Serendipity

chapter 32

It was Friday, a day of immense significance for Muslims. Momina woke up early to go to work, last night events played in her mind. She didn't tell anyone not even Hye jin about it. Momina went downstairs, everyone was present on dining table she greeted them and started doing her breakfast silently which didn't sit well with Hashim "momina are okay my dear?" She gulped down the bite "yes Abba I'm okay" she smiled but he knew better "if you're not feeling well you can take a leave or ask jungkook to drop Han here" she shook her head "I'm fine Abba just couldn't get much sleep, but I'm fine" he nodded "Adam take my car and drop her on your way to office" the said guy nodded "Abba even allowed me to use his car for you, you're his favorite " momina smiled "am I not your favorite?" He patted her head "when did you learn how to play with words hmm?" He asked as he stood up "since I didn't have the one who understood without me saying it" Adam halted on his spot, she too stood up "well let's go now Allah hafiz" she turned toward the exit with him following behind. The drive was silent at the beginning until Adam asked "are you still mad at me? You haven't forgiven me have you?" She looked at him "I have forgiven you Adam, but those years can't be forgotten. I had no one to rely on, I started learning thing on my own and they were difficult for me too it was all new for me. I didn't want Abba to feel your absence and fall sick so I learned every skill that a man posses, I became the son for sake of Abba health for my family. I am still in a process of experiencing new things but I'm unable to ask for help because all those years I didn't ask anyone even though I needed someone really bad to be with me" her voice quivered at the end. She was feeling emotionally drained, everything was piling up inside her and she was frustrated from hiding them in "Adam I've never hated my life not even once but I don't know why I don't feel like living anymore. My peace is tarnished, my mind is a mess, I cry everyday like some kid what's all this? I wasn't like this I want my old self back. This me is Tiring, and exhausting I can't cope up with myself anymore" Adam looked ahead as the scenery passed by them, it got utter silence in the car only her sniffles could be heard. Momina throat was hurting, the lump was pricking it, she couldn't speak further. Within five minutes they were outside jungkook's house. That's when he turned his attention toward her, her grabbed her hand bring it to his lips "I want to listen to you my love, I want you to take it all out in front of me. I can't say that I'm worst brother because that word isn't enough to describe me but I'm willing to make things better now. I want to hear your problems I want to solve them, you won't suffer alone anymore your brother is here, I'll stand by your side, I will make you believe in how beautiful your existence is and how you bring life to us. We will continue our conversation at night like old times, on rooftop with a mug of hot chocolate" momina smiled her eyes filed with tears. Adam leaned forward and kissed her forehead "go see you later inshaAllah" she nodded "fi amanillah" with that she got out and made her way in. Jungkook was strolling in lounge it was 10 minutes over, she hasn't come yet his mind filled with all negative possibilities until the bell went off. He almost sprinted toward the door, momina looked at him trying to find any trace of annoyance or irritation. They stood there was he not going to let her in she thought "why are you late?" He asked "huh?" She thought she might have heard him wrong "you're late" "I'm sorry I didn't rea-" " don't apologize" she looked at him confused, jungkook moved aside to let her in. Momina made her way toward the stairs to go straight to Han "where are you going?" He called after "upstairs to han" she uttered in confusion. Jungkook stared at her for a moment "won't you make breakfast for me?" Was he alright momina pondered but doesn't comment as she turned toward the kitchen followed by him. She started getting ingredients out of refrigerator which was filled with all food she made yesterday packed in containers, jungkook sat there eyeing her every movement was she going to give him a cold shoulder? He was shaking his leg anxiously. Momina could see everything through corner of her eyes, his restlessness, his hesitation but didn't say anything. She prepared the breakfast quickly and placed it infront of him then went out of kitchen "shit shit shit " he grits angrily he couldn't man up and confront his mistake what a loser I am he thought to himself.
Adam was in elevator it was evening, he took his phone out and dialed momina's number, he waited until she picked it up just then jungkook too hopped in, he acknowledged his presence with nod of head. Adam heard a Salam from other side "walikum asalam baba" (in middle eastern country they call their daughter baba out of love) "I'm just leaving office, I'll pick you up ok don't go alone" jungkook ears perked up "ok see you" he hung up and looked at jungkook " you going home or have other plans?" "Home" he nodded "jungkook you're not the person that I met, what's going on. Do you not trust me enough to share what's bothering? I give best advice if you haven't seen already" jungkook looked at him "why did you ask me to not give the present I brought for miss momina" Adam cleared his throat looking away "you were the one who chose it then why did you say that at hospital" The elevator opens and Adam thanked God, they both walked out "Adam you're not leaving without answering me "jungkook I just said it like that no-" "No you did not say it without  meaning nothing, tell me" Adam licked his lips "because I didn't know it was momina who you're buying it for" jungkook frowned "what do you mean?" "Jungkook leave this topic yeah, I'm getting late I've to pick her -" "we are going to same place" "I've brought abba's car, and forget what I said" he patted his shoulder "Adam we will talk about this later" the said guy smiled "you'll eventually find out sooner or later by yourself" with that being said he walked to his car leaving a very confused jungkook behind. Adam reached his house a few minutes earlier, jungkook went in. Momina was in lounge ready to leave, as soon he walked in the lounge she stood up, she greeted him with professional smile not like her usual loud voice and goofy smile. She didn't even ask about his day "I'll take my leave now, adam is waiting for me" she informed "momina" he called  after her "yes?" "I'm sorry" she stared at him in surprise "I'm so sorry, please forgive me. I shouldn't have said that, I don't know what's happening with me. I swear I didn't want to hurt you, I never intended on making you cry. I'm so sorry momina I shouldn't have taken it out on you but I felt suffocated, it still doesn't justify my action and I take full responsibility of every word that came out of my mouth, I haven't lived a moment of peace after that moment. Your silence is driving me insane, yell at me scold me do whatever you want please but don't give me cold shoulder" momina stood petrified on her spot, her heart was going wild, why was he making it difficult for her. She was already breaking down and he was making it worse by saying things like that. She looked down afraid that might see what she was hiding in those orbs "momina, don't look away please I apologize for my behavior-" he wasn't done saying when the door bell went off, she almost jumped out of fret. Momina opened the door and saw Adam standing there, he peeked in "can I take my sister Mr boss?" Jungkook wanted to punch his face so badly "Hello han" he waved at the little boy who was throwing daggers at him, since that day he hated Adam. When he didn't respond to his greeting Adam grinned, he wrapped his arm around momina shoulder and kissed her head, and chuckled at how angry Han looked "dada adam bad" he complained to his father who couldn't agree less "bye bye han, adam is taking noona with him" Han was ready to wail "Adam stop it, don't tease han" she elbowed him gently "Let's have dinner together" jungkook said out of nowhere "thanks man, some other time inshaAllah" "Adam I'm not asking we're having dinner together" he raised his brow amusingly "will you cook?" He asked, jungkook looked at momina "I have made dinner for him" she uttered "jungkook how dare you make her cook, do you wanna die or something?" "I do it on my own will Adam, he never asked for it" she added immediate "Let's go please" she whispered just for him to hear "we'll leave after dinner" Adam announced and walked toward han picking him up, who thrashed in his hold "we can be friends man stop being like your father" jungkook rolled his eyes and joined him. Momina was left to sigh at the situation.
They returned home after dinner, momina had been quiet throughout the time. Adam asked her to perform her prayer then meet him at rooftop he too went to change up. After half an hour they were sitting face to face holding mug of hot chocolate. The pleasent breeze blew making the sight more peaceful and serene both were collecting their thoughts "Adam I have long forgiven you, if that's your concern. Maybe way before you cleared the air between us. I've no complaints or regrets from past, it was in our fate but things are fine now and I'm happy that I  can share this moment with you again" she smiled at him "but my past is full of regrets momina, and one of them is not being there for you. That you've to change into someone you didn't want to be" she looked down "Adam I'm so ashamed of myself, I think Allah must be disappointed in me that's why I feel the way I feel these days" "how can Allah be disappointed in you when you fulfill your duties and responsibilities toward your family, you take care of their rights, you are good to your neighbors, you are kind toward kids, you help those in need and above that you fulfill your obligations toward Allah as well. How can he be possibly disappointed in you, you're momina remember and he loves you more than we all can love you" her eyes were shining as the light from street lamp reflected in her tears "Adam I'm a sinner and the sin I've done is major. I'm trying to get rid of it but I can't, I find myself getting indulge in it more and more" he looked at her, his face was unreadable "what's bothering you baba" the warm tears fell down her face at the nickname. He knew when to become her friend, her brother or father "you'll hate me, you'll get angry I can't lose you again after having you back just few days ago" he scooted closer to her "if the whole world start hating on you, I'll still be on your side. There's nothing that you do, will make me love you any less don't ever think like that" she looked at him "Adam" she uttered looking into his eyes as more tears came out "I- I am i-in love with j-jungkook" she whispered and closed her eyes immediately. She couldn't see disgust and hate in his eyes directed toward her it will break her. She sobbed silently waiting for any reaction, any lecture on how disappointing she was, how she crossed her limit any insult or curse but it was silent for few moments until she felt him hold her face gently in his palms and place a kiss on her forehead, the action causing her to open her eyes. Adam wiped her tears and smiled "that stupid bipolar human? Hmm I wonder what specialty he has that made you not only love him but fall in love with him" she looked at him in disbelief "are you not disappointed in me?" Adam shook his head "No, I don't see any reason to feel that. Loving someone isn't disappointing, and he's not that bad just unbearable" her cheeks burned at his teasing tone "but he's non Muslim Adam, I shouldn't want something that's forbidden for me " He nodded understandingly "but there are chances Allah will guide his heart, maybe you two are fated. Just ask for Allah's help and guidance in every way. He will open the doors for you" she stared at him before wrapping her arms around his neck "thank you Adam for listening to me and understanding me" "thank you for still considering me worthy of your secrets".

It was weekend, jungkook woke up at his usual time. He took shower and did his breakfast, he noticed the time and realized han should be awake by now but he wasn't so he went up to him and leaned to place kiss on his forehead, as soon his lips touched his forehead he pulled back immediately. Jungkook frowned and touched his face with his hand which was burning. Jungkook shook him slightly "Han wake up" his heart skipped a beat, the said boy shifted a bit but continued to sleep "Han look at dada" he picked him up, his body was burning with fever "oh God han please " he grabbed the thermometer to check his temperature and was shocked at the result. Meanwhile in Hashim's house burak and his parents came, it wasn't a surprise visit for Hashim and fariyah because they knew their purpose of coming but for Adam he was oblivious. Both families had friendly term so they could visit eachother any time. They were sitting in the lounge talking about general things before coming to actual topic "where's our momina?" Fareeda inquired "oh she's in her room today's her off so she stays there mostly" she nodded and focused her attention on Hashim "Hashim bhai, you've been turning me down for so long and I've patiently waited all these years" she started, adam furrowed his brows where was this going? He thought "you know my burak, he practically grew up before your eyes. Alhamdulliah he has kept himself away from all immoral and haram stuff till this date" Adam glanced between his parents and the guests "fareeda aunty why are you bringing up burak good habits like am I missing something?" He looked at them confusion evident on his face "of course you missed out this very important part where I asked for momina's hand for my burak" his eyes widened "excuse me?" "I've been asking Hashim bhai for years now but he kept saying she's still studying but now that her education is complete I'm not hearing any no from you guys. I'll take our daughter this time" Adam looked at his father whose face was void "I think this is momina's decision-" "Adam go and bring her" fariyah glared at him but her voice was calm. He got up and went upstairs to her room where she just got free from changing zurain's dressing "momina" she was taken aback by his alarmed face "is everything okay?" She stood up "fareeda aunty is here" momina sighed "you scared me Adam, I thought something was wrong" "something is wrong momina, she's here for you" she frowned "what do you mean she's here for m-" soon realization hit her "a-adam" she uttered in horror "don't worry look at me, it is completely your decision no one can force anything on you ok. Come with me and tell them you don't want to marry burak" her heart was beating wildly, only one face was surfacing her mind "don't worry I'm here I won't let anyone force you into this" she nodded dumbly and let Adam take her to the lounge. When she got there, burak stood up it was an old habit of him and didn't sit until was was sitting down. Momina was looking at her hand that were fisted in her lap, fareeda kissed her head unaware of her inner turmoil "how are you my dear daughter?" She asked "I'm fine Alhamdulliah" she forced out, "I'm sure Adam told you why I'm here today" she didn't respond at all as if she didn't hear "my home is missing you alot momina, I want you to come and fill it with happiness" she held her hand together, mind blank as she sat between them. Burak noticed it he shouldn't have listened to his mother and informed her beforehand it must be difficult for her to process, and above that his mother's overwhelming expectations must be scaring her off "Hashim bhai now everyone is here please allow me to put ring on her" Adam head snapped toward his father, momina could feel her breathing get ragged "not now mom" burak intervened, she breathed a sigh of relief. Burak turned to Hashim "if you allow can I talk to momina privately?" Hashim nodded his head "momina take him with you and talk this out before taking next step" burak stood up and followed behind her "Let's sit in the stairs outside" he recommended. Once outside she stared ahead looking at kids playing "remember I told you about that girl, the one I loved" he continued "it was you" momina head snapped in his direction, he bit his lip nervously "it was you all along momina, I'm so sorry it must be shock for you and you might hate me but I don't regret loving you" she stared at him "i wanted to be genuine with you and I promise momina that I never thought ill of you, I don't know which exact moment did I fall for you but you took over my mind and heart completely. You've been an amazing friend and family how could one not fall for you" he gulped "you matter to me, so much that I wanted to make it halal. I want to make you my partner to explore the world with all of its hardships and moments of ease with you. I want to see you everyday as soon I open or close my eyes, so even if I die that day or night it will be your face I remember when my soul is taken away from me" her lips part in surprise "you might think it's a normal crush but I swear on the name of God, I can't live with a thought of you not being my future, I won't be able to live without you" he looked at her and smiled "but" he added "if you don't want to marry me, it's completely fine I won't force my feelings on you. It will take some time to digest that fact but eventually I'll learn to live with it. Your happiness is important not my feelings just remember that. I'll always stay your charming smiled burak and you'll forever be my best friend momina" he finished with his charming smile "Let's go in feel free to voice your heart, burak will always stand by your side" he stood up and waited for her to walk in first then followed her in.