Beyond "I Do"

4- Retail Therapy

The next day, A'isha woke up well into the afternoon. The sunlight streaming through the curtains cast a warm glow over the room, and she stretched, feeling a bit better but still not completely herself. She sighed, knowing that today's plans would be simple and focused on rest.

Muhammad was already up, sitting at the small table by the window with his laptop open. He looked up when he heard her stir. "Good afternoon," he said softly, closing his laptop. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, but not great," A'isha admitted, her voice still groggy from sleep.

He nodded, standing up and walking over to her. "I canceled everything for today. It's an indoor day, just like you need."

She managed a small smile. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

The day passed quietly. A'isha spent most of it lounging on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, while Muhammad worked on his laptop and made phone calls. They shared a quiet lunch in the suite, and he made sure she had plenty of water and her painkillers.

As evening approached, Muhammad suggested they go for a short walk. "A little exercise might help. Just a quick stroll around the hotel gardens."

A'isha was reluctant at first, but she knew he was right. She changed into a comfortable pants and a graphic tee shirt. and tied her scarf loosely around her head. Muhammad waited patiently by the door, his expression encouraging.

They stepped out into the cool evening air, the gardens beautifully lit by lanterns. The sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves provided a peaceful soundtrack as they walked slowly, side by side.

"Remember that time in Lagos when you made us play that question game?" Muhammad said suddenly, breaking the silence.

A'isha chuckled. "Oh yes, I remember, we were stuck in traffic on our way back to my hotel."

"You told me you were Barbie, when you said your favorite color was pink." he said, a smile playing on his lips.

"I am Barbie," she reaffirmed.

"You asked some really tough questions,"like  'What's your happiest memory?'"

"Well, it was a way to pass the time," she replied, smiling at the memory. "And I got to know you better."

"Let's play again." He suggested and she nodded willingly.

"Okay What is your favorite part of being married?" She asked.

"Eating good food everyday," He said and they laughed. "What about you?"

"Not spending any of my own money."

"Fair enough. What do you desire the most at this point of your life?"

"Peace, happiness and to go for Hajj. I've only gone for umrah."

"We'll go in shaa Allah." Muhammad stopped by a bench under a large tree and gestured for A'isha to sit. He joined her, taking a deep breath of the fresh air.

She looked up at him and smiled gratefully. "Your turn," he said.

They continued to play for about twenty more minutes getting to know more things about each other. Their hearts felt lighter and the cloud of awkwardness that usually hung above them began to dissipate. They sat there for a while longer, enjoying the quiet and the feeling of a small but significant step towards mending their relationship. As the sky darkened and the first stars appeared, they made their way back to their suite.

After taking a shower A'isha laid down in bed in the dimly lit room. Her stomach cramps began to make her uncomfortable again. She folded into a cat like position on the bed held a pillow to her stomach for some comfort. Muhammad walked out of the bathroom and turned to her as he had heard her heavy pants. "Are you okay?" He asked softly coming towards her.