tell you...Auntie Khadija's wedding has been fixed for next year, in sha Allah!"

That finally cracked Husna's face... a real smile.

"Masha Allah! Congratulations to her

Faiza laugh At least zan samu dancing day."

Husna Talking to an empty brain doesn't make sense," she murmured.

"Are you calling me brainless?"

She waved it off. "No I mean myself. Yesterday

I fought with Ahmad."

Husna rolled her eyes. Of course you did. You behave like a five-year-old. What did you do this time?"

Faiza folded her arms "He didn't call all day, so when he finally called, I shouted at him."

Husna slapped her forehead.

"Exactly why I said you're brainless. Call him and apologize."

Faiza dragged her voice like a toddler.

"There's nothing more important than me."

Husna stared at her like she was allergic to sense.

"You are giving the poor boy headache. And before you open your mouth...yes, you're worse than any wahala I give your brother."

That made Faiza pause. She leaned back, studying Husna. "You know Ya Hameed doesn't come to Kaduna for fun. No friends here. If he came, he came for you Hussy , you failed once in love and you locked your heart like Kirikiri prison. You don't even try to forgive, you don't accept happiness, you just hold onto pain like a pet..."

Husna cut her with a glare. "Faiza, enough."

"If yaya Hameed ever tells you he loves you, wallahi I will dance first. Because I know he will never let you cry. In fact he will be wrapped around your finger. Mark my words."

She rolled her eyes. "Can we end this sofry-sofry lover talk and call Ahmad?"

Faiza scoffed. "You call this sofry talk? I'm preaching life and destiny."

Still, she dialed Ahmad...he didn't pick.
"See? Because of you!" she snapped.

Husna waved her off. "Relax, he will call back."

Faiza dropped the phone and half-whispered,
"So tell me...has ya Hameed confessed yet?"

Husna looked at her blankly. "Confess what?"

"That he loves you,Stupid ! The signs are loud. The guy is in love and probably scared because you look like someone that tells men 'minus you, the world still spins'."

"Idiot. Let's change topic."

Faiza grinned. "Okay, Mrs. Hameed...

Husna smacked her again, laughing this time.

"How about I teach you how to bake a mini fruit tart and caramel cheesecake today, since there are no more lectures?"Faiza suggested,

"Alright, let's write down the list so we'll know what we need."

Faiza grinned. "Okay, but we almost have all the ingredients at home.but let's write and see..."

For mini tart we need,butter,egg,vanilla,sugar and flour then any fruits of our choice but let's us use strawberry and berry,"and then for cheesecake we need sugar,salt,whipped cream,flour,cream cheese,sour cream,vanilla and then lastly egg."

As they finalized their list, Faiza exclaimed, "So, let's remove flour, eggs, vanilla, sugar, whipped cream, and butter. We've got them at home. Let's go to Alkali Road; we can get everything we need without going to the market."

Husna  gently folded the paper, and they headed out to the car. After stopping at the shop to purchase the necessary ingredients, they returned home.

"Where's Mama and the rest?"husna ask the moment they  settled in

"I'm sure they went to Auntie Ilham's house. Let's pray first so we can start on time."Faiza replied

After praying, they headed to the kitchen to begin baking.

Faiza handed Husna  the butter and flour. "Here, let's start with the cheesecake."

Husna  nodded, and Faiza instructed, "Heat the pan, Husna, while I open the butter. Okay, here we go  one cup of sugar. Husna, whisk it until it melts; it will take about 10 minutes. Here, add the butter and whisk it until it melts."

As they worked, Faiza reminded Husna , "And remember, we used sugar first, then butter. It's okay; our caramel is almost done. Let's pour in the heavy cream. Whisk until well incorporated and smooth."

"What's the time now?"Husna   asked

"4:30. Don't worry, the driver will take you back home."Faiza replied.

As they continued baking, Faiza instructed her to set aside about 1 1/2 cups of caramel sauce for topping. They then combined the flour with the remaining caramel and set it aside.

Next, they began making the crust for the cheesecake. Faiza guided her  through the process, saying, "Now, let's make the cheesecake filling. Beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, and flour in this bowl on low speed until well combined and smooth."

She  nodded, and Faiza added, "Now, Husna, add the batter."

Yay, we're almost done, and our cheesecake is done!" Faiza exclaimed cheerfully, "husna  giggled at her friend's enthusiasm.

They poured the caramel sauce over the cheesecake and sprinkled it with toffee bits. Faiza's eyes sparkled. "Yes, let's have a taste! I'm salivating right now."

Faiza took a bite, and Husna  followed suit. The cheesecake was a hit. "It's great!"

She  munched away, smiling. "It truly is."

As the clock struck 5, she mumbled "But let's just leave the tart for another day. Time is flying!" She picked up her hijab, ready to head out.

"But won't you wait for them to come back? They went out with the driver."

"Don't bother.

Wait, let me just take you home.I promise your boyfriend i will take you wherever you want to go."

Husna rolled her eyes, laughing. "Let's go, please..."