Sabr : the gift for patience

chapter 6

Niyamat's Pov:

I sit across fatema on the couch as the silence grew thick with seriousness. 

"So you are afraid to give Zafar a chance for what happened 10 years ago?" Fatema asked placing a hand on my knees. I kept looking down not knowing what to answer. "Yam,  everything happens for our own good. Don't be stuck there still." I sighed getting up from the couch in search of some fresh air. 

I stood infront of the window as the soft wind coated with the sweet smell of the flowers and leaves coming from the garden across the street brushed my face. The street light's dim orangish light making the street visible a little in the late evening. The only source of light in the dark street. The sky looked darker  comparing to other nights. "I'm not stuck there fatema, I've come so far. Walked a long road, all alone. But I'm scared. Scared to do the same mistake again. My past taught me some valuable lessons, lessons which are still haunting me. Yet I'm trying, I really am trying my best. I'm willing to give him a chance but I'm afraid" i said,my eyes slightly watery.

I felt a hand on my shoulders pulling me into a side hug. "If the Almighty wants, let it be, try for once again. Give Zafar a chance. And if he turns out to be a jerk I'm here to break his face don't worry." Fatema said as we both broke into a soft laugh from the seriousness.

Past
10 years ago

Niyamat's Pov:

I was running in the corridor as I looked at my wrist watch. " NO NO NO just 5 mins" I was late for my classes once again. This was the 4th time this week. And if I'm late today I'm dead. My teacher will surely kill me. Shouldn't have read fictional novels till late night. 

I was running in a hurry when my ankle twisted and I fell on the concrete ground. The books that I was carrying scattered on the ground. My elbows were bruised and slightly bleeding. "Ouch," I squealed in pain as I touch my elbow. Just then I saw a hand picking up my books. I looked up as I heard a voice asking me with concern, " Hey, are you okay?"

I looked up meeting a pair of concerned eyes looking at me. Fluffy rough hair falling on his face from bending down. It was a guy looking at me with concerned eyes. I've seen this guy before in school but I never had the intention to talk to him. He was quite good looking too. But I couldn't care less at this moment.

I hurriedly stood up. " Y-Yes" I replied trying not to sound embarrassed. "Your elbow is injured," the guy said as he started looking for something in his bag." i-it's fine, no big deal"  I tried to reply but it was too embarrassing.

I was trying to fix my messed up situation when, "Here take this," the guy passed me a bandage from his bag. It had pumpkin prints on it. "Huh? No no it's fine it's not necessary." I said after processing the situation. "Put this on or it'll bleed more, take it." He said giving me a soft smile.

Having no other option I took the bandage and put it on my elbow. "Thank you" I replied, "I'm Abhi by the way, and yo- "Just then the bell rang. "Oh no, I'm late again." I realized and started running towards my class. I looked back one last time and saw the guy standing in the same position looking back at me. "Thank you Abhi, I'll give you a treat someday!" I said to the guy and started running again.

Present

Zafar's Pov:

I was sitting on my desk, working on my laptop when the door burst open showing an angry Arsh.

"YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN TELL YOUR BEST FRIEND HUH?!?", Arsh  screamed on top of his lungs as he closed the door with a thud. " I'm not getting married, I just met someone" I sighed and  replied knowing the drama coming next.

"Whatever that is! You didn't even tell me!! Who? When? Where? How? And why I don't know?" The wave of questions came right from Arsh as I expected. 

I sighed and stood up, " Can you please just calm down and talk slowly? My eardrums are hurting." I said walking towards the cabinets taking a file. I was too used to this guys' drama. "Okay so my best friend is getting married and I have no clue and you're telling me to calm down!?" 

I sat on my desk with the file as Arsh took the seat infront of me. "Arsh, firstly I haven't got married  and secondly it was arranged by our parents. I was going to tell you if u didn't burst into my office like a maniac," I said as Arsh calm down a bit.

"Who's she? How did you meet her?" Arsh asked this time with a curious yet much Lower voice than before. Instantly my mind went back to the cafe scenes. " Uh she is  babas' childhood friend's daughter. We met when she came over for dinner with her family." I looked up to meet a suspicious gaze of arsh.

"And when's the wedding? Am I even invited or not?" Arsh added with a dramatic eyes roll. "You're so dramatic," I replied him with a  smile entertained by his drama. " I haven't got my answer" He rolled his eyes again," We just met Arsh, and besides we decided to give some time to know about each other better, let's see, we haven't talked about the marriage yet," I said thinking about our little conversation.

Time Skip 

After contemplating for a while I dialed the number. My heartbeat sounded like one running a marathon. I was repeating the words that I was going to say in my mind and hoping not to mess anything up when, a voice came from the other side of the phone,

"Assalamu Alaikum"

" Walaikum Assalam," I replied almost choking on my words. The words were stuck on my throat.

Me and Niyamat, we exchanged our numbers that day with obviously our parents knowing. But I didn't had the courage to call her for the past week. Finally I was able to gather the courage.

"How are you? Everything's alright?" Niyamat asked, her voice curious.

"Yea, I'm doing good. How are you?"

"Alhamdulillah, I'm doing good too."

"Uhh do you have any plans tomorrow?" 

I finally asked the question which I practiced for the hundred time in the past 30 mins.

"No, not really."

" Uhm.. I was thinking of going to the new restaurant that opened near tomorrow, would you like to join?" 

Never in my 28 years of life I thought I'll be this nervous talking with someone. But here I am Zafar Hakim shuttering while talking to a girl I couldn't stop thinking about from the first day. I was sweating so much even sitting in an AC room waiting for her answer.

"Sure, why not? Let me know the time and address. I'll be there." Niyamat finally replied with a light giggle.

"Sure sure, then... see you tomorrow"

"Okay then, Bye"

The call was cut but I kept looking at the screen as the feeling of victory took over me. The excitement flow through my body like water.

"YESSS" I jumped from the bed like a little kid rushing towards the closet in search for the best outfit. Looking at the mirror as I try the outfits for tomorrow I couldn't help but smile. The thought of spending the day with niyamat kept bringing a smile on my face. 

Tomorrow is a special day. Or maybe the person I'll be spending the day with is special.