The Hooded Hijabi

Fairy Lights

I sit there looking at Mustafa awkwardly when he shrugs and says, "What? You're my friend."

I give out a weak laugh and say,"Oh yeah, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Of course!"

I steal a glance at Azan whose eyes are fixed on the white, marble floor he's standing on.

I look at Rachel, telepathically asking her to help me out. She blinks at me and speaks to Mustafa,"You, bruh, have saved my homie's life. Come here, I owe you a hug!"

She walks over to Mustafa who at first remains on his seat thinking that it was merely a joke but when Rachel gets near him with arms wide open, he creeps out and gets off the stool, unintentionally knocking off my medicine on the bedside table.

I laugh at Mustafa's bewildered expression and say to Rachel,"Leave the kid alone."

"Kid?", Mustafa asks as he raises his eyebrow, suddenly stopping his escape expedition.

I smile mischievously and reply,"Yes, kiddo?"

But then my eyes dart to Azan who does not seem to be having fun and is instead picking up my medicine from the floor to place it back on its original spot.

"Now that I know you're okay, I'll get going.", Mustafa says. "Call me if you need me.", he instructs Rachel.

"Is your chin okay?", I ask Mustafa.

He lightly rubs his chin and says,"Of course, I've handled worse."

I arch my eyebrows questioningly but Mustafa simply shakes his hand with Azan and leaves.

"What took you so long?", I ask Ma as she hangs up the phone and comes to join us.

"You'll know soon. Now stop asking unnecessary questions and get some rest.", she says as she tucks me in.

"You and Ali can go home and rest, Aunty. I'll stay with her", says Rachel.

Ma denies the offer at first but then gives in to Rachel's request. Azan says sala'am to me and everyone, taking Ma along with him. "I'll drop you home.", he says.

Ali and Rachel stay behind to look after me but I rarely feel their need the first day since I keep dozing off.

Everyone, including Fatima and Aunty Ayesha, would come visit me often in the hospital. Rachel and Ma were always around, making sure that I was provided with everything I needed. Since Ali had school and job he would stay over at night looking after me.

Mustafa only came once after his first visit and that was the day I was being discharged. "Where were you?", I ask.
"Why?", he enquires.

What's with his eyes? Why does he look so...hurt?

"Never mind, have some donuts?", I offer him my glazed donuts. He picks the one and finishes it off in a few bites.

Ma, Ali, Azan and his family come to take me home. Rachel promises to come see me in the evening since she had to go look after her dad in the afternoon.

Ma and Fatima help me sit on the couch in the living room. Meanwhile, everyone, except Azan, sits down around me looking at me anxiously.

"What?", I ask.

"Azan and his family have a little request, Amina.", Ma says as she holds my hand.

I look at her waiting for her to continue.

"Since you're better now we were wondering if we could conduct the nikah within this week.", says Aunty Mariyam.

I share a glance with my mother and Ali who seem to be happy with the decision.