Searching

Chapter 39

Searching
Katibah Elle
Chapter 39

Tahseen ran around the house like a mad woman, there was so much that still needed to be done, and she was not nearly halfway through any of it.

The doorbell rang and she skidded to a halt in front of the door.
Barely adjusting her hijab to cover her hair, she flung open the door.

“Hi, I have a delivery for Tahseen Valli… um.. Ma’am are you alright?”

Tahseen was bent over, hands on her knees, out of breath and wheezing terribly, “Yes. That’s me! And I’m fine…just leave the box..there.. I’ll take it…in a…”

The delivery man smiled apologetically, “Sorry Ma’am, but I need you to sign for it.”

Tahseen finally stood up straight, wiping away the tendril of hair that matted to her forehead, reaching for the clipboard, gasping , “I can’t believe I’ve become so unfit! You’d think taking care of a baby every second of the day will keep you energetic, but it doesn’t seem to be the case.”

The delivery man laughed, “Oh yeah I know. I have four little boys of my own, and I sometimes wonder when will I ever get sleep again, they’re little monsters.”

Tahseen grinned at the man, “That bad huh?”

He shook his head ruefully, “Aw no, never. Sure they’re energetic and mischievous but when they smile at me , or just throw themselves in for a hug, it’s as if all my worries magically disappear.”

Tahseen handed the man the clipboard and grabbed the box, her smile brilliant, “Exactly! At times I feel as if I’m surviving on two seconds of sleep, fresh air and a million mugs of coffee….but when she looks up at me with baby talk and gurgles, I forget everything else and I can’t begin to believe how lucky I am to have her.”

“Yes Ma’am! We are blessed. Have a good day.” He replied.

“Thanks, you too. Bye.” Tahseen closed the door behind her and ran to the kitchen.
She grabbed a knife and slit open the boxed package.

Pulling out the tiny sized Terra rose pink sequined tulle dress, she shrieked in excitement, practically jumping up and down.

This was exactly what she’d wanted and she was lucky it was delivered in time, despite her last minute purchase.
The little baby dress was absolutely adorable, it was perfect for Aaliyah!

Tahseen was throwing a small party for her little Aaliyah, marking her six months to date.
She’d been documenting every milestone of her growing daughter, from her first giggle, lifting her head during tummy time, grabbing toys and now she could finally sit up by herself!

Today was one of the big ones and Tahseen wanted to celebrate.

Zuhair’s mother and father, as well as her own parents were coming, and she still needed to set up the photography area for the smash cake moment.

This is what kept her going, moments like these that helped her deal with the battle she couldn’t begin to understand. While she still felt the painful shadows claw at her, there were times when Aaliyah brought forth a sense of gratitude and comfort, giving her hope for a chance at everyday.

The therapy had opened a path for healthy healing, and right now she was ok, she was happy.

Zuhair walked in the kitchen, carrying a cake box and sparkly balloons,“Asalam babe. Sorry I’m late, the traffic on Oak Avenue was a nightmare.”

Tahseen took the cake box from Zuhair and set on the kitchen counter, then she turned around and kissed him softly, “Wasalam. That’s OK. You’re in time for the set up. Where do you think we should put the up the backdrop?” Tahseen asked.