After the truth

~21~

Zayn was busy typing away on his laptop in response to an email. There was a lot of loose ends his father had left and at one point did he think the business should simply go bankrupt and everything deserved to end. The only thing motivating him to right his father's wrong was his aunt Ramlah and his grandparents who had worked so hard to get it to its height before his father ruined it. Zayn stopped typing to think. When did his father start to change? Was he ever this way?

He let out the heaviness he felt in his heart through a sigh. He had asked a detective to gather every single information he could regarding his father and in a way he felt anxious. Somewhere in his heart, he trusted that his father wasn't so cursed to such damnation but he wasn't so sure he understood his father any longer. The man gambled, partied with the socialites from around the world, and recently, his womanizing ways came into view.

The private detective had asked for a week even though reviews claimed he was so good that within a day he could gather so much about a person. Zayn had five more days to uncover the truth about who his father was. Until then, he would focus on what he had going on.

Something else that robbed him of his utmost concentration was Belinda. Zayn let out a loud sigh as his fingers hovered over the keyboards. The lady was painfully quiet and seemed weak that it irked him. Despite this, some part of him feels the need to protect her. She doesn't need protection. She's not some damsel in distress! The Adhan from his phone was like some key releasing him from a spell.

Zayn closed down his newly acquired laptop and made his way to his bedroom to perform ablution. He grabbed his car keys and decided then and there to pray at the masjid. The drive to the masjid took close to 30 minutes and he wasn't pleased. He prayed his Dhur prayer with some of the other men that had just arrived then made dhikr before reciting a bit of the Quran.

His stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn't had breakfast. After saying a few salams in greeting, Zayn exited the masjid. He pulled out his phone and began searching for nearby restaurants with tasty meals. An African restaurant caught his fancy and he decided to check it out. He was about getting into his car when his name got called.

"Mr Zayn."

He would have missed the low pitched voice that was straining to get his attention if he didn't have an idea who it could be. Zayn turned slowly to see Belinda in a black abaya and pink khimar pulled back in the ears to show off her gold hoops. Her black and white furry, teddy bear bag along with the high rise fuzzy Crocs she had on made her look adorable. Zayn realized he was staring so hard so he looked away.

"Good day." The lady gasped for air as soon as she stopped in front of him. She was so small, he wanted to wrap her in his arms. Inna lillahi Zayn. Stop it please!

"Hi. Would you like to join me for brunch?" Zayn spluttered. Her confused face made him want to enter into a hole and never come out.

"I haven't had breakfast and it's lunch time. Brunch?" He explained.

"I'll join you. Thank you." Belinda smiled.

Zayn hurried over to open the door for her and he didn't miss the way she awkwardly smiled at him. It was something he was used to with the sisters he had. He got into the driver seat and informed her of his plans to eat at an African restaurant. She agreed.

"You look good in your abaya." Zayn complimented her. He wasn't sure if he was allowed to do that.

"Thank you." Belinda smiled, looking out the window.

"I had no idea you were Muslim."

"Because of my name?" She asked, a teasing smile on her face.

"That was stupid of me. I know." Zayn chuckled.

"It's alright. Everyone else thinks so." She sighed, staring ahead. "I'm Muslim. I stopped wearing the hijab a year after I got to Missouri. I never knew people's hate could run so deep over a piece of clothing."

Zayn's hands tightened over the steering wheel. It meant she was bullied for her hijab. It baffled him how they preach freedom but be the first to shackle someone over something they do not understand.

"So I use the hijab on Fridays and on days when I have no lectures. It's so peaceful being in the masjid."

Zayn spared her a glance and a calm of peace washed over him. She was smiling so bright you'd think she was in some fantasy world and not this cruel reality.

"Alhamdulillah. That's still alright. May Allah protect you from evil and make being modest a lot more easier."

She whispered an ameen and the silence after was one of comfort and reflection.

**********
They got a comfortable spot right at the back of the restaurant and was currently going through the menu. Each menu was grouped according to areas in Africa. The meals available were ones from West Africa and East Africa. They had days when they served food from other regions and certain delicacies were always available based on demand.

Zayn ordered the starch and banga soup wanting to try something else other than the jollof rice they usually argued over which was best. Belinda on the other hand went for something called fah-fah to be eaten along with canjeero.

The pair discussed for a bit while they waited for their orders. Zayn learnt a little about Belinda's life before moving to Missouri. She was also studying mathematical engineering which she claimed she enjoyed but was absolutely stressed about. Zayn spoke of his life in Dubai and the differences between both places. He also told her about his twin brother and older sister, leaving out her illness.

The lady that took their order, gently placed a wide tray with their meals and took off. Zayn stared blankly at the food before him, wondering how he'd eat it. Was there a special way to eat what he had ordered?

"I think you have to wash your hands in the bowl with water, take a bit of whatever that is and dip it into the stew? Soup?" Belinda chuckled, picking up her spoon.

"I know?" It came out as a question eliciting a full blown laughter from Belinda.

"This is so delicious. You need to try it. Try it." Belinda shoved a spoon filled with soup and meat towards Zayn. She watched him blink repeatedly before taking the food from her.

"Let's try it with the canjeero." Belinda broke it into the fah-fah and moved it towards him again. Zayn started to hiccup. "Are you alright? Take some water."

For a weird reason, Zayn wanted to cry. This was all too much for his heart to take. He gently collected the glass of water from Belinda, refusing her to give him the water directly. He noticed her frown a little and it seemed she didn't even realize she was frowning.

"I'm alright now. Thank you."

They returned to silently eating their food. Soon Zayn got the hang of properly eating the starch and banga soup and he loved it. The soup was rich with proteins and tasted so delicious.

The owner of the restaurant offered them a snack called puff-puff dusted in a bit of sugar and after trying it they called it a day. It was almost time for Asr so Zayn drove them back to the masjid. As soon as they alighted, the call to Adhan was made.

"Thank you so much Mr Zayn." Belinda smiled looking up at him. "I had fun talking with you and the food was delicious."

"Thank you for accompanying me." Zayn responded making Belinda shake her head.

"Take care." She waved, leaving him behind.

Zayn watched her leave and it made his heart feel weird. He didn't want to part ways with her. He genuinely liked her and her company. He loved how she embodied her feminine side. He learnt today that she was a smart and confident lady. She didn't speak much but when she did, it was with eloquence. Zayn liked her. Zayn wanted her to be his wife.

He wiped his palm over his eyes and sighed. But does she like me? He decided to pray about it and speak to Marwa after.