𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓: 𝐀 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐫'𝐚𝐧

chapter 37

Sabeeha knocked on her brother Muhammad's bedroom door. He was busy with some work but called out, "Come in!" as she entered with a tray of dinner.

"My hardworking Muhammad, you should rest for a few minutes," she said, closing the door and placing the tray on the mini center table. She sat down on the couch while he remained at his work table. Turning his head towards her, his perfectly shaped not-so-long beard and mustache, which were pure black, contrasted nicely with his fair skin. His long black hair brushed the back of his neck

"I was just checking an email, Appi!" he said, getting up, closing his laptop, and joining her on the couch. "What email?" she asked.

"Just an offer for a football match," he replied as he took a plate and poured curry onto it. Sabeeha smiled. "Oh, that's good! So are you participating?" she asked with enthusiasm. He nodded, smiling back. "Yeah, I will. You know it's my hobby, and I can't let this chance go!"

He then poured curry onto another plate for Sabeeha. "Masha Allah, may Allah bless you with victory. And actually, I wanted to go to Pune. I've been living here for too long, and your health is fine, so..." She paused mid-sentence, and he looked at her. "Okay, I will go with you. Don't worry!" he said with an assuring smile, and she nodded in agreement.

"But what about your work?" she asked as he started chewing his food after reciting the dua "Don't worry; I can handle it!" he replied, and she smiled back, beginning to eat as well.

"By the way, Muhammad?" Sabeeha asked after a moment. He hummed in response. "When are you thinking of marriage?" she asked suddenly. He looked at her in astonishment while she calmly chewed her food, waiting for his answer. In the midst of his surprise, a piece of naan slipped from his hand onto the center table. He picked it up and ate it, still a bit in shock. Sabeeha smiled at his actions, knowing that her brother was a strict follower of the Prophet (pbuh) and always ate food that fell from his hands, although he usually tried to avoid letting it fall.

"Say something!" she insisted, breaking his thoughts. "U-umm, Appi, I'm not thinking about marriage right now... but if you have any girl in mind, let me know!" he answered politely. She smiled, intrigued. "Hmm, I actually have someone in mind. So, will you marry her?" Sabeeha asked, eager to see if he would entertain the idea or try to change the subject. Again, she noticed his shocked expression, and she bit her lip to suppress a smile. "Y-yeah? Who is she?" he stuttered, still chewing his food.

"She is my best friend and a beloved student. You know she has memorized the whole Qur'an, and she's really modest!" Sabeeha said excitedly. He showed a flicker of interest but then just nodded, still processing her words.

"What's her name?" he felt compelled to ask. Sabeeha chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment.

"But Muhammad, she is already married!" As those words left her mouth, he looked at her, taken aback by her teasing. She laughed at his reaction, and with a shake of his head, he returned to eating his food, knowing she was just pulling his leg!

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He was furiously driving the car, his mobile phone ringing incessantly, but he didn't care to pick it up. Only her words and the sting of that slap echoed in his mind; his ego was bruised. Suddenly hitting the brakes, he arrived at the mansion. Furious, he got out and slammed the car door with all his strength. Asjad watched him in fear; he had never seen Ashar this angry. Normally, Ashar was not one to lose his temper easily.

As he stormed inside the house, he noticed Kazi sitting in the lounge, Kinza on the next couch, and Zara pacing around the hall. Saleem's eyes landed on him.

"Ashar!" Saleem exclaimed, approaching him, while everyone else turned to look. Zara let out a breath of relief, glad that at least he hadn't backed down from his earlier words.