Tawakkul

Chapter 9

"Aaliyah, what's wrong?"

Sultan had come back from running errands and had witnessed the sight of a slightly whiny Aaliyah, who was cooped up in their room pouting her lips.

"Sultan I'm hungry, and every time I see plates are being set I think , okay, food is finally going to be served but then they bring out chai, and then again chai, and again chai, and I'm hungry and I don't want chai, I just want some food. I want to go to our usual spot. I want naan pakora."

She looked defeated, her eyes sparkling like stardust staring at Sultan, who held in a laugh. A small smirk appeared on his face from amusement, which only received another pout and sigh from Aaliyah.

"Come on then," Her eyes lit up, and the stardust became sunlight.

"Where?"

Curiosity and hope laced her words, holding them in the air.

"To get naan pakora"

Aaliyah stood up from her space in the corner and placed her dupatta on her head, which had rested on her shoulders before, she hurried behind him not even bothering to look in the mirror. As they walked out Aaliyah stood behind Sultan inches away from him as if she were hiding. A thread of her dupatta getting caught in Sultan's watch. She used the thread as a way to stay connected to him without holding his hand.

Their spot was not extraordinary but it needn't have been. The birds chirped and the occasional lamb found its way towards you. The pathway looked as though it had suffered, but the sky was strips of blue painted to perfection and it mingled with the river at the horizon. Sultan untangled the string from his watch and had given Aaliyah his arm, who seemed as though she'd run ahead if he didn't keep her walking at a steady pace.

Usually Husnain would buy them their treat, but today they went to the stall themselves.

"2 servings of naan pakora please"

Sultan ordered and watched Aaliyah smiling to himself. Her dupatta had begun to slide off and he moved forward fixing it upon her head. Her brown hair seemed to glow in the sunlight. She was beautiful. He couldn't help himself but to stare.

"Sultan?"

"Hm?"

Sultan continued looking at Aaliyah who was now also looking at him. She blinked a few times and her forehead creased.

"Sultan the food"

Sultan's mouth opened as if to say 'ohhhhhh, right..." He turned to the man, who was holding out their order, Sultan's ears turned red with embarrassment.

"How much would that be Bhai Saab?"

The man told Sultan the price, he paid and Aaliyah took the food enthusiastically.The man had packed it carefully for the couple. Sultan chuckled watching her as she began to eat.

"Don't eat my portion too"

She rolled her eyes at him and he nudged her softly.

They walked back across the familiar setting. The sky had changed its colours, it was inconsistent at choosing its coat , but it was a masterpiece and its inconsistency was its beauty. Sultan began to sing as they walked and Aaliyah told him to shush, a shade of pink kissing her cheeks. She enjoyed listening to his voice and maybe she'd admit it but not today; not right now; not as she inhaled the food in her hand and ran off with Sultan's portion. Even though she knew she was full and could not eat anymore.

***********

Aaliyah walked in on Sultan sitting with his brothers, a cigarette in his hand, she asked them if they wanted some chai and left without another word. In the kitchen Aaliyah held the counter coughing, she opened the window and took a puff of her inhaler.

"I'll be back"

Sultan put out his cigarette and followed Aaliyah into the kitchen. He stood behind her for a bit without saying anything. She continued making his chai and then turned around.

"What's wrong?"

Sultan stood leaning on the counter.

"Do you mind that I smoke?"

Aaliyah poured the chai into a teapot.

"Smoking isn't good for you, but I'm not going to force you to give it up."

She took a cup from the shelf and placed the cups and teapot on a tray. Sultan took it from her hands, not allowing her to protest.

"You go rest, I'll take it"

He walked out with the chai and she stood there for a minute before continuing with something else.

Sultan served the chai and his brother looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Where's babi?"

"She has a lot to do, so i thought id bring the chai myself"

He sat down continuing the conversation. They offered him another cigarette and he refused.

"What happened? Did babi tell you off?"

Sultan chuckled, shaking his head.

"I'm just not in the mood, is a cigarette necessary to have a conversation? Plus i haven't finished my chai"

He took a sip out of his cup to prove his point. His brother shrugged, lighting his own cigarette and changed the topic.

***********

Over the next few weeks Aaliyah began to find her place in her new home, she still kept to herself but began to socialise a lot more with some of Sultan's family members.

Aaliyah was sitting on the sofa when Naiima came into the room. She had just arrived back from school, her dupatta was resting on her shoulders, and an upset expression was on her face.

"Naiima dear, what's wrong?"

Aaliyah was about to stand up, but Naiima walked over to her.

"Chachi, can I put my head in your lap?"

"Of course."

Naiima took off her shoes and lay down, her head resting in Aaliyah's lap. She held Naiima softly, making sure she was comfortable.

"Chachi, they made fun of me in school for wearing the hijab,"

Aaliyah stroked Naiimas' hair while listening. Naiima felt safe with Aaliyah and also thought she'd be understanding of how she felt. Aaliyah stayed quite, letting her continue.

"They said I'm too young to wear it and that it makes me look like an auntie." Aaliyah frowned a little, knowing how Naiima must feel.

"Naiima beta, who do you wear the hijab for?"

Naiima looked at Aaliyah, her eyes glazed over with tears.

"For Allah," She replied in a small voice.

"No matter what you do, Naiima, you won't be able to make everyone happy. It's impossible to please people, so don't strive to please humanity, strive to please your Rab. It's difficult to please a human. it's simple to please Allah. And if you're pleasing Allah and doing things for the sake of Allah, then trust him and the people who matter will be pleased with you."