Life Under the Hijab | ✔

{7} Goodbyes and Old Crushes

Zaynub Khalid

It had been two weeks since my car accident. I was still stuck at the hospital though. Bummer. Anyway, since I missed so much school, Zakir had been bringing me my work. Amir and Zakir have gotten pretty close. They both always stop by my room, and Zakir always told me about his weird days. So far I learned girls have a thing for him at work. 

Baba's condition was getting worse. I still remembered that dream. Oh Allah, please let Baba live or at least let me get to say goodbye to him. As much as I wanted Baba to live, I knew that he had to go. I had to let him go. 

I knew Allah will take care of him, but it hurts to see the person you love leave. I remembered his laugh and smiles. They would always make me smile and feel grateful to have a father like him. I remember him always telling me that Allah is always there for me and that I must never forget that. 

While I was deep in my thoughts I didn't hear Amir and Zakir walk in.

"Assalaamualaikum," they both greeted.

"Waalaikumasalaam," I said back.

"Guess what little sis? You're being released now," Amir smiled.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yup. They said all your bruises and scars should be fine. You were really lucky that you didn't die. You only broke three of your ribs and you got a lot of stitches. The doctor said you should be fine," Amir confirmed.

"Oh," was all I could have said at the moment.

I took my clothes and went to the bathroom to change. I also had to fix my hijab. I wore a purple sweater top and faded jeans. To top it off, I wore my purple floral hijab. This was the outfit Hajar had picked up for me. She said it made me look like a modern day princess. She called my outfit  "Royal Purple." It was a cute name. 

I walked out of the bathroom to see the boys laughing and Hajar fuming. She spotted me and a look of relief replaced her fuming face. Then, she ran up to me and hugged my waist. 

"Apu (sister)! Amir bhai (brother) called me a monkey and then he started making stupid  monkey sounds. Then Zakir bhai started laughing. Afterwards Amir bhai called me an angry kitten!" she cried.

I giggled. "Boys, you should know better," I scolded.

"Whatever," they replied.

I shook my head.

Right then a nurse came into my room. Her head was down. She looked oddly... depressed? I wonder why? Wait a minute. What if this has something to do with Baba? Oh no.

"Your father woke up, but he is very weak. He asked to see his family," she quietly said.

We all looked at each other and rushed into Baba's room. The sight in front of me made me want to cry. Baba looked so pale and almost lifeless. His eyes had lost all color from it. He looked depressed, yet happy. Besides him was Amu. She was holding his hand with her head down crying. Baba looked pained. 

Behind them was Noorah. She started sobbing quietly. Amir ran up to Noorah and hugged her. She cried into his chest. Baba noticed Hajar, Amir, and I. He motioned for us to come to him.

"My children. I am very proud of all of you. You all have grown up. I enjoyed every minute spending time with you and trying to please Allah. It's time for me to go home," he croaked out.

"W-What do you mean Baba?" Hajar said tearfully.

Baba let out a weak chuckle.

"It means that it is time that I go back to Allah," he gave small smile.