The Nearest Heaven ✔️

Part 4 -Tempers

Part 4 –Tempers

Narrated Ibn Umar (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, "All of you are guardians and are responsible for your words. The ruler is a guardian and the man is a guardian of his family; the lady is a guardian and is responsible for her husband's house and his off-spring; and so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards."

~Bukhari

"She is always like that," Aaban told Fadiyah in a soft, comforting voice. "Don't worry about her. That's why, even Faraaz doesn't like her. She is even mean to him." Aaban's tone was slightly cold when he spoke about Faraaz's sister.

Fadiyah smiled, she found it ridiculous that as a 21 year old an 8 year old was comforting her. "I'm okay, Aaban," she said with a light pat to his leg. "Her words might have been hurtful and unnecessary, but she didn't hurt me. She doesn't know me and she doesn't know why I was there." She may have not liked the fact that his sister insulted her, without knowing who she was, or even why she was there, but she did not take her words to heart.

"As long as you aren't hurt by her words," he shrugged casually.

She puzzled, but then thought over his mature words, and the manner in which he said it. "Aaban," she said carefully. "Did his sister tell you something?"

He nodded and looked down. "Jee, but I don't want to talk about it, please."

"Okay, cool," she said calmly, but inside she was boiling with anger. He was only eight, and yet the woman was malicious and rude to him as well? How rotten could a heart be to hurt a small child? Then, Fadiyah chastised herself; it was unIslamic to have thought of such thoughts. "I'm sorry she was mean to you."

"We're home," he said instead, letting her know that the conversation was out of bounds. "Jazakallah for coming to meet my friend today. You really didn't have to do that, and I appreciate it."

"It's a pleasure, big guy."

After Fadiyah served supper and cleared up, she and Zunairah were wiping down the counters and tidying up the kitchen while setting out the cups and sugar bowl for tea. There was an insistent knock on the door. Fadiyah looked at Zunairah, who merely shrugged at her. That made Fadiyah slightly more cautious, because if neither of them knew that their grandparents were expecting guests, who could it be?

"I'll get it," Fadiyah told Zunairah as she wiped her hands on a dish towel. Zunairah nodded. As soon as Fadiyah opened the door, she saw a huge bouquet of an assortment of flowers. Fadiyah was no expert, but there was not a single rose. Although, there were three different colours: blue, white and purple. Somehow, three colours she liked. "Hi," she said when the person didn't lower the bouquet. "Is there anything that I can help you with?"

"Yes," a male voice replied. "Delivery for Miss Fadiyah." The voice sounded familiar. The bouquet lowered, and Fadiyah stared at Jacob, who was grinning at her. "Hi."

"What –how? How did you know where I stay? Why did you bring me these?"

He shoved it into her hands. "It's an apology from Mister Faraaz. He sent me to apologise on behalf of his rude sister. He heard what she said to you, and he did not approve of it. And, he sends his deepest apologies and would like to formally apologise to you. Face to face, if you are able to stop by tomorrow?"

She blinked in surprise. "Why couldn't he come and apologise himself if he is so sorry?" she asked as she leaned against the wall.

Jacob looked awkwardly at her. "A very long story, one that is best told by him. But, please, do try to see if you can make it."