𝓜𝔂 𝓫𝓪𝓫𝔂, 𝓶𝔂 𝔀𝓲𝓯𝓮

31# .....JAY.

JAMIL KHALIL RESIDENCE,
JABI.
JANUARY, 2022.

"Bye", Jamilah waved at the retreating car as it left through the gates.

Her heart felt heavy. Living without Bola would take some getting used to. But she needed it.....getting used to doing things for herself.

"Jamilah", Jamil's familiar, deep voice called.

Sometimes, she forgot how deep his voice was, but it was probably because she was getting used to hearing him speak.

But when meeting Jamil for the first time, it was one of his non-physical features that'd hit you at first.

That, and how he articulated his words.

He didn't have an accent like Hajia Hafsah who'd lived most of her life abroad.

He didn't talk too fast, nor was he so slow that you'd tire of listening to him.

He articulated his words correctly and his grammar was spot-on.

It was one of the reasons Jamilah wished he would speak more, listening to him was very pleasing. He could easily draw attention with his voice, and spoke clearly despite its depth.

"What are you thinking about?", He asked again, still where he was, leaning against one of the pillars.

Jamilah felt a bit shy looking at him. He was in casual clothes; a shirt, joggers and nike palms. And he looked like he'd just got a haircut.

"Nothing", she said, walking towards him.

Before, she'd never stand so close to him that they'd be touching. But now, when she stopped by his side, it was to rub his head.

"You just had a haircut, huh?".

Jamil looked as taken aback as his stony face would allow, but didn't do anything except relax against her hand.

The motion of her hand stroking his head, especially after a haircut was relaxing.

"Hmm", he merely hummed in response, engrossed in the feeling of her hands against his head.

He shut his eye closed, leaning further against the pillar.

Jamilah couldn't help her smile.....big, bright and blinding as it was.

She loved the feeling of being a source of relief for him.

"Did you have a tiring day?", She asked, her voice softer than normal, as if she was scared that she'd break the trance he was in if she spoke too loud.

"I always have a tiring day", he responded, the sides of his lips quirking slightly. "...but if I get this much relief after the day's work, it's all worth it", he said, his eyes cracking open at the last second.

He held Jamilah's gaze, chuckling when she couldn't hold his any longer.

"Let's tour the house before maghrib", he said, letting his hand travel till he held hers in his.

The house tour was all he hoped for. He couldn't help but feel his chest swell with pride whenever she looked excited over a piece of furniture, or the colour of a wall, or even a potted plant.

At first, he was the one leading her, holding her hands as he led her from room to room.

But soon, her excitement took over, and she was the one holding his hands now, dragging him through every door she could find.

And then, she'd point to different things and squeal, "Jamil, see that one".

Jamil was tempted to remind her that he was the one that had them placed there, but he was more content seeing her eyes light up as she smiled.