Choosing The Right Path

36) 💪Man-Up💪

✴ A Z L A N ✴

"Imraan, look at me, didn't I tell you? Didn't I tell you not to give him the keys just yet! "

"I know, Nooria! I'm sorry!"

"You can tell him that when he wakes up, Imraan."

There was shuffling around me before I opened my eyes. I was greeted by beeping monitors and a worried mother.

"He's awake," Mom whispered to Dad on the far side of my room. "Azlan, my poor baby..." Mom sobbed and Dad, thankfully, gently moved her to the side.

"How are you son? I'm sorry that you have to go through this... It's all my fau-"

"Dad, don't say that. These things happen. I will be alright."

I groaned as I tried to shift myself. The monitors beeped like crazy around me. Mom was hysterical and Dad was clearly concerned. I felt like such a failure as a son. My parents' worries would never end as long as I was in their lives. Although they should have been feeling sorry for me, I felt sorry for them. It would have been better if I'd just die-

Just then, Aamirah burst into the room. Her face was streaked with tears and frown lines covered her forehead. She rushed to my bedside and took my hand.

"Azlan, are you alright?"

Dad was confused and Mom was furious.

"I'm fine," I managed to croak. "How are you?"

Before Aamirah could even think of replying, Mom stepped in between us.

"You have a lot of explaining to do, young man. I don't know who this friend of yours is but this is family time. Only two people are allowed in here at a time."

Aamirah nodded sadly and if I had enough energy, I would have defended her. Mom was not fond of me being friends with girls and I was trying to repair my relationship with my parents, as it was. I didn't need to create a rift between myself and them again. I would explain to my parents who Aamirah was, in due time, but for the moment, I need to rest and recover. Surely Aamirah would understand that?

"Azlan-"

And then the door burst open again.

"Mister and Mrs. Jabbar, I am Aamirah Omar. This is my uncle, Ismail. You must have met before. He is here to donate blood."

Mom looked stunned. Ismail and Dad moved away to talk. This was my chance.

"Mom, this is Aamirah. I stayed at her house for the past six months or so, till I moved in with Zak last month. It's a long story but Aamirah's been a really good friend. She has always been there for me when I need her and so if you don't mind, I would like to talk to her for a while..." The silence that followed left the air thick with tension.

"Very well, then. Your father and I need to donate blood for you, anyway."

Once Mom left the room with Dad and Ismail, I spoke to Aamirah.

"Are you okay?" I asked her.

"Azlan, are you crazy? Of course I'm okay... How are you, though?"

"I'm alright."

I tried to move and a sharp pain shot through my back and down my left arm. I must have made a horrible noise because right then, Aamirah rushed to my side and steadied me.

"I can get a nurse if you want?" Aamirah asked concernedly.

"No, it's ok, really..."

I didn't want to have much of a conversation, not right then. I was exhausted and I knew that I had a lot of explaining to do to both my parents and Aamirah and even Rubina.

I just hoped that I would be discharged from this stupid hospital soon.

👯A A M I R A H👯

Aunt Husna and Uncle Ismail were talking about Azlan in the kitchen when I got home. I heard a bit of their conversation while standing on the front porch.

It was awkward; walking past them and seeing out of thr corner of my eye, they were looking at me, concern evident on their faces. I stopped in my tracks and turned around.

I sighed, "Aunty, Uncle, I'm fine. Stop looking so worried."

Aunt Husna stepped forward. "Honey, we know that Azlan is your friend and that you must be worried about him but really, please don't be. He will be fine. Just pray for him, okay?"

I nodded and hugged Aunty Husna. To have to leave Azlan when he was in agonising pain was killing me on the inside but I didn't have a choice.

Not to mention the fact that his mother didn't like me at all. Azlan and I were just friends and I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that she wanted to keep me away from him. And truth be told; if anything, Azlan was technically the bad boy. I should have been the one staying away from him.

》》》

"Salaams," It was Raeesa.

"Salaams."

"How are you, Aamirah?" Raeesa sat beside me and squeezed me in a tight hug. Her presence made me feel better. Being alone and constantly worrying about Azlan was doing me no good. At least she could distract me from my destructive thoughts.

"If I said that I was okay, honestly, I would be lying."

It was supposed to be Ramadan and I was supposed to spend my time on productive things, not moping around in my room. I mentally cursed myself for being so stupid. Azlan was the one in pain, the one going through a difficult time. I needed to be strong for him and that was exactly what I was going to do.

"No, you know what, Raeesa? I'm just fine. We're going to make good use of our time this month. We're going to the old age home down the road tomorrow. Wanna come with?"

My best friend beamed.

"I'm always here for you, Aamirah. I'll be there. If you ever need to, talk to me."

"Thanks, Raeesa. I will."

I gave her hug and we left to join the rest of the Omar's for dinner.