HUSNA

Chapter49

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. -Franklin D. Roosevelt

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As the sun rose, its rays crept into the room, illuminating Husna's face. She rubbed her bleary eyes and slowly opened them, focusing on the clock on the wall. She rubbed her eyes again, wondering if she is seeing things correctly. Past 11? Ya salam! She face palmed and buried her head in her hands, muttering to herself.

Hameed walked into the room with a mug in his hand, which he set on the coffee table. "Are you okay?" he asked.

He gently pulled her hands down and looked at her face. "Asma, are you okay? What's wrong? Is something bothering you?" he questioned.

She sighed, feeling embarrassed. "Captain, how can I face them? What kind of daughter in law am I? I slept too much! Why didn't you wake me up? This is past 11!"

He chuckled and tucked a stray hair strand behind her ear. "Yesterday, you were tired, so I let you sleep. Besides, I like watching you when you sleep like a baby."

Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she is certain they must look crimson red. He chuckled "Good morning, wifey. How was your night?"

"Fine, Alhamdulillah. Good morning.

"This isn't a good way to greet your husband in the morning. I'm supposed to get a kiss first, then a morning hug," he pouted.

She giggled softly, shameless man," she whispered, trying to hide her smile.

He pulled her towards him, holding her hands, and let out a laugh. "Everything about you is admirable," babe give me my morning hug, common babe," he whispered, pulling her closer.

She wiggled in his arms, trying to escape. "Stop being a drama queen and do it quick," Hameed exclaim , arching his brows.

"Fine, look at that side, just face the bed headboard."

He chuckled. "Very smart. I won't face it. Just do it quick, or else my hands are itching to tickle you."
He pretended to tickle her, making her laugh hard.

Her laughter filled the room as she tried to squirm away from his tickling fingers. "Stop, stop! Mercy!" she pleaded,Oh my Allah, wait! Wait!" she exclaimed, panting heavily between giggles. She had never felt herself laughing so openly and freely before.

Captain, look an ant in your coffee!" she blurted, using the distraction to jump off the bed and sprint toward the bathroom, laughing.

Before he could react, she stuck her tongue out at him and slammed the door shut, locking it. From the other side, she heard his muffled chuckle and a quiet, disbelieving, "You're unbelievable."

When she came out of the bathroom, Hameed was gone. She dressed quickly in her red lace outfit delicate netting around the neckline, soft shimmer under the light. She tied her headtie with careful fingers and sprayed a light perfume on her wrist.
Sitting at the edge of the bed, she felt a knot tighten in her chest.

This isn't easy, she thought. How do you even start greeting new in-laws?

"Ya Rabbi..." she whispered. Homesickness she missed her parents, her siblings, the comfort of her own house. This new life felt too big all of a sudden.

A gentle knock pulled her out of her thoughts. She opened the door to find Hameed's sisters  Munira and Bahijja both smiling warmly and holding a breakfast tray.