Journey To The Half Of My Deen

Chapter Twelve

LAIBA P.O.V

I reached home to see sadaf seated on the sofa, her head leaning on her fathers chest as she cried, much to my relief that she came out. I saw Arif and went to him "Arif! You did not inform me that she is out already?" I said through gritted teeth, trying to be as low as possible.

"Well she just came down with her father Laiba Didi (sister)" Arif smiled at me trying to hide his annoyance around the elders. I kept quiet and looked around me and saw Aunty Azra and my mom in a deep conversation.

I walked over to them "Assalamu Alaikum Maa, Aunty Azra" I kissed my mom on the head and sat down next to her "Wa Alaikum Salam" they both responded smiling at me "How have you been liking it to be back here Aunty Azra?" I asked as i faced her properly

As I looked at her, I admired her beauty. despite her ageing which shows clearly on her features, her beauty shone through it. I am sure in her days she must have been very beautiful. I saw her in her black abaya, she wore her abaya all the time. Though she did not wear Niqab.Aunty Azra and her Family were Arabs that moved here when they were young.

Abdallah uncle on the other hand was born here and his family is from pakistan like my family. Abdallah uncle's father and my grandfather were close family friends, my dad and Abdallah practically grew up together which is the reason my dad forced them to stay here.

"Yes dear i am glad to be back here, back in Canada i did not enjoy there much, i had no one there and the kids having their own busy lives, so pulling them out of that lifestyle, all of them was a huge decision" she smiled as she talked, an accent clearly evident as she speaks.

I nod as she says "over here I have your lovely mother and aunt, they are not just good friends but more like close sisters to me, especially your mother" Aunty Azra said as she took hold of my mothers hand and gently rubbed and squeezed it, my mother smiled at her.

I admired their friendship, I wish my friendship stays like this with Sadaf and Rania. Nowadays friendships are hard, people have become selfish and untrustworthy. I have had friends who are jealous for no reason. There are also those who are hypocrites, which are the worst after those who betray. But the worst is that when a friendship breaks it hurts like losing a close one.

Mom and Aunty Azra kept talking and i overheard that Abdallah uncle got a house that is not that far from here, which means in the next two days they will be going to shop for everything she needs, somehow i felt sad that they were leaving but the good thing is that they are not far anymore.

I went to my room and took out one of my favourite books which is Reclaim Your Heart and started to read it from the start again which gave me comfort in so many ways. Every problem in life did not seem like a problem, life just made sense. It makes me reflect on the wording of the quran.

I did not realise when I fell asleep but I fell asleep while reading.

***

I felt someone sit on the bed which made me open my eyes, it is usually hard for me to wake up but today was different. I saw sadaf looking down at her hands and fidgeting with her fingers with tears in her eyes.

I moved closer to her and looked at her with pity, "Is everything okay?" i asked her as i put my hand on her shoulder she started crying i then hugged her while she cried on my shoulder "I don't know why i have become like this, i never used to argue or fight with anyone..... But now i am just angry at everything and everyone" she said through her sobs

I rubbed her back as she continued crying, i stayed quiet and let her cry it all out because once she lets it all out it will calm her down, after a few minutes she completely calmed down and i looked at the my side table to see if my jug of water was filled, and it was!. I moved closer to my side table and filled the glass half way and gave Sadaf to drink.

She took it and thanked me while I nodded and smiled at her "Look Sadaf this is All Shaytaan, just say Audhubillah and ask for forgiveness from Allah, he is always there for you and you'll feel much better" i smiled assuring her that everything is okay.

"I am sorry i have been distant from you and acting a little off" she looked at me guiltily and i shrugged it off "It is okay! We all have our days" i smiled

"Let us go down, Aunty Azra wants to do some shopping because they might be moving to their own house soon" Sadaf said happily "I overheard about that" i smiled but deep down i knew i was kind of sad about that. I do not know why but I did not want them to leave.

"Yeah, Dad is taking us all out for Dinner, Halima and Mohammad bhai will be joining us as well " Sadaf was excited about the dinner and i smiled at her happiness, i secretly made dua for Allah to always keep her happy like that.

"Really? What will you be wearing?" I asked as i did not know what i should wear, i walked to my cupboards and rummaged through them.

"Well my dad got me new clothes from his trip, from turkey" she excitedly said and i nodded smiling, soon i got frustrated and did not know what to wear. Then I remembered last night Halima had bought some new tops and dresses but left them in her room. So I immediately knew which one I was going to wear.

"I am going shopping with Aunty Azra. Are you coming with me?" she asked and I shook my head. "No, I have to go to the gym as Rania is also not there" she frowned. "Why is Rania not in today?" i faced her realising that i have not told her "she got a hand in marriage and the guys family have come to see her today" she looked surprised "oh okay" she muttered

"Anyway i will go for shopping with mom guys so i will see you later In Shaa Allah" she hugged me, i hugged back "Okay In Shaa Allah" i smiled as she left

I got ready to leave for the gym and as i went down i realised none of the male were at home

Irfan is at work

Dad, Abdallah uncle and Uthman uncle have gone for shopping with the ladies

Arif only Allah knows where he is, I decided to call him. His phone kept ringing but went straight to voicemail. I will just have to go walking, it is not so far. I got the house keys that were on the door and as I was locking the door. I heard someone behind me.

I turned to see Zeeshan. I looked away and continued to lock the house, as I was locking the door I realised that he might want to be inside and I am locking the house. I heard him clear his throat to get my attention. I turned to him "do you want to go inside as i am leaving for work?" I asked, looking down.

"Is your work far?, i can drop you" he said but hesitated, i thought about it but shook my head "No, do not worry it is not so far from here anyway" i said still looking down not daring to look up "I will not like it if you went by yourself, it is not so safe, please let me drop you, i insist" he asked pleading.

I was hesitant, but i need to get there fast so i can finish the work up and come early to start getting ready for the dinner. "Okay" I nodded, getting a feeling in my stomach.

I walked behind him as he lead me to his new car, i entered behind and took a huge breath and thought to myself 'Ya Allah protect me from the fitnah' before looking out the window