FOREVER WITH YOU

Chapter 20: His Gaze Lingered On Her Small, Pink Lips

A daily update because of all the love I've been getting from y'all 😩💗

••••••

Mommy glared fiercely at her and hissed, her breath barely audible. She glanced at Tasleem "Hmm.. just a little pain and you're admitted to the hospital? What a waste of money."

"After all, you're not the one paying the bills," Ammie said.

Mommy shot back, "please mind your business, did I mention Hafsat here? She hissed. "Your presence alone makes me ill." She left the room and closed the door with a bang.

No one responded to her words.

After a brief talk, Ammie and Ummi bid farewell and left.

••••••

Rayyan stopped by the hospital the following morning. He sat on the single sofa beside Mamie and said, "Good morning, Mamie."

He wore a dark gray suit, perfectly accentuating his build. A silver watch on his wrist added a touch of luxury and refinement.

"How are-" Mamie started but before she could finish, her phone rang. She excused herself, saying, "sorry, dear," and headed outside.

He leaned forward, his elbows rested on his thighs. His hands clasped together.

His eyes settled on Tasleem, serenely in slumber on the hospital bed. Her raven-black hair scattered on the pillow, framing her delicate face. His gaze lingered on her small, pink lips, softly pursed in a gentle pout.

Tasleem's tiny figure, swaddled snugly in the blankets, made her look like a cuddly, adorable toy.

Mamie walked back into the room after finishing her call. Rayyan rose from his seat. "I'll leave for the office. Mamie, you should go home and rest."

Mamie nodded. "We'll go home together once she's discharged. Don't be late for work. May Allah bless you."

"Amin," Rayyan replied. He stood up and headed out.

After he left, Mamie gently woke Tasleem from her sleep. Tasleem yawned, and greeted her.

Mamie answered and served her a nourishing meal. As Tasleem ate peacefully, the door swung open, and Zainab walked in, carrying a beautiful wicker basket filled with fruits and a boutique of flowers.

"Assalamu alaikum, Good morning, Mamie," Zainab said, setting the basket down on the bedside table.

"Wa alaikum salam, my dear, How are you?" Mamie asked warmly. "How is your mother?"

Zainab smiled, touched by Mamie's concern. "She's doing well, thank you for asking. I bought some gifts for Tasleem."

Mamie smiled, "That's so nice of you, Do greet your mother for me."

"Insha Allah. Mamie"

Tasleem looked up, her eyes sparkling with delight."Zee zee" she called.

Zainab winked and sat beside her, asking, "How are you feeling, Tasleem?"

Tasleem nodded smilingly. "Alhamdulillah, I just need to finish this," she pointed at the IV drip, "and be discharge."

Zainab leaned in, whispering in Tasleem's ear, "Ya Hamza sent these gifts. He's thinking of you and praying for your speedy recovery." She giggled. "He's so romantic, right?"

Tasleem automatically ignored the last sentence. She was relishing the first sentence attentively. "Ohh! thank him for me." She said.

"You have his number." Zainab said.