Muslimah in love

18. A child again

I had forgotten how to sleep like a decent human. I was spread diagonally across the bed, my arms spread out, my top and pyjama pants had ridden up, exposing my stomach and leg and my foot rested on Zaids thigh, who was so close to the edge, I was sure that one movement would lead him toppling over the edge. Crap. I shot up, pulled my top down and quietly crept out of bed, trying not to wake up Zaid, who looked so peaceful. I couldn't help but give him a quick, soft kiss. Thank God, he was asleep. After washing up, I prayed fajr. I had put the alarm on at 7.15am so that Zaid would wake up to pray. I didn't want to wake him up. It might be awkward because that how I know I’d feel. Downstairs, I looked around to see Mum dashing around, going crazy cooking.

'Mum. What’s going on?' I asked confused.

'Ahh, you're awake. Breakfast is almost ready!'

'Ok, shall i help then? What shall I do?'

'Nothing. Eat your breakfast.' Mum ushered me to the table which was already packed with all sorts of delicious looking food, from pancakes to Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

'Mum, your not feeding the whole town are you?' I asked sarcastically, pouring a glass of tropical juice.

'No, it's just I wanted to spoil all you lot. Its not always that the house feels full.' Mum said solemnly, That's why have lots offspring so you..'

'Mum please.' What was it with her talking about 'grandkiddies' or 'offsprings' all the time.

'Ok, But I'm hoping to have some grandchildren soon Inshallah. Now go, sit and eat.'

'Mum I am not a guest. Let's wait for the boys to wake up and we'll eat it together, as a family. Now what shall I do?'

After a while, they seemed to appear one by one, probably hypnotized by the mouth-watering smell of breakfast. Not one of them complained, but sat happily munching away, Zaid included. He looked right at home, comfortable as if all his shyness and barrier disappeared.

'Ahh, that was brilliant, Mum,' I coughed indicating that I too helped, 'and beloved sister.' Yusuf said slumping on the chair. 'Hey, Zaid, Dad. Do you want to play Xbox? I haven't had a game in ages.'

'Sure.'

'Excuse me, what about me?' I asked offended. Yusuf and I used to play all the time. Back then, it had been the play station.

'Boys only.' Yusuf said firmly.

'Huh? Talk about sexism. Hmm you're only saying that because I always win isn't it?' I scoffed.

'Not true.' Clearly our sibling rivalry still remained.

'No.'

'Yes. it’s rather obvious, otherwise why would say 'boys only'?

'Because you are terrible at it and are going to moan about it.'

'Huh? Me? How could you say that? Fine,' I signed. 'Just because I used to win all the time, I won't humiliate you.' I folded my arms and smiled sweetly.

'You won't be able to Zara, you suck anyway.' 

'No I don't! You do!' I exclaimed. 

'Me? No you?'

'Zara and Yusuf stop! Go and settle it with a game or something. Grow up!' Dad grunted, finalising the argument. I pursed my lips together. At 24 years old, I was still being told of by my father.

I jumped up from the place and eyed Yusuf who too had jumped up. 'I'm picking the game!' I declared and ran to the game room before he could. It felt great to be free from all the worries and just play games and become young again, a sister, a daughter and a child- Responsibility free!