MARRED

CHAPTER TWENTY- SIX - AN INTERLUDE

Amanah

I groaned. Waking up with a terrible headache has been the constant thing of recent. My schedule these days have been quite tight. From drafting to the registration of patents for an international Automobile company. A new client I am bent on their retainers for the IP Department.

Good thing we had someone from the Ministry of Commerce that shuffles in between private firms making moving in between the two places an easy job.

"Do you need a massage?" Ahmad's light voice came from within the room. The room was still dark, as we only woke up for Tahajjud.

Though I couldn't see him, I tried a smile, but the headache restrained me.

"Are you okay?" he asked again, dropping something on the dressing table.

I didn't want him to worry. These days, like me, his new clients were taking most of his time. He often returned late tired. If I had a complaint now, I might be a distraction.

"Na'am. I just haven't fully come awake yet." I lied. "Assalaam'alaykum dear."

I heard the rustle of bare foot against the tiles and then I smelt him. He gave me a kiss on the forehead.

"Wa'alaykumussalaam Wa RahmatuLlaah Sugar. Sorry, I didn't wake you up earlier. You just looked like you needed the sleep."

I scrunched my nose at the mixed smell coming from him. "Is that Laeese coffee?" I asked, my eagerness popping up. It was my favorite brand. In fact, the only reason I took coffee.

"Yes, baby. The very same one."

His light tone drowned in some of my headaches.

"I hope there I more of that."

I began to get out of bed. "But first, let me have that hour in Tahajjud."

"uhhhh... It might be a little too late for that now."

What did he mean? "Ahmad?" I ask-cautioned, needing him to explain.

"Well, I didn't want to wake you up and now, it's almost Fajr. In fact..." The adhaan came in at that moment.

"No! Why would you do that?" I protested, turning the switch on. The swift movement caused my head to ache. The room was lit with purplish blue hues and I glanced at the wall clock. "5:38? No babe, I wanted to fast. I told you that yesterday. You know I can't fast without Sahur."

"Good then. I never approved of that voluntary saum anyways. You are so busy at work you need all the time for food and drink that you can get. It would help if you stay hydrated. And Tahajjud... You really needed that sleep."

"But..."

"I am off to the masjid. There are no buts here Amma. For God sake! Do you even think about yourself, at all? Your health?"

When I opened my mouth to speak again but shut it, he said. "Good girl. Go make wudu', have your rakatain and pray fajr. I ran a hot bath and I made breakfast already. You tell me which you would have first when I return from the masjid, In shaa Allah."

He said in that domineering tone of his as he picked his white cap up and before I even had the time to thank him, he left me there.

I had really wanted to fast.

For three weeks now, I felt as though our relationship was at strain. I knew Ahmad did not like that I worked so hard. He had failed severally to convince me to move into his office and work for only him. Being his secretary and PA.

First, that would be unfair to Farid. That was his job. Secondly, that would mean I deviate from my field again.

Perhaps it was worth it. Seeing my husband every minute, preparing his meetings, and going into meetings with him. Not just perhaps, but will it be fulfilling!