THE FAMILIAR STRANGER

Part 4

           

I didn't wait to hear him enter. Straight into my room I ran and shut the door behind. I didn't know what to do. Should I change? Should I fix my face and hair. Should I overthink his reaction after seeing me look like chewbacca? Should i fancy how good he looked. ASTAGHFIRULLAH. SHUT UP SHAITAAN. AND YOU, REEM, CALM IT.
I drank from my coffee a good three to four solid sips. Breathed in and breathed out another few minutes. I was about to go for another sip when mom knocked on the door to ask me to come out and meet their "guest". I narrowly escaped spilling my coffee and also burning my lips.
I quickly caught hold of the brush and set up my hair and threw on a hijab. With some cream I set my face. With some prayers I tried setting my soul too. And with a deep sigh I open my door to face an embarrassment beyond repair.
I could hear Dad's voice. He was talking about the new road diversions to our house. And his husky voice was soft and polite too, which might I add shamelessly,.
I walked into the living room and saw him sitting with his back towards me. Alhamdulillah. Mom was sitting beside Dad, who saw me and smiled, "Here she is." He turned around completely and looked straight in the eye. Ok, I hate him. I had to act normal though.
"Assalaamu Alaikum, Reem."
Why does he have to say my name everytime.
"Ahem, Wa Alaikum Ussalaam." My voice was playing hide and seek with me.
"Come and sit here." Dad said, patting the space next to him opposite Tanveer.
I went without further ado and sat. I looked at everything in the room, except him.
Tanveer began, "So, back to what I was saying, my Dad wanted to come with me too today and invite you all, but as it was, he is very busy with the arrangements, although we ask him to not be so worked up."
He produced a card and handed it to my Dad. It looked like an invite.
"This is the invitation card, an attempt to make all of this less rude and more hearty."
Dad smiled broadly. So did Mom. I was screaming. In my head. Why does this guy have such a smooth effect on my parents. This is unfair.
"So you are two brothers at home?" My Dad asked.
"No, I have a sister. She's much younger. 17 actually."
"So why is your younger brother getting married before you being the elder one?" Asked my mom. Oh my gawd. Why does she have to ask such questions. Mom is really embarassing sometimes.
"I know, my family too is pretty upset about not seeing me settled before the others. But after my Dad couldn't continue with working for the business when he fell ill, I had to look to it. My younger brother was too young to help me out. Being the lone one working was a lot of pressure. But I succumbed and became obsessed with it instead. Since then I never had time to think of anything else. So I explained to my family and Tahir, my brother (he said that looking at me, like he was explaining to me) that maybe they should move on with Tahir, because my future sister in law is an amazing woman MashaaAllah. She's perfect for our family. And delaying things wasn't wise. If Allah wills, I'll find my match sooner or later. It's important that my family finds happiness in me." He said that smiling. Again he looked at me, in the sly, because obviously he was afraid of ticking off my Dad for making shameless boss-level-haraam eye contacts with his daughter.
"Aameen beta. I'm sure you'll do. And may Allah swt reward you for supporting your family so bravely." My mom had to compliment.
"Aameen, indeed." My Dad agreed.
He smiled politely. Well he's not so bad. He has reasons for being such a bore. Hah-hah just kidding. He's not boring. He's awesome. What? No. He's not awesome. Ewww. What's wrong with you, Reem? Shut up, brain.
After about a longer tirade between my parents and him about how the function has been organised, Tanveer finally and pretty awkwardly tried to make conversation with me. Ahh, that's something really interesting. He was actually embarassed to talk to me in front of my parents. Damn, I could get used to seeing him this awkward. Serves him right.

"So, Reem? Uuh, I hope this is not too much for you. I mean I am only getting the privilege of asking you... uuh... I mean your family .. out for the ceremony because of you. Umm... sorry?"
I didn't have to reply.
Mom began, "Oh don't be ridiculous, she'll be absolutely delighted to come with us. Won't you sweetheart?"
No.
But I smiled.