Jannah. [SEQUEL TO DAWUD]

Chapter 4 - University Students

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Ramadan Mubarak everyone! If the time of prayer has been called and you haven't prayed before reading this, please do so.

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Jannah's P.O.V

I folded the prayer mat and watched Dawud crawl over the bookshelf. He pulled a copy of the Quran and opened it on the saved page of my bookmark. Raising an eyebrow, he smiled at me. 'Al-Isra?' He asked, voice raspy from his deep sleep moments ago. I looked over at the early morning sky, dark blue and full of stars, before nodding. 'Recite it for me, please.' He requested, patting the vacant space next to him. I rose to my feet and plopped myself down next to him. Snuggling into his side, I began to recite the chapter, being sure to perfect my pronunciation. By the time I finished, the sun was peeking through the city's skyline and my husband was snoring by my side. I grinned, admiring him. That same face that stole my breath away the first time I met him was now only inches away from me, inhaling and exhaling softly. His thick eyelashes slightly shadowed over his freckled cheeks. They matched his hair, curling and just making it to shoulder-length. I reached over to caress his temples, admiring his thick eyebrows. My fingers fell upon his lips, full and pink with color. He then smiled against my touch. I froze. 'Don't you think it's a little early to make a move on me?' He questioned, opening those emerald eyes. I set the Quran back on the shelf before swatting his arm.

'Way to ruin the moment.' I mumbled, turning away from him. My cheeks were burning out of embarrassment.

Dawud turned my face towards him with a pull of his finger. I closed my eyes as he kissed my cheek. 'What were you thinking about?' He asked.

I couldn't help but sigh. He knew me very well, and that comforted me. 'Well, today is the first day of school.' I confessed. 'It's technically my third year but because I changed my program I'll be taking second-year courses. I don't know..' I began to mumble to myself. 'I just feel like I took a step back. You're older than me, meaning that you'll graduate before me regardless. Insha'Allah, of course.' I added quickly after, making him smile. 'But everyone else is ahead of me now, too. And I know you'll tell me that I shouldn't care about that type of stuff, but I do, and it sucks.'

Dawud crossed his long legs inward and turned his body to face me completely. Grabbing my hands, he placed them in his lap. 'Jannah,' He scolded playfully. 'Don't forget why you switched your program in the first place.' He encouraged. 'To be exact, you told me that you want to get your Bachelors degree and get a job with an Islamic NGO so that every good deed that is done is put on your scale. You also mentioned that you wanted to be stable emotionally and financially. Lastly, you said that you want to study something you're passionate about. And this, Habibti, this is it.' Dawud leaned forward so our foreheads were pressed against one another. 'Be the strong, independent and intelligent woman I'm so desperately in love with.' He whispered. I watched in awe as he pulled away from me. The sunlight began to pour through the windows, igniting Dawud like a candle. He squinted against its fire, only after the piercing specks of jade and olive sent shivers down my spine. I looked down shyly, taking note of the adorable way his huge feet looked in my pink socks.

'Thank you, Dawdie. I needed that, you know.' I whispered. He grabbed my chin with his hand and raised it. I glanced up at him with surprise before being gifted with his lips against my own. Soft, sentimental and full of an unsaid need. He then pulled away and took hold of my hand. Spreading my fingers, he pressed my palm against his chest. I felt his heartbeat through the fabric of his hoodie. I shot him a confused glance, wondering why his heart rate seemed to double by the second.

'That's what you do to me Jannah. I pray that Allah, Glorious and Exalted be He, keeps our relationship fruitful and full of moments like this.'

It was then that my heart began to skip as well. I silently thanked Allah for putting a man like this in my life. We stared at one another wordlessly, in absolute awe of one another.

I woke up to my alarm blaring. It was eight in the morning and my first lecture was scheduled at ten. I rose to my feet and raced towards the kitchen to prepare my lunch before freshening up. I froze in my tracks, blinking in absolute disbelief. Either it was the residue of sleep blurring my vision, or it was the never-ceasing kindness of my husband. I finalized it to be the latter. There was a note taped to my lunchbox, which appeared to be packed already.

You can't conquer the world on an empty stomach, my love.

I shook my head, intoxicated in my admiration for the man I called my husband. He was something else, I swear. I couldn't help but sigh as I twirled in a circle, making my way towards the washroom to take a shower. Slipping out of my pajamas, I found a note taped onto the shower curtain. The smile spread across my face so far it caused pain in my cheeks.

You shouldn't conquer the world without showering though! Freshen up, stinker!

I raised my arms and sniffed my armpits. They didn't smell, but they didn't smell good either! I tore the note off the curtain and threw it in the bin. 'Stinker, huh?' I repeated, grinning ear-to-ear.

It was when I was leaving that I found the final bright pink piece of paper. It was taped onto the zipper of my new backpack, gifted to me by my older sister. I began to laugh, bending down to read it. The message made me melt. Before I was aware, tears slid down my cheeks, one after the other. I kissed the paper and folded it, putting it into the pocket of my abaya. Slipping on my favorite pair of Vans, I headed for the door.

In the middle of my third class, I pulled the note out of my pocket for motivation.

'LAST NOTE, I PROMISE! Jannah, you shouldn't aspire for success in this world without preparing for the next life! Remember to say your adkaar, pray on time, and send blessings upon the messenger of Allah. I've got class and then work but I'll be home early, Insha'Allah. I want to know every detail of your day. - Dawud'

I put the note back in my pocket and turned my attention to my professor, this time with confidence and excitement.

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