Rhythm and soul..

5. Wrecking ball

LAILA
Falling in love could be exhilarating, exciting and fun. Or more, But it's also one of the most frightening things you could do when you come off on a side of domestic violence.
I've been against staying in an abusive marriage my whole life, call me a feminist, but there's more to life than sticking in an abusive relationship probably so the society does not term you as a 'divorcée'.

My reality is I have come to expect pain and lies. I have stopped believing in an inherent goodness within the hearts of humans, especially the male kind. My default has become distrust of any and all. Guilty until proven otherwise, yup.

My mama could be the typical strict African mother, she's smacked me a few times but never to an extreme extent.
I've had rough times with my brothers as well, my mama never let them lay hands on me. Mama says there's never an excuse for a man hitting a woman, not one.

I saw Quraish as nothing short of amazing. He seemed attentive, gentle, kind and thoughtful, a great communicator too... everything I ever wanted.
We weren't much acquainted from the few days I've known him but I did a bit of stalking, a lot actually.
I'll be getting married to him so what do you expect?
He has a twitter, belongs to the football and forex category, got really few friends there.
Then instagram, barely posts few pictures, then tons of tags from renowned photographers from weddings he's attended. Then girls ogling at the comments section, did I mention Quraish is dead ass good looking? Topic for another day.

A person's brand of humor says a lot about that individual. Is it cutting? Is it mean-spirited?

A good-hearted person has a sense of humor that lifts others up and doesn't tear them down; Quraish.

I've see how he treats his driver, restaurant server and the sales clerk with respect and dignity;

I had seen him at the wedding weeks back, almost a glimpse, seen his mom too so I molded into the crowd to avoid awkward situations.
Even though I had met her almost at the time we were leaving, she smiled so sweetly at me, engulfing me into a hug.
I had dropped Noorah and was driving back home when I got Quraish's call, I texted him an 'I'm driving, will call back.'
I was on pins and needles as I buckled off my seatbelt, on the mere thought of talking to him. I called up immediately after freshening up, rang twice, thrice and so on, he didn't pick.
I shrugged even though my inner self wanted to have this conversation. I played the royal wedding for the third time, delving into a bowl of lays.
Viewing the entire event from arrivals to the final carriage procession to wave to celebrators of the marriage who came from near and far, perked my emotions and prompted more than a few teary-eyed moments.
Mama's sharp voice woke me up 8am in the morning.
"Mama it's Sunday." I groaned, pulling the duvet up.
"Wake up girl, you have a visitor, he's been waiting downstairs for the past 20 minutes." She said raising my curtains. My mind stuck on the word 'visitor' and I sat up abruptly.
"Who is it Mama?" I questioned, my voice coming out almost as a shrill. Stupid sleepy voice.
"Go see for yourself, I want you down in a minute." She said walking out.
I mentally groaned, getting out of bed, brushed my teeth and wore my hijab over the pajamas.
Lo and behold! Quraish sat on the couch looking extremely good/smart in a navy blue three piece suit, his eyes fixed onto an iPad's screen. And oh my God, I look ridiculous in a bugs bunny pajama, my mind was telling me to run back to the room and change into something better before he sees me but he's already seen me so I just skimpily walked towards his direction.
"Hey, I'm sorry I came unannounced, woke you up from your beauty sleep." He smiled, a rich/cuter version kind of smile.
"I don't mind, good morning." I replied, "I'll just get you something, maybe tea, coffee? Which?" I added getting up.
"No I'm okay, thanks." He responded, chewing on his bottom lip.
I nodded,
"I got you breakfast." He said passing me paper bags from Dunes continental.
He got me breakfast. He freaking got me breakfast, out of the blues. God. Amazing.
"So thoughtful of you but you didn't have to." I answered timidly. "I appreciate, thanks." I added.
"I went to have their macchiato this morning, and their registry says you're a regular customer, so." He shrugged.
I couldn't help but smile.
"And about yesterday, I had so much work, couldn't pick up your call. I wanted to know if you'll be free in the evening."
"Probably. Why?"
"I'd want to us to acquaint, maybe over dinner? What do you think?" He stated and I nodded in the affirmative.
"So see you at 8?"
*