Wherever my heart is

•LIFE AND SOLITUDE•

The next morning, she awoke lazily from her slumber, stretching as she embraced the day. After completing her morning routine, she dressed in a vibrant red bubu, pairing it with a matching turban and a black veil draped over her shoulders. She slipped into her favorite black Hermes flats, her collection was impressive, as she owned them in nearly every color, a testament to her obsession with shoes. Especially Hermes Flats.

Before leaving, she picked up her phone from the vanity and spritzed on her YVES Saint Laurent Libre Le Parfum, one of her all-time favorite scents. Feeling confident and ready, she walked out, eager to attend today's therapy,hoping to meet Asad.

Mahreen arrived at her therapy session, but Asad was noticeably absent. A wave of disappointment washed over her, heavy and cold. She had hoped to see him again, to continue their heartfelt conversation and perhaps find more comfort in each other's experiences. As she sat in the waiting room, the ticking clock seemed to echo her unease, each second stretching into an eternity.

On her way home, the feeling of unease clung to her like a shadow. Grabbing her phone, she dialed his number, her heart racing as she waited for him to pick up. The sound of the ringing felt like an eternity, each tone amplifying her anxiety.

"Asad, why were you absent today?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the concern that laced her words.

"I'm okay, Mahreen,and I have lots of work in the office " he replied, his tone surprisingly cheerful, almost too cheerful. "After talking to you last night, I realized I don't need therapy anymore. I feel much better."

Mahreen frowned, a knot forming in her stomach. "Are you sure? It's important to have support," she urged, her worry spilling over. She wanted to shake him, to make him understand that healing was a journey, not a destination.

"I really appreciate your concern," he said, his voice warm yet distant. "But I think I'm ready to move on. You helped me see that. After all I'm a man , I don't need any therapy, I started attending just for Ummi."

As she hung up, Mahreen felt a tumult of emotions swirling within her a mix of relief and worry. She wanted Asad to be okay, to truly feel better, but she also understood that healing wasn't always linear. It could be a winding road filled with setbacks and uncertainties. She hoped he was genuinely okay and that their conversation had provided him with the strength he needed, but doubt lingered in the back of her mind, a reminder that she couldn't carry his burdens alone.

When she stepped into their home, her father was already there, and she greeted him with a chill in her voice.

She didn't know he was coming back today.
Their relationship had soured ever since he became fixated on arranging a marriage for her, all because of the fallout from her previous relationship.

He responded to her greeting with equal coolness, while Umma observed the tension between them with a frown. She felt a deep sadness over how their bond that had changed; she had even stopped advocating for the arranged marriage she once supported, recognizing the toll it was taking on her daughter.

The vibrant and lively Mahreen had faded into a distant and withdrawn version of herself, and she felt trapped in her silence.

"Have you met someone, or should I get started on the arrangements?" Abba inquired, his tone matter-of-fact.

"No, not yet," she murmured, her spirit dampened.

"Okayy,I've given you 20 days to bring forth a suitor."

Abba set a firm deadline of 20 days, declaring that if she didn't present a suitable partner by then, he would choose one for her. He reminded her of his previous warnings about the charming man she had dated, who turned out to be nothing but a heartbreaker and tried to force himself on her at last.

"So, you're even going to therapy for what? You really put yourself in this predicament," Abba remarked, disappointment evident in his voice. "Hajiya Fatima, please pray for your daughter. It seems she's lost her way, and you need to motivate her to find a man within 20 days."

Mahreen dashed upstairs to her room, overwhelmed by emotion, and let silent tears flow. She remembered her conversation with Asad, where he had reminded her, "Allah has promised us ease twice." Quickly, she made her way to her en-suite bathroom, splashed water on her face, and performed ablution to cleanse her spirit.

After that, she prayed two rak'ahs, lingering in her last sujood, pouring out her worries and fears to Allah.

Umma peeked in and noticed her praying but quietly closed the door and left her to her moment of solace.

As Mahreen finished her prayers, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders, allowing her to set aside her anxieties and concentrate on her ongoing project. She had already completed the design, and now it was time for the next step, shopping for the necessary items, which she knew would be the most challenging part. She had ordered some supplies online but planned to visit the market tomorrow to wrap up her shopping.

This is short,please manage. Writers block don pay me a visit. Abeg vote and share kunji 🥹

With all my love,
Sultana 🤍