A Twist of Fate (Dhoombros included) under MAJOR editing

Thundering Truth

 I try and calm my furiously beating heart, but fail miserably.

Ahem. Ahem.

This question is a new one. Well then.. Not many peo- no. No one had ever asked me this question whenever a Rishta came over. They were only worried about themselves. They laid out their terms, their rules, their desires. Never once asking me or my Ammi what we wanted. There was no freedom, no choice in most cases. I wanted someone who at least cared to ask for my opinion. So far, there were none and my hopes were drowning slowly. Were there no more men left that actually care?

Were there no more families left that accept both side's wishes? How many times would us girls have to compromise on everything?

I broke out of my sudden thoughts when I realized that Mr Ahmed was still waiting for my answer. I didn't know where to start. I had thought of this moment, but never dwelled too much into my hopes on being asked this question. I never thought of forming a specific response, to say I was tongue-tied would be an understatement. The words that broke fluently out my mouth next though, surprised me to no end. "I-I don't have many requirements. I just want someone who will treat my family as his. I want someone who will bring me closer to Allah SWT, someone who will encourage me to do what I love. Someone who will accept me for who I am, knowing that I am not perfect, neither am I beautiful. I want to have someone who will support me through thick and thin, and will have full trust in me."

"I hate misunderstandings. They cause so many problems, so many disruptions. I.. They're sort of a fear that I have. I'm scared that one misunderstanding will break a thick bond. It's like that glass that can break even the thickest of ropes. I want someone who will let me sit down, explain myself and let me treat him the same way."

I was shocked of what came straight from my heart. Had I spoken too much? Had I- had I released too much of myself to this man? I barely knew him. Ya Allah.. I suddenly felt flushed.

I looked at Mr Ahmed from underneath my lashes and I saw his lips quirked into a small smile. He had his hands set on his lap and his posture was straight. He was looking down, a small smile playing at his lips. I bit my lip as my heart moved faster than ever. I was not athletic, but I could run a mile without having this fast of a heartbeat. He looked beaut- no. Astagfirullah, Aliyah don't you dare go there. Ugh.. Masha'Allah, his smile was breathtaking.

Yeah. As if saying Masha'Allah will make it any better than you complimenting his looks! Astagfirullah. Astagfirullah. Allah Mian, please don't take offence.

He still hadn't said anything and I was starting to get worried. What if I had said something wrong? Maybe he didn't agree with me on something? Ya Allah please don't make him judge me, please Allah. I begged to my Lord in my mind and shut my eyes tight, trying not to let my emotions get in the way. My throat was clogging up and my eyes threatened to water. What's wrong with you Aliyah? Why are you crying? You have never cried about a stranger before, then why start now?

Before I could make any assumptions, he spoke. "Wow. I don't know what to say, you are so.. so mesmerizing. Other girls usually put their needs first, but your needs are your family. It's unbelieving that there are such people like you in this world, who stick to their beliefs." I looked at him, slightly shocked by his admission. Color rushed to my face as I turned beetroot red from hairline and down. A light smile graced my lips as I played with my fingers and kept my eyes on my Kurta. My heart ran at the speed of a train as I found myself tongue-tied yet again.

"Thank you." I could feel his eyes on me and I moved my gaze on various places, still keeping my head down.

Suddenly Ahil came in and announced, "Dinner is ready!" And I got up as quickly as I could, walking into the kitchen, hearing a small chuckle from Mr Ahmed. My smile widened as I sat down on my seat and Ammi looked at me with a smile playing on her lips. I kept my eyes on the table like a shy bride while being grilled by everyone's curious gaze. Rehan was placed across from me and I could not help but stare at my plate the entire time, only picking at my food.

It was a quiet dinner, except for Ammi and Aunty's conversations. Uncle also joined a few times. Ahil looked at me with a smile when we met eye contact and I smiled back. He was a quiet guy, but he was not arrogant. He could be funny when he wanted to, we would get along very well I could tell. I looked at Rehan and found him looking right at me. He looked away with a small smile which had sent me to be even redder. He was a presence that had kept me beetroot red all night long and I was pretty sure that everyone else noticed also. A few times, I felt his gaze on me by the amount of warmth in my cheeks doubling every time I felt his eyes on me.

It was time for them to go and I felt a little sad. Ahil and I had found an instant connection through lame jokes and we had made friends in just a few hours. As for Rehan, I still couldn't get the blush to go away from my face, making it even more impossible for me to look at him.

"We hope to see you soon." Aunty whispered into my ears and I let out a small smile and turned to Uncle to bid him goodbye. He warmly hugged me and my heart tugged at their love. I finally turned to Rehan and murmured a small Allah Hafiz, looking into his eyes one last time. He smiled at me a little and I looked back down just as quick. Ahil noticed and let out a chuckle as I turned to him with a mock glare before saying bye to him.

"Beta, do Istikhara tonight." I nodded my head and headed upstairs after kissing her cheek good-night.

Alhamdulillah that went well.

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ASSALAM ALAIKUM!!! WOW THAT WENT REALLY WELL!! REWRITING THIS ENTIRE CHAPTER WAS A WALK DOWN THE MEMORY LANE!! Alhamdulillah!!

Edited.

-----------------Mannat