FATIMA (YOU series #2)

Chapter 19

I only craved attention once I tasted yours.

- A.B.

Fatima

I'd been in the company of his aunts for over an hour now. The conversation had since steered away from advice on leading a happy married life to funny stories. They were all eager to share a story about Ibrahim when he was younger.

"It was self-evident how pure his soul was from a young age. He loved helping everyone," aunty Fanna says, her lips curling up into a smile.

Aunty Adama nods, "When he learnt the concept of sharing at four, he refused to eat, sleep or do anything alone for over six months. He wanted to share everything."

I watched as nostalgia settled on their faces as they reminisced.

"If it wasn't obvious enough, we're very protective of him. But we know you'll be good to him, and we're sure he'll hold up his end. So please don't let us down," Aunty Lina says.

"I'll do my best InshaAllah," I reply.

"Ailah can take you to Amina now," Aunty Fanna says.

We exit the room, and she leads me back downstairs to a small living room.

"I'll be back soon. I have to go meet Hudayya," Ailah says and walks out.

The room was filled with boxes of souvenirs. The bags had our pictures from the pre-wedding shoot. It looked like aunty Amina had been separating the bags into categories.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Fatima. I thought I'd be done categorising and sending the bags by now," she says.

"I didn't mind waiting. Do you need help?" I asked.

She shook her head, "you're about to leave for your house. We're not about to have you doing work."

She took my hand and led me to the couch, "Fatima, I know Ibrahim because I raised him, and I know the values I instilled in him. He'll do his best to care for you and make you happy, but only if you allow him. I know it can be hard to let people in, but I urge you not to let past traumas control your life. You are still so young and have your whole life ahead of you. It's never too late, Fatima. This is your chance to start afresh, to turn this fate into a positive thing. When you step foot in your new home, I want you to put everything behind you. This is a new chapter in your book, and I hope you'll fill it with only positive things."

I allow the depth of her words to settle in.

"InshaAllah, aunty," I say.

She shakes her head, "aunty kuma? I'm your Ammi now."

I nod shyly. This was nothing to feel awkward about. She was basically my mother-in-law. But, I've never been good with things like this because growing up, all the older people around me, apart from my mother and uncle, were horrible to me.

A smile lights up on her face. "Promise me you'll take care of both of you," she says.

"I promise, Ammi," I say, a tinge of pink invading my cheeks.

She engulfs me in a warm hug, patting my back softly. I melt into her embrace. I could feel every inch of sincerity and motherly instincts.

"Ammi," someone yells, coming into the room. We pull away, and I look at the woman. She was gorgeous and looked like she was in her late twenties.

"Maryam, sai yanzu?" Ammi asks.

"I had to rush a project to be able to make it today," she responds.