His Temporary Wife ( A Muslim Love Story )

Chapter 13 - Forgive and Forget

Nothing disturbs me as I slowly sit down on the sand and dig my feet under the moist mud. All I can hear is the sound of the waves as they crash against the shore, and seagulls, which I cannot see, squawk in the distance. The wind whispers in my ear as it plays with my hair as if it is telling me its deepest, darkest secrets. It is all so pure and cleansing, so much so that I feel intrusive when I scratch my foot- the sound seems loud and resounding earning a snort from Asher.

"Whattt?" I glared.

"You're scratching yourself like a baby chimpanzee." He laughs.

I don't know what was more offending, the fact that he compared me with a baby chimpanzee or the fact that this beautiful scenery in front of us has no romantic effect on him.

We were currently sitting by the beach to witness the majestic sunset. As part of yesterday's deal, Asher volunteered to be my tour guide for today and we've been roaming around the city since morning. We visited several beautiful places here and after spending quality time roaming in the city together we traveled all the way to Changi beach to witness the sunset.

"Haha very funny .. I was just brushing the sand off my feet. Anyways it's almost sunset so please let me enjoy the beautiful view ." I reply rudely although I know he was just being funny but for some reason, I don't want him to be funny right now. I want him to be .. urgh what am I even thinking. That will never happen.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. The fishy smell is oddly comforting. Just as I was relaxing my muscles Asher places his hand upon mine and my muscles tense following with an increase in heartbeat. I gaze at him surprised and he simply smiles.

IS IT THAT EASY FOR HIM?

"I have something for you." Asher speaks.

"Really?" I asked surprised.

"Yeah .. " he smiles.

He places his hand in his pocket and reveals a small box.

OMG OMG OMG

Is that a ring??

He opens the lid to himself and I close my eyes. Is this the moment I secretly desire?

I suddenly feel tickles on my neck causing me to open my eyes instantly. Asher places something on my neck from behind and I gulp in surprise.

"How is it?"

"Hows what?" I ask.

"Your gift .. The pendant idiot." He states.

I look around my neck and discover a very beautiful locket. It's the most exquisite piece of jewelry I've ever worn.

"It's very beautiful ..." I reply honestly.

"You know what stone is this?" He asks.

"No .." I reply truthfully.

"It is blue topaz. The blue topaz is said to be THE FRIENDSHIP GEM, which means we're officially friends now !! And I value our friendship." He beams.

I don't know why but I feel a little disappointed and sad knowing the meaning of this gem. Why am I feeling like that? Shouldn't I be happy that we're one step ahead in this relationship, better friends than nothing? Maybe I thought of us more than friends.

What is wrong with meee??

"JazakAllah .. " The only word I was able to form as a reply.

"What did you just say?" He looked surprised.

"I said JazakAllah .. It means MAY ALLAH REWARD YOU WITH GOODNESS .. It's more like a thankyou." I smiled.

"I know what it means .. I'm just surprised that you used such a beautiful term .. " Asher confessed.