A Blossom in the desert

Hurdles to Cross

A sweet invasion enchanted the air of Al Hassam Manor as indulgent aroma of butterscotch, chocolate and brown sugar elegantly bloomed, coaxed under the spell of warm embraces and caress of cosy castle,kissing the universe of senses with gluttony desires.

And Madina wasnt left bereft of prevailing sweet charm as she climbed down the stairs but instead of unleashing the channel of craving ,it ensued a webs of intrigue forcing her steps turn towards kitchen instead of lounge area .The staff clearing the cutlery from the dining hall greeted as she ambled passed them towards the kitchen.

Taking out a fresh batch of cookies ,Martha grinned at them before looking at chefs smiling at the childish nature of Martha when Suzy joked ,

"Your love for baking is impeccable .I think only love for Gerald and God can defeat it !".

Martha giggled as she whispered words of gratitude at the earthen broken crust where molten river of chocolate chips had surfaced their way out .

"Baking right in the morning even knowing that no one has sweet tooth here? ". Madina sauntered inside .

Martha stiffen a bit before glancing around at the staff in kitchen who urgently went back to their work. Martha wanted to celebrate her happiness over the news of Khaled's marriage with the orphans but knowing very well the outburst the cause of her happiness could create she limited her words ,

"I am sorry Ma'am but its for orphan kids that comes to nearby mosque everyday !".

"Good for you two and for Sufiyan who is always trying to prey out some good deeds through you duo ! Well aside that my head is aching get my black coffee !

"Ma'am it's ready !" Suzy walked with coffee mug ," you should have intercom me Ma'am I would have brought it in your room !"

"Why ? Can't I come in the kitchen ? Is my bedroom the only place I am allowed to be in ? " Madina hissed while Suzy hyperventilating nodding in negative when Madina ignoring her looked at Martha ,

"Martha today you make my coffee and bring it in lounge area .And make it quick!"

Seeing Madina's retreating back ,Suzy sighed while Martha patting her back assuringly moved to make coffee.

With light streaming in through the undraped casement windows had dazzled half of the lounge while half was still breathing in artificial lights .Madina sat on the sectional sofa lost looking at the vase holding the violent chrysanthemums in its blooming yet forboding withering glory before her on the table .But driving out of her thoughts ,Martha kept the coffee on the table while whispering ,

"Ma'am your coffee !"

Gazing at Martha ,who looked different with scarf tied around her head and her attire ,Madina commented taking the coffee,

"So you two have surely seriously accepted Islam !"..

"Alhamdulillah yes Ma'am ",Madina smiled ,"Gerald helped me understand what Jesus really wanted us to do and who he really wanted us to pray.And earlier I used to pray but there were so many questions I had but I got no answers but when Gerald explained and I myself read Quran I got every answers.It was like God was talking to me ,answering my each question and this connection I had never felt before ever .And I didn't wanted to loose it ,I would be a fool to lose such a beautiful connection.So I accepted Islam immediately." Martha grinned before adding benevolently ,

"But it also truth me and Gerald would have never found our way back to Allah if Khaled Sir hadn't been an active medium in it !He is an exceptional kid !".

Putting the cup down ,Madina gave a bitter smile,

"He cherishes everyone except me !"

"No Ma'am he really cares for you !".Martha quickly asserted.