fated hearts (Undergoing Editing)

chapter 15

The sun had barely risen when Ibrahim pulled up to Ameera's house, ready to pick Asiya for school. He stepped out of the car, trying to shake off the fatigue and the persistent fever that had plagued him since the night before. Despite his weakened state, he couldn't bear the thought of not seeing Asiya, especially with the news that her parents were returning tomorrow.

Asiya emerged from the house, a vision of elegance in her black abaya. The abaya, simple yet stunning, flowed gracefully around her, accentuating her delicate frame. Her headscarf was wrapped meticulously, framing her beautiful face. The sunlight caught the subtle shimmer of the fabric, making her look almost ethereal. Her eyes, usually filled with warmth and light, were shadowed with worry today.

Ibrahim, despite his feverish state, could see right through her facade. He walked towards her, his expression a mix of concern and determination. "Sia'm, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice hoarse but urgent. "Why do you look so worried?"

Asiya tried to muster a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Aşkım. Really, I am."

But Ibrahim wasn't convinced. Normally, he would have pulled her into a comforting hug, or traced her brows with his fingers in a tender gesture of love. Today, however, he kept his distance, his weak eyes scanning her face intently.

Asiya noticed the unusual behavior. "Aşkım, what is wrong?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "What's wrong, Ibrahim?"

His eyes looked so weak, she felt a pang of worry herself. Asiya stepped closer, determined to reach out to him. Ibrahim, however, stepped back, his breath shallow and labored. Her concern deepened. Standing on her tiptoes to reach his forehead, she placed her hand there, feeling the intense heat emanating from his skin.

"Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "Aşkım, bakada lafiya. You're burning up!"

Ibrahim closed his eyes briefly, the pain evident in his expression. "I couldn't stay at home," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I had to see you, Sia'm."

Tears rolled down Asiya's cheeks. She hated seeing him like this, so vulnerable and in pain. She reached up, cupping his face gently. "Aşkım, you need to rest. You can't push yourself like this. Kaje asibiti? Kasha magani?"

He shook his head weakly. "Eh, nasha. The doctor came in this morning. I just can't miss a day with you, Asiya. Not today."

"Ok, Aşkım," she said, as she hugged him. She could feel his heart beating really fast, his fever so intense that even his clothes felt like they had just been ironed.

"I'll take care of you, Aşkım," she vowed softly, her voice filled with resolve. "Let's go, but I'll drive."

"You don't have a driver's license, please," he said. "I can drive. You don't have to worry about me. Baki ma ida koya ba." (He had been teaching her how to drive for almost a month now since the day he took her to the drift circuit. She knows he drives amazingly and has heard how good he is at drifting. In fact, no one has ever beaten him in a competition. He thinks she isn't very good, but she drives better than Ya Mariya now and can do a few drift tricks. Although she knows it's dangerous, she enjoys it even more than horse riding, a hobby she also learned from him.)

"Shhh, give me the keys," Asiya insisted. He handed her the keys, and she got in, telling him to fasten his seatbelt. She smiled a bit and started driving.

She drove in a different direction. Ibrahim asked, "Are we not going to school?" Asiya answered, "Yes." Ibrahim noticed she was heading for his house.

"Sia'm, please muje school. I don't want to go back home. I need to spend the day with you. Muje, please. Karkice a'aah, please," he begged like a child trying to get things his way.