Greyscale Angel

Through his eyes

Amaan's Point of view...

Seeing Malaa'ika for the first time last night, I literally had to catch my breath. She was mind numbingly, heartbreakingly gorgeous! From her cream white complexion, to her full lashes and honey eyes. She was a vision in black, tall and elegant. What really stopped my heart was her modesty. She was so beautiful, but it was clear that she didn't know it. I remember having to will myself to say masha Allah (What a wonder of God) and lowering my gaze for the rest of the evening, for I was sure that her beauty would distract me.

"Amaan?" I heard my little brother call. "In my room, " I shouted back. He burst through the door and flung himself onto my newly made bed. "Bro are you ever going to tell us anything besides the fact that her eyes were made of honey?!" He snorted and rolled his eyes. I was sitting at my work desk. I located my football and tossed it at him, aiming for his face but hitting his arm. "Ouch!" Yaseen yelled out, before bursting into a fit of laughter. Gosh, this had been going on all day. Mum, dad and these annoying brothers of mine. I know they want to know, I just don't know what exactly to say. I just happened to mention her eye colour to Yaseen and I won't be hearing the end of it anytime soon. "Seriously man, can you just not?" His laughter eventually died down and he turned to face me, "Okay okay. Seriously though, did you guys get along or...?"

I turned to face my brother. He was someone I told everything to. I could be more honest with him than I was with myself. "Look Yaseen, she's stunning and a really grounded girl. It's just that... Well she's a little bit withdrawn. This personality is the only thing keeping me from committing straight away. She seemed a little cold, not very talkative and she clearly doesn't have the same family values that I do. She's had such a hard life though, from what mum has told us all, I couldn't imagine having to go through what she has and I don't blame her at all. But I've always dreamt of marrying a girl who will love my family like I do. I don't know if that girl is Malaa'ika. I need someone bubbly and light. She seems like she would never share her thoughts or views about anything... Plus man she insisted on paying half the bill! I mean I'm all for equal rights and stuff but it was a cup of coffee that I invited her for!" Yaseen just stared at me. I don't think he has ever been this silent. It took him a few seconds to respond. "Uhm, dude look I get what you are saying, but it also seemed like she has a good heart. I think you should give it some time so that you guys can understand each other. It's too soon to just make a decision. After that, if you both still feel this way, you can call it quits." He was right, I had to admit. "Dude when did you become so wise?" He snorted, "I was born wise man. By the way, if you tell anyone about the mushy stuff, I will deny it." I laughed, knowing fully that he would do exactly that. Yaseen has never been expressive, but I know he's an old soul. He got up and started to leave the room, I saw him smirk and as soon as he was out the door, he yelled, "Mum! Amaan is complaining because Malaa'ika wanted to pay the bill!" I was going to punch him! Not sure how I was going to get out of this one with my mother, she always needed details.

It had been quite a move to New York, one I couldn't have done without my family. My brother Luqmaan lived here with his family and I was going to stay with them while I was working here. My mum and Yaseen were visiting for the week and would go back home thereafter. It was going to be crazy difficult not seeing them every day, but Rayhaan and his shenanigans, kept me going. That kid saved me with Malaa'ika. I was a rambler and if he wasn't there, I know I would have said random things to break the silence. Work was so awesome! I never expected to find a job at Google. If it wasn't Google, I probably wouldn't have made the move at all. I was so excited to be programming in a meaningful way to the world. Okay half our day went in making and breaking each other's anti-hacking programmes, but still... That was practice for the real deal. Plus, I loved my new email address am21@mrgoogle.com. I've worked super hard to get here and I wanted to do the best that I can with the opportunity. At the same time, family comes first and if ever I had to chose between this dream job and my family, I would chose my family in a heartbeat. What if I marry Malaa'ika and that's not the way she feel? That's what's really rattling me. I guess I needed to listen to my brother and give it some time and of course, pray. Because prayer is everything.

"Amaan!!" I heard my mother call. Oh gosh this was going to be fun... "Yes mum I'm coming." I ran down the stairs to find my mum and sister-in- law sitting at the dining room table, staring at me. "Yes ladies? How can I help you?" I asked, careful not to trigger anything. "Sit down please dear. Please tell us more about this bill issue," my mum said. I sat down and laughed, " please don't listen to what Yaseen has to say, he has always been a little bit looney." My mum hit my hand. "Don't say that about your brother! Come on now, how did you like her?" I sighed, "Mum, I don't really know her that well. She's very sweet but it will take time to understand each other," I said, quoting my brother, " I'll keep you updated mummy dear!" I smiled. She smiled too. "Okay son, you better do that and hopefully when I visit again next month, I'd like to meet this sweet girl okay? I mean she gets my gentleman of a son to let her pay part of the bill. She sounds special." I laughed, that was actually true. "Can I meet her before that?" My sister-in-law, Laaiqa, chirped in. "Haha I'll see," I was still not sure if I'd see her again myself. I'm not even sure if she would want to see me.