HUSNA

Chapter33

Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."

–Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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True love is about meeting each other's expectations loving with trust, acceptance, and support. It is treating someone with the respect they deserve because you look at them with love. That was exactly what was happening between the newly...minted lovers. Love is not about distance; when trust is present, distance becomes powerless.

Hameed loved her deeply... enough to teach her what real love meant. Slowly, her past began to fade, replaced with the certainty that this man would sacrifice even his own happiness just to protect hers.

He stood up from bed and dialed her number, but all he heard was the busy tone. He tried again ...still the same. With a sigh, he walked to the bathroom, showered, dressed, and forced himself to eat breakfast before redialing her number once more.

This time, after the third ring, she picked up.
"Assalamu alaikum, ina wuni?" she greeted quickly.

He  smiled at the sound of her voice.
"Wa'alaikumus salam. Lafiya?" he replied, eyes dropping to the floor.

"Babe, who called you earlier?"

"Oh, that?" she downplayed. "My cousin brother called."

He rubbed his temple.
"Asma, what's going on? He spent over an hour talking to you."

"He's my cousin, remember?" she said with a shrug.

Hameed exhaled sharply.I know he's your cousin, okay?" his voice carried the faint edge of jealousy.
"But what about me? Am I no one?"

Her eyes widened on her side of the call.
"Hey, are you actually jealous? Wallahi I told you he's my cousin."

"I have to be jealous, Asma," especially when he's talking to what's mine. Please don't ever talk to him again. You almost gave me a heart attack, wallahi."
She giggled softly.

"Your wish, mister by the way, why are you always calling with your Nigerian line? Haven't you returned to Cyprus?"

He let out a short laugh. Oh I forgot to tell you. I've been sacked."

Her voice hitched. "Sacked? Captain, are you serious? It's because of me, right? I'm so sorry."

"Hey, hey," he soothed. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm in Kaduna today. Maybe I'll head to Lagos later. Would you mind if I come and see my beautiful wife's face?"

She smiled nervously. You haven't brought your dowry, so I'm not your wife."

He chuckled."Okay then...can I come and see my beautiful girlfriend's face?"

"You don't need to ask," she said, ending the call.

He let out a soft laugh and then picked up his phone again, this time dialing his mother's number.

"Assalamu alaikum, good evening, heartbeats," he greeted when she answered.

"Wa'alaikum salam, Abdulhameed. What are you still doing in Nigeria?"