Collision of hearts

Chapter 9

Third person's pov

It's been three weeks since Nadia last saw Zaid, and the memory of their encounters lingering in her mind. Today, Mami insisted that Nadia escort her to the Yusuf's residence.

Nadia dressed with care, choosing a fitted Ankara gown that compliments her features. A turban was perfectly wrapped on her head, and a large veil draped elegantly over her shoulder. She took her handbag and descended downstairs, her beauty captivating all who laid eyes on her.

Nadia's pov

As I majestically walked downstairs, I announced, "Mami, I'm ready."

Mami's face lit up with a warm smile. "Mashaa Allah, you look so beautiful, my dear," she complimented, her eyes shining with pride.

I smiled, feeling grateful for her kind words. "Thank you, Mami. I got it from you," I replied.

Just then, Ya Muhammad walked in, looking good in a blue kaftan with a perfectly placed zanna bukar on his head. "Mami, you ready?" he asked.

"Are we going together with him?" I asked. Mami explained, "The driver is not here because his children are sick that's why."

"May Allah grant them quick recovery," I said, and both Mami and Ya Muhammad responded with "Amin," echoing my prayer.

Yusuf's residence

"Ahhhh, Faiza! Welcome!" Ammi exclaimed, enveloping Mami in a warm hug.

I was about to kneel to greet Ammi, but she stopped me and pulled me into a hug instead. "My daughter, how have you been?" she asked, her voice filled with affection.

"Fine, Alhamdulillah," I replied.

We all sat down, and refreshments were served. As we sipped our drinks, I asked Ammi, "Umm, Ammi, where's Zarah?" I hadn't seen her since we arrived, and I was starting to wonder where she was.

"She's in the backyard," Ammi replied.

I said okay and stood up to go meet her there. Just as I was about to head out, a small voice came out of nowhere "Ammi, I want to play ball!" A boy, about 3-4 years old, said pouting, his lower lip jutting out in a adorable tantrum. I almost cooed at the sight of him, he was so cute!

Ammi smiled and replied, "Okay, Auntie Nadia is going to the backyard, you can go together." The boy's face lit up, and he walked towards me, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Are you Auntie Nadia?" he asked, looking up at me with big, round eyes.

I nodded, and he said, "I'm Ammar." I squished his chubby cheeks and said, "Hi there Ammar!"

Ammar giggled and held my hand, and we walked together to the backyard. Ammar let go of my hand and ran off, leaving me behind. I was momentarily distracted, and before I knew it, I bumped into something hard. I almost fell down, but a hand caught me just in time.

As I looked up, my heart skipped a beat. It was Zaid, his eyes sparkling with amusement. I quickly stood straight, removing myself from his hold. "Ina yini," I greeted, trying to sound nonchalant.

Zaid chuckled, his voice low and husky. "I thought you said you're not greeting me again."

I shot back with a sarcastic tone, "Oh, I forgot."

Zaid grip my hand, "So our little tigress doesn't know how to say thank you?" he teased, his eyes glinting with mischief.

I rolled my eyes, trying to wriggle my hand free from his hold. "Let go, Zaid."

But he held firm, his smile never wavering. I finally managed to remove my hand, and I walked away.

As I reached the backyard, I was greeted by a lively gathering. Zarah, Ya Muhammad, Ammar, the guy from the restaurant, and a lady I hadn't met before were all sitting in a cozy gazebo. I offered my salam, and Zarah squealed with excitement, pulling me into a warm hug. The others responded to my greeting, and I took a seat, exchanging pleasantries with the group.

After a while, Zaid returned with a handsome guy, but I couldn't help but notice that Zaid still surpassed him. Zaid sat down facing me, his eyes locked on mine, while the other guy took the seat next to me. I could swear I saw Zaid glaring at him, his expression darkening for a moment. That made me shift uncomfortably in my seat, sensing a subtle tension between them.

The charming stranger "Who's this fine lady?" he asked, his eyes scanning the group as if searching for an answer. Then, he continued, "I didn't know someone could be this pretty, seriously." His words made me blush, and I felt my cheeks warm up.

Just as he was about to say more, Ya Muhammad cut him off, his tone annoyed. "Ahmad, stop flirting with my sister."

But Ahmad wasn't deterred. "I think she can speak for herself, right, Beautiful?" he said, his voice dripping with flirtation. He flashed me a charming smile, and I felt my blush deepen.

Ya Muhammad glared at him, clearly disapproving of Ahmad's forward behavior. I, on the other hand, was torn between feeling embarrassed and enjoying the unexpected attention. Zaid, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, his voice low and even. "Ahmad, that's enough." His eyes narrowed slightly, and I sensed a hint of warning in his tone.

Zarah and Fatima decided to poke fun at me about Ahmad's flirtation, and I felt my face grow even hotter. I glanced up to see Zaid looking at me darkly, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger. But before I could process his expression, Ammar tugged on my shoulder, asking to play with my phone. I nodded, grateful for the distraction.

As I excused myself to retrieve my phone, Ahmad offered to escort me, and I agreed. We strolled to the living room, chatting easily about nothing in particular. I found myself feeling at ease with Ahmad, and he seemed genuinely nice.

When I returned to the backyard with my phone, I noticed Zaid glaring at Ahmad again. "Are they not friends?" I wondered, but I quickly pushed the thought aside. It was none of my business.

I handed my phone to Ammar, who squealed with delight, and sat back down, trying to focus on the conversation.

Ahmad was charming, and we even exchanged contacts. That's when Zaid suddenly stormed out, his expression furious. "What's wrong with him?" Fatima asked, confusion etched on her face.

We all shrugged, but Ahmad, Al-Amin, and Ya Muhammad shared a knowing smirk. They seemed amused, as if they were privy to a secret. I was left wondering what had triggered Zaid's outburst.

As the gathering continued, I couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue. What was behind Zaid's behavior? Was it related to Ahmad's flirtation or something more? I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the pleasant company and lively conversation.