That was never It!!

Chapter 44

Aliyah couldn't believe how worried everyone was. It warmed her heart to see all of the girls from the Dawaah group waiting patiently for her. They all hugged in turns and finally a group hug. Isabelle and Rukhayah stood back and watched as the rest hugged.

"Come on, join us." Jade called them and they both shrugged their shoulders.

Aliyah had a headache. She took a shower and prayed. She thanked Allah for her friends. She didn't have any close families in the US but had amazing friends. They were all so nice to her, she couldn't thank them enough.

After having some snacks, all the girls sat on the furry carpet and started talking about random things. They were mostly teasing Jade because she talked to Hanif.

"Would you guys just cut it out." Jade said. She had already turned a deep shade of red but they were still teasing her. "I meant that they should all take care, all of them." She added defensively.

"Yeah right." Amina was the one doing most of the teasing. "If I remember well you didn't say 'hey guys, take care.'  You said 'hey Hanif, take care' and we all saw how speechless you were after that. You couldn't even tell him your name."

Jade was so angry, she jumped on Amina. They tackled for a while and then they started laughing so hard Berenice heard them from Hanif's apartment.

"First of all I don't talk like that." Jade said.

"Yea you do." All the girls chorused.

"Arghhhh! Whatever." She rolled her eyes. "I still think your impression of me was a total zero."

"Hey guys," Berenice walked in and joined them. "Heard you guys were having fun so I came to crush."

"You are always welcome Bernie." Aliyah said and Berenice smiled.

"You are the second person who calls me that. Only Henry calls me that." She said with her cute smile.

"Henry?" Amina asked.

"Hanif, that used to be Hanif's name before he became a Muslim. Try and keep up, dummy." Jade said and everyone laughed.

"Ooouhhhhhhhhh!" Amina said. "I see Ms-I-got-all-the-info-in-the-world. Or is it you have all the info on Hanif or is it Henry."

Amina broke in an annoying laughter. Jade pinched her and she yelled.

"If it's up to these two, they will argue the whole day." Iman said and everyone laughed.

They were all having fun but Aliyah's mind was elsewhere.

"Bernie," she whispered to her. "The guys are not back yet?" 

She was worried. They could have been arrested.

"Not yet but Hanif texted me. He said they were on their way." She said and immediately the door was knocked. "That must be them."

Berenice ran and opened the door. They looked like they walked all the way. They were sweaty and looked tired. She hugged her brother and like always he lifted her off the ground.

"Put me down, Hanif." She said as she struggled. Haytham smiled at the scene before him and Aliyah stole a glimpse of his smile. He was older and wiser. Not the Haytham she fell for years ago.

He looked at her and immediately lowered his gaze. He wasn't sure how to behave around her anymore. He was scared of his own thoughts.

"Goodnight." He said to no one in particular and left. Aliyah felt tears stinging her eyes. She wanted to run after him and ask him to stay. Didn't he miss her as much as she missed him. Then she remembered he was a married man. Ariana was probably worried sick about him. She had no right over him, none at all.

Hanif offered to drive all the girls to their respective homes and they all got comfortable in the minivan. They left the passenger seat for Jade, who felt so suffocated sitting next to him. She could barely breath or concentrate on anything.

Hanif was driving unaware of Jade's undying love for him. All he could think of is how he was going to lose Aliyah to Haytham. He felt so sad about it but he knew he had to do the right thing. Haytham is an amazing guy and he deserved Aliyah but he loved her so much, he was afraid he would die if he loses her.

At the same time Haytham booked a ticket to London. He wanted to disappear and give Hanif and Aliyah a chance. Jamal tried to talk him out of it but he didn't listen. He convinced himself that Aliyah would be happy with Hanif. He just needed to say goodbye to her and all would be well.

Most love triangles were filled with lies and deceptions, selfishness and egocentrism but their love triangle was different. Both Hanif and Haytham were more than willing to give up their love to see the other happy. Hanif was certain Haytham was better for Aliyah and Haytham was ready to leave so that Aliyah and Hanif could start a life together.

On the other hand, Aliyah cried herself to sleep. She knew she had lost Haytham for good years ago but it hurt her more than it did when they said goodbye. When they both agreed that 'This is it." They thought that was really it but they had no idea Allah had other plans for them. One that required patience form both of them.

"Sabr. That's all I need." The three of them whispered that night before falling asleep as they wiped the tears away.

As-salaam Alaykum😁😁
Thanks for reading this. You are an amazing person and I am glad you are reading this.

Vote

Comment

Criticise if you want to, all is welcome. 
Thanks so much💖💝🌸💫