Beautiful and Broken

CHAPTER THREE

Fareedahs' POV

I've been in my room for the past two days. Mummy would always come and check on me asking me what the problem was.

"Mamana, why are you looking so pale? Or are you sick?" She always asks.

"No Mummy, it's just the stress from the exams, there's nothing to worry about."
I lied.

"You've been in your room since you came back from school. I always meet you at the same spot where I left you anytime I leave for work. Are you sure you're alright?"

"It's nothing Mummy, I'm just tired." I said looking away.

"You better come down and eat something, because you've become so thin, dama yaya? Or else I'll tell Al-Amin or Ahmed." She threatened.

This woman is so good at doing this. She knows how I can be scared of those two and if they hear about me not eating, I'll be dead.

"No! No!" I protested.
" I'm coming down right away, I promise."

"You better do." And with that, she left my room.

I haven't told anyone at home the news about Sageer's engagement to his cousin. One thing I know for sure is, I have to tell Baba before he starts asking me about Sageer again. I've made up my mind to tell him today, I just hope I'll find the courage and strength do so.

I freshened up and wore an ash sweat pant and a pink hoodie.
"Why is there cold in Lagos today?" I asked my self while packing my hair into a pony tail. Sometimes I wished my hair was all natural and full like that of Heer and Khadee, so I can do that afro thingy. But my hair is all silky.
"So much for being my mother's daughter." I smiled.

I went down and ate lunch quietly before leaving for Baba's room. I met him sitting down on his prayer mat. Seemed like he just concluded his Dhur prayers.

"Baba..." I called.

"Fareedah what happened?" He asked looking concerned.
"You look pale, are you alright?"
He Held my hands in his and pulled me to his mat.

Summoning all the courage I have in me, i cleared my throat.
"It's Sageer Baba."

"Uhmmhum, what about him?" He asked raising his brows.

"He is not coming to see you." I blurted out.

"Why? Something happened or is he travelling?" He asked.

"No! You see... It's just that... uhmm..."
I don't even know where to start from. Why am I even scared? Thinking about it even hurts me more, my tongue feels as if it was tied. I couldn't say anything. It's killing me to say this.
Ya Allah!
Letting out some air, I simply said,

"He is getting married Baba." I quietly said as tears rolled down from my eyes. It hurts so much.
"Sageer is getting married kuma?" He asked looking confused.

"Uhmm." Was all I was able to say.

He was quiet for about two minutes. He finally broke the silence.

Looking at me straight in the eye, he said "Fareedah, you know everything happens for a reason, right?"

I nodded in the affirmative.

"Then this also happened for a reason, Sageer is not your husband that's why Allah made it this way. If he is your husband then trust me no matter what, nothing will stop you two from getting married to each other. I urge you to not take this as if it's the end of your world. Trust me my love, it is not. Accept this as Qadr and move on. Allah has his reasons for getting Sageer married to someone else. Maybe this is the best thing for you, we'll never know. Remember what Allah (SWT) said in Surah Al-Imraan Verse 54,
"And the disbelievers planned, but Allah planned. And Allah is the best of planners."
Just have faith my baby, In Shā Allah you will find someone better."
He used his thumb to wipe away the tears from cheeks,
"Don't cry Fareedah, it'll be alright."
His words made me feel much better than when I came in.