Binta

Chapter Twenty-one

"Oh how the righteous has fallen!" Abdul-kareem said when we were alone on our way home and I wonder what he was getting at but I tried to remain calm.

"Don't you ever touch me she says but...." He mimicked.

"Just please drop it kareem" I pleaded.

"Tell me what was that I saw with your boss?" he inquired but I kept silent

"He embraced you Binta and you liked it because you lingered"

"You preach to me and do it with him right" he stopped the car and looked at me

"Who is he to you Binta to be so comfortable to his touch and presence?"  I was boiling with rage and asking myself who is he to question me and why now when I'm in a dilemma but yet I gathered my cool.

"Kareem please drive I need to get back to the hospital in time" I pleaded softly and he started the car in anger and speed off that I thought we might crash, I said nothing to him and prayed silently to get home safely but one thing I knew for sure was that I won't let him drop me at the hospital I would rather walk.

When we got home I thanked him for the ride and told him not to wait for me I would find my way to the hospital and then he blurted out again.

"That is not your decision to make Binta I brought you home and must take you back to the hospital, your safety matters to me". he said and I almost laughed out of anger.

"You stand here talking about safety after the reckless driving you just did, if you are on a suicide mission then do it alone" I retorted.

"Is he coming over to pick you?"He asked calmly and I felt the adrenaline in me rise.

"Kareem get out of my sight please you disgust me" I walked away to the front door and he followed me.

"Binta I m sorry" he begged.

"Just go away Kareem please" I pushed the door open.

"I love you Binta," I hissed and entered the house and shut the door on him.

When I was inside my home, I exhaled in exasperation and leaned my back against the wall. I was angry with myself and everything around me. Tears fell down my cheeks as I prayed my pain to Allah (God).

I peeped through the window to see if Kareem had gone but to my disappointment he was still parked at the front of the house.

"What kind of breed is he for God's sake?" I went in and showered, changed into another cloth and picked all we might need at the hospital and Kareem was still there waiting for me to come out.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the house, and when he saw me he immediately hurried to help with my stuff and I felt sorry for him.

"I promise to drive with care" he said softly, I didn't say anything to him but entered his car and we drove off to the hospital.

On getting to the hospital I thanked him and told him to please go home and have some rest.

"I would see you tomorrow my Binta" I eyed him and walked away wondering what kind of mess I had gotten myself into.

***************

I was resting my head back against my chair when I heard my mom's voice. I thought I had imagined it until I saw her opened her eyes and tried to move. I didn't know when I screamed "ALHAMDULLILAH (Glory be to God)as fresh tears rolled down my cheek.

"Binta" her voice was weak but I could hear her.

"Mama na" my voice cracked

"I would get the doctor" with that I rush out to get the doctor,and they asked me to please excuse them so they could examine her, once they were done they assured me she was now stable and would get better soon. I was so happy and thanked the doctors.

"She has been saying she wants to pray" one of the doctor told me

"Maybe you should help her with that but she cannot get out of bed now" he added.

"Okay sir" I went in and helped my mom perform ablution so she can say her prayers while lying down. 

Sometime around midnight when my mother was quietly asleep I stood by the hospital window looking into the dark starless night. My mind for once was blank. All I'd done the whole day was think, so I was tired but couldn't sleep. I decided to call my best friend Maryam and she picked at the first dial.

"Best friend are you okay?" maryam asked immediately she picked.

"I just wish he was alive...I miss him" I sobbed and there was a long pause before she spoke.

"He is with you Binta, we all miss him" she said.

"How is mama?"

"We at the hospital, she had an heart attack" I said

"OMG! Binta I'm so sorry, I would be on my way now..." she cried.

"No please! It's late don't you have a clock there?

"I'm just confused, but first thing tomorrow morning I wouldbe with you" she assured me.

"Have you eaten?"

"Yes mummy" I teased.

"I don't believe you, what should I cook for you?" maryam asked.

"My favorite" I actually have no appetite for anything but I was not ready for a lecture so I opted for safe landing.

"Done then, please extend my love to mama".

"Sure!"

"Please Binta try and sleep, you don't want to be sick, we all need you." She admonished.

"Thank you Maryam".

"I love you pieces best friend" she affirmed.  

"I love you too, Goodnight" and I hung up. I knew it was wrong to call her with some bad news that late but we have always confided in each other, and I really needed comfort and she was the only one I could get it from genuinely.

My dear fam

 Tell me....

Is Binta being extremely edgy to both Men?

Do you see any possibility in the Binta and kareem saga?

What do you think is the way forward?

Should Binta tell her friend Maryam her emotional dilemma?